June 10th was Fukuji & Lum’s Annual Community Car Wash at the Kokokahi YWCA in Kaneohe. For the past 6 years, we have been hosting a FREE car wash to say “Thank You” to the Windward community for their love and support to our organization. Our patients definitely look forward to this special event every year, as they enjoy watching our therapists get wet and dirty while working hard to get their cars clean.
Despite the intermittent rain throughout the day, we hope that many of you in the community drove down to the YWCA to get your vehicles washed. Mahalo to those who came by to take advantage of this awesome FREEBIE! It only happens once a year…
For those who missed it, we usually hold this event in June. Hope to see you all next year!
Guest Blogger Leila K., former NU Co-op PT student writes about her time spent with our Ohana.
People are curious when you have been far away for a long time. “How was Hawaii?” they would ask me over and over again. I had a hard time answering them. How could I describe such an incredible experience without making them listen to me go on for hours? Amazing doesn’t even begin to cover it. My experience was positive in so many dimensions and I learned so much from it, if I was forced to distill my time in Hawaii at Fukuji and Lum into a considerately short series of phrases, I would say that I found a home there, a place that I hold in my heart, and that I dream of returning.
One thing I tell people when they ask me about my experience is that I never once woke up dreading to go to work. Even though I had to wake up super early every morning (which is not easy for me I am not an early morning person at all), I looked forward to go to work. Everyone at Fukuji and Lum was so positive and fun to work with. There was never a dull moment! I learned something from every person I worked with.
Working at the clinic, pool, and pool front office allowed me to experience so many different aspects of the physical therapy profession. It was amazing to watch people make improvements in the pool and then to watch them continue to improve on land. It was very rewarding. Working at the front desk showed me how complicated patient care can be. I learned a lot about the importance of interdisciplinary communication from working at the front desk.
When I wrote my first blog post, I wrote down all the things I wanted to do before I left the island. I am glad to say that I did get to hike Stairway to Heaven and the Pill Boxes at sunrise and I ate an enormous amount of acai and pitaya bowls that I miss so dearly. I even got to learn how to hula dance! Unfortunately I never got to swim with dolphins but I did get to see both dolphins and whales from shore so I can settle with that!
[one_half] If I hadn’t co-oped in Hawaii, I may not have the three new sibling-friends that I have now. Ashley, Justin and Colby became my family and I don’t know what I would do without each of them in my life. From sliding down muddy mountains in the dark with Ashley, watching Colby almost die in the ocean multiple times, and watching Justin cook 10 pounds of chicken at a time, I have so many special memories with each of them.
When I completed my co-op I knew that I had learned so much from working at Fukuji and Lum. I had no idea how much I had absorbed until I was sitting in my spring and summer lecture halls and actually making connections from what I saw on co-op in my classes. It was really amazing to realize exactly how much I learned. I feel so much more confident in my skills in school because of what I learned at Fukuji and Lum.
One of the best parts about my co-op experience was the Fukuji and Lum family. You all accepted us right away and I felt so welcome. You all made being so far from home much easier and I cannot thank you all enough for that. I think about Hawaii every day and I can’t wait until I can go back again.
Guest Blogger: Ashley – Former Co-op student from Northeastern University
My months in Hawaii were some of the best months of my life. While there I was able to meet extraordinary people, try things I’ve always wanted to, and learn so much. Working at Fukuji and Lum in particular was life changing. The co-workers and patients, and even my fellow co-ops, are all amazing people, and I am a better person for having met them.
My experience working at the front office showed me how to be patient (it’s a pun, get it?) and showed me another side of the job, however, working one on one with patients was the best part. I loved getting to know all of the patients and their stories.
It was about more than just getting them better, I was able to form bonds with each and every one of them. I worked with all sorts of populations from geriatric, to work injuries, to post stroke patients. The variety of people I got to meet was incredible and taught me so much. I got really close to some patients and I didn’t know the bonds that I could have with some of these people, which made leaving so hard. From having a patient cook me Portuguese bean soup, to hearing all about someone’s strife and triumph, I am a better person for having met each and everyone one of them.
