When you see a mountain do you see an opportunity or an obstacle?

As I was on my daily bike ride I found myself pedaling for Thomas Mill Road, which in one friend's mind is this legendary hill/mountain I needed to ride. I started the climb and realized he was right, this was indeed something I needed to experience myself. As I reached the sumit of the hill I thought to myself how I had been avoiding an opportunity because I was afraid it would be an obstacle. In life we all have "mountains" whether we want to face them or not. The choice is not do we climb the "mountain" but how we climb it. Do we see it as oppotunity to grow and become better or do we see it as an obstacle only in the way with no good coming from the experience? I encourage each of you to have the best possible attitude and see opportunity in all "mountains" you face. Life is a one shot deal and it is your choice in how you see the outcome. I recently stumbled across this song and find it to be almost anthem like on the days I choose to see obstacles vs. opportunities.

Listen and hopefully you too will find opportunity when you face your next "mountain".

Your friend in Health and Fitness,

Dr. Jonathan Smith

Laughter is it really the best medicine? Part 2

Why do we we see better results and outcome in patients using a combination of strong clinical doctrine and laughter? Once the patient has been diagnosed and a treatment plan has been set in place, we have anecdotal evidence that patients keep their appointments and recover faster through sound conservative care techniques and a warm, caring, fun environment. The patient has come in as an isolated individual trying to cope with either acute or chronic pain, trying to understand how they have gone from an active or pain free individual to someone riddled with pain and dysfunction, to a team environment where a positive outlook is thrust upon them, encouraging them to face their injury with a "can do attitude". I am a big believer in looking at the whole person when they walk through the door, paying attention to both their chief complaint and attitude towards their injury. I afford each patient the opportunity to come into my office, close the door and discuss, complain, vent or release whatever they need to during their appointments. This policy has allowed patients the private moment with someone that continues to stay positive, and will ultimately help guide them to their optimum health.

It has been shown that the physiological affects of laughter can reduce serum levels of the "stress" hormones(1) and increase the function of our immune system(2). In a study published in 2009 the authors showed that beta-endorphins and growth hormone increased 27% and 87% respectively in patients watching a humorous film (3). Simply put "mirthful" laughter will enhance your overall well-being and can lead to better outcomes when dealing with injury and illness. Utilizing the data gathered from these studies we see that patients respond better to humorous environments with a strong clinical approach. By no means does this mean we ignore clinical evidence or doctrine in treating patients. If anything what you will see are proven clinical techniques in treating musculoskeletal conditions with a caring, humor filled approach treating the person along side their injury.

(1) Neuroendocrine and stress hormone changes during mirthful laughter.
(2) The effect of mirthful laughter on stress and natural killer cell activity.
(3) Laughter Remains Good Medicine

Laughter is it really the best medicine?

If you have ever crossed my practice's threshold you have no doubt heard other patients laughing or communing with one another on the rehab floor. You will typically find me in between patients directing rehab laughing right along with the patient, encouraging them to stay focused and positive through the challenging parts. I believe that by bringing a positive attitude to the office encouraging laughter and cheer we are allowing the pain to melt away. Each patient is greeted with a smile, and when the pain is overwhelming they know we will be there encouraging them, guiding them and caring for their needs.

Stay tuned for the clinical reasoning.....