Priority1 Physical Therapy

15/01/2021

Well that’s a wrap! Thank you for trusting me with your story. Thank you for trusting me with your care. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live a full life here in Okinawa! Practicing Physical Therapy gives me joy every single day.

Many of you have gotten great results from dry needling and are worried about not having it. Remember it is just a tool. Empower yourself knowing you have many tools in your toolbox-strengthening, stretching, stability, stress management, mental health, body mechanics, hydration, nutrition, etc etc etc. I love dry needling too but you have MANY ways to keep your progress going.

The final point on would like to touch on is advocating for yourself and family in our healthcare system. This can seem daunting and uncomfortable because to many, it may seem like a confrontation but it is not. My advice is to always be respectful and keep your cool. A simple, respectful question to ask your practitioner before your appointment ends is “what is the plan?” At every visit, your practitioner has to document the appointment and one of the things they must write is a plan. So this is something they already know. By asking them, you are prompting them to communicate it with you which can then lead to a productive conversation. At the end of that, if you still feel things are not right, remember there is a department called patient advocacy. Give them a ring and see if they can help you.

Okay, I will get off my soap box. I feel privileged getting to work with each one of you and I will miss you all dearly. Please please please keep in touch and let me know if you ever have any questions!
❤️ Michelle

10/08/2020

Anyone else feel like Flash during their first run with new shoes? ❤️ 🏃‍♀️

04/08/2020

⚠️ ⏰ ⚠️ FYI: Kadena is conducting healthy screenings at the gate. Traffic was pretty back up this morning. You may want to give yourself some extra time. See you soon! 😊

15/07/2020

I am hoping to see a runway catwalk when you all come to PT today. 🤣

Seriously though, be careful of all the construction...it’s crazy. Entry to my sidewalk begin by the street, near the building. 🚧

21/05/2020

Reopening 2 JUNE!!!!
20 consecutive days of no new cases!!!

Thank you all for doing the right thing during this challenging time. I know it was not fun but I appreciate you all doing what needed to be done for the good of others! ❤️

With cases down to 13 on island and no new cases after 20 days, I feel comfortable opening the doors again!!! With that said there will be a few changes listed below:
✅ waiting area will be restricted to front entry way and patio
✅ kids are still welcome; however, they need to stay with us in the clinic
✅ there will be a short break in between clients in order to allow time to clean
✅if you or anyone you have come in contact with feels ill, please cancel
✅ last but most important, WASH HANDS, HAND SANITIZER, and FACE MASKS

I cannot wait to see each of you starting June 2nd! I have missed you sooooo much!

Licensed Physical Therapist providing one-to-one care out of an in-home clinic. Dr. Michelle Butler

04/04/2020

I wish I could sew. 😏. Can you?

Calling all those with 3D printer experience and those that sew. We have been asked to share a volunteer action from the Sh**un Spark Innovation hub. Please contact them with any questions and to help assist in their efforts!

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy OESC members!

01/04/2020

Here is a good resource to track your mileage while the gym is closed!

In case anyone would like to run somewhere other than the track

29/03/2020

Due to recent developments, I have decided to close down Priority1 in order to maintain health and safety of my patients, my kids, myself and my community on Kadena. This was a very difficult decision but hopefully with social distancing, COVID-19 will pass as quickly as possible.

I will be offering telehealth appointments by request. If your pain starts worsening or exercises do not seem to be going as they should, do not wait. Contact me and we will figure out a way to see what is going on.

Until I see you next, continue with your exercises. Take the opportunity of a slower paced life to focus on strengthening stability muscles, begin your consistent stretching program, work on balance, concentrate on posture, or stress management. These things seem difficult in our regular busy life. Maybe concentrating on it now will transfer over to when life returns to normal.

Keep in touch and stay safe! I will hopefully see you soon!!!

24/03/2020

Remember kids are welcome! With many people home schooling the next few weeks, I created a way for kids to complete physical education during your appointment. Win! Win!

02/03/2020

Good Morning! Best defense against COVID-19 is to WASH YOUR HANDS! 🧼 easy! Would you all please wash your hands and your kids hands when you come in? Help me protect you, me, my family and others. Thank you!!!!