Working at Fukuji and Lum was like no other job I ever had. Never had I experienced such love and respect from co-workers. I feel as though I got to know every single person, from the pool to the WORC and LA clinics. My co-workers were one of the best parts of my experience. Who else’s bosses would take them a half mile into the clouds at 2 in the morning? Being invited over for holidays to the island Hyland’s house really showed me the kind of people I now had in my life and I am forever grateful for that. Jocelyn even cooked animal carcass because she loves us so much! It was like having a home away from home. Even now I still get texts and surprise packages with Hawaiian goodies from Rachel, wondering how I am doing or just because she is so thoughtful.
Janie was like my Hawaiian mom who always knew how to make me laugh and always had something cool to show me about PT. Janie, if you’re reading this thanks for the massage by the way, it was the best hour of my life. The love and care Jocelyn, Rachel, Jaime, Janie, Jesse, Tasha, Mark, Stephanie and Nicole (to name a few!) gave to their patients every day at work showed me what patient care was supposed to be like, and I strive to use what I learned here every day. I miss seeing their smiling faces and all the laughs they brought me.
Another one of my favorite parts about Hawaii was the island itself. I love beaches and weather above 30 degrees, so when I saw Hawaii as an option for my co-op I was ecstatic, and knew right away this was a once in a lifetime experience that I didn’t want to miss out on. Having my three amigos with me made the experience even better. I have no idea how I would have found not one, but two beaters, learned to hula dance(ish), find our missing dog a million times, or possibly have so much fun at Costco, without them. There aren’t three other people I rather have been with except maybe Jesus, my grandma, and John Lennon, if were playing that game.
It was heartbreaking to leave paradise: the ocean, the palm trees, the sting of Kailua’s fine sand pelting you in the face as you tried to soak up the sun, but it was even harder to leave all the incredible people that changed my life. That certainly wasn’t the last time I’ll be in Hawaii so for now I’ll say, A Hui Ho!
Last, but not least, we would like to introduce Tim, our final Co-op for this spring semester.
Aloha! I have the awesome opportunity of being one of the five Northeastern Co-ops making Fukuji and Lum home for the next six months. Here is a little about myself and how I got here. Instead of doing Northeastern’s six year PT program, I joined at their half way point after completing my undergrad at the University of New England earning my degree in Applied Exercise Science.
I first learned about Fukuji and Lum when Mark came to talk to the PT students in Boston. His talk about being part of the F&L Ohana is what drew me to this site and showed its character. A couple of months later I find myself fortunate enough to start my journey here.
I was lucky enough to have parents that love traveling and have instilled that drive in me. They showed me the importance of learning about new cultures in order to understand and respect everyone’s way of life. Hawaii is no different and has shown to be full of rich history and traditions.
I am learning food is a huge part of Hawaiian life and that is something we have in common! Luckily I have not had anything too challenging cross my plate yet on my trip. To facilitate my exploring I do rely heavily on recommendations: hurricane popcorn and poke are quickly turning into some all time favorites. So far I have been told poi and lau lau are some of the things I need to try before I leave. Most surprising for me was how good shaved ice tasted, which tasted much more flavorful than I had expected.
Some things I would like to do while I am here are learn how to surf and learn how to play the ukulele (I already started the latter). The list of hikes, viewpoints and places to visit literally goes on for pages and is far too long for this post. More in a few weeks!
In this week’s blog, Justin reflects on his new experiences at F&L while living and learning about the Hawaiian culture.
Reflections of a Co-Op
by Justin S.
To say I enjoyed my 6 months in Hawaii would be an understatement. I worked with amazing patients and coworkers, learned more than I could have ever expected, and thoroughly enjoyed living in the most beautiful place I have ever seen.
I felt like a valuable part of a team while working at Fukuji & Lum. Even though it was my first time working in a physical therapy setting, I was trusted and given many responsibilities. It was an incredibly welcoming place to work. While searching for a co-op, the biggest thing I took from the Fukuji & Lum website was being part of their ohana. Family day, potlucks, and the Christmas party were great ways to get to know everybody. I think Art and I combined for about 10 plates of crab legs. Rachel happily invited the co-ops to her house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was such a kind gesture and we had a very fun time! This is just one example, but everybody that I worked with went out of their way to make sure my experience was fun and educational.
