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"“We help people 40-60(+) in the Lansing area become more active and mobile without invasive surgeries, medications, or procedures.” |
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Hello Friend, Candy and I miss you guys. Candy especially misses your pets (and treats). If you’re working from home or watching copious amounts of Netflix, you’re going to want to read this entire email. It’s packed with value and reminders to keep you mobile, strong, and pain-free.
On Sunday, I sent out an email with some ways to think about identifying what you CAN and CANNOT control during these times of uncertainty. It was a good reminder for everyone. The message has helped me to manage stress during the last few weeks (in addition to regular exercise and meditation, of course!) Check your spam box first. If you still can’t find it, you can check it out here.
(Please check your spam box and mark as “not spam”, as my email software was having a hard time that day.)
Since that time, a lot has happened. Governor Whitmer’s executive order on Monday changed the landscape in many ways. As of that time, I discontinued treating patients in-person until (at least) Monday, April 13th. More updates to follow.
If you have an appointment with me before the 13th, I will be calling to check in on you. I will see how you are doing through all of this, and also: reschedule your appointment or offer other options to continue your care. Fortunately, it is easier than ever before to make progress without being here in the clinic through the internet.
“But Chris, what about the hands-on manipulation of my joints and body? Wouldn’t I get less value out of things like virtual sessions?” Great question. Absolutely not in most cases. I am a doctorate-level practitioner and educator with a knack for creativity. I will still provide you with the assessment, tools, and roadmap necessary to achieve what you want during our time together.
Just hear what our patient Jack has to say about his virtual sessions:
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| | One of the most difficult things for me as a healthcare provider is seeing several people who rely on me that are now unable to obtain the care they need in a timely manner. As many of you have heard me say, it’s the consistency that makes all the difference in the long-term.
Healing is a journey, not a singular event. So first of all, remember to move well, and move often. If you are losing steam / motivation to move from the current uncertainty, call me. Let’s talk. I won’t push you into virtual sessions if you’re still convinced it’s not right. There may be some other mental roadblocks / stressors that we need to overcome together.
Also, remember all the lessons I’ve taught you during our time together. The “best posture” is always the next posture. Make sure not to stay in one place for long periods of time without varying your position. Set timers. Have an accountability partner. Do whatever you need to do in order to move more often. Every little bit helps.
Make an effort to walk around the house more. Do a full set of single exercise from your home program that we designed together every hour. It makes a profound difference over time. If you simply don’t have the energy for that, close your eyes and breathe for 5 minutes. Managing stress is equally important during this time.
An Important Realization
There’s no doubt in my mind that several of you are working at home for the first time. Some others may be watching more TV than usual. Realizing this, I began to think of how I might be able to help in a unique way...
Education has always been a passion of mine. So, I reflected on what people may be going through at home. I came up with an idea.
You’ve already got enough stressors at home. The last thing you need right now is a new (or recurring) spinal injury while following the “stay-at-home” order.
I have TWO great options for you to keep your spine healthy while you’re stuck at home:
THE DO IT YOURSELF OPTION:
Next week I will be releasing my “Quarantine Spine Survival Guide.”
This resource will be a FREE ($299 value), online digital course that includes the following: - A visual and written guide to set-up your home office without sacrificing your neck, back, and shoulders.
- VIDEO & HANDOUT: Convenient stretches and exercises to do while working at a desk or standing workstation that will ease tension and reduce discomfort.
- Suggestions for props and products to make Netflix binging a breeze and pain-free.
- VIDEO: How to watch TV or use your phone/tablet without destroying your neck and back.
- VIDEO & HANDOUT: Tips on sleeping and sitting with less discomfort.
Yes, you heard right. This is free. All I ask is if you found value in it ….. that you share it with another friend or family member who may also benefit.THE PROFESSIONAL, “NO GUESSWORK” OPTION:
Are you CURRENTLY experiencing pain or WORRIED about the effects of sitting at home during the stay-at-home order? Would you rather take all the guesswork out of setting up your home office and / or home entertainment center? Then let’s hop on a “Virtual Quarantine Ergonomics Audit Call,” where I will: - Personally examine your home office and/or Netflix binging set-up (mobile or TV) to make individualized, tailored suggestions to your home environment.
- Keep your spine healthy and safe while you’re stuck at home.
- Troubleshoot with you why you’re all of a sudden getting pain in your spine, neck, shoulders or hip since being quarantined and stuck at home (or prevent it from happening in the first place).
- (If appropriate) Offer suggestions of products that fit your individual needs to prevent or eliminate the root cause of your back, neck, shoulder, or hip pain.
- Save you $100s (Possibly $1000s) of dollars by preventing future injuries from improper ergonomics at home.
How long will the audit take? About 20-30 minutes, depending on several factors. What is the cost? Prices start at only $59 to current or previous patients. If you are worried about keeping your spine healthy during this time or you have any uncertainty about your ergonomics at home, then either option above will help. Respond to this email and tell me which sounds best for your needs. Unsure? Still have questions? Let’s chat. Now, let me be real for a moment:
First, I deeply appreciate and cherish the time I’ve spent with every single one of you. That alone means a lot. This is a deeply challenging time for everyone. If you’re fortunate enough to have a steady income and a job, there’s never been a more important time than now to support your local businesses that serve you. Buy gift certificates from your local businesses. Share their posts. Tell friends about your positive experiences. There are many ways we can all keep the Lansing area healthier on the other side of this challenging time. And as for us, If you’re still not convinced that virtual therapy sessions are right for you, that’s ok. I'm not going to jam it down your throat if it's not a good fit. Here’s how else you can help to ensure we’ll still be in business for you when this is all over. Some examples: - Share our “Quarantine Spine Survival Guide” when it is released next week.
- Book a “Virtual Quarantine Ergonomics Audit” session with us.
- Write a Google or FaceBook Review. Every little bit will help.
- Share the “Golden Tickets” I mailed you with someone who would benefit from our services. (Once quarantine is over, of course!)
- Are you at the end of a wellness package? Pre-pay for future sessions to be delivered later.
A HUGE thank you to those who already offered to pre-pay for sessions (voluntarily) and also to those who are trialing virtual sessions, despite some doubts or fears about technology / value. You’ve given me a sense of hope during these times. I know we will come out of this stronger in many ways. I think we will (hopefully) be more prepared as a nation than ever after experiencing this. May you stay healthy and well. If there is ANYTHING I can do for you, I’m only a click or phone call away. |
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| | Dr. Chris Sovey, DPT, RN, BSN |
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