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By Sally KalosCelebrates7 YEARS in business!AHNEW Physical TherapyD Dr. Ann Newstead, PT, DPT, PhD, recently celebrated seven fruitful years at the helm of AHNew Physical Therapy, located in the quaint area of Old Town Helotes. With a vast academic repertoire, Dr. Ann is not just your average licensed physical therapist. Her credentials include specializations as a vestibular specialist, geriatric and neurological clinical specialist, and functional nutrition certification. Her qualifications also encompass certifications in LSVT Think Big for individuals with Parkinson’s and as an ExerciseAnn penned an e-book,“How to Live to Be 103”, available on her website. The book elucidates the symbiotic relationship between movement and nutrition, exploring their combined potential in enhancing overall well-being. It offers insights into specific physical activities and foods that can potentially mitigate pain, dizziness, and brain fog.Situated in Old Town Helotes, AHNew Physical Therapy is a sanctuary of wellness. The range of services offered span from yoga, Pilates, vestibular rehabilitation, pre- and post-surgical rehab, manual therapy, and hand on, one-on- one targeted physical therapy.The glowing reviews for AHNew Physical Therapy paint a vivid picture. Patrons frequently praise their experiences as “calming,”“personalized,” and “friendly.” Many ardently wish they could award the clinic more than the coveted 5-star rating!The earlier you seek help, the simpler it becomes to address the issue. Many of Ann’s patients have waited a year or two, trying various remedies suggested by the internet, friends, or family, before they come to see her. Living with pain or dizziness for such a long period is unnecessary. Early intervention significantly benefits everyone involved.Ann tells about two notable cases that her service made an impact. The first involves a patient who arrived with severe back pain radiating down her leg. After only two physical therapy sessions and adhering to a prescribed home exercise program, she managed to alleviate her back pain and resumed her favorite activities. The second case concerns a patient suffering from persistent dizziness for two weeks, which emergency room medications failed to address. After just one session with Dr. Ann, her condition improved significantly. She returned for a follow-up the next day and after another session, reported almost complete recovery, allowing her to return to work.How significant is diet in affecting one’s well-being? “Nutrition forms the bedrock of a healthy recovery process, emphasizing the importance of quality food. During my Functional Nutrition certification, I learned that proper nutrition is essential for the healing and recovery of our brain, muscles, and vital organs. By reducing intake of processed foods and sugars and increasing consumption of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, we can lessen inflammation and oxidative stress. There is a direct correlation between mood and food; consistent, high- quality nutrition is crucial for optimal brain function, which supports our thoughts, movement, and overall functionality,” says Ann.The adage “Motion is lotion” accurately captures the essence of our body’s need for movement. Ceasing to move results in decreased blood flow and oxygen to our muscles, leading to increased pain, stiffness, and a declineExpert for Aging Adults.Dr. Ann Newstead, PT, DPT, PhDThe genesis of her professional journey dates to 1978 at the Cook County Hospital in Chicago. In her initial 15 years, Dr. Newstead (who prefers to be called Ann) accrued invaluable experience in rehabilitation in the Houston and San Antonio areas. Notably, she was instrumental in inaugurating San Antonio’s very first Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital. Over the years, her expertise was sharpened further through teaching stints withAnn Newstead, PT, DPT, PhD offers information outside her clinic on Market Days in Old Town Helotes.in function and safety is something Ann also tells her patients they need to continue to move.There are two aspects that stand out this year for Ann that are particularly rewarding: firstly, t he s ignificant in crease in people taking an active interest in their health and wellness; and secondly, witnessing individuals overcome pain or dizziness and improve their quality of life.The clinic caters to a broad demographic, welcoming patients spanning from newborns to seniors. They also collaborate with several insurance providers, including Medicare, all Medicare Advantage plans, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Tricare, TriWest, and Humana.In the words of Ann, “I am passionate about integrating health and wellness into people’s lives.” She extends a warm invitation to everyone for a free Discovery Consultation Visit, guiding them towards potentially reaching the enviable age of 103!When not professionally engaged, Dr. Ann cherishes time with her family. She is a proud mother of one daughter, Erin, and dotes on her three grandchildren: Tyler, Emily, and Parker. She is passionate about Eggplant Parmesan and relishes outdoor activities, including hiking, running, cycling, camping, and kayaking.AHNew Physical Therapy is not just a clinic; it’s Ann’s mission. Her primary ambition is to foster relationships and empower individuals to reclaim their optimal quality of life.AHNew Physical Therapy14418 Old Bandera Road, Helotes, TX 78023(210) 833-8336www.ahnewphysicaltherapy.comthe University of Texas Health Science System in Galveston and San Antonio. Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to education, Dr. Ann played a significant role in launching two DPT programs at the University of the Incarnate Word and West Coast University in California.Throughout her practice, Ann observed a recurring trend: older adults either having experienced falls or being at a heightened risk of falling. This observation piqued her curiosity, propelling her to seek deeper insights into the recurring falls among this demographic. In her quest for answers, she secured a Ph.D. in Movement Science from UT Austin and a DPT from the University of Montana. Remarkably, Ann, alongside another peer, became one of the first two physical therapists in Texas to be recognized as a Neurological Clinical Specialist.Founded in 2017, AHNew Physical Therapy is a testament to Ann’s vision. At this clinic, she administers comprehensive screenings and examinations, crafting a holistic care approach that ranges from addressing pain, posture, dizziness, to balance. On the topic of dizziness, she firmly asserts,“It’s not a normal part of aging, and you don’t have to live with it.”Dec. / Jan. 2024-25www.heloteshighlights.com9