The patients I worked with were fantastic. They taught me a lot about life in Hawaii, looked to me for help with exercises, and were great to talk story with. I will always remember these relationships that helped make my experience so great. I was so fortunate to be presented with t-shirts, poke bowls, and homemade foods from these great people.
There were many firsts for me in Hawaii. I completed my first triathlon in September. It was a lot of fun and I couldn’t have done it without the swimming help from my coworkers at the pool. I had my first poke bowl my first day on Oahu, and it became a staple in my diet ever since. When working in Kailua, I would always pop over to Foodland for lunch to grab a spicy ahi bowl. I still crave them every day. I surfed for the first time in Waikiki about a week into my stay. Thereafter, I practiced when I could and steadily improved over the 6 months. I’m no Kelly Slater, but I have a lot of fun trying.
Everyone always asked if the four co-ops knew each other before arriving in Hawaii. We met up for dinner once, but honestly had no clue who the other three were. Within a week, we bought a car together and were hanging out at the beach and watching Hawaii Five-O every day. Every weekend was filled with fun trips to town, Hawaii Kai, or the North Shore. It made all of us happy to hear that we were the closest group of co-ops that has come through. Ashley, Colby, Leila and I will always have oodles of awesome memories together that we will never forget. Even with our busy schedules, we are still able to see each other occasionally, most recently with a trip to Pokeworks, Boston’s attempt at replicating the divine Hawaiian dish. It wasn’t as good as the ones made in Hawaii, and it was really cold outside, but we still had fun.
I will always be grateful for this experience, which has undoubtedly been the best 6 months of my life. Mahalo nui loa to everyone who made this experience so awesome.
With the start of 2017, we can look forward with renewed hope that this year will be as great as last year. In thinking about this blog, I looked back at 2016 and reflected with gratitude of the blessings that were bestowed on the company and the tremendous growth of our staff and clinics.
Personally, it was a one of the most challenging years with the organization, one that brought me both personal and professional rewards. I traveled more in one year than I have in my lifetime and was able to form new relationships and memories. I hope to blog about those experiences throughout the year.
For F&L, this year started off with the one-year anniversary of our Honolulu clinic. On January 18th, our staff at the Kuakini Medical Center hosted more than 60 attendees to celebrate our first year in the Physician’s Tower. The attendees included staff, colleagues in KMC, and friends and family.
The evening began with a welcome from Shaw Okawara, the clinic director, who spoke of the celebration of first year parties and set the tone for the evening with a little laughter when he spoke of the unexpected attention for such occasions.
Like many F&L productions, the celebration was filled with music, videos, shared experiences and recognition of contributions and new relationships. I was fortunate to speak on behalf of the company and gave a short historical look at the journey that we had to get to what will be our home for at least the next ten years.
Art Lum, owner, capped off the night by surprising everyone with his solo performance of playing the ukulele and singing “Ka Makani Ka’ili Aloha”. In expressing his choice of a song about love and home, he said, “The Hawaiian words are magical and loving; going beyond our wisdom and comprehension.”
Art and Shaw believe that it is in this new place where we can not only treat patients, but to share in spirit of ‘Aloha’, allowing it to flow, reach and touch each and every one of us. It was a great blessing to have all of you share in our celebration. We can’t wait for what’s in store for this wonderful clinic! Happy 2017!
Guest Blogger: Art Lum, P.T., co-owner of Fukuji & Lum
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[two_third_last] Lifelong Learning Hawaii-Japan logo: The symbol marking the beginning of this Hawaii-Japan relationship was the Enso – a hand drawn open circle allowing for movement and development. [/two_third_last]
The recent historic visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with President Barack Obama to Pearl Harbor on December 27, 2016 brought back memories of an extraordinary work experience I had in Japan. Following three years of planning, the Fukuji & Lum team and fellow physical therapy colleagues from Japan created a series of courses titled ‘Best Physical Therapy Practice’.
