PILATES: Bringing Cyclists Full Circle
Why do cyclists need Pilates? Per the last newsletter, Pilates trains eccentric control, aka contracting and lengthening. But there’s more!
Any cyclist who puts miles on his/her bike has probably had pain. It’s really common. Common complaints from riders are low back or neck pain, anterior knee pain, and Iliotibial Band syndrome. Let’s look at each of these problems and see how and why Pilates can take the pain
away – likemagic. The pain will be gone, and you’ll be a better cyclist.
What have you got to lose?
Though baby boomers are flocking to Pilates in droves these days, they should do so with caution. Pilates can
be the perfect solution for improving balance, and increasing core strength, but all the bending (curl ups, short spine) could actually create bigger problems for Pilates
devotees with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Listen to Jonathan Oldham discuss the pitfalls and the promise of Pilates for Bone Health. He will give you tips for modifying the work in ways that protect your bones and
Click to Resolve Back
Pain Fix Your Neck Pain
Get Rid of Knee Pain
PT in the New Insurance World
decrease your risk of
fractures.
Save the date:
February 27th
at the clinic. Time TBD. Stay tuned for more details.
Selective Functional
Movement Assessment (SFMA)
Consultations
Psst… here’s a secret. Where you hurt is not nearly as important as why you hurt. Do you have a nagging problem that keeps you sidelined? Selective
Functional Movement
Assessment is a seven step assessment that quickly reveals your weakest link and how to fix it. Problems with your low back may not resolve because you
haven’t addressed tightness in your upper back, or knee pain coming from hip
weakness. You get the idea. ALTA Physical
Therapists will be doing free 15 minutes assessments to help you discover the why in your pain. February 20th, 5-7 pm. Call to secure your spot. 303-444-8707. Bring a friend, and sign up today. Space is limited.
OVERWHELMING. Your head might be reeling trying to comprehend all the insurance changes: learning the jargon, comparing prices, and understanding exactly what you’re getting. That’s why we talked to our insurance broker, Jim Marsh, of Hofgard Insurance. Jim and his staff are certified by the ACA to answer questions and help people sign up for insurance. As Jim said, this is a work in progress, and he expects continued evolution of the rules over the next several months. But as of now, here are some things you need to know.
Since many of you are interested specifically in physical therapy benefits, I’ll share what I know. I’ll also give you some general information to help you transition to ACA -sanctioned health insurance.
Insurance is not going to be less expensive for most people. Unless you qualify for a subsidy, insurance will likely be more expensive, but also much more comprehensive. Some of the required changes that affect the physical therapy you receive include:
No exclusion for pre-existing conditions.
Up to 40 visits in outpatient physical therapy per year.
Wellness and prevention services and chronic disease management services must be provided.
There are several levels of plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. In ascending order, each pays a greater percentage of the fee for service and comes with a higher premium. Oddly, they all have the same maximum out of pocket expense. SO, while with the Platinum Plan you pay only 10% out of pocket, your monthly premium will be much higher. As with all plans, when you reach $6350 out of pocket expense, your insurance will pay at 100% for any in-network services. You’ll have to do the math to see what makes the most sense for you.
Within the Colorado exchange, ALTA Physical Therapy is in-network for Colorado HealthOp and Rocky Mountain Health Plans. Each of these plans has different “metal” options within the plan. Each option offers 40 PT visits per year and covers 50% of the visit, after the deductible has been met. This sounds like a hefty percentage to pay for PT, but if, for example, you have had surgery, you will likely have met your maximum out of pocket for the year, and your PT visits will be covered at 100%.
INSURANCE CHANGE?
If your insurance has changed for 2014,
please remember to bring us your new
information.
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For any questions, check the Connect for Health Colorado website.
If you need additional help, do what we did and talk to one of the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Hofgard Insurance. Happy shopping.
