Category Archives: Blog

PT News April 2021

April 28, 2021 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Hand, Knee, PT News, Sports and Fitness

This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout April 2021. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. Physical Therapy Can Relieve Your Arthritis Pain in These 4 Ways

Written by Cornerstone Physical Therapy with multiple locations throughout Ohio.

Physical therapy is one of the highest-rated treatments for arthritis pain. While so many people think of physical therapy as a treatment for following an injury or after a devastating health condition like a heart attack or stroke, utilizing physical therapy for arthritis pain is both highly effective and recommended. Read more

2. What is Proprioception Injury Prevention?

Written by O.S.R. Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy practice with 4 locations in Minneapolis.

Proprioception injury prevention is simply using your body’s sense of orientation to prevent an injury. Thinking about how you’re moving, what’s around you, and your position can help you stay clear of acute injuries. Acute sports injuries are some of the most painful injuries for an athlete. An injury is physically painful. But, it can also be emotionally painful as you’re sidelined for days and even months until you recover. Read more

3. Second ACL Tear 7 Times More Likely in Young Athletes

Written by Custom Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with 3 locations near Reno, NV.

If you return to knee-strenuous sporting activities (e.g. soccer, volleyball) within 9 months of your ACL reconstruction and you are 25 years old or younger, you are 7 times more likely to sustain a second ACL tear! Those who returned to their sport 12 months after surgery fared substantially better. Read more

We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News April 2021 edition.

Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!

Posture is a leading cause of Neck Pain.

April 21, 2021 Kevin - Blog, Neck

Neck pain is a common problem among adults and with the help of smartphones and tablets, is becoming more frequent among young adults. Studies have shown that the incidence of neck pain is increasing making it second only to low back pain in worker’s compensation costs. Seventy percent of adults will experience this form of pain in their lifetime and over fifty percent of adults have experienced it in the last six months. Symptoms of cervical dysfunction may include dizziness and headaches as well. It may be a result of trauma, stress, poor posture, static or repetitive movements.

Physical therapy can be effective in treating many types of neck pain. The combination of modalities, manual therapy, and exercise, as well as postural and ergonomic correction, is proven to provide the best long-term results. It’s also important to look at the whole body for postural issues as well as movement disorders that could cause increased stress on the neck. Chronic pain may be from altered patterns of muscle activation with upper extremity use, resulting in the increased use of the accessory muscles. The increased use of these muscles along with the decreased use of the neck flexors can lead to decreased ability for neck stabilization which can result in pain, headaches or dizziness.

Physical therapists can design a specific program to restore alignment and muscular stabilization, resulting in decreased pain. Range of motion and posture can be improved with cervical and scapular strengthening exercises, which are an integral part of any physical therapy program for the neck. However, no physical therapy program for neck pain is complete without patient education. This includes a home exercise program along with the postural and ergonomic correction. This is specific to each patient and also encompasses all aspects of life including sleeping, work, and recreation.

See if your posture may be contributing to your neck pain.

Posture IQ Quiz

1. When you’re sitting at the computer are you:

A. Leaning into the computer with your head closest to the screen?

B. Sitting upright with your back to the office chair?

2. Is your keyboard:

A. Positioned in the middle of the desk (forcing you into a reach)?

B. Directly in front of you at the edge of your desk?

3. Is your computer screen:

A. At an angle or tilted

B. At eye level, directly in front of you

4. When driving, can you feel your head against the headrest?

A. No, I’m leaned forward looking out the windshield

B. Yes, and I use the lumbar support feature in my car

If you answered A to 2 or more questions, you’re most likely going to suffer from posture-related symptoms throughout your life.
If you answered B to most questions, you’ve got an excellent posture IQ and will save yourself years of potential back, neck, and shoulder pain.
(Quiz provided by Life Fitness Physical Therapy – Ellicott City, MD)

More information you may find helpful:

Most Common Orthopedic-Related Injuries

March 31, 2021 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

If you feel pain after a fall, sporting accident, or sudden movement, it is recommended that you have yourself checked by an orthopedic specialist. This is important to assess if you have sustained injuries that have affected your joints, bones, and connective tissues.