The first of a four part series of courses was conducted, on October 22nd and 23rd, 2016 at Kuwana East Medical Center, Mie prefecture, Japan. The course introduced an integration of the respiratory, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems for lifelong physical therapy care.
On October 22nd, at 9 a.m., my heart beat began to rise as the first slide presented the Hawaiian flag alongside the Japan flag – the Rising Sun. Pictures of my professional membership cards, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Hawaii Physical Therapy Association (HAPTA) were shared along with my Master of Arts degree diploma in Physical Therapy from Stanford University ’84. The journey had begun.
The objectives of the course were:
To introduce the Annual Musculoskeletal Examination
To teach manual assessment and treatment techniques integrating the system approach
To teach postural and neuromuscular rehabilitation techniques
To introduce a unique physical therapy model
To build a relationship between physical therapists from Hawaii and Japan
[one_half] Bringing unity to this special grouping was the donning of the lime-green colored class t-shirt. The made-only-in-Hawaii sky blue colored wording and the white-brushed Enso brought smiles, enthusiasm, and cheer. We were now ready to begin our journey together, open for learning and sharing; as professionals, classmates, and friends. [/one_half]
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There were two staff therapists from the Kuwana East Medical Center who played a pivotal role in making the course a tremendous success. Rie Takakura, P.T., who works part time at the medical center and is on-call with us at Fukuji & Lum was instrumental in ‘making it happen’. She designed the manual, translating every page and served as the course assistant. Her dream of advancing physical therapy in her hometown and community in Japan had begun and was now in process.
Takashi Maruyama, P.T., Manager of the Rehabilitation Department at the Kuwana East Medical Center was a gracious host and facilitator. Takashi-san went beyond the call to create an optimal learning environment. Arranging the manpower for setup and take down and taking the leadership in accommodating the group needs and wants. He monitored the pulse of the class and acknowledged we were on the right pace. His hospitality went beyond the call in driving the F&L contingent to a nearby famous Garden saving time and ‘stress’ in confronting bus and train schedules.
The class was made up of a diverse group of professionals. Recent graduates, a professor of Biomechanics, and veteran PTs. Several had been trained in the U.S.A. and were familiar with the Paris and Sahrmann System. The majority enjoyed the ‘active’ learning atmosphere, hands-on manual therapy skill training, and patient demonstrations.
The introduction of the Annual Musculoskeletal Examination served as the blueprint, outlining strategies for clinical decision making in addressing the six major areas:
Breathing – respiratory system.
Posture – attaining a position that allows optimal performance, both static and dynamic. Adding efficiency, balance, and preparedness in anticipation for integrating a purposeful movement.
Locomotion. From walking to striding.
Reaching. The optimal use of the upper quarter, grounded and energized by the lower quarter and trunk, for daily function.
Spine mobility. Turning on the transverse plane; head, neck, torso, pelvis, and hip for safety and energy transfer.
Fulfillment in life. Doing things that you have always enjoyed doing (traveling, gardening, taking long walks, skiing, yoga etc.).
The unique physical therapy model (UPTM) which was also introduced to the group has evolved over my past 32 years in practice, as a clinician. I am grateful for my colleagues and indebted to my mentors. My deceased father, Chew Mung Lum, embraced his physician career of 50 years. My elder brothers, Steven Lum, MD and David Lum, Esq., and brother-in-law Robert Wo, Jr, are exemplary role models; as business owners serving their respective communities. The faculty members of the Stanford PT School, Professor David Auxter, and Erl Pettman, PT,MCSP,MCPA,FCAMT, one of four founding members of NAIOMT, most influenced my clinician hat, passion for teaching, and lifelong learning.
Referring to the historic visit; Governor David Ige writes, “Hawaii’s relationship with Japan is more than business, more than friendship. It is about family”. Words cannot describe the emotions exchanged at our first meeting on those two days in October of 2016. Rie, Takashi and I believe that we have planted the seed to growing our Hawaii-Japan relationship, building a connection that will help the world of physical therapy prosper. Together, we are committed to lifelong learning; for the goodness and well being of our patients and the lifelong care of our communities.
