Health Check
Physical Therapy Newsletter
September – October,
2017
Health Check implemented another very successful
summer internship program this year in order to
foster the professional growth of our next generation
of physical therapists. Exposing college students to
the inner workings of an outpatient care facility that
provides physical therapy services is an important
part of what we do at Health Check. This year
Health Check was very fortunate to have two interns,
Sabrina Mangeri and Ashley Kistler. Sabrina and
Ashley, both former Downingtown West High
School graduates as well as longtime friends, have
always had a passion for sports. In addition, both
have suffered their share of sports-related injuries
and rehabilitations. These injuries, along with other
personal traits, motivated both to pursue a rewarding
career as physical therapists.
At Health Check, immersion in our unique focus on
long-term wellness and exemplary outpatient care is
the norm for all interns. Too often patients of other
physical therapy practices do not receive adequate
attention nor learn how to perform their exercise
regimens correctly when at home. With respect to
the latter, we coach our interns and then expect them
to teach patients to both understand and perform their
exercise regimens correctly. Teaching in this manner
benefits patients and interns alike. Patients emerge
more self-sufficient when at home and better able to
reinforce their outpatient care experience. Interns
emerge more knowledgeable and with tangible
professional skills.
Preparing the Next Generation of Physical Therapists
Both Sabrina and Ashley successfully integrated
their formal training with the patient-focused
concerns of an outpatient care facility. For
example, both trained patients on the importance
of simple measures that potentially reduce or
prevent injuries at home. In addition, both helped
patients by emphasizing the importance of long-
term wellness. Long-term wellness is an
achievable goal for most patients if they are
willing to combine a home exercise program with
healthy eating habits.
During their brief time at Health Check, Sabrina
and Ashley gained knowledge of and exposure to
patients whose conditions ranged from back pain
and sciatica to ACL and meniscus tears, knee and
shoulder replacements and rotator cuff repairs, just
to name a few. In addition, both gained
knowledge of and exposure to patients from
various demographic groups including pediatrics,
geriatrics and athletes. Taken together, these
opportunities afforded both interns with the kind of
well-rounded experience that will position them
for success in their chosen profession.
While our job at Health Check is to provide quality
care to our patients, it is both an obligation and a
privilege to supplement Sabrina and Ashley’s
formal training by offering summer internships.
Although intended to help the next generation of
physical therapists, it is worth noting that summer
internships also serve to bring a fresh perspective
to Health Check. For that, we are grateful and
thank both Sabrina and Ashley.
Sabrina Mangeri
Sabrina is going into her junior year at West Chester
University (WCU) in the Pre-Physical Therapy
program. She is very accomplished, making the
dean’s list every semester in her college career. She
is also the president and founder of the WCU
CrossFit Club and a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer.
Sabrina states that she has played sports for as long
as she can remember, from football in the back yard
(with the boys) to field hockey and lacrosse in high
school to Ultimate Frisbee in college. However, her
true passion is CrossFit, which is a fitness regimen
that highlights “constantly varied, functional
movements performed at high intensity”. CrossFit’s
emphasis on “functional movements” helped shape
Sabrina’s approach to rehabilitation. That approach
emphasizes the need for every exercise to have a
purpose that directly translates into everyday
activities. In addition, Sabrina’s CrossFit
background gives her an edge over many peers since
she has experience as a coach and in strengthening
and conditioning. Experience in both areas is
something many physical therapists lack.
Sabrina decided to pursue a degree in PT because
of her love of exercise, a love largely attributable to
CrossFit. She intends to dedicate herself to helping
others achieve their fitness goals and to rehab from
injury. After completing her undergraduate studies,
Sabrina plans to pursue a Doctorate of Physical
Therapy (DPT) degree before finding a job
working in sports performance with athletes.
Finally, she is currently working towards
certification as a personal trainer while competing
regularly in local CrossFit competitions.
Ashley Kistler
Ashley is going into her junior year at Wesley
College in the Pre-Physical Therapy program.
Impressively, Ashley has made dean’s list almost
every semester in addition to holding a starting
position on the Wesley College Women's Soccer
Team. While Ashley has played soccer since she
was four years old, she has also competed in track
and field and participated in CrossFit as well. Off
the field, Ashley serves as an assistant girls’ soccer
coach for MOT Charter High School in
Middletown, DE.
During her years playing soccer, Ashley had two
ACL injuries and subsequent surgeries. Through
these two injuries, as well as several lesser injuries,
Ashley acquired extensive knowledge of both knee
rehabilitation and the mechanics of the lower
extremities. In addition, she developed a strong
sense of empathy for those suffering from long-
term injuries that frequently extract an emotional
toll.