Orthopedic doctors recommend that you don’t treat any orthopedic injuries on your own or wait them out as it might lead to permanent damage. Some of the most common injuries orthopedic and sports injury clinics attend to include:

Fractures

Fracture is a prevalent risk, especially for those that engage in contact sports. Fractures have two primary classifications: simple and compound. The most common fractures in sports occur in the ankle, foot, wrist, collarbone, and hand.

A fractured bone can be extremely painful, and the area around the fracture often swells instantly. If you suspect you have a fracture, it is recommended that you seek medical attention right away.

Groin Strains

Groin strains often occur when you change direction drastically while exercising. Groin strains can also be attributed to overstretching of the groin muscles. Some of the most common symptoms of groin strain include swelling, bruising, and muscle spasms.

Hamstring Injuries

Hamstring injuries often occur when exercising or running. The hamstrings can get injured when they are overworked or stretched too far. In some instances, the muscle can also tear.

Individuals with hamstring injuries can feel severe pain in the back of their thighs. Some people will also feel a “pop.” Hamstring injuries can also cause bruising or inflammation at the back of the thigh.

Ankle Sprains

When the ankle is bent or twisted the wrong way, a sprain can occur. Ankle sprains can also happen if you wear improper footwear or get injured while playing sports. While a mild ankle sprain can get better with rest, severe cases will require orthopedic care.

About the author

Dr. Charles R. Kaelin received his medical degree from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, and completed his orthopaedic training at Orlando Regional Center in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Kaelin also received training in Sports Medicine at Alabama Sports Medicine with Dr. Lemak, specializing in sports medicine and workman’s compensation injuries. He has been a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) since 1990. He is a charter member of the International Cartilage Research Society, a Founding member of the AAOS Education Enhancement Fund (AAOS), and a past editorial board member for the American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Journal.

Depending upon the injury, patients may benefit from physical therapy for further rehabilitation. Our licensed orthopedic professionals work each day to help patients back to the activities they love most. Find the location nearest you today!

Common Basketball Injuries

March 10, 2021 Teresa Stockton - Ankle, Blog, Sports and Fitness

Whether you are a weekend warrior or involved in youth sports, athletes ages 5-75 can experience injuries from playing the games they love. Physical therapists are adept at working with patients suffering from common basketball injuries and can help in a variety of different ways.

One of the most common basketball injuries is an ankle sprain. An Ankle sprain is a partial or complete tear of the ligaments that support the ankle. Ankle sprains may be caused by falling or sudden twisting of the ankle, such as:
• Stepping on an uneven surface or in a hole
• Taking an awkward step when running, jumping, or stepping up or down
• Having your ankle roll over when playing sports or exercising called inversion of the foot

Physical therapy intervention is the standard for treatment of ankle sprains. Treatment for the acute ankle sprain is based primarily upon the RICE principles: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This is followed quickly by a program of exercises and functional training to reduce the likelihood of chronic ankle instability. Balance and “proprioceptive” training are critical components of the rehabilitation process. In the case of a severe sprain and subsequent chronic instability, surgical intervention may be indicated.

Stress fractures are also seen frequently. A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone from chronic overuse. It is typically caused by repeated stress or overuse.
Causes include:
• Increasing the amount or intensity of an activity too quickly
• Switching to a different playing or running surface
• Wearing improper or old shoes
• Stress fractures can worsen by continued physical stress. Smoking can also make

Rest is the first thing you can do for a stress fracture. This includes avoiding the activity that caused the fracture and any other activities that cause pain. Rest time required is at least 6-8 weeks. Once you are ready to restart activity your physician may prescribe physical therapy. They may begin with non weightbearing activities, such as swimming, cycling, use of an Alter-G treadmill. Next, weight-bearing, nonimpact exercise may be prescribed. Gradually, low-impact activity, starting with walking, will be added to your treatment. Once you can do fast-paced walking with no pain, your physical therapist will give higher impact activities, such as light jogging.

HAND INJURIES are also commonly seen in basketball. If you experience a finger injury, a hand therapist will work to make sure your fingers heal correctly and reduce the risk of long term damage.

A Boutonniere injury is usually the result of a forceful blow to the bent finger and causes a disruption of the central slip of the extensor tendon insertion at the level of the middle phalanx. The middle joint (PIP) is unable to fully straighten. If left untreated, a PIP flexion contracture can result and chronic deformity ensue. Acute boutonniere injuries are treated with PIP extension splinting continuously 4-8 weeks. Chronic boutonniere injuries with PIP flexion contractures are treated with dynamic splinting to improve passive PIP extension and static splinting for at least 4 weeks once full PIP extension is achieved.