In awesome wonder and gratitude, I look forward to what’s ahead in 2017. Part Two: Best Physical Therapy Practice. April 15, 16. Osaka Rehabilitation University, Japan.
Tami Patrick, a Physical Therapy student from Andrews University spent 8 weeks with our therapists in the Kailua clinic learning and working with patients in an orthopedic outpatient setting. While with us, she gave an inservice to the staff on POSTURE. Her presentation definitely reminded us to sit properly and stand correctly as we go about our daily activities.
What is Posture?
Posture: a position of a person’s body when standing or sitting.
Who cares?
Good posture contributes to good appearance; the person with good posture projects poise, confidence, and dignity.
The discs between the spinal segments become less resilient and give in more readily to external forces, such as gravity and body weight. 45 degrees of cervical flexion doubles the weight your neck has to carry!
Muscles become less flexible and weaker.
In addition, poor posture can affect the position and function of your vital organs, particularly those in the abdominal region. You can imagine as you compress your organs they lose blood flow slowly but over time will give you some organ dysfunction. Constipation anyone?
Why am I like this??
Ligaments: We hang out on our ligaments when our muscles get tired, putting us in a “slouched” position.
Lifestyles usually become more sedentary. Sitting at work or school for long periods of time shortens various muscles, which results in the body being pulled into poor postural positions, and stretches and weakens other muscles, which allows the body to slump.
What is ideal posture?
Ideal standing plumb line posture: bisects the ear, bisects the shoulder joint, runs down the bodies of the lumbar vertebrae, bisects the greater trochanter of the femur, runs just behind the center of the knee, runs just in front of the center of the ankle.
In this alignment the abdominal and hip extensors and the lumbar and hip flexor muscles are in perfect opposition to one another. The former group tilting the pelvis posteriorly (to the back) and the latter tilting it anteriorly (to the the front) resulting in a neutral pelvic position. According to Kendall and Kendall, muscles are most relaxed and less contracted in the ideal posture.
Exercises Standing:
Stand with back against a wall, heels about 3” from the wall and feet about 6” apart weight evenly distributed.
Place arms at sides, palms forward
Keep ankles straight and knees facing forward
Keep low back close to the wall
Straighten the upper back, lifting the chest and bringing shoulders back against the wall
Bring head back to touch the wall while keeping the chin tucked in
Pull up and in with the muscles in the lower abdomen, trying to flatten the abdomen
Hold for 10 seconds breathing normally
Relax and repeat 3 to 4 times
Perform 3 times a day for optimum results
Sitting:
Sit in a straight back armless chair, with both feet flat on the floor and back resting against the chair
Place arms at your sides, palms forward
Straighten the upper back, lifting the chest
Bring shoulders back against the chair
Hold the head erect
Pull up and in with the muscles in the lower abdomen, trying to flatten the abdomen
Hold position for about 10 seconds, breathing normally and keeping the rest of the body relaxed
Relax your abdominal muscles and repeat 3 to 4 times
Repeat entire exercise at least 3 times a day
Tips
Sit with back firmly against chair, with chair low enough so feet are on the floor with knees slightly higher than hips
Keep your head up and avoid leaning forward: by keeping your chair close in to the desk you can help maintain this position.
Sleep on a firm mattress and use a pillow under your head just big enough to maintain the normal cervical—neck—curve. Avoid use of over- sized or several pillows.
Exercise regularly; exercise promotes strong and flexible muscles that keep you upright in a proper postural position.
At Fukuji and Lum Physical Therapy Associates, we challenge ourselves to deliver fun, happiness, and compassion in serving our patients and the community. In doing so, we strive to support those in need of a higher quality of life, as a family. For 20 years, we have served the community in need of physical therapy, but have also branched out to address another need: maintenance after physical therapy. Thus, the Performance Plus Program (PPP) was created to help patients maintain and improve upon their levels of fitness after physical therapy is completed, and no prescription is necessary. The program is also offered to community members that want to improve on their fitness levels and achieve goals they never thought possible.
