Premier Physical Therapy

Author: Dennis Riney

Faith vs Fear

Faith vs. Fear

We need each other and we need our faith. These are two of the many things I’ve realized recently. I’ve also realized just how vulnerable we are and how quickly our lives, and our daily routine that we sometimes probably take for granted, can change. Our lives, our families, our jobs, our routines, our communication and interaction with one another, and for some, unfortunately – their health, has all changed. Parents have turned into teachers, people are out of work, some are in isolation and scared. Very quickly, our priority list for life has been rearranged. Our family, the Premier family, is dealing with a lot of uncertainty right now. Sometimes uncertainty can breed fear. Should we be afraid? Should we be worried?

Simply stated…NO. I understand sometimes it’s easier said than done but negative thoughts and fear are not our friend. It can zap our love, energy, joy, peace, and place a strain on our marriage, relationships, and even our health. Nothing positive comes from this type of fear. Unfortunately, fear is also very contagious. Have you ever read something, watched something, or been around someone that caused you to feel fearful? Would you want your family or friends to worry? Does God want us to worry?

What is the answer to all of the challenges we are facing right now? The challenges are real. The reality is that there is uncertainty. How should we approach this “enemy?” Our good Lord has given us control over one thing and one thing only – what we think about, our thoughts! He did not make us to fear or worry. The bible tells us this over and over again. Faith is the answer. What does that mean? Faith means knowing no matter what God loves you and he will be there to comfort you. It also means having faith in Him and having faith in others. It means following all precautions right now as recommended. It means to protect yourself and your family. It means being responsible. Wipe it down. Wash your hands. Wash them again. Stay in if you’re not feeling well. Get help if you need it. It means to keep loving and helping others. Check on your neighbors. Call your friends. Comfort your children or your parents. Encourage others. Take it seriously and call it what it is.

Most importantly, pray. Pray for each other. Pray for our leaders and for those taking care of the sick. Pray for the people making sure we’re functioning the best we can right now. Pray that we soon do what we do best…serve each other. Pray for wisdom, for strength, hope, protection, and patience. I heard a great statement on the radio recently related to prayer… “Prayer has a better chance of changing tomorrow than worry.”

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

No matter what the current situation is, our goal is to fulfill our Premier Vision -To glorify God in everything we do by being a positive influence to all we serve. I will continue to pray for you all. Now is a time we must rely on our faith, perseverance, and responsible actions.

God Bless,

Dennis Riney

PT, Founder of Premier Physical Therapy

April 7, 2020
Physical Therapy is an Essential Service
Information is constantly changing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and our team is taking precautions to protect our patients and our team members. The Department of Homeland Security and state governments have deemed physical therapy as an essential component of healthcare during this time.

We have an Action Plan in place to follow the guidelines of appropriate health-related organizations. Current patients who are not feeling well or have recently traveled are kindly asked to call our patient care representative to reschedule their visit. Also, we’re exceeding standards for sanitation practices to ensure a safe physical therapy experience for our patients.

Some helpful tips to prevent the virus include:
- Washing your hands with soap and water and utilizing the towel to open the door.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from someone who is sick.
- Avoid touching your face.
- When sneezing or coughing, utilize a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Sanitize items in your house frequently.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this time. Working together as a team we will ensure the safety of the entire Premier family. Know that we are doing what we can to protect our team members and our patients. At the time of this writing we will continue patient treatment services and hours as usual at our Cape Girardeau, Jackson, and Advance, Missouri locations.

If you do not feel comfortable attending therapy right now, our team understands. We ask you to call our patient care representative.

No matter what the current situation is, our goal is to fulfill our Premier Vision -To glorify God in everything we do by being a positive influence to all we serve. Our team will continue to pray for the healing of our communities. Now is a time we must rely on our faith, perseverance, and responsible actions.

The Premier Physical Therapy Team
March 31, 2020
Premier Physical Therapy Update on COVID-19

Premier Physical Therapy Update on COVID-19

At Premier Physical Therapy we are family. Our Premier family consists of our team, our patients and their families, our referral sources, and the communities we serve. As with any family our number one priority is to ensure that everyone is healthy and safe. We are committed to having all appropriate measures in place to help prevent the spread of all illnesses including the coronavirus (COVID-19). We will continue to seek advice from appropriate health-related organizations.

