When many people hear the term "Out-of-Network," they generally assume that this is not the route for them, and that they must find an "In-Network" provider in order to justify all the money they pay for their health-insurance, and belief me I have also found myself stuck in that mindset at times, BUT... 

In many instances, specifically with high deductible plans, people don't read the benefits of their plan that they have elected for. All these confusing words... Deductible, Co-pays, Coinsurance, Premiums…what does all this mean? Many times we assume insurance will cover "____." Hardly is this the case though.

In our present state of healthcare, there are significant disadvantages and expensive measures that insurances put in place to avoid paying for services. YES, Insurance will come in handy to save you from paying an exuberant $200,000 Hospital Bill following an unexpected health crisis, but with more an more emphasis being placed on company "profit margins" there is significant drive to avoid paying for the smaller things. The system is failing due to many issues. 

In this day and age, where it pays to be proactive and not reactive in regards to your health, the focus should be on quality of care over quantity and convenience.

So, how can seeing that out-of-network physical therapist save time and money?

This is often a question I receive and educate many of my patients on. You see... how much time do you really get to spend with the physical therapist in a traditional outpatient physical therapy setting? Well the surveys are in, and it is generally around 15-20 minutes (yes, this is because of insurance coding and reimbursement). The rest of the session is generally spent with support staff or with your physical therapist shouting out your next exercise while he or she is working on another patient (for their 15 minutes). The cycle continues like this. Let's now look at the average co-pay which is anywhere from $25-$75 for a specialist (we'll go with $50 for this example), and your script requests 2-3 visits a week for 4-6 weeks (we'll pick 14 visits for this example). So 14 visits x $50 = $700 just in co-pays. We can then look at the ever rising High Deductible ceiling which is now anywhere from $1000-$7500 (or more). So if your deductible has not been met, you will also be responsible for the visit cost (billed amount-adjusted amount) which varies based on insurance and clinic, but typically runs between $100-$200 (or more depending on your coverage). Based on these numbers you will be looking at a minimum of $1700-$3500 in direct costs for a typical out-patient course of care for 14 visits on a high deductible plan. Side-note There are clinics in the in-network insurance model that still perform 1 on 1 care but are few and far between, likely in Hospital settings with extremely high single visit charges (due to another myriad of reasons that we won't get in to).

Next, lets now add up (the indirect costs) the time spent driving to therapy, at the session, and then drive home. We can average this to about 1 hours per session times 3 and you are looking at 3 hours per week. Is spending more time in the car driving to physical therapy what you want to be doing?? What is your time worth to you? 

How does this compare to a typical out-of-network clinic?
Most clinics that operate in this space have the time to focus on quality of the visit over quantity of visits because they do not have to rely on insurance reimbursement or account for high overhead costs in their budget. The therapist has much more time to spend with the patient, typically 1 on 1 for an hour session, focusing on manual therapy treatments and working on specific exercises that may simulate the hobbies or recreational activities you are trying to get back to. I'm not saying this doesn't happen in traditional OP clinics, it's just the time and attention to detail is significantly less. With this in mind, the OON physical therapist can accomplish as much in 1-60 minute session as sometimes gets accomplished in 3 in-network sessions. The therapist not only has more time with hands on treatments and 1 on 1 focus for form and exercise correction, but they can also spend the whole time educating the patient on what typical progression looks like, pain neuroscience, return to running etc.. Also, due to having a smaller overall patient caseload, their is generally more time for between session follow-up (keeping you accountable for your programming). The average plan of care in this model is 6-8 visits vs 14-16 in the traditional in- network model. 

So, if we do the same math as above (at say a per visit rate of $175) we would be looking at $1000-$1400 per episode of care. So, the direct cost upfront is less due to frequency of visits, and another benefit is that you know exactly what you are paying up front (no mystery bill 3-6 months later ). Plus, there is the added benefit of gaining back nearly 2 hours in your week. How valuable could those 2-3 hours be to you at work or spent with your family?

The math is there to show the value of the Out-of-Network therapist if you are generally healthy and looking for quality of quantity.

I know when it comes to health, we all want the best…and at the lowest cost…because after all, we paid for our “health” insurance. But remember cheaper is not synonymous with better or a better experience. You just need to ask yourself, what are your priorities and values when it comes to your health.

For further information on this subject or to schedule a free consultation, please reach out to me at Luke@recoverrxpt.com or fill out this quick Inquiry form

Thanks for checking back in to the blog. It's been about a month since my last post, and I've had a lot going on including starting a podcast (The Iron Strong Podcast). If you haven't checked it out, do so now! We're talking about optimizing health through performance, fitness, recovery, and mindset. We have already put out 3 great episodes already. 

