Category: News

Celebrate National Physical Therapy Month with Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida

Since 1981, National Physical Therapy Month has raised awareness about the importance of physical therapy in helping people find relief from pain, improve mobility, and live healthier lives. Physical Therapy Doctors provide alternatives to surgery and pain medications, and are determined to get you moving again without pain. They specialize in speedily and safely keeping you on track in your recovery from accidents and prior surgeries, and they do it while being a personal point of encouragement and accountability to you on your journey to wellness.

According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 20% of American adults have chronic pain and 8% of U.S. adults have high-impact chronic pain. The CDC also informs us that doctor-diagnosed arthritis affects approximately one in four (54.4 million) U.S. adults. The sad reality is that pain is the norm for many people, but the encouraging truth is that it doesn’t have to be. Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida’s specialty is not only accentuating recovery, but foundationally strengthening people’s bodies so that they are not as prone to future injury, quicker to recover, and able to get back to doing the activities they enjoy without pain.

Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida are dedicated to helping the members of our community to live more active and fulfilling lives by maintaining and improving their overall health and fitness. Even if you do not need to rehabilitate a specific injury, or if you are not trying to avoid potential surgery for a problem, you need to incorporate a routine of physical activity to help lose and keep off excess weight and to maximize your longevity. Physical Therapists are specialists in assessing your current fitness and activity level, as well as your particular abilities and limitations, and  know how to handcraft a realistic strategy that personally fits you. The second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that 80% of U.S. adults and adolescents are insufficiently active. You don’t need to launch yourself into a one-size-fits-all popular media workout regimen. Let our experts guide you through a tailor-made routine that can both rehabilitate and bring you to a higher level of fitness for life. Regular physical activity will:

• Improve memory and brain function in all age groups.
• Protect against many chronic diseases.
• Aid in weight management.
• Lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
• Improve your quality of sleep.
• Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Improve joint pain and stiffness.
• Maintain muscle strength and balance.
• Increase life span.

A huge benefit to working with a Licensed Physical Therapist is that they won’t seek to merely mask your pain with medication. The CDC includes physical therapy on its list of options for managing pain without opioids. As recently as 2019, 22.1% of U.S. adults with chronic pain used a prescription opioid in the last 3 months. According to HHS, prescriptions for opioid medication have increased since the late 1990s after pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to opioid pain relievers. It turned out to be untrue, leading to the current opioid misuse and overdose crisis. Our Physical Therapy Doctors know how to rehabilitate your back, neck, limbs, and joints by treating the root weaknesses, imbalances, and injuries without leaving you to remain dependent upon side-effect laden drugs.

What better time to schedule a consultation with a Licensed Physical Therapist than in National Physical Therapy Month? Our comfortable clinic is conveniently located in Bradenton and easily accessible from all of Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Call us today at (941) 264-1414, email us info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or fill out our Online Message Form so we can contact you. We can’t wait to help you move without pain!

Is Hip Pain Normal?

Is Hip Pain Normal?

Sadly, more than 76 million people in the United States report that they experience some form of hip pain. Not only that, but self-reported hip pain has only increased since the early 1970s. While hip osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain and disability among older adults, painful hip joints can affect all ages, having multiple possible causes.

Incidence rates of hip pain are high among those who are obese. Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important tools in staving off osteoarthritic pain and prematurely worn joints. An active lifestyle with a body that is strong and skilled at carrying its own weight lends itself to both healthy longevity and a higher quality of enjoying that long life. Our Physical Therapists are not only certified in treating existing pains and dysfunctions, but they also have the experience and passion to help clients develop personalized workout routines to shed excess pounds and strengthen weak and underdeveloped muscles and support structures. Physical Therapist Megan Bollinger has an advanced certification in Pilates from the Pilates Center in Boulder, CO.