Mallet injuries are seen commonly with ball sports and result when the terminal extensor tendon is torn from the attachment on the bone. When this occurs, a small fragment of bone may be avulsed from the distal phalanx and the end of the finger droops down and cannot be straightened actively. X rays are necessary to determine the course of treatment. Bony mallet injuries may require surgical correction. Most of these injuries can be treated conservatively with continuous DIP extension splinting for 6-8 weeks.

PT News March 2021

March 3, 2021 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Industrial Rehab, PT News, Sports and Fitness

This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout February and March 2021. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. 5 Common Sports Injuries: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Written by Wright Physical Therapy with multiple locations throughout Idaho.

Sports injuries happen, and they usually occur when engaging in sports or exercise. Sports injuries can occur due to overtraining, lack of conditioning, and improper form or technique. Failing to warm-up increases the risk of sports injuries. Read more

2. The Cost of Being Sedentary

Written by The Jackson Clinics, an outpatient physical therapy practice with multiple locations throughout Northern Virginia.

While it might be easy to list off all of the benefits of exercising, we don’t typically talk about the cost of being sedentary. In fact, a recent study by Jama followed over 100,000 adults for more than 8 years and measured their fitness using a treadmill. The participants were arranged by age and gender into performance groups: Read more

3. Work-at-Home Pain Relief

Written by JACO Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with 4 locations throughout Oahu, HI.

We have found that many of our patients are still working from home and spending more time than they anticipated working at a less-than-ideal workstation. We’ve been seeing complaints of neck pain, back pain, and wrist pain that is caused by strain from poor body mechanics while working. Read more

We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News March 2021 edition.

Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!

Keeping Extremities Warm in Winter

February 17, 2021 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

OUTDOOR SAFETY
Highlights
• Dress warmly and stay dry.
• Wear a hat, scarf, and mittens.
• Avoid frostbite.
• If you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly.
• Avoid walking on ice or getting wet.
• Notify friends and family where you will be before you go hiking, camping, or skiing.
• Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all possible.
• If you are stranded, it is safest to stay in your car.

When the weather is extremely cold, and especially if there are high winds, try to stay indoors. Make any trips outside as brief as possible, and remember these tips below to protect your health and safety.

DRESS WARMLY AND STAY DRY
Adults and children should wear:
• a hat
• a scarf or knit mask to cover the face and mouth
• sleeves that are snug at the wrist
• mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
• water-resistant coat and boots
• several layers of loose-fitting clothing

Be sure the outer layer of your clothing is tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant, to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind. Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton. Stay dry—wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm. Also, avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while de-icing and fueling your car or using a snowblower. These materials in contact with the skin greatly increase heat loss from the body. Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.

AVOID FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.

Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.

AVOID EXERTION
Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Otherwise, if you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly. Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.

UNDERSTAND WINDCHILL
The Wind Chill index is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. It is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the speed of the wind increases, it can carry heat away from your body much more quickly, causing skin temperature to drop. When there are high winds, serious weather-related health problems are more likely, even when temperatures are only cool.

AVOID ICE
Walking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.

BE SAFE DURING RECREATION
Notify friends and family where you will be before you go hiking, camping, or skiing. Do not leave areas of the skin exposed to the cold. Avoid perspiring or becoming overtired. Be prepared to take emergency shelter. Pack dry clothing, a two-wave radio, waterproof matches and paraffin fire starters with you. Do not use alcohol and other mood altering substances, and avoid caffeinated beverages. Avoid walking on ice or getting wet. Carefully watch for signs of cold-weather health problems.

BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT TRAVEL
• Listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
• Do not travel in low visibility conditions.
• Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all possible.
• If you must travel by car, use tire chains and take a mobile phone with you.
• If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late.
• Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you leave.
• Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow; shattering may occur.
• Don’t rely on a car to provide sufficient heat; the car may break down.
• Always carry additional warm clothing appropriate for the winter conditions.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET STRANDED
Staying in your vehicle when stranded is often the safest choice if winter storms create poor visibility or if roadways are ice covered. These steps will increase your safety when stranded:
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers and raise the hood of the car (if it is not snowing).
• Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
• Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers.
• Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
• Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
• Do not eat unmelted snow because it will lower your body temperature.
• Huddle with other people for warmth.