The podcast topic brings me in to my blog topic today "Consuming vs Doing." This is a hot topic right now, and one I have been wanting to touch on. Have you ever had someone brag about reading 1 book a day for a year, but are never able to implement the ideas from the book due to moving on to the new content (yep, it happens). There are many reasons we consume content at scale. "Consuming content" can feel like your are accomplishing something, and at times is a good thing but, it is a much easier route, than performing something consistently to solve a problem.

In today's world, with the infinite amount of information on the web and consistent stream of information coming from "experts" around the globe, we are inundated with suggestions of what we "should be" doing to fix specific ailments, what diets to perform, what to do with our money, how to start a business etc.... As you all know this can be paralyzing at times and lead to inaction due to "Fear of Doing The Wrong Thing" or even worse sometimes is "Giving up on the process to Early." Has anyone ever spent hours researching Google Reviews about something like the right massage tool, and then not purchased it, only to go back several days later to research further? This is all driven by Fear of selecting the wrong one based on others suggestions. 

There is no doubt that this holds people back from accomplishing their goals or tasks they have set in front of them. What I have started to implement more recently, and is being suggested by many "High Achievers" out there is the idea of "Doing before Consuming."  How many of you have gone to Dr. Google for medical advice, only to go down the rabbit hole of your ailments and possible diagnoses before going to see your PCP. (I'll raise my hand on this one.) Again, you are consuming before doing, which is delaying the inevitable and only giving you more options and decisions to make. 

Ok, I'm climbing out of the soap box now, but you get where I'm coming from Right? Now let's tie this back to your Physical Being (i.e. your body).  If you are reading this blog, you have likely encountered an injury of some kind and many of you have sought my treatment for a solution to your problem. With that being said, How many of you have researched your injury online, watched videos on what to do to decrease your pain and address your injury, asked friends and family for advice on what to do, or even have seen multiple practitioners who offered their own solutions to solve your issue?? (Yep, guilty again..) Again FEAR is a major driver in this process and also a major inhibitor to progress. I certainly am dealing with things at this time I need to address and FEAR is stopping me.  

What I am suggesting as a solution to this "FEAR BLOCK" is as simple as it sounds, START DOING INSTEAD OF CONSUMING SO MUCH. You need to take action on your problems. Outline your 3 main fears from taking action on your problem and address them. Then take action. You'll be amazed how much stress will come off you and open up your time and resources to do things that matter, instead of worrying about the decision. More often than not for most decisions, the outcome from doing things early (and failing if needed) is much more positive than waiting and procrastinating all the while trying to consume more information to make the "Right" decision. 

If you are struggling with what you think is a musculoskeletal issue, find a physical therapist or musculoskeletal expert in your area, and they will help come up with a plan to address your issues. This will be your best and most effective step towards solving your problem and get you out of the paralysis of decision making.

So pick one area of content that you can stop consuming information on and instead perform an action towards solving the issue. 

Thanks and I hope you enjoyed. My next blog, I will tie back to Physical Therapy and Rehab, so don't hesitate to check back in. 

Cheers!
Dr. Luke

The amount of information on the internet regarding this condition is endless. Also endless, is the amount of information on how to correct this condition. There are many options from many different medical practitioners including; massage, anti-inflammatory injection, surgery, stretching and strengthening, dry needling,  myofascial release, adjusting squat position and form, etc... I'm here to tell you that you really should weigh your options and seek advice from a trusted health care professional to make a decision on your treatment. In many cases, non-operative treatment should be your absolute first choice. 

A recent study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30398893) looking at FAI non-operative management in 76 youth athletes showed that 82% of athletes were successfully managed conservatively with rest, physical therapy, and progressive activity introduction. 
This is obviously a study with youth, but much of the research also supports non-operative management in the older adult. Cam Impingement does seem to have a increased incidence of steroidal and surgical intervention. 

Now, I'm not going to go over the specific exercises that will help you with hip impingement as you should be evaluated by a Physical Therapist to tailor a program directly to your needs or refer you for additional testing if needed, but I will say that structural findings on an imaging technique do not always correlate with pain. Many people function every day with structural hip Pincer and Cam lesions but are asymptomatic and able to squat heavy loads at the gym as well as run long distance races. Healthcare providers need to be very careful diagnosing people on imaging alone, and focus more on individual structural demands and goals for the patient. 

Therefore, when looking for a solution to your "squat stopper" hip impingement problem, first seek medical advice from a trusted musculoskeletal expert. You should receive a detailed subjective and clinic evaluation that treats you as an individual with specific needs. Relay your goals to the clinician and then weigh your options based on multiple opinions on what your treatment should be. Remember, conservative treatment should be your first choice when addressing your pain and limitations. Most of the time, a skilled rehab specialist will be able to get you back to doing the things you love, with minimal to no pain all the while avoiding invasive techniques such as surgery if possible.