We are closely monitoring this situation and following all updates regarding the coronavirus. We will make any changes necessary to keep our Premier family safe. We have an Action Plan in place to monitor all of our team members, current patients, and future patients. Current patients who are not feeling well or have recently traveled are kindly asked to call our patient care representative to reschedule their visit. Also, we’re exceeding standards for sanitation practices to ensure a safe physical therapy experience for our patients.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this time. Working together as a team we will ensure the safety of the entire Premier family. Know that we are doing what we can to protect our team members and our patients. At the time of this writing we will continue patient treatment services and hours as usual at all our locations. Feel free to call us at 1-573-335-7868 if you have any questions.

No matter what the current situation is, our goal is to fulfill our Premier Vision –To glorify God in everything we do by being a positive influence to all we serve. My hope and prayer is for healing of the sick, protection for those not affected, wisdom and knowledge for those working hard for a vaccine, strength for the medical professionals treating those affected, and to ease the fear that has been generated. Now is a time we must rely on our faith, perseverance, and responsible actions.

God Bless,

Dennis Riney, CEO and founder of Premier Physical Therapy

March 16, 2020
5 Common Causes of Back Pain
Wondering what might be causing your back pain? Back pain typically stems from mechanical issues. Typically, mechanical pain results from bad habits, such as poor posture, poorly-designed seating, and incorrect bending and lifting motions. In a lot of cases, low back pain is associated with regular wear and tear that happens in the discs, joints, and bones of the spine when people age. However, there are a number of different mechanical issues that can cause pain in your back. Below, we lay out a few of the most common causes of lower back pain:

5 Common Causes of Back Pain
- Sprains and strains are the cause of most acute back pain. Sprains are caused by overstretching or tearing ligaments, and strains are tears in tendon or muscle. Both of these can occur from lifting or twisting something improperly, overstretching, or lifting something heavy. These types of movements can also trigger painful muscle spasms in your back.
- Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common mechanical cause of lower back pain. It occurs when the rubbery discs degenerate as a process of aging. In a healthy back, these discs provide height and allow flexing and bending of the lower back. These discs lose their cushioning ability as they deteriorate.
- Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. This is the large nerve that travels through the buttocks and extends down the back of the leg.
- A traumatic injury, such as from car accidents, playing sports, or falling can injure ligaments, tendons, or muscle causing pain in the lower back.
- Skeletal irregularities include scoliosis, lordosis, and other congenital anomalies of the spine.
Some other, less common but serious causes of back pain are:
- Infections, Tumors, Cauda equina syndrome, Abdominal aortic aneurysms, or Kidney stones
Other conditions that can make people more susceptible to back pain include
- Inflammatory diseases of the joints, Osteoporosis, Endometriosis, and Fibromyalgia
No matter what type of back pain you’re experiencing, it’s important to understand that you CAN feel better. The first step is finding out the CAUSE of the pain. The above causes are just a few of the common causes of back pain. To find out what is causing your back pain, you need to see a healthcare provider. Seeing a physical therapist at Premier Physical Therapy is a great way to understand your back pain and to start your treatment to get better.

It’s time to feel better NOW! Call your doctor NOW to get your script! Then, give us a call TODAY to schedule an appointment at 573-335-7868.
March 6, 2020
When It Comes to Pain, It’s Your Choice

When It Comes to Pain, It’s Your Choice

When we experience pain, it’s natural to feel like we have no choice in how to deal with it. We think, “It will go away tomorrow or next week.” Sometimes life’s too busy, and we feel like “toughing it out” is our only option.

Even for those of us that choose to see a doctor, we feel like we don’t have a choice.

No choice in medication, treatment, and where to get physical therapy to help with pain.

The truth is that when it comes to pain and solving the problem of pain, it’s all about the choices we do have.

Choice #1:

What to do about your pain.

Should you just rest? Take over the counter medications? The truth is that these things are just treating symptoms. At Premier Physical Therapy, we focus on treating the cause of your pain. Our goal is to make you feel better for good, instead of simply treating symptoms and hoping your pain stays away for a few weeks or months. Tell your doctor you’d like to try physical therapy to treat your pain.

Choice #2:

Where should you go for physical therapy to help with pain when it’s recommended by your doctor?

First, remember it’s always your choice in where to receive physical therapy to treat your pain. Premier has a reputation for getting results from physical therapy. So, when a doctor asks where you want therapy, tell them “Send me to Premier!”

We’re the only physical therapy clinic with a 5-Star Plan to get you better. We take pride in making 7 promises to each patient that comes through our door in the form of our patient agreement.

Call us today to start making decisions on how to take care of your pain! 573-335-7868

Next time you start to feel pain, remember your choices.

January 16, 2020