For more information about winter safety visit: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.asp

For more PTandMe cold weather safety tips to keep you out of harm’s way this winter check the articles below!

Introducing REHAB-19

February 10, 2021 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

It’s not uncommon for patients that experience a milder form of COVID-19 to experience longer-lasting symptoms. To help patients combat these lasting physical ailments we have created a Rehab-19 Program designed specifically to restore energy for healthy active bodies. If you have recovered from COVID-19 and you’re not quite feeling like yourself yet, our licensed team of physical therapists can help get you the rest of the way.

Some impairments that can last several weeks or months after COVID include:

Decreased lung capacity
Decreased strength
Decreased balance, mobility, and difficulty walking
Decreased endurance
Abnormal breathing patterns
Muscle aches and pain
Musculoskeletal pains from coughing/bed rest
Chronic fatigue

To help patients overcome these obstacles, our clinicians will provide patients with a comprehensive evaluation to develop an individualized treatment plan to overcome impairments. Once your evaluation is complete, you will begin to work on your personalized reconditioning program. Both in-clinic and virtual appointments through Telehealth are available for this treatment plan.

The types of strategies that may be included in your REHAB-19 recovery program may include:

Aerobic activity
Low-intensity resistance training
Soft tissue stretching/mobilizations
Balance and fall prevention techniques
An individualized home exercise program

By choosing to go to physical therapy for a REHAB-19 program you will be back to your normal energy levels in no time. Our clinicians are experts at helping patients get back to their best selves. The benefits of physical therapy after COVID-19 include:

Improve cardiopulmonary endurance/stamina
Improve balance and mobility
Return to work, sports, hobbies, and normal activities
Restore flexibility and strength
Improve breathing mechanics

Rehabilitation programs for patients that have spent time in the ICU are also available. If you are having trouble getting back to your former activity levels, or simply don’t quite feel like yourself, we’re here to help!

PT News January 2021

January 13, 2021 Teresa Stockton - Back, Blog, Knee, PT News, Shoulder

This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout December 2020 and January 2021. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. Shoulder Pain Treatment

Written by Riverview Physical Therapy with multiple locations throughout Southern Maine.

If you are looking for shoulder pain treatment in Southern Maine, the information below will help you make a better decision as well as help you avoid unnecessary and expensive healthcare treatment. There are seven common diagnoses that cause shoulder pain and usually respond very well to physical therapist directed treatment. These diagnoses are: Read more

2. Prevent Low Back Pain While Shoveling Snow

Written by Rehab Associates of Central VA, an outpatient physical therapy practice with multiple locations throughout VA.

As I was shoveling the snow off my driveway this week, I quickly realized that I needed to adjust my technique or I was going to pay for it later. Injury can result from repetitive movements with a general lack of awareness and variability in movement and may be prevented with some easy steps. Read more

3. FAQ About 3 of the Most Common Knee Conditions

Written by Evergreen Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with locations throughout MI.

The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints in the body. It primarily joins the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia), but also includes the kneecap (patella) and fibula in the lower leg. These bones and the muscles that surround them are connected through a series of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage (menisci) which collectively stabilize the knee and allow it to bend, twist, and rotate… Read more

Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!

Vestibular Physical Therapy

December 30, 2020 Teresa Stockton - Balance & Vestibular Rehab, Blog

Vestibular Dysfunction

It is estimated that 35% of adults aged 40 years or older in the U.S. have experienced some sort of vestibular dysfunction — approximately 69 million Americans. Many people who suffer from acute dizzy spells can be helped by physical therapy. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is characterized by a brief episode of vertigo (spinning) every time your head moves into a specific position. Common causes for this disorder are trauma to the head (concussion, motor vehicle accident, etc.) and acute infection, but frequently the cause is unknown. Patients usually complain of a spinning sensation being provoked by lying down, rolling over in bed, bending over, or looking up. Common activities that can provoke this sensation include getting out of bed, gardening, washing hair in the shower, and going to the dentist or beauty parlor.

