Movement is Medicine: Our ‘Why’
When we decided to open a private practice clinic that included physical therapy, chiropractic, nutrition, and massage services we spent many hours discussing and putting together our concept. We asked and answered questions like what types of services will we offer, what will our name be, how will we run the practice? The biggest question we asked ourselves was why? Why do we want to open a practice, what drives and motivates us? “Why” is our driving force, it is our purpose and our reason for existing. It is also very hard to put into words or describe, it is more a feeling, a sensation.
Our clinics mantra is “Movement is Medicine.” At the time I don’t think we truly understood the depth or meaning our mantra. After nearly 7 years of our doors being open, reaching milestones of treating over 1,000 patients per month, we have come to understand “Movement is Medicine” is our “Why.” It is a consciousness that binds our staff and our passion that we share with everyone we encounter – patients, clients, athletes, doctors, and our community.
Movement is medicine for so many things, a person’s physical state, our emotional state, and/or our mental states. It encompasses mind, body and spirit. It is a reflection of time. The progression of time is something we all share while experiencing on different levels. Movement represents our evolving nature as a person, as a family member, as a member of our community and society. Blood and air move through us. We move on from jobs and relationships. We move to new locations. We can physically move forward, backward, or sideways.
Our goal is to get people moving after surgery. To skillfully move them through an injury state. We teach people how to move more efficiently and prevent injury. We don’t just get bodies moving, we move minds toward a better understanding, toward recovery. We move people toward their goals! At the same time we don’t leave behind their emotions. We bring along and move emotions through the recovery journey. You are expected to move in therapy. Many times we put our hands on you to facilitate movement. Other times we coach you through movements carefully facilitating and progressing you to the most efficient movements.
As clinicians our knowledge is constantly moving and evolving. We read articles, we learn new techniques, we go to courses, we progress individually, and we move forward as a clinic through sharing our experiences with each other. Most importantly we partner with our patients to move them to their goals.
In the end when a patient is discharged we look back and we see how much better they can move and we once again realize that Movement is Medicine.
Life requires movement ~ Aristotle
Dr. Maria Fermoile is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Alliance Health in Fresno. She alternates writing this column with Dr. Chris Telesmanic. Both will be happy to answer questions submitted to maria@alliancehealthfresno.com or chris@alliancehealthfresno.com. Learn more about movement, fitness and health in this space each week, on our Facebook page, by going to www.alliancehealthfresno.com, or calling 478-5833.
