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First Choice Locations
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Hello Jeff,
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An amazing amount of education is required to
become a physical therapist today. Most
programs require 7 years and the graduates
receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
In addition, First Choice Rehab is dedicated
to providing its therapists with
opportunities to update their knowledge
annually with time off and allowances for
Continuing Education Courses. In the first
article, you will discover how passionate our
therapists are about learning the most
current techniques so they can help their
patients achieve the best outcomes.
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Continuing Education: A Priority at First Choice Rehab
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Gary Karkuff, PT, CSCS received his physical
therapy degree from Columbia University over
30 years ago. Stu Basom, PT walked out the
doors of Temple University with his physical
therapy degree in the 80's. And Lisa
Reichenbach, DPT received her Doctor of
Physical Therapy degree from Arcadia
University just this year. Yet, all three
professionals have one thing in common; their
ongoing quest for excellence in learning the
most advanced treatments in the vast field of
physical therapy.
First Choice Rehab physical therapists take
time annually to attend continuing education
courses offered all over the country in order
to stay abreast of the most current
treatments and research that will help them
achieve improved outcomes with their
patients. Most First Choice Rehab therapists
have a specific clinical interest that takes
them above and beyond their general physical
therapy background.
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Properly fitted Canes Can Help Prevent Falls
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Elderly adults who use canes and walkers as
walking aids should be properly assessed and
fitted by a physical therapist to avoid
fall-related injuries. Danielle Mellinger,
MPT and Clinic Director of the Halifax office
of First Choice Rehab states, "Many patients
will borrow a family member's cane, walker or
crutch and they may not be the best fit for
them. If the height and fit are not adjusted
properly, it can add to the patient's
discomfort and could lead to further injury."
She also adds that patients may become
discouraged with poorly-fitted devises and
will decide on their own to discontinue use
of them. "This can set them up for a very
dangerous situation," she remarks.
In addition to providing a proper fit, your
physical therapist can assess your individual
needs to ensure you are using the proper
walking aid and that it is in proper working
condition. "You may have started out with a
cane, but over time, that may no longer be
the safest choice. Your physical therapist
can evaluate your physical capabilities and
make a recommendation for the devise that is
best for you at any current time," says
Mellinger.
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Think RED Friday, not Black Friday
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Traditionally in Central Pennsylvania, folks
head out to the malls on Black Friday in
search of holiday deals and often end up
frustrated with crowds, traffic and credit
card debt. This year, First Choice Rehab is
offering patients a fun and healthy
alternative. On Friday, November 27, the day
after Thanksgiving, most First Choice Rehab
offices will be celebrating RED FRIDAY.
For those patients who schedule and keep
their Red Friday appointment, they will be
rewarded with a red Physioball and take-home
stretching exercises, red snacks and a
red-themed party. Patients can even get into
the Red
Friday spirit by wearing red clothing or
hats. So current patients, schedule and keep
your 11/27 appointment and have some fun with
us on
Red Friday!
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Success Story - James Hillegass
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On June 19th I had a total knee replacement.
I was in a lot of pain and I had my doubts
about my physical therapy. My therapist,
Franco Madaffari, DPT, said "Trust me and do
what I tell you to do and you will be OK."
Eight weeks later, I was pain free and
walking without a cane or walker. Franco is
the best!
James Hillegass
West Hanover Township Clinic patient
Remember, the physical therapists at First
Choice Rehab are your professionals-of-choice
for evaluating and treating your
musculoskeletal pain and problems. All
physical therapy is not the same... let us
prove it to you.
Sincerely, The Professionals at First Choice Rehabilitation Specialists
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