Blog: Physical Therapy & Chiropractic

Yes! Physical Therapy Can Actually Help Spine Injuries!

Did you know that August is a month of awareness for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)? This is a condition in which patients suffer from reduced muscle tone and significant muscle weakness. It is common in children and to a lesser extent, in adolescents. It is a genetic disorder, and patients tend to deteriorate over a period of time.

The management of patients with SMA is multi-disciplinary. This means that different healthcare professionals work together to help improve the quality of life for the patient. The physical therapist is an integral part of this team. This is a very complex condition and outcomes vary between patients. A lot of treatment options (gene testing, gene conversion) have been investigated, and the research is ongoing.

In any condition (or injury) involving the spine, the probability of nerve damage is significant. This has the potential to affect movement, function and muscle strength. Simple things like rolling in bed, sitting up straight and reaching for objects can become a challenge. There are several things that physical therapists can do for patients with spine injuries.

The Link between Spinal Health and Physical Therapy

As part of a multi-disciplinary team in the management of spinal muscular atrophy, physical therapists often recommend the following:

1. Exercise

Physical therapists design exercise programs to increase muscle strength and improve balance in order to achieve independence in simple things such as walking, rolling, and sitting. A home exercise program is also provided to patients.

2. Orthotics

These include devices that assist the patient to move around with some degree of assistance. Orthotic devices may be custom designed based on the specifications of the physical therapist. Orthotics help align joints and muscles in an appropriate position and encourage independence.

3. Aquatic Therapy

Exercises in a swimming pool tend to be fun and relaxing for patients, especially children. The effect of buoyancy provides an ideal environment for a safe and supervised exercise program.

4. Weight Bearing Exercises

This involves the use of a patient’s natural body weight to provide resistance to joints and muscles. Several exercises to improve upper body, lower body, abdominal and lower back strength can be performed without using any equipment.

5. Chest Physical Therapy

Normally, muscles that lie between the ribs (called intercostal muscles) tend to be weak in children with SMA. As a result, the cough reflex may be inhibited. Physical therapy can help prevent chest infections. Physical therapists will train parents to place their children in certain positions to help get rid of secretions. In addition, they may perform certain measures that will enable the child to cough out secretions with minimal effort.

6. Advanced Techniques

Physical therapists may use advanced techniques like proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and manual therapy to encourage movement and muscle control. Helping the body learn (or rediscover) movement patterns is the foundation of recovery for individuals with spinal injuries.

Our Commitment to You…

There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and as your physical therapists, we will stand by you to help you get better, no matter what we need to do, and no matter how long it takes.

Injuries and conditions involving the spine can vary in severity. Once we determine the extent of the problem (bone, joint, nerves, muscle), we will create a plan of action and discuss it with other members of your healthcare team.

The ability to do simple things in life like reaching, pushing and pulling and doing day-to-day tasks without pain and restrictions matter to patients with spinal injuries. We understand our responsibility to serve you, and appreciate your trust and faith in us. We are committed to helping you live a happy and healthy life, regardless of physical limitations. Reach out to us if you (or anyone you know) has a spinal injury. We are standing by to help them.

http://www.ForestHillsRehab.com

Degenerative disc disease, despite the name, is not a disease but a deterioration of the discs of the spine. It occurs over a period of time, resulting in neck or back pain and other musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms. It is common in adults in their thirties.

Types of degenerative disc disease

Cervical: affects the neck and is referred to as cervical degenerative disc disease
Lumbar: affects the lower back and is called lumbar degenerative disc disease
The cervical and lumbar regions of the spine are susceptible to damage due to increased movement capabilities. Constant motion over time results in the wear and tear of the discs.

Signs and Symptoms of DDD

Most patients report one or more of the following symptoms.

Pain is triggered by an activity
Pain flares up periodically and then settles to a low-grade pain/discomfort
Sitting or standing for long periods of time worsen the pain
Activities such as walking may alleviate the pain
Relief upon changing body position
Muscle spasms
Tingling sensations in the extremities
Any activity that triggers pain in the neck or lower back should be ceased immediately. If there is no relief with rest, consult with a physical therapist. Early intervention could save you from further damage to the disc, muscles and ligaments.

Management of Degenerative Disc Disease
Physical therapy helps treat the underlying factors such as the instability of the intervertebral joints and the associated inflammation. Your physician may recommend prescription medication to provide relief. Once the pain is reduced, specific exercises and specialized physical therapy techniques are utilized to achieve lasting relief.

Treatment falls into one of the following three categories:

Medical

Pain control with acetaminophen, prescription medications, narcotics, etc.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID, steroid injection etc.)
Surgical (if required)

Fusion of the discs
Replacement of the damaged disc with an artificial disc
Conservative (Physical therapy)

Exercise: Progressive controlled exercises under supervision. These include stretching, strengthening and low-impact aerobics.
Lifestyle modification: Improved posture and movement patterns reduce stress on the spine. Ergonomically designed chairs can also relieve pressure on the spine.
Self-care including weight management, treatment of depression, etc.
A Stronger Spine
Prevention Tips

Poor posture, especially in a sitting position, can cause bone and joint issues over time. If your job is sedentary it is important to:

Perform stretching exercises at regular intervals.
Adjust the height of your desk chair and computer to minimize strain on your neck and lower back. (Come to our office for an evaluation and we will identify the most appropriate height for you).
Invest in footwear to reduce stress on the lower back
Call our office without delay if you are at risk of developing DDD. If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with DDD, a physical therapy program, combined with traditional medicine, is critical for recovery.

Physical therapy interventions include:

Strengthening
Postural retraining
Ergonomic intervention
Use of modalities including electrical stimulation for muscle reeducation
Physical therapy will improve blood circulation to the affected region and reduce pain by facilitating the release of endorphin (pain relief chemicals naturally produced by the body). The long-term goal is to reestablish range of motion over time and assist in recovery. Call us today to learn more about what physical therapy can do for you.

