BenchMark Physical Therapy

"Sports have been part of my life since I was a young girl. I played baseball/softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and even a year of flag football. When I reached high school, I knew I wanted to do something that involved sports for my career. Throughout my time in athletics, I experienced no serious injuries until my senior basketball season when I tore a ligament in my knee. When this happened, I thought I was going to miss out on my senior softball season, my favorit...e sport I played and one that I aspired playing at the collegiate level. Carley Casado was my Athletic Trainer at the time and was the main person that supported me throughout my recovery and helped me return to softball and have a record-breaking season, which led to me being able to play at Penn State Altoona. After going through this experience, it made me realize that I wanted to be on the other end of this situation. I wanted to be the one that would help athletes to recover from injuries and return to playing the sport they love. There are so many aspects I love about being an Athletic Trainer. However, my ultimate favorite part is the relationships that I develop with the athletes. I get to be one of their biggest cheerleaders and be with them through all the successes and failures. I am the first person they see when they get injured, and the last person they see before they return to the sport they love. This process allows me to create important relationships and help shape them into not only a better athlete, but hopefully a better person overall. I hope to always have a positive influence on all my athletes’ lives in whatever way I can, whether that’s being an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to be their biggest advocate. The best part about this is that they also have a big impact on me as well, both as a clinician and as a person. They help me to grow every day as well!" ~Ashley Struble, ATC Happy National Athletic Training Month! We are celebrating by taking a time out with some of our athletic trainers to find out what athletic training means to them. Our athletic trainers and clinical staff work closely together and are committed to providing superior sports medicine services. #NATM2021 #UpstreamFamily

Tomorrow is the first day of spring - are you ready for some spring cleaning? 30 minutes of housework is considered moderate exercise. Who knew that getting your home into shape could get you into better shape, too? Now that the winter hibernation is over and it’s time for our spring cleaning, let’s take a look at how your household chores can improve your fitness.... https://bit.ly/3bZaDiG

Our clinic in Lake Oconee - Greensboro GA will be opening soon! The clinic is located at 6183 Lake Oconee Parkway and can be reached at 762-445-1940. For more information and to request an appointment, visit: https://benchmark.urpt.com/locations/lake-oconee/

Our clinic in Berwick - Savannah GA will be opening soon! The clinic is located at 5710 Ogeechee Road Suite 440 and can be reached at 912-777-3378. For more information and to request an appointment, visit: https://benchmark.urpt.com/locations/berwick/

Feel the benefits of physical therapy: 1. Stress Relief When you remove the stress of being unhealthy from your mind and body, you lower your cortisol levels. High cortisol levels have been linked to atherosclerosis, reduced cognitive functioning, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. 2. A Better Understanding of Your Condition Through physical therapy, you can learn more about your condition. 3. A Stronger Core Physical therapy focuses on core stability and strengthening to restore pelvis and back muscle health (whole body support).

How does Telehealth work? Through the use of a video conference, our therapists perform an evaluation of your injury and limitations and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. When we come to where YOU are virtually, we can work with you one-on-one to assess your condition and provide real-time feedback, modifications and recommendations on current programs and exercises. ... We believe that one of the most powerful things therapists can do is listen to and observe their patients! THIS is Telehealth. Do I need a referral? How does the video conference work? Visit our frequently asked questions page: https://benchmark.urpt.com/telehealth-faqs/

As the holidays approach, it’s easy to be tempted by cravings of sweets, baked goods and favorite comfort foods. Here are some helpful tips to get through the holidays without packing on the extra unwanted pounds: 1. Exercise 30 minutes each day. This will get your heart rate up, burn calories and relieve stress. 2. Eat as you normally would. Don’t skip meals!... 3. Don’t stuff yourself. Eat until you feel satisfied and full. 4. If you must snack, try nuts, vegetables and fruit. 5. Drink plenty of water. Consume 8 ounces prior to a big meal to make you feel full. 6. Make your own healthful dish for a gathering. 7. When socializing, don’t stand near the party table where the snacks are. 8. Cook healthy. For instance, use low-fat chicken broth instead of butter with mashed potatoes and choose light or fat-free salad dressings.

We’re told to eat more veggies and fewer carbs, to wear this shoe or try that workout. Nutrition and physical activity are common topics on social media, in the news, and in emails from your gym. Learn how it all works together to boost your immune system. https://benchmark.urpt.com//physical-activity-nutrition-ca

Despite unified warnings from lawmakers, specialty providers, and other stakeholders, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) plans to move forward with deep, across-the-board payment cuts to more than 30 specialties including an alarming 9% cut to physical and occupational therapy services on January 1, 2021. Fortunately, Congress is working to stop these severe cuts from taking effect. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) and Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) rece...ntly introduced the Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act (H.R. 8702), which would provide much-needed relief to dozens of specialty providers that are scheduled to incur severe Medicare reimbursement cuts by keeping funding levels for affected specialties at 2020 levels over the next two years. Your lawmakers need to hear from you about the urgency of stopping these devastating cuts before the end of the year. Please email your lawmakers now and ask them to oppose Medicare cuts to specialty providers by supporting H.R. 8702! https://www.aptqi.com/take-action/