Apart from carrying excess weight, hip pain can stem from improperly healed injuries. Even if you are young and healthy, if you suffer from hip pain after an accident or injury, our Physical Therapists are experts at rehabilitating your hip joints in a safe, drug-free, and non-surgical way. They can put you on the path to success at avoiding unnecessary long-term pain or dysfunction. Dr. Jonathan Mullis was responsible for managing the Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapies Department at Boston Medical Center prior to founding Physical Therapy Doctors here in Bradenton.

Arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis all can contribute to pain in the hips, and all are subject to improvement under the guidance of a pain specialist. A client named Susan wrote a Google Review about her experience with relief from hip pain. She writes, “Having suffered from a sharp, jabbing hip pain I had been going to a chiropractor and his physical therapist for one month without much improvement. I took the advice of a friend and went to see Dr. Jon Mullis. After the first visit, the shooting, jabbing pain was gone and I had a mild, dull pain. After the second visit, I felt great! What a relief. His ‘hands on” approach of stretching and working on the targeted areas is remarkable…He’s GREAT and I highly recommend him.”

Hip pain does NOT need to become your new normal. Sarasota and Manatee Counties’ own Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida have the certification, experience, and sheer professionalism to help you move again without drugs, without surgery, and without pain! Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Call us directly at (941) 264-1414 or email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com

Celebrate National Farmers’ Markets Week all Month in Bradenton and Sarasota

Manatee and Sarasota Counties have enough farmers’ markets for you to visit a new one every week for a month and still have more new ones to try. Strolling around the market is a stress-reducing, low impact, and fun way to get some light exercise and sunshine; not to mention you’ll probably find some new favorite booths you’ll want to return to. Healthy, locally-sourced food options, arts, crafts, and music all contribute to a safe, family-friendly outing to enjoy. Let’s survey some of the outstanding farmer’s markets we have in our own Bradenton and Sarasota neighborhoods.

Oneco Farmers Market is open everyday from 7AM to 7PM, so this a very convenient option, as it doesn’t require as much of a plan to attend as other more limited day & time markets. Oneco Farmers Market prides itself in offering an array of multicultural restaurants with the most delicious ingredients in the freshest environment. As a place for small businesses to flourish and grow, this market enables vendors to offer products from local artists and farmers. It also hosts Monthly Events like free drive in movies. You can visit Oneco Farmers Market at 5108 15th Street East in Bradenton.

Red Barn Flea Market located in Bradenton at 1707 1st Street is another convenient option. In addition to the open-air farmers’ market it also has the distinction of 80,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor shopping which allows for a more prolonged experience. If you start feeling hot and sun-exposed outside, take a break and wander the cool interior for some more shopping leisure; they have more than 600 booths and shops. This market is only closed on Mondays, with the entire market open from 9AM to 4PM Friday through Sunday, and the plaza only open the same times Tuesday through Thursday.

Sarasota Farmers Market was founded in 1979, and in 2009 its vendors formed a not-for-profit to further enhance the market with a focus on local farms and growers. It’s open year-round every Saturday from 7AM to 1PM, rain or shine. Check their Events Calendar for a roster of live music. Well-behaved pets are welcome with short, non-extendable leashes. The market is of course in Sarasota at 1 N. Lemon Avenue, and you can even plan to get a sneak peek of the layout with this helpful map. There are parking garages and designated street parking, all of which can be learned about on the Frequently Asked Questions page.

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch is home to more than 50 curated vendors of the region’s food and flavors. It’s located at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and has ample free parking. Directions and more specific information about parking can be found here. Enjoy this market every Sunday from 10AM to 2PM. You can preview Lakewood Ranch’s vendors with this Online Directory that includes links to each. Chef Demos and Recipes are also featured at this market.

Something as light as strolling a farmer’s market does not have to be a painful event to endure. If you suffer from the effects of an accident, arthritis, stiffness, or weakness in your joints or muscles, Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida have the expertise to assess your particular situation and customize a plan of recovery for you. Our Physical Therapists specialize in helping you move without pain. They treat patients without narcotics, pain medications, or surgery, and know how to address the underlying problems for a strong recovery instead of merely masking symptoms with drugs. For more information or to schedule an appointment ,call us today at (941) 264-1414, email info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a message on our Contact Page.