Forest Hills Rehabilitation
108-14 72nd Avenue 4th Floor Forest Hills NY 11375
Phone: 718-520-8480

www.ForestHillsRehab.com

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide health problem characterized by the body’s inability to break down sugar due to an inefficiency of the hormone insulin.
November is considered Diabetes month in America in an effort to raise awareness about a condition that has a powerful impact on families and communities across the world. According to the American Diabetes Association, the toll of diabetes is significant if left unchecked.
1. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
2. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
3. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults.
4. The rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times higher than for people without diabetes. About 60-70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in pain in the feet or hands, slowed digestion, sexual dysfunction and other nerve problems.

Role of the Physical Therapist in Diabetes

You may be at risk for diabetes, especially if your hemoglobin A1C levels are above the normal limit. Ask your physician if this test is right for you.

Physical activity, healthy nutrition and stress management are important factors in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Your physician may prescribe medication to assist with the treatment of diabetes.

Your physical therapist can create a safe, progressive exercise program that enables your body to become more sensitive to insulin and effectively remove extra glucose from your bloodstream. The goal is to normalize your blood glucose levels and improve your hemoglobin A1C readings.
Here are just some of the benefits of regular physical activity:
1.     Decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol levels
2.     Reduces the risk for heart disease and stroke
3.     Increase in calorie expenditure to enable weight loss
4.     Boost in energy and ability to perform daily activities
5.     Improved sleep patterns
6.     Stress relief
7.     Strengthening of the heart and better blood circulation
8.     Strengthening of muscles and bones
9.     Better range of motion in joints
10.     Better balance which helps to prevent falls
11.     Happier, healthier, better quality of life
You can experience all these benefits after you consult with your physical therapist.

Five Tips for Safe Exercise

For diabetics, exercise should be a safe, enjoyable and positive experience. When planned correctly, exercise will leave you energized, not fatigued. Here are five exercise tips for individuals with diabetes.
1. It is essential to avoid injuries and remain hydrated. It is also important to have some fast acting sugary food available in the event of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. This is critical for individuals who are on insulin and have type 1 diabetes. As your physical therapists, we can advise you about the best, and safest type of exercise.
2. As a general rule, we will encourage you to warm up for 5 minutes before starting to exercise and cool down for 5 minutes at the end. You will be advised to drink plenty of water before, during, and after activity to stay hydrated.
3. If you feel uncomfortable, you should rest for a few minutes and see if you feel. We’ll train you to understand your energy levels and listen to your body.
4. Use the “talk test” to make sure you are not pushing yourself too hard. If you become short of breath and you can’t talk, then slow down. As your fitness level improves over time, you’ll be able to exercise at a higher intensity and chat with others while you do it.
5. Make sure to wear shoes and clean socks that fit you well. Look inside your shoes before wearing them to make sure there is nothing in them that might hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable. Always examine your feet before and after activity for blisters, redness, or other signs of irritation. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience pain or notice a blister, cut, or sore.

If you know someone who has diabetes, or is at risk for diabetes, the best thing you can do for them is to ask them do is to call us and schedule an appointment. We are here to help.

Forest Hills Rehabilitation
http://www.foresthillsrehab.com/Physical-Therapy-Queens.html

Did you Know? October is National Physical Therapy Month
Patients and physicians all over the world embrace the benefits of physical therapy and it’s impact on quality of life for musculoskeletal impairments. Physical therapists can help with diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disorders related to bones, joints and muscles. Reduction in pain, improvement in mobility, increased confidence and enhanced mood are a few examples of the benefits of physical therapy.

Did you know that October is called ‘National Physical Therapy month’, according to the American Physical Therapy Association?

Why celebrate physical therapy?

Every individual deserves to live a happy, healthy and pain-free life. Unfortunately, injury or illness can impact activities of daily living. Simple tasks like bathing, dressing, sitting and standing can sometimes cause pain. This is where physical therapy helps. Physical therapists can help any individual achieve functional independence and live a healthy lifestyle.

We Are Never Too Busy For Your Referrals
Physical therapists train for several years to understand human anatomy and physiology. The therapist can determine how your bones, joints, muscles and nerves work together to control movement and enable day-to-day activities. This insight allows the therapist to help restore or improve muscle strength, joint mobility and balance allowing individuals to live happy, productive lives.

Using a variety of procedures and modalities, expect the physical therapist to help with recovery from injury, relief of pain and restoration of functional movement.

Manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, aquatic therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation and massage therapy are a few examples of the treatment options in the arsenal of your physical therapist.

Another major benefit of physical therapy is rehabilitation of patients over 65. As they get older, patients are more prone to osteoporosis and fractures. Any injury at this age can result in joint and muscle stiffness, along with a host of other complications. Expect the physical therapist to provide an exercise program (and walking aids, if needed) to enable the patient to regain functional independence.

Let Us Help You
If you have been thinking about scheduling an appointment, now is the right time. We’ll make sure to accommodate you as quickly as possible and help you regain a pain-free, healthy lifestyle.

There is a lot that you may not know about the benefits of physical therapy. Give us a chance to show you what we can do to improve your health.

Join us in our celebration, and let us help you. We are your physical therapists and we want to make this month about you, not us. We look forward to working with you.

http://www.ForestHillsRehab.com - Looking for a physical therapist in Forest Hills, Queens? This is the latest video clip from our biweekly newsletter on Physical Therapy.

We are a top physical therapy and chiropractic clinic in Queens providing physical therapy for back pain, physical therapy for neck pain, physical therapy for shoulder pain, physical therapy for knee pain, in