At some point in our lives most of us make the decision to become a healthier version of ourselves. As physical and occupational therapists we often help our patients become more active, but diet is just as important in any quest to a healthier lifestyle. As a result, we have created a simple guide to help you get started, or to help you continue on your path to healthy living in 2015.
Make 2015 about you and get yourself back into a healthy lifestyle !
Written By: André Meintjes, M.P.T.,C.F.E., Ph.D.
We all know someone who has had a bone mineral density test and been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis. This means they have lower than normal bone mineral density and hence their bones may be more fragile. This in itself does not necessarily cause fractures but does need to be addressed.
It’s the new year and for many, with it comes the resolution to get into shape. If you haven’t been to the gym or had an exercise routine in a while, we want to make sure you get off of the right foot. The last thing you need is an injury that will prevent you from reaching your goals. The American Council on Exercise surveyed fitness professionals to identify the most common fitness errors. Here are some good tips to avoid these mistakes and get the most out of your exercise routine.
Tired of waiting to get into your physician for a new injury, nagging back pain, or are you just looking for safe ways to prevent an injury or live a healthier more active life. Your state may have jumped on board to make these personal goals achievable.
Essentially all 50 states and Washington DC have some form of direct access laws. In some states such as Pennsylvania & Tennessee, a patient may be treated only for a certain amount of time before contacting the patient’s physician. While in others (Arizona, Kentucky, etc…) there are no restrictions to access. To learn more about your state’s Direct Access laws click here http://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/Advocacy/State/Issues/Direct_Access/DirectAccessbyState.pdf or call your therapist directly.
Direct access laws can aide in your recovery by allowing a patient, to quickly gain access to a Physical (PT) professional who can guide you down the road of recovery. There is no need for just a free consult or examination… start getting treatment on day one! Many may not realize your previous therapist may have completed a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. These advancements in educational requirements have helped provide clinicians that are capable of thoroughly evaluating, examining, and treating a wide range of injuries and disabilities.
Similar to chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and other medical services; your insurance may vary in its coverage available. Despite the law, some insurance companies may have additional restrictions such as the number of visits they may reimburse a year or per injury. Contact one of our clinics to help guide you through the insurance benefits process. Research has shown physical therapy is cost-effective and early intervention prevents more costly treatments later, can result in faster recovery and reduces costs associated with time off work.
The profession of physical therapy is constantly evolving and its scope of practice continues to grow to strive to offer the best standard of care for its patients. Physical therapists and healthcare professionals are doing research every day to discover better treatment methods available. Rehabilitation can cover a wide variety of conditions from fall prevention, sports injuries, pre and post-surgical patients, neck and back pain, shoulder pain, ankle sprains, headaches…. and the list goes on!
Why should you choose a PTandMe partnering clinic for your physical therapy needs? Find out here!
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Age is more than a number, especially when it comes to wellness. After 40, exercise is one of the greatest allies in the battle against age-related disease. It’s never too late to plan your fitness future. The sooner you begin, the healthier and more vibrant you will be well into your retirement year. Check out the info graphic below for tips on staying fit over 40 and check out Health Perch who complied the information for more.
It’s difficult to watch what you eat during the holidays. Festivities are usually centered around food but if you’re looking for a healthy breakfast recipe to make this holiday season for you and your family. Give Pop Pop’s Healthy Pancakes a try.
When you take a look at it, many physical and occupational therapy clinics provide manual therapy, but what is it? Is manual therapy just another fancy way of saying physical therapy? NO. The goals of manual therapy may be similar to that of orthopedic treatment – decrease pain, increase function and flexibility, but the process is different.