Celebrating Independence From Pain

Independence day is a federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Every fourth of July we celebrate our American independence from the monarch of Britain, King George III, as 50 united and free states. We generally celebrate it as an unofficial kick-off to summer with outdoor activities like parades, picnics, barbecues, fireworks, and baseball games. Parks and beaches are usually very crowded with celebrants enjoying the summer climate. Unfortunately, plans for July 4th fun can be upended by bouts of pain, weakness, or dizziness; much of which is treatable. This Independence Day, let’s celebrate independence from pain!

Certified Physical Therapists are experts at assessing and correcting dysfunction, recurrent pain, and physical limitations. Our own Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida right here in Bradenton have an ever-growing record of successfully reduced and eliminated joint and back problems. That’s why our Physical Therapists have earned nothing but 5-star reviews on Google!

Frequent knee pain affects approximately 25% of adults, with osteoarthritis as the most common cause in people 50 years or older. Pat came to us as a patient claiming “considerable pain, stiffness, and I could not get my knee flat” after a knee replacement. As a snowbird, Pat was only with us for 1 season, but returned home saying “I can now go home and play golf, bowl, and do all the things I could not do when I came down in December.” Pat made the right choice to not be taken out of the seasonal festivities by dysfunction, but went home celebrating independence from pain.

Rotator cuff tears are half of all tears experienced by people in their fifties, and two-thirds of those over the age of 60. Keith came to us after rotator cuff and bicep tendon surgery and happily reported that our Physical Therapist Jay got him back on the golf course in less than 8 weeks! Cheryl also tells of her great experience with us, writing “I received excellent personalized treatment for my rotator cuff repair, including recommendations and exercises tailored to my specific situation.” Wow! Keith and Cheryl are both now celebrating this Fourth of July also as their independence from pain!

This Independence celebration can also include independence from pain medication. Physical Therapists treat without drugs, and treatment of an injury can often rehabilitate without having to resort to surgery. A study of chronic neck pain found “over utilization of narcotics” and “…under utilization of effective treatments such as therapeutic exercise.” Our patient Lauren took the time to thank Dr. Mullis for answering her questions, making sure she was comfortable, and helping with her neck and back pain. She reported “More relief in one session than I’ve had in the last 6 months.”

Ed also came in with neck pain after an injury and said he felt almost back to normal after only two sessions. He describes Dr. Mullis’ team as “professional and also very friendly,” adding “I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of quality care!”

Michelle had gotten used to taking painkillers as she got out of bed to deal with back and hip pain. She wanted independence from the meds, so she scheduled an appointment with our team. After directly addressing the issues at the root of her pain instead of masking the symptoms with drugs, she now “can get out of bed without clutching my hip and hobbling around looking for analgesics. Thank you so much, Dr. Mullis!”

Let this season in which we celebrate our nation’s independence include the start of your journey of independence from pain! Call us at (941) 264-1414, email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a message to schedule an appointment today. We specialize in helping you move without pain!

Men’s Health Month and Family Health & Fitness Day (Parks & Recreation)

The National Park & Recreation Association celebrates Family Health & Fitness Day on the second Saturday of June each year. That means that June 12, 2021 will be a day to promote the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy. June is also nationally-observed Men’s Health Month, when we raise awareness about health care for men to practice and implement healthy living decisions, such as exercising and eating healthy. Manatee and Sarasota Counties abound with a wide variety of well-maintained parks offering a great range of recreational opportunities for men and their families.