Here is a testimonial from one of our regular PPP clients at our WORC clinic who asked to remain anonymous.
“I was in a fitness quandary. I quit the fitness club after 5 years. I was tired of fighting for the treadmill and bikes and didn’t want to compete with the jocks for the other machines. Everyone there seemed to have his or her own fitness agenda. My hairdresser spoke of the Fukuji & Lum YWCA location. She raved about the physical therapy she received there, and had continued with an exercise program after being discharged.
I was not in need of physical therapy, but Fukuji & Lum did offer a Performance Plus Program, primarily for PT clients interested in continuing their therapy with an exercise regimen. So, I signed up for my first 8 sessions. My goals were to improve my strength and improve my conditioning. I was told I was in poor to fair condition; so much for the fitness club routine.
Today, 2 years later and starting my third year, I have completed 200 visits; my health profile has improved and I am able to do exercises I never thought possible. The staff teaches me the correct way to do the exercises; always offering helpful tips to improve my technique and correcting my mistakes. The staff pushes me to do more so I can continue to improve.
My overall health has improved; my doctor is happy; I’ve lost weight; gained muscle and toned my body. I’d say that I fixed my fitness quandary.”
That testimonial is typical of a lot of our PPP clientele. No more fighting over equipment, as everyone is scheduled at flexible times to accommodate for overcrowding. Our land-based Performance Plus Programs are offered at our Honolulu clinic located in the Kuakini Physician’s Tower and WORC location in Kaneohe, and is also open to high school students with parental consent. We have also expanded our program to include an Aquatic Therapy Performance Plus Program, located at the Kokokahi YWCA. For questions or more information about our programs, please call our Honolulu Clinic at (808)521-4922 or our WORC clinic at (808)234-5353.
Our Northeastern Co-ops have been with our organization since July, working diligently in our clinics while supporting our therapists in treating our patients. Since being exposed to the “island-style” life, they have been going on different adventures every weekend and are really making the most of their stay here. Of the four Co-ops this fall semester, we have one more student to introduce. Let’s meet Justin and find out why he wants to become a physical therapist, because we know he’ll make a great one in the near future!
Meet Justin
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[two_third_last] What school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college? I went to The Morgan School in Clinton, CT. I currently go to Northeastern University in Boston, MA.
What drew you to PT? I’ve always wanted to have a career that combined my love of sports with helping other people. PT is also a job where there is plenty of room for progression. Treatment techniques are always evolving, which gives us something to look forward to. [/two_third_last]
Why did you want to do your coop in Hawaii? I want to travel to every part of the world and this is just the first step. I’ve been on one Caribbean cruise but that is the farthest I had been from home. Experiencing different ways of life is a great opportunity and I couldn’t pass it up. The aquatic program also drew my interest to Fukuji & Lum. I have already seen first hand the benefits of being in the pool compared to dry land.
What is the strangest thing you have eaten since arriving? I wouldn’t call them strange, but I’ve had many poke bowls and musubis already. I’d eat a poke bowl every day if I could.
What is on your to do list while here? I want to learn a lot- about both physical therapy and Hawaiian culture. I also would like to spend as much time at the beach as possible and do all the best hikes the island has to offer.
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What are your outside interests? I like to watch and play many different sports. I’m a huge Boston sports fan- Patriots, Celtics, and Red Sox all the way! I enjoy playing basketball and ultimate frisbee and recently got into triathlons. [/one_half]
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What kind of therapist do you hope to be? I hope to be a successful and effective therapist. The dream job would be working for a professional sports team. I’m also interested in owning my own place someday. I want to provide all types of alternative treatments that may not be available at other physical therapy places. Incorporating physical therapists, athletic trainers, and nutritionists into one team-oriented area seems like the best environment for maximizing the body’s potential.
Who is your greatest influence in your life? Everyone we meet somehow becomes an influence in our lives, so it would be impossible to choose one. My parents have to be at the top of the list for how hard they work and how much they push me to be my best. I’ve had lots of great teachers and friends that keep me on the right track and I’m thankful for all of them.
For those who missed it, we usually hold this event in June. Hope to see you all next year!
