March 2022

Physical Therapy Isn’t Just For Pain

March 2, 2023March 22, 2022

Date

22.03.22

Key Points

Physical Therapy Isn’t Just For Pain. It Can Keep You Healthy For Life.

You know that physical activity is good for you. The benefits are well researched and the list is

impressive. Here’s just a sampling:

● Releases endorphins to make you feel good and fight depression

● Helps control weight

● Prevents diseases like stroke, diabetes and some forms of cancer

● Improves sleep

● Helps you live longer

Recent studies even show that physical activity strengthens your immune system, with a

protective effect against COVID, and that staying active through middle age protects your brain

as you age.

Physical activity is a wonder drug. If it was a pill, you’d buy it and take it every day. But even

though activity is free, less than 25% of Americans meet the CDC recommendations for activity.

We clearly need help.

Physical Therapists Are The Experts in Human Movement

To be active, you need to be able to move. Physical Therapists do more than help you recover

from surgeries or major injuries. They are the experts in human movement. Sure, you could see

a strength coach to lift weights, hire a personal trainer, go to a yoga class to work on your

flexibility and balance, and see a chiropractor for adjustments. But that seems like a lot of

people when a PT can help you with all of these things and more. Nobody knows more about

human movement or looks at your health the same way a PT does. Your PT can help you

with every aspect of movement including strength, range of motion, flexibility, endurance,

balance and coordination.

As medical professionals they can help you with injuries or other issues. Your PT can work with

your doctor to help use activity to manage things like diabetes, cholesterol levels or blood

pressure instead of prescriptions. Your PT is also trained to work with people of all ages, so you

can develop a long-term relationship and they can continue to adjust and modify your routine as

you age or your goals change.

The #1 Thing You Can Do To Improve Your Physical Therapy Experience

March 1, 2023March 15, 2022

Date

2022-03-15

Key Points

The No. 1 Thing You Can Do to Improve Your Physical Therapy Experience Dealing with the pain and limited mobility associated with an injury or illness can be stressful for so many reasons. You might have questions like, “How long will I be sidelined?” and “What do I need to do to get better?” Or maybe you’re worried about how you’ll pick your children up from school, walk to the train for your commute or prepare meals for your family.

These are all perfectly normal concerns. Luckily, there are some ways that you can gain control over the situation and ensure that you return to the activities you care most about—especially if physical therapy is part of your plan.

What you can do before your very first appointment—and during physical therapy—to take control of that injury-related stress? First and foremost, it’s important to come prepared for physical therapy. And no, I’m not talking about dressing appropriately and arriving on time (or even better, 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment). That stuff is important, of course, but there’s one thing you can do in the days leading up to your appointment that will set you up for success.

Any guesses? I’m talking about starting a list. What kind of list? Well, every time that you feel pain in the affected area or notice an activity that is harder than it was pre-injury, add it to the list! And the more specific you are, the better. Here’s an example to help drive this point home: Let’s say that you’re recovering from a moderate meniscus tear and you have an appointment with your physical therapist in three days. Take notes on how your knee feels first thing in the morning after you’ve been off your feet. How does your knee react when you stand up from a chair—does it feel unstable? Or do you find that you need to clutch the back of the couch on your way to the bathroom? Sharing each of these details helps your physical therapist understand your limitations beyond the injury printed on your intake form.

Now let’s take that list a step farther and add some details about the activities that you typically participate in on a regular basis. Let’s say that you normally play a weekly round of golf, spend your mornings weeding your garden or meet up with friends for a four-mile walk two evenings a week. These activities have become an important part of your life so let’s make sure that they’re factored into your list, perhaps in the “what you hope to get out of physical therapy” category. Painting a clear picture of how active you are—and what types of activities and sports you participate in—can help your physical therapist design an individualized treatment plan and to better help you on your road to recovery.

Physical Therapy Guide to Multiple Sclerosis

March 8, 2022

Physical Therapy Guide to Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that impacts the brain and spinal cord which make up the central nervous system and controls everything we do. The exact cause of MS is unknown, but we do know that something triggers the immune system to attack the brain and spinal cord. The resulting damage to myelin, the protective layer insulating wire-like nerve fibers, disrupts signals to and from the brain. This interruption of communication signals causes unpredictable symptoms such as numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness and/or paralysis. Everyone’s experience with MS is different and these losses may be temporary or long lasting.

Signs and Symptoms

MS leads to multiple signs and symptoms that may include:

Fatigue that does not go away with rest.

Difficulty walking and problems with balance.

Stiffness and spasms or a feeling of heaviness in your legs or arms.

Bladder and/or bowel problems, such as urgency or leaking.

Sexual dysfunction, such as less sensation, dryness, less desire, and trouble reaching orgasm.

Memory and thinking problems.

Pain and other unpleasant sensations.

Emotional or mood problems, including depression and apathy.

Vision problems, such as control of eye movements, seeing double, and blurry vision.

Dizziness or vertigo.

Speech and swallowing problems.

How Is It Diagnosed?

At this time, there are no symptoms, physical findings or laboratory tests that can, by themselves, determine if you have MS. Several strategies are used to determine if you meet the long-established criteria for a diagnosis of MS, and to rule out other possible causes of whatever symptoms you are experiencing. These strategies include a careful medical history, a neurologic exam and various tests including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spinal fluid analysis, and blood tests to rule out other conditions.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Physical therapy for people with MS focuses on helping them return to the roles performed at home, work, and in the community. Your first physical therapy visit will consist of a complete examination to determine your impairments (ie, weakness, pain, loss of sensation, balance, or coordination), activity limitations (ie, daily activities that you are having difficulty with, such as walking, dressing, or getting into your vehicle), and participation restrictions (ie, an alteration to your normal activities, such as difficulty completing work and household tasks, caring for yourself or your family, or performing recreational and/or social activities). Following the examination, your physical therapist will develop a specific exercise program for you based on your condition and goals, including a home-exercise program and education on community-based exercise options.

Research studies have found that people in the early stages of MS may experience changes in their walking ability, balance, and breathing. If ignored, these early signs can lead to further disability. When someone receives a diagnosis of MS, the best option is to begin physical therapy right away to help improve any mild challenges, and possibly slow down the progression of the symptoms of the disease.

What Kind of Physical Therapist Do I Need?

All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat multiple sclerosis. However, MS is a unique condition and you may want to consider:

A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with neurological conditions, specifically multiple sclerosis.

A physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or who has completed a residency or fellowship in neurologic physical therapy and uses the designation NCS. This physical therapist has advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that may apply to this condition.