If you want to get started moving more without overexerting yourself, walking is an entry-level exercise most people can utilize. There’s no shortage of trails throughout our community. Some parks to highlight that feature paved paths include: Atwater Community Park and Bayfront Park in Sarasota, and Buffalo Creek Park and Myakka Community Park in Manatee. More rigorous hiking trails that are not necessarily paved are to be found at Perico Preserve in Bradenton, Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto, and Sleeping Turtles Preserve in Venice. Perhaps a mid-level activity between walking and hiking that may suit your current stage of fitness is bicycling. There are bike paths to enjoy at Sarasota’s Legacy Trail and Nathan Benderson Park. An interactive map of Manatee County called Breezin’ Thru Manatee will help you find a park close to you. It includes links to each park’s website for details about what they have to offer.

June’s weather in Florida invites fun exercise activities at the beach and in the water. Swimming or just moving through the water is a low impact exercise to get your heart pumping and give your muscles some light work that they may not be used to. Walking through sand causes a stroll to double as both stress-releasing leisure and a mild workout for your legs, ankles, and feet. Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach are prime locations for local fun in the Florida sun. Not sure if the conditions will be what you’re looking for on the day you want to go? You can check what’s happening at each beach with this useful link that’s updated by our local Mote Marine Laboratory.

Not only for men, but for the whole family, fitness through exercise is usually overlooked or neglected as boring, but its merits are not only temporarily beneficial, they contribute to a long, healthy life. Gyms typically aren’t conducive to the whole family working out together, but many of our local parks feature outdoor fitness equipment. That means the children or grandchildren can work out with you, or they can play nearby under your watchful eye as you use the available tools. Urfer Family Park, Conservatory Park, and Rothenbach Park are all places the whole family can exercise together with outdoor fitness equipment.

Perhaps you already recognize the need to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle but are hindered by pain or limited by a physical dysfunction such as vertigo. Certified Physical Therapists specialize in assessing individuals to develop a plan of recovery so you can get moving again without pain. Our non-surgical back and joint pain specialists take great professional satisfaction in helping people improve their health and getting past weaknesses and pains that detract from being able to enjoy healthy recreation. To get started, call us (941) 264-1414, email us, or send a message here. We’re here in Bradenton to help Manatee and Sarasota’s residents move without pain!

Arthritis Awareness and Treatment

Doctor-diagnosed arthritis affects nearly 53 million Americans and is the number one cause of disability in the United States. Many people think it is something that only harms the elderly, but there are multiple types of the disease that can cause pain to people of all ages. As the month of May is Arthritis Awareness Month, we thought it would be a good opportunity to explore how this disease can be helped, and even prevented.

“Arthritis” is really an umbrella term that covers many painful conditions of the joints, tissues around the joints, and other connective tissues. It broadly refers to inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Although it’s incredibly common it is by no means untreatable, so a diagnosis should be assessed by a pain specialist who can assist you with your rehabilitation and progression towards moving without pain again.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 32.5 million Americans suffer from this type of joint cartilage degeneration. You might think that the “wear and tear” of tissue would only be worsened by increasing your physical activity, but in reality, sometimes we need to learn proper movement patterns that enable us to be active without exacerbating the pain. It may initially seem counterintuitive, but The CDC actively recommends physical activity for people with arthritis. Our Certified Physical Therapists specialize in helping people correct imbalances, strengthen supportive tissues, and give their bodies a chance to recover without having to resort to medication or surgery.

The CDC’s Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. Here’s a starter list of joint-friendly exercises that also happens to be full of activities that are common right here in Manatee and Sarasota. These exercises can be broken down into multiple small sessions throughout the day to reach the time-goal of the guidelines. The CDC also suggests muscle strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) at least 2 days per week. If you experience pain with movement these guidelines may sound implausible or intimidating, but Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida’s expertise lies in assessing a realistic starting point for your particular situation, and incrementally adjusting your program to facilitate progression out of your pain and back into moving with confidence. Our Physical Therapists know how to construct an efficient and safe program optimize your recovery.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends Physical Therapy as a means of getting you moving safely and effectively. You don’t necessarily need to go down the route of surgery or opiate drugs to deal with your arthritis. Schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapy Professionals to find out what they can offer you. You can call us at (941) 264-1414, fill out the online form here, or email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com. We’re located in Bradenton, conveniently in range of all Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Check out our Client Testimonials and Facebook Reviews to hear from our many happy success stories. We look forward to crafting a treatment plan customized just for you and helping you get back to moving without pain!