Well I hope this was educational for everyone. Make sure you check back in next week. 

Thanks!
​Dr. Luke

Welcome back everyone!

I'm finally discussing some current research on the diagnosis and treatment of a specific injury. In this week's blog, I'm discussing the current Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosing and treating Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFP). So if you have ever had knee pain related to squatting, running, descending stairs etc.. then this should be an informative read for you, providing you some direction in your ability to address your symptoms. 

PFP is commonly referred to as "Jumper's or Runner's knee." This condition involves, typically, insidious onset of pain behind or around the knee cap. This is a very common syndrome with an estimated prevalence of 25% up to 50% in the general population over their lifespan and does account for anywhere between 2-7.5% of people presenting for medical care. This syndrome most commonly affects youth athletes between the ages of 12-19 but some studies indicate a higher prevalence in the 50-59 year old age group. 

Symptoms usually present with no specific injury and can come on slowly overtime. Typically there is worsening of pain with lower-limb loading (eg, squatting, prolonged sitting, ascending/descending stairs, jumping, or running, especially with hills). There is poor correlation between internal derangement of tissue or cartilage damage and symptoms, and therefore a clinical diagnosis based on a cluster of symptoms associated with pain reports during squatting, descending stairs, and knee flexion positions like prolonged sitting should be used. Your medical provider and rehab specialist should be looking at these things as the best supported way to diagnosis this condition. 

Once there is a clear idea that you are dealing with PFP, a tailored strengthening program and symptom management program should be developed based on these well supported treatment approaches. This really should be a staple in all treatment approaches. 

Have you ever been told you have flat feet?? Well, it turns out that, flat feet in combination with an increased knee valgus (inward tilt) angle may contribute to symptoms early on.  

Therefore, within the first 6 weeks, a pronation controlling foot orthotic may provide relief from symptoms temporarily. Studies also show that over-the-counter orthotics provide just as much support for this condition as do custom orthotics. Talk to your therapist about one that might work for you. 

In addition within the first 6 weeks, patellar taping can provide relief for symptoms and can be a very cost effective way to address symptoms early on.

 
With that that being said, the major focus for individuals with PFP should be gluteal and quadriceps specific strengthening exercises. These should be in both the open chain (resisted knee extension, hip raises, banded stepping etc..) as well as in the closed chain (weighted cross over step ups, progressive resisted squats and lunges etc..). This program should be set over a 6-8 week time frame allowing for true strength gains.  

So, If you are someone that is battling anterior knee pain associated with tasks such as running, squatting, descending stairs, or sitting for prolonged periods and are looking for a resolution to your problem, talk to a physical therapist or musculoskeletal healthcare expert today to follow these research supported guidelines to aid in your recovery. 

Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading!

Dr. Luke

Citation: Willy, Richard Et. al.  Clinical Practice Guidelines Linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health From the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2019 Volume:49 Issue:9 Pages:CPG1–CPG95 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2019.0302
​

Welcome back to the Blog! Hopefully you have found useful information here in the past, or if this is your first time reading my material, well then, I hope you enjoy!

Today I am discussing 3 ways to optimize your ability to lift and load weight overhead. In addition to helping you lift more in the gym, this also has major implications for maximizing your function as you age. My goal with you reading today is for you to gain a better understanding of how you move with and without weight. So let's get started with the first Key!!

1. How well do you move without weight or load?? 
      One of the most important points. Simply put, Can you move freely and smoothly without restriction when you are not holding weight?. If you can't move smoothly, then you can't load correctly. It's equivalent to attempting squat 150lbs when you can't move from sitting to standing. It's possible to do it once with compensation, but over time it will lead to a disaster. So you first need to understand your movement without load and what you need to do to improve it. A strength and conditioning coach, movement coach, or physical therapist is a great resource here.

2. Identify any limitations and address them with targeted exercises.
        I mean how long can you drive a car on a bad tire or without new oil before it breaks down? How far can you ride your bike on plastic parts? So you need to identify and understand your limitations with shoulder Mobility, thoracic Mobility, movement flaws, and/or strictly strength limitations. There are many ways that you can go about doing this. In fact, head to my YouTube channel for more information or see a movement specialist to help you. They'll identify your limitations and restrictions as well as give you some tips on how to correct these. Now, if you've been loading for a long time, and you're like, I'm fine.. I've been doing great. Well that's fine too, but I bet you're wondering; Man, I haven't really ever had anyone look at this. I wonder how much better I could be performing and how many PR's I could break if I was moving optimally? That is another reason why it is important to know your limitations and know what to do to address them.

