Throughout the month of October, Fukuji and Lum staff members showed off their Physical Therapy Month spirit by dressing up “Disney” style each week. From Lion King Day (animal print), Monster U (college spirit), Mad Hatter Day (crazy hats) and Tweedle Dee and Dum Day (twins), Disney Adventure Day (Disney characters). Check out our FB or IG @fukujiandlum page for more Disney Halloween photos.
People everywhere are experiencing the transformative effect physical therapy can have on their daily lives. In fact, as experts in the way the body moves, physical therapists help people of all ages and abilities reduce pain, improve or restore mobility, and stay active and fit throughout life. But there are some common misconceptions that often discourage people from visiting a physical therapist.
It’s time to debunk 7 common myths about physical therapy:
1. Myth: I need a referral to see a physical therapist.
Fact: A recent survey by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) revealed 70% of people think a referral or prescription is required for evaluation by a physical therapist. However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC) allow patients to be evaluated by a physical therapist without a physician’s prior referral. In addition, 48 states and DC allow for some form of treatment or intervention without a physician referral or prescription (Oklahoma and Michigan being the exception). Beginning November 1, 2014, patients in Oklahoma will be able to seek treatment from a physical therapist without a physician referral. On January 1, 2015, patients in Michigan will be able to do so, as well. Some states have restrictions about the treatment a physical therapist can provide without a physician referral. Check out APTA’s direct access summary chart (.pdf) to see the restrictions in your state.
2. Myth: Physical therapy is painful.
Fact: Physical therapists seek to minimize your pain and discomfort—including chronic or long-term pain. They work within your pain threshold to help you heal, and restore movement and function. The survey found that although 71% of people who have never visited a physical therapist think physical therapy is painful, that number significantly decreases among patients who have seen a physical therapist in the past year.
3. Myth: Physical therapy is only for injuries and accidents.
Fact: Physical therapists do a lot more than just stretch or strengthen weak muscles after an injury or surgery. They are skilled at evaluating and diagnosing potential problems before they lead to more serious injuries or disabling conditions—from carpal tunnel syndrome and frozen shoulder, to chronic headaches and lower back pain, to name a few.
4. Myth: Any health care professional can perform physical therapy.
Fact: Although 42% of consumers know that physical therapy can only be performed by a licensed physical therapist, 37% still believe other health care professionals can also administer physical therapy. Many physical therapists also pursue board certification in specific areas such as neurology, orthopedics, sports, or women’s health, for example.
5. Myth: Physical therapy isn’t covered by insurance.
Fact: Most insurance policies cover some form of physical therapy. Beyond insurance coverage, physical therapy has proven to reduce costs by helping people avoid unnecessary imaging scans, surgery, or prescription drugs. Physical therapy can also lower costs by helping patients avoid falls or by addressing conditions before they become chronic.
6. Myth: Surgery is my only option.
Fact: In many cases, physical therapy has been shown to be as effective as surgery in treating a wide range of conditions—from rotator cuff tears and degenerative disk disease, to meniscal tears and some forms of knee osteoarthritis. Those who have recently seen a physical therapist know this to be true, with 79% believing physical therapy can provide an alternative to surgery.
7. Myth: I can do physical therapy myself.
Fact: Your participation is key to a successful treatment plan, but every patient still needs the expert care and guidance of a licensed physical therapist. Your therapist will leverage his or her specialized education, clinical expertise, and the latest available evidence to evaluate your needs and make a diagnosis before creating an individualized plan of care.
It’s hard to believe that my experience in Hawaii has already come and gone. Living in Kaneohe for six months was an incredible, life changing experience. Five thousand miles is a long way to move from home, but at Fukuji and Lum I had my own family.
Working at the Fukuji and Lum clinic brought new adventures every day. At work I was paired with my own mentor who would teach me about weekly topics of my choice. I was never given the answer, but instead guided along the way to discover the answers on my own. In the gym, the PTAs welcomed me as a student and soon trusted me to work with patients on my own. The positive energy in the gym made it hard not to keep a smile on, and I soon adopted the nickname “Giggles.” Before work once a week, a group of our coworkers would meet for the Thursday WOD (Workout of the Day). We would come up with a group workout and motivate each other as a team. At these weekly sweat sessions, I learned how to push myself to new limits and discovered how much my body is capable of. At the end of the day, I left work feeling so accomplished. The team at Fukuji and Lum became not only my coworkers, but also my friends.
Outside the clinic, I explored as much as I possibly could in the short 6 months I had. Oahu has so much to offer, I spent my weekends hiking, boating, kayaking, cliff jumping, and exploring. With my best friend Jessica and the new friends we made on Oahu, we had no problem adopting the “Aloha” lifestyle. I hiked 3,000 steps to the top of the Stairway to Heaven, watched the sunrise from 10,000 feet at Haleakala, and listened to Jack Johnson play in his hometown. The beauty that Hawaii has to offer is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Not a day goes by that I don’t imagine myself back at Kaneohe Bay. I can say with certainty that my experience with Fukuji and Lum made me a better person. For now my time in Hawaii is over, but the friends and memories I made will stay with me forever.
Aloha,
Ariel
Working as a co-op student at Fukuji and Lum Physical Therapy was a once in a lifetime experience. This co-op provided two very unique and meaningful opportunities: the opportunity to explore Hawaii and the opportunity to learn about physical therapy and the Fukuji and Lum Company.