Has a Car Accident Left You in Pain? Physical Therapy Can Help!

There were 4.5 million medically consulted auto accident-related injuries in the United States in 2019 and close to 2000 traffic accidents in Sarasota County in February of this year alone. If you suffer from joint pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or general feelings of weakness as a result of a car accident, it’s very likely that a knowledgeable Physical Therapist can help you make great strides towards pain and drug-free movement again.

Florida is one of ten states with Personal Injury Protection (no-fault) auto insurance. PIP covers 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 for “emergency” cases or $2,500 for “non-emergencies” resulting from a covered injury no matter who caused the crash. Insurance companies have strict deadlines for how long after an accident you have to submit your claim, so it’s best to start your treatment early on so that you have the required paper trail for reimbursement.

Whiplash and other back and neck injuries are some of the most common car accident injuries, in fact back pain is the most commonly treated problem here at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida. Sometimes neck and spine related problems also cause headaches and/or generate pain that radiates down your arm, perhaps all the way to the fingertips. Our own Dr. Mullis specializes in the treatment of orthopedic injuries of the spine and extremities and has a full team of credentialed practitioners at your service.

Anti-pain drug prescriptions are the norm after visiting a physician who may not be well-versed in the particulars of restoring and strengthening movement patterns. Our Physical Therapists help you to move without pain AND help you make strides to avoid or eliminate the need for drugs. Pain medication often provides short-term relief but does not actually heal the underlying problem. Our Physical Therapists are experts in assessing individual situations and building a personalized plan of recovery. They can help you regain your natural strength, possibly better than before the accident now that you have an expertise-driven course of treatment.

Not only can physical therapy support the process of your recovery, but it also sets you up to avoid long-term damage by correcting problems early on before they set in as ongoing weaknesses. Even if you have been dealing with pain for a very long time, that by no means indicates that it can’t be significantly alleviated or even entirely removed, but it certainly requires a new approach else it would have already resolved itself. If you have yet to engage a physical therapy plan devised specifically for you, contact us today. Our therapists don’t force your body or your schedule into a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all routine. They are dedicated to helping you move without pain and would love to formulate a strategy crafted for YOUR situation. Please see for yourself what our clients are saying to get a real-world feel for our services, and keep up with our Facebook page for ongoing updates. You can call us directly at (941) 264-1414 or send an email to info@ptdoctorsfl.com.

Why We Love Bradenton & Sarasota!

     Few places are more beautiful than Florida in March.  It is the perfect time to be outside, to breathe the salty gulf air, and just enjoy being alive! When everything feels this perfect, it’s actually hard to fathom why people ever leave! And not that there isn’t enough to celebrate, but March 2021 is an extra special month for our practice as we commemorate our third anniversary! A little over three years ago, our own Dr. Jonathan and Sonia Mullis moved here from snowy Boston, Massachusetts, so they appreciate the mild winters and amazing beaches as much as you do. In these three wonderful years of serving the residents of Manatee and Sarasota Counties, we have loved growing to be a part of this community. We’ve helped many patients to move without pain again and we’ve learned so much about the richness of our community and local features. What’s not to love?!?

When it comes to beaches, we have everything from dog-friendly to boat accessible shores. Florida’s coastline is legendary, and we have some of the absolute best parts right here in our own community. The internationally renowned Siesta Key Beach offers powdery sand and mild waves that make it a destination that everyone can enjoy. Picnic tables, grills, and a playground make Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island a great place for a family excursion. There are plenty of restaurants and casual dining venues within walking distance, so you can stay all day long. Manatee Public Beach has changing cabanas, drinking water fountains, and spots to play volleyball if you prefer to add a little activity to an otherwise leisurely day on the seashore.

