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.
"I’ve had 4 surgeries with different physical therapy clinics and this was my favorite. I felt comfortable and felt like I mattered to my PT which was a good feeling. My progress was as I had expected and any time I had a question or concern it was always answered and my PT adjusted. If it needed to be to avoid the pain I had I didn’t feel pressured to have more PT appointments or pressured to do workouts that aggravated my pain. Thank you for your help! I think offering stem and ultrasound for every patient will be really beneficial. Great experience overall."
− A.S.
"I had a great time coming in to A2 every week. Everyone was really helpful and fun to be around. The exercises we did made a huge difference in getting my body and confidence back to shape. Next time I'm injured, I will know just where to go. Thank you!"
− Eric
"Dan was great to work with, as was the whole staff at A2 PT. I have been through PT on my shoulders twice before with different places and by far this has been my best experience. As a fit person, who wanted to remain active during my recovery- I felt like my PT program covered that. Dan knew what my preferred activities were and tailored my treatment to be able to do those things. The treatment plan was more like a workout and I loved it. I felt like each week I was getting stronger. I also appreciated that I was asked for constant feedback about how I was feeling/doing. If I ever need PT again (fingers crossed I don’t) I’ll be back!"
− Tracey