Common Symptoms

Vertigo: The perception of movement/spinning, either of the self or the environment
Dizziness: General term that describes light-headedness, floating sensation, or faintness
Imbalance: Disequilibrium is a feeling of being off-balance or a loss of equilibrium

Uncommon Symptoms

Nausea
Blurred vision
Anxiety
Lack of coordination
Difficulties with memory and concentration
Headaches/neck pain

How Do You Know if You Need Vestibular Therapy?

80% of older adults over the age of 65 have experienced dizziness with 50% being due to Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

Do you feel unsteady?
Do you lose your balance and fall?
Do you feel like you are falling, the room is spinning, or get dizzy when you lay down?
Do you like you are moving when you are standing or sitting still?
Do you feel light-headed?
Do you have blurred vision?
Do you ever feel disoriented, such as losing your sense of time or where you are?
Or if you’ve been diagnosed with BPPV, labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s syndrome, migraine-related dizziness, cervicogenic dizziness

Video provided by Advance Rehabilitation (GA)

What to Expect from Vestibular Physical Therapy?

Our goal for vestibular physical therapy patients is to decrease feelings of vertigo and dizziness, improve balance, posture control, gaze stability, overall endurance, and conditioning, and increase safety.

We use exercises that provide small, controlled, and repeated “doses” of the movements and activities that provoke dizziness to de-sensitize and fine-tune the brain. Physical therapists provide comprehensive Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation. They perform specific treatment protocols for specific diagnoses, with a focus on alleviation of symptoms and return of function. Treatment for vestibular rehabilitation may include, but is not limited to:

Patient Education
Home Exercise Program
Repositioning Maneuvers
Habituation Exercises
Balance Exercises
Conditioning Exercises
Functional Activities

When you Go for a Vestibular Physical Therapy Visit

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely
Bring a list of your current medications, especially those prescribed for your s/s
You may experience dizziness or an increase in symptoms initially. If possible, have someone with you for the first couple of appointments to assist you home if needed

For more information about vestibular disorders and vertigo, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our highly trained teams of physical therapists nationwide. We are here and ready to help.

Information for this post provided by Agility Spine & Sports Physical Therapy (locations throughout Tucson, AZ)

Physical Therapy for Adults Living in Retirement Communities

December 23, 2020 Teresa Stockton - Aging, Blog

Physical therapy for adults in retirement communities is common. Physical therapy programs can restore a great degree of functionality and bring independence to an elderly after he/she has sustained an impairment either from some chronic condition, injury, or illness. It also works when a person is recovering from surgery.

Physical therapy can be used to manage injury, deformity, or disease using physical methods rather than surgery or drugs. Typical methods include stretching, strengthening through exercise, and manual therapy. Today most outpatient physical therapy clinics and assisted living facilities for disabled adults would offer these as part of their services.

Under physical therapy, a trained therapist will evaluate and assess a person’s condition and accordingly devise a plan to suit their needs. The goal is to restore mobility and prevent future injuries. Treatment plans are usually long-term that keep in mind the degree of independence to which a person was accustomed and aim to bring that back.

Common Types of Physical Therapies for Seniors

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

When needing physical therapy for adults living in retirement communities, outpatient PT clinics offer an array of valuable services. Injuries related to the musculoskeletal system are treated by orthopedic physical therapists. Seniors recovering from orthopedic surgery are also ideal for undergoing this form of therapy. It aims to restore the functioning of joints, bone, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Seniors who have a hard time balancing or have reduced physical strength can also benefit from regular physical therapy sessions. It can help seniors in improving and maintaining better endurance and muscle tone enabling them to live more freely and independently. The goal is to decrease their risk of falling and accidental muscle/bone damage.

Patients suffering from post-intensive care syndrome can also benefit from physical therapy. Post-ICU physical therapy programs help patients get back into their daily routines and activities by working with them to reduce the effects of muscle loss and weakness.

Trained therapists who work at outpatient clinics and assisted living for adults with disabilities often create restorative therapy programs for the residents. These programs are led by nursing staff and caregivers with the specific needs of the patient in mind. The nursing staff prescribes certain exercises that improve strength and range of motion.

Geriatric Physical Therapy

The main emphasis under geriatric therapy is on the needs of the aging individual. Common conditions that receive treatment are – joint replacement, balance disorders, cancer, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Special programs are devised to improve fitness levels, reduce pain, and restore mobility to the maximum range.