3. Have a plan with progression of load
       How many times have we gone into the gym and just started working out, or just followed the workout for the day that we saw online?? I mean, I'm as guilty of this as anyone, but I do understand the long term importance of progressive load. I think we really need to identify a true strength and conditioning program for us to progress overhead strength. This may look like a standard 8 to 12 week hypertrophy and strength progression. It could be a CrossFit program from your local box or online that you stick to, that you don't deviate from. I think having a plan is ultimately one of the most important things that we need to do with fitness, with nutrition, with our jobs. So having a plan is going to let you optimally load your shoulder and build strength to crush your overhead goals.

So those are the three keys to overhead success and keys to optimizing your overhead shoulder performance which has long term implications with your ability to maintain strength as you age as well as achieve your weightlifting and functional goals!

Hope you enjoyed the blog and check back in soon for our next topic!

Cheers!
​Dr. Luke

What's going on everyone!! 
​
If you've found my blog for the first time, Welcome! If you've read my material before, welcome back and I hope you enjoy. Today, I'm bloggin about optimizing recovery!!

​We all know that recovery following high-level intensity exercise or athletic performance is one of the most important things to do to grow as an Competitive Athlete, Olympic lifter, CrossFitter or everyday person looking to excel in the gym or on the field. There's a ton of literature and research out there on how to recover properly, but a lot of it varies, and there's not really any set step by step system to tell you how to recover right. However, there are some very very common and well-supported things that you should be doing, and I'm going to tell you about them right now. These are three things you should be focusing on to optimizing your recovery following a high intensity workout that you can implement today!!!

1. Hydration Recovery. Hydrate and restore your electrolyte balance for the next 48-72 hours. During a long duration >30 minute workout you need carbohydrate and electrolyte replenishment. Following a high intensity workout where you sweat a great deal, you need to be consuming at least half your body weight in ounces for the day. This should be planned out before your workouts for the week. Don't try to play CATCH UP, it doesn't work. Once you start implementing a plan for that hydration recovery it will become a common part of your programming. On a very basic framework, that's hydration and fueling. We all know this, but we don't do it all the time, and I am just as guilty as the next person and continue to work to improve my hydration and nutrition.

2.  Muscle and Fascial recovery. Consequently, this involves nervous system recovery as well. Most of us are aware of the two main forms of exercise (energy systems): Aerobic and Anaerobic. Aerobic being longer duration utilizing oxygen to for energy and Anaerobic short-to moderate duration high intensity exercise utilizing lactic acid. Typically with lifting this system is what we are most working with and the by-product of this system (Following our Workouts) leaves us with an acidic environment in the muscle and fascial tissue. In shorter words, this is why we are sore. Generally speaking if you sit around and are lazy following a high intensity workout, the more sore you are and more inhibited your muscle function is. So in combination with hydration, as your flushing fluid in and out, you also need to help assist actively with this. There are now many different modalities out there to help with this such as; pneumatic compression devices, Electronic Stimulation recovery, Massage Guns, Foam Rolling. Not one has been shown to be better than the other, but didactically I have seen some great results from these. I'm not suggesting one over the other but I am here to tell you that you need to be active after a high intensity workout. You need to promote fluid exchange within the muscle, and you need to mobilize that tissue. "Motion is lotion" , and fluid needs to move through your body. Muscle recovery is important so in addition walk, jog, row, or bike I don't care, but you need to recover so that you can perform in the next day or two with your next workout.

Now this next point is something that is not as commonly talked about as the previous two.

3. Mental Recovery.  Most of us go to the gym to sort escape from our everyday routine. Maybe from work, from our kids (God Bless them) or from anything else that may be stressing us out. So we get in there, we're in the moment, nothing else is on our brain but throwing that weight around, climbing that rope, or doing a handstand. Sure we might be tired, sore, but mentally we feel clear. We are in the moment, and naturally that feels amazing. The "WORKOUT HIGH." We know that with the changes in our hormones that occur during exercise, it is a stress reliever. Do we appreciate it enough though? I believe, following exercise, we need to mentally reflect what we have accomplished. This is what I love to do with my Mobility class at the end of the week. Think about what you accomplished, not what you didn't accomplish in that session. Think about what your recovery is going to be, and what your goals are for your next workout. Maybe about how this specific training that you're doing is going to lead to other positive outcomes in your life. There's no doubt that if you take the time to mentally appreciate what you have accomplished and see it as something that has presented value to you, you are going to carry that over into the next task or event that you do in your day, the rest of your week, and in the next workout that you do. Overtime that positivity and appreciation is going to accumulate and change you as a person. This is probably the most important point and will have the most impact on your recovery. 

So, focus on these 3 things so that you can CRUSH your recovery, which is going to lead to dominating your PRs, your competition's, and your games. Make a plan for the upcoming week and reap the benefits!! 

Cheers!
Dr. Luke

Don't be afraid to use exercise to treat anything from anxiety to depression to procrastination.

​