To nourish your healthy diet, visit one our many local farmer’s markets. They all take the necessary COVID precautions and offer a safe and fun outing to gather some locally sourced produce, homemade apparel & jewelry, and creative arts & crafts. Visit early for the most varied selection, and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen so you can enjoy meandering amongst the merchant booths without having to take home an unwelcome sunburn along with your newfound wares. The Sarasota Farmers Market even hosts live music and not-for-profit events. Check out their schedule to plan your day.

Something that probably doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves is Florida’s flat terrain. Sure, mountains and hills are pleasing to the eye from a distance, but if you find walking painful, inclines, declines, stairs, and uneven ground don’t allow for the most pleasant stroll. Many of Manatee and Sarasota County’s trails are ideal for anyone who wants to be sure that they’ll only encounter flat, well-maintained, and easily managed walking trails. The preceding links will let you know ahead of time which ones are paved and how long they are, many of which are suitable for beginners and people dealing with walking difficulties.

Even if you currently experience challenges with walking or any other physical movements, you need not feel that it’s inevitable that you won’t be able to enjoy our great Manatee and Sarasota outdoors anymore. Our physical therapy doctors specialize in treating dysfunctional hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Our team is dedicated to treating you WITHOUT drugs. We’ll assess your specific situation and devise a strategy to rehabilitate your body through customized manual therapy, education, and exercises. Avoid invasive surgery and learn how to move without pain at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida! Get the information you need or schedule an appointment by calling us at (941) 264-1414, email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a direct message here.

Heart Health As We Age

 February 2021 is American Heart Month. Every year, we turn our attention toward the importance of strengthening and maintaining a healthy heart. Keeping an active focus on heart health can be especially challenging with everything from politics to pandemics demanding our attention and contributing to our collective stress level. Our cardiovascular system can also take a back seat to other physical problems, especially as we age and find our bodies feeling and acting differently than before. But this is a good opportunity to bring it back around to that special little pump that keeps us going every day and make sure we are giving it proper attention.

Cardiovascular issues are quite common: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention informs us that at least 30% of Floridians report that they have been told by a health care professional that they have high blood pressure. Around 2,200 Americans die each day from cardiovascular diseases. That’s approximately one every 40 seconds! But the truth is: 80% of cardiovascular disease can be prevented. Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of us really don’t take that to heart! A recent study shows that while 83% of Americans believe that heart attacks can be prevented, they are not motivated to do anything and 58% put no effort into improving their heart health. Don’t let that be you!

The truth is, the steps required to improve your heart health are so simple, most of us know them by now:

• Quit smoking. Smoking offers no health benefits and can only harm your heart and cardiovascular system. Guidance and many free resources are available.
• Integrate heart-healthy foods into your diet. There are tons of delicious and heart-nutritious recipes to explore with plenty of options for all meals of the day, as well as vegetarian and ethnic specialties.
• Exercise regularly. More on this later…

Deciding to do these things is an entirely different discussion! In all of these areas we face habitual and lifestyle barriers to make adjustments in our everyday lives.

The most difficult of these adjustments as we age is usually having to do with exercise. As our bodies age, we feel less inclined to be active. But the truth is, it is more important than ever. Despite common misconceptions, your heart doesn’t actually “age” or get weaker automatically as you get older. It only gets weaker as you use it less. The good news is, you can restore it’s youthful condition as you start requiring more of it. This is definitely a gradual progression, (don’t go out and try to run a marathon tomorrow!) but with dedicated effort and advice from your health professional, it is possible to turn back the clock.

This begins with regular physical activity. This will help you lose weight, thereby decreasing stress on your heart and blood vessels. It improves general physical fitness, enabling you to more easily enjoy daily activities that might otherwise leave you feeling breathless or strained. Exercise lowers stress, improves mental health, and helps you to relax. It doesn’t even take as much as you might expect to significantly decrease the risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease.

Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida has a first-rate team of professionals who specialize in customizing fitness routines for individuals. There are no cookie-cutter programs or treatments to be found here. Our physical therapists possess both the educational certification AND years of practical, hands-on experience with clients presenting a wide range of needs. You need not be limited by pain or dysfunction; we can help you to move without pain and get you back in the swing of things.

Call us today at (941) 264-1414, email us at info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a direct message. Our staff is renowned for friendly customer service and prompt responses to inquiries. Your non-surgical back and joint-pain specialists at Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida are prepared to ensure you have not only a healthy American Heart Month 2021, but more importantly, a heart-healthy future lifestyle.

New Year’s Resolutions You Can Stick To

The beginning of each new year brings a feeling of a fresh start, a time to let go of the past and embrace your future with newfound hope and vigor. As we relish this time of euphoric optimism, we inevitably stack up a list of quality-of-life-improving resolutions. Nearly half of Americans make resolutions each year, so you are not alone! Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of them will maintain these healthy habits for more than a few months. Far fewer still are successful in making sustained positive lifestyle adjustments.

Not surprisingly, exercising more, eating more healthily, and losing weight make the list of the top 5 most common resolutions that Americans made going into 2020. No one would be astonished if they were right near the top of the list this new year too. We expect these will possibly gain in popularity when taking into consideration the fact that many people gained extra weight this year and were all around less physically active in the midst of quarantines and COVID restrictions. Given the state of our bodies (and mental health) nationwide, it is important we make these decisions for health and find ways to stick to them!

What is the point of making resolutions you are bound to break? Is there a way we can be smarter about this process to increase our chances of success? What steps can we take to increase the likelihood of adherence to our new ambitions? Here are a few keys to help make the most out of your 2021 goals:

1. Set attainable goals. Make sure your resolutions are not so lofty as to be unreachable. There’s no reason to set the bar so high that you can’t make progress in any reasonable timeframe. If you have a big goal, try breaking it down into achievable steps. Even with the end goal in mind, setting incremental steps as mini-goals on your way to the overall desired end result makes it easier to chip away at what may be a long-term investment.
2. Be specific. You have to be able to identify when you have and have not held up your end. Saying you are going to “work out more” isn’t easy to quantify. Goaling yourself to work out at least 15 minutes every day, or 30 minutes 3 times a week, is something you can mark on your calendar and celebrate when you achieve.
3. Celebrate your victories. Tying a reward or an incentive to hitting your goal each day or week is a great way to keep yourself going. It’s very encouraging to hit those micro-goals, and it reinforces the fact that you’re on the right track when you can see measurable progress.
4. Don’t be too hard on yourself. No matter what goal you choose, it’s not something you can do all at once. You have to take it day by day. Some days will be better than others. If you break your streak or fall off the wagon, get right back on it! Find that sense of optimism you have right now and go at it again. Success is not about never failing, it’s about how quickly you get started again.

Whether you want to lose weight or get in shape, setting yourself up with someone who has the skills and knowledge of how the body works will help you remain committed, and the encouragement of a like-minded person who has a history of success will bolster your resolve to fulfill the challenge.

It’s certainly difficult to commit to an exercise regimen when you have the limitations of back or joint problems, but you don’t have to allow pain or any other physical dysfunction to remain a barrier between you and a healthier lifestyle. Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida has the professional expertise and extensive experience to help you move without pain again. Our team knows how to construct a pain-free workout personalized just for you. Whether your pain was caused by an accident, injury, sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, or age, our Physical Therapists will assist you and get you back to a healthy, active, and pain-free lifestyle. We’re conveniently located to serve all of Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Give us a call at (941) 264-1414, email info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send us a message on our Contact Us page today, and again, Happy & Healthy New Year 2021!