Mindfulness at A2 Physical Therapy
Mindfulness practices are embraced for many different reasons. Life skills, personal and team resilience, creativity, deeper relaxation and better sleep, health and well being, self knowledge and mastery are just a few areas in our daily lives that can be enhanced with mindfulness practices. Similarly, studies show the broad impact that mindfulness can have on our lives. These include heightened awareness of the present moment, improved focus, paying attention to and reducing physical tension, not acting without thinking, less preoccupation with the past and future, as well as improvements in sleep quality.
Mindfulness can be described as employing intention and attention toward the present moment - paying attention in a particular way. The mindfulness sessions at A2, in alignment with our emphasis on physcial therapy and fitness, will emphasize body centered or somatic practices. Each week we will highlight one of more than twelve core areas. We will work toward developing both formal and informal daily practices that can serve individual circumstances, as well as celebrate the opportunities of practicing together.
Monty Smith, who will facilitate the mindfulness sessions at A2, is a Tacoma based mindfulness instructor and coach. He has studied mindfulness and supporting practices for over thirty years, including living and studying for five years in India. He loves to share these practices with others. He has had a diverse work life as an Army Officer, Lawyer, Pastor and administrator. Currently he is a member of the Reflective Practices Faculty and serves on the Community Steering Committee for the Environmental Education Community of Interest/Puyallup Watershed Initiative.
"After a three-car rear end accident, I had a concussion and severe whiplash. I picked A2 to help me recover. I will have to honestly say A2's expertise and therapists along with all the other staff, have been the "silver lining". They are very knowledgable and take the time to explain what they are doing. and why they are doing it. They are extremely friendly, thoughtful, and maintain flexible hours. I have followed the home exercises regularly and have seen steady improvement. This is very important as I am a small business owner with a physically demanding job. A2 has it all! Fantastic physical therapists, massage therapist, and personal fitness trainers, all under one roof. Alika is a visionary and A2 is the hidden jewel of PT, but not for long."
− Danielle
"I found A2 Physical therapy was able to give me the help I needed in the exercises and cupping they gave me to loosen up my stiff joints and muscles that I could hardly move due to surgery, stiffness, and soreness. I think A2 PT are running a top notch business. The therapists that worked with and on me were extremely courteous. Molly was so helpful in my therapy and an absolute delight to work with. She got me back to 100% in just 4 weeks and my visits were 1 day a week. This was my first experience working with PT’s and it was totally a wonderful experience. Thank you A2 Physical Therapy and thank you Ms. Molly Daugherty for working with me and making my recovery and stability improve so quickly. Should I need PT again I will call you. Again many thanks."
− Diane
"I came to A2 PT to assist in my recovery of a torn Achilles tendon. Not fully knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised. Using a combination of PT (for strengthening and stretching) and massage (for scare tissue Break up) I feel my recovery has been accelerated. The whole crew Alika, Kristi, and Sophia are very kind, spirited, and passionate about their jobs! On a personal note, the word massage should be removed from the phrase deep tissue massage. It is very misleading-but it does work!
Keep up the great work gang!!"
− Christopher