Testimonials
For years, Ashley knew that she wanted to be a
health professional, but she was never sure which
path would lead her to the career she desired.
However, during her freshman year in high school, a
“life and career applications” class helped her decide
to focus on physical therapy.
Reinforcement for Ashley’s decision came from Bob
Fitzgerald, DPT. It was Bob who helped her
rehabilitate both of her knees after the ACL
surgeries. While Bob’s help got her back on the
field, Bob’s passion for helping others convinced her
that she had made the right career choice.
Currently, Ashley plans to pursue certification as a
personal trainer as well as a coaching certification.
Additionally, following undergraduate school,
Ashley plans to pursue her DPT and then work in
the field of sports medicine.
This year’s summer internship program at Health
Check was a wonderful opportunity for both
Sabrina and Ashley. Additionally, they provided a
great service to both our patients and our practice
alike. For that service, we wish to express our
gratitude. We further wish Sabrina and Ashley
success now, as they strive to complete their
undergraduate programs, and in all future
endeavors.
Thomas Suspenski PT, ATC
“After injuring my hamstring during a
workout … I periodically ran on it for
almost 3 months creating a lot of scar tissue.
I finally decided to get help and remembered
Health Check. 7 weeks later I am running
with no pain. Tom, Jenn, Marie and Becky
worked on the scar tissue – knocked it out
with deep massage. They taught me many
exercises to strengthen my hamstring and
surrounding muscle groups. I received
great instructions on core strengthening and
running form.”
– Carolyn M.
“I came to see Tom after two previous physical
therapy clinics and I wish I had come here first.
Tom has done more for me in the time I have been
here as far as increased mobility and strength and
reduction in pain. I have had two surgeries on my
shoulder and now I can finally live a normal life
without pain.”
- George M.
Health Check
Physical Therapy
Tom Suspenski, PT, ATC.
Phone: (610) 269-5070
Fax: (610) 269-5074
http://healthcheckpt.com
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797 E Lancaster Ave., Suite 2
Downingtown, PA 19335
At Health Check we specialize in and provide comprehensive one-on-one treatment for the
following:
1. Lower Back Pain
2. SI Joint / Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
3. Neck and Mid to Upper Back Pain
4. Total Joint Replacements
5. Sports Injuries
6. Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
7. Work Injuries
8. Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
Attention All Clients
Health Check Physical Therapy
is pleased to now offer a proven solution
that may restore or improve your health!
Backed by a recent clinical research study, the
Health Check Wellness Program
addresses 5 factors that contribute to
chronic disease and illness as well as poor overall health!
Obesity
Lack of Exercise
Stress
Environmental toxins
High fat, nutritionally deficient diets
The daily cost of the program (~$14.00) is less than the average person spends on food!
(which is ~$20.00 to $25.00 per day)
Did You Know That:
Toxins in your body, such as food preservatives, pesticides, herbicides and those
from other environmental sources, may cause you to store fat that often leads to
inflammation of the joints.
The only way that you can lose weight (and keep it off) is to support your
muscles with high quality protein.
Are You Interested In:
Feeling more energetic and performing at your best?
Fighting the long-term effects of aging?
If you answered “YES” to any of the above, then consider our
Health Check Wellness Program
You will find details on the opposite side of this page.
Health Check Wellness Program
Give us 12 Weeks to Transform your Life!
Consider the findings of a recent clinical research study1 conducted at Skidmore College in
Saratoga Springs, New York.
According to Dr. Paul Arciero, DPE (Doctor of Physiology of Exercise), at the conclusion of
12-weeks participants in the study experienced the following:
25 lbs. of fat loss
20% reduction in fat mass
5% increase in muscle mass
25% reduction in abdominal belly fat
33% reduction in visceral fat around
the internal organs (a precursor to
cancer)
Spencer Pyle - Health Check Client
1 - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170111184102.htm
Along with these findings, the antioxidant capacity of participants increased. This helps
protect the body from disease. Now it is your turn to enjoy similar results!
Starting September 26, 2017, we will host a meeting every Tuesday from 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
During every meeting, we will explain and demonstrate the effects of our powerful wellness
program. You must contact our office if you wish to attend.
Please call 610-269-5070 TODAY or email us at [email protected]
to register for a meeting to learn about our
Health Check Wellness Program
Outside of Health Check Physical Therapy’s regular office hours, please go to
http://healthcheckpt.com/event-registration/
If you wish to start sooner, please call 610-269-5070 or email us at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Thomas Suspenski PT, ATC
Thomas Suspenski, Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer
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