Aquatic or Hydrotherapy

Aquatic therapy is beneficial for a few key reasons. Water decreases the gravity placed on weak limbs unable to bear much weight. This makes it easier for a patient to move, with less stress on joints, muscles, and bones. Physical therapists also utilize water to surround the patient’s body and help blood circulation in the legs. This can also reduce swelling in the patient’s ankles and feet. As the swelling decreases, the range of motion can increase.

Neurological Physical Therapy

This therapy is slightly different from all the other therapies in that it focuses on restoring brain health. Neurological physical therapy is best for the elderly who have neurological conditions like ALS, Dementia, or Parkinson’s. Those who have sustained some kind of brain injury can also benefit from it. A neurological physical therapist trains the patient to adapt to mobility, visual, and muscle loss impairments and balance issues to make their daily living as easy as possible.

Occupational Therapy

The focus of occupational therapy is on fine motor movements and hygiene-related tasks. Ideal candidates to receive this therapy are the elderly with arthritis or those who have suffered a stroke. These conditions can affect a person’s mobility and movement. An occupational therapist teaches ways to handle daily tasks with the least difficulty. It also focuses on incorporating adaptive equipment to help a person regain independence which eventually boosts the elderly’s body awareness and self-esteem.

Cardiopulmonary physical therapy

Cardiopulmonary therapy works best for individuals who have had a heart attack or suffer from some kind of heart condition. Common pulmonary conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can also benefit from this therapy. It helps to restore functional independence and endurance.

Speech-Language Therapy

The focus of this therapy is on the mouth and language-related concerns; and not just on speech as one may assume. Seniors who have a hard time chewing food or swallowing can benefit greatly from speech-language therapy. Additionally, seniors with short-term memory loss should also work with a speech-language therapist. The focus of this therapy is on cognitive issues, language deficit, and judgment concerns that are often a result of stroke or dementia.

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapy is for seniors who struggle with breathing issues. It’s not uncommon for a common cold to sometimes turn into pneumonia in an occasional elderly. This can take a toll on the breathing quality. A respiratory therapist uses tapping and massage lessons to loosen the mucus which encourages easy breathing.

How Physical Therapy Benefits Seniors

Can manage chronic pain

Most seniors suffer from conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis; and as a result, suffer from pain almost every day. Studies tell that almost all elderly over the age of 65 have some degree of arthritis in their spine no matter whether symptoms persist or not. Physical therapy can preserve strength and joint health so that the onset of symptoms is delayed. If a person already has arthritis, via physical therapy they can learn therapeutic methods to reduce the level of pain and everyday discomfort.

Can significantly reduce the risk of falls

Falls happen to be the leading cause of bone and head-related injuries/accidents. Also, one fall often leads to multiple falls. Physical therapy can ensure stability and strength via balancing techniques to prevent future falls.

Reduces dependence on pain medications

Physical therapy is often more effective in restoring balance and managing pain than medications prescribed by the doctor. When performed properly, it can produce almost the same kind of result in treating spine-related issues as surgery.

Reduces risk of injury

With advancing age, a person loses flexibility and muscle strength making them more prone to injuries. As part of physical therapy, a person learns several extension exercises that preserve flexibility and maintain balance to prevent falls and ensure correct posture.

Helps to regain independence and aid a healthy lifestyle

Many of the old age injuries and illnesses are due to lack of activity and mobility. Physical therapy programs incorporate various exercises to keep the elderly strong and fit. In this way, it enables them to complete everyday tasks all the while maintaining a healthy weight.

Outpatient Physical Therapy and Telehealth

Thanks to the transformation in digital technologies; seniors don’t always need to subscribe to an inpatient facility. They can work with an outpatient clinic wherein they receive physical therapy and go back to their home.

Outpatient clinics often use telehealth for physical therapy (online appointments) to work with patients that may not yet feel comfortable going into the clinic. These online telehealth appointments are more than a consultation. It is a:

Is a full therapy visit
Is a private, secure, and compliant way to receive care
Sessions can be done on a computer, tablet, or phone
Appointments are accessed on a user-friendly platform

Telehealth is a great option for seniors that are in need of care but are unable to make it into the clinic.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you love needs physical therapy for adults living in retirement communities to recover from an illness, weakness, or injury, talk to your local physical therapist or primary care provider, and ask for more information.