Hawaii has an exceptional culture and is home to some of the most breath-taking sites, interesting foods and friendly people in the world. I quickly learned that Fukuji and Lum also has a culture all its own and is far more than a company. Instead, F&L is a family by nearly every definition of the word. I will be lucky and hard-pressed to find another company with the level of professionalism, teamwork and genuine compassion that I saw at F&L. As a student and employee, I was challenged daily to work directly with patients and to think critically about the purpose of chosen interventions and therapeutic exercises. However, in addition to building on my technical skills as a future physical therapist, I learned the importance of empathy and compassion in the making of truly effective patient interactions.
Of the many things I learned in this experience, the true meaning of family and the Aloha spirit are among those that I will cherish forever. The overwhelming kindness and friendly nature of both F&L patients and co-workers alike, are qualities that I will continually strive to embody as both an individual and physical therapy professional. This co-op program was far more than an educational experience for me; it was an opportunity for great personal and professional growth. After just 6 months, I left Hawaii a more independent, confident person, a more knowledgeable, prepared future PT, and a part of a wonderful new family. For all of those things, I am truly and eternally grateful.
Aloha,
Jessica, Northeastern University Co-op Student
On June 6th Fukuji & Lum held the First Annual WORC Open House at Kokokahi. The event was to celebrate our first year at the YWCA in Kaneohe. Invitees were doctors and nurse case managers whom F&L works with on a regular basis to address work related injuries.
Food was provided by Chris Okuhara of Miso and Ale, Urban Food Distributors.
The event allowed F&L to show off the beautiful grounds of Kokokahi and the diverse setting of the Windward Occupational Rehab Center. Attendees were able to get a taste of the functional emphasis of the clinic that specializes in work hardening, FCEs, and aquatic therapy.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. And to all those who attended, we hope you had a great time!
Our Clinic has moved!!
But we’re still here in Kaneohe!
The Kaneohe Clinic has been a familiar sight as passersby have recognized the F&L sign on the corner of Kamehameha Hwy and Pua Inia Street for the past 16 years. Recently, the company had been looking into moving to a new location to better serve our patients and the community and was fortunate to find a space at the Kokokahi YWCA, just minutes away from the old clinic.
On June 30th, the new clinic opened it’s doors. It will provide the same therapy services as well as our W.O.R.C. and Aquatic programs, also located on the YWCA campus. We are extremely proud to call this clinic our “new home” as most of the renovations were done by the F&L staff. With many hands and hours put into the project, the staff worked hard to build a customized space that best fit the needs of our patients.
Come visit us Monday thru Friday, on the lower level of Atherton Hall at Kokokahi YWCA in Kaneohe.
The F&L Ohana walked the Walk this past Sunday at the State Capitol in support of the Arthritis Foundation and all those who suffer from some form of Arthritis. It has been quite some time since our company has participated in this event and we were quite impressed how much the Arthritis Foundation has grown as an organization and how the number of supporters has increased significantly.
As mentioned in our previous blog, arthritis affects many people of all ages in Hawaii. Those who become patients of F&L are provided with therapy to treat their arthritic symptoms such as pain or stiffness. At times, surgery is required and orthopedic surgeons will refer patients to us who have had joint replacements.
One of the well-known orthopedic surgeons on the island, Dr. Stuart Wakatsuki who recently passed away, was always in full support of the Arthritis Foundation and the Walk for a Cure events. On the day of the walk, F&L along with the Arthritis Foundation honored Dr. Wakatsuki for his exceptional work and contributions he made to his patients and the community. Art Lum, P.T. gave an emotional speech and a trumpeter played a memorable song to all those who have passed on and left a legacy for us to carry on. Everyone wore a lime green (Dr. W’s favorite color) wristband as we walked the 3-mile path.
F&L staff and their families had a fun time and look forward to many more walks.
Fukuji & Lum PT Associates proudly opened it’s new Honolulu clinics at the Kuakini Physicians Tower and Plaza. F&L was a resident at the Pali Medical Center for the past 13 years. On Monday, March 31st we joined Breakthrough Rehab, Inc. in the Physicians Tower to continue our presence in the town area. On Tuesday, April 1st, we joined Dr. Kenneth Sunamoto in the Plaza to add a second location.
Our hours of operations will be:
Kuakini Physicians Tower #1101
Monday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Kuakini Medical Plaza #813
Tuesday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Many family members in Hawaii are now assuming the role of caregiver for their loved one. They are often burdened by the overwhelming responsibilities of care giving and many times forget about taking care of themselves.
Here at F&L, our therapists have seen an increasing number of patients being treated for injuries they obtained when caring for a loved one. We saw a need to equip our patients and their families with the tools needed to safely carry out the tasks involved in caregiving and decided to host a series of workshops.
In February, our Kailua therapists hosted their first workshop for caregivers and families on Caregiver Safety Tips on Feb. 15th and included training on the following:
The role of the caregiver has recently been in the media, with the recent Star Advertiser article regarding caregiver support legislation. Senate Bill 2264 serves to support and recognize the role of the caregiver.
What’s the best gift your loved one can give you? How about a nice, relaxing massage! This February, all massage appointments are 10% off. Tell your someone special to schedule your massage today! Call us at the Kailua Clinic or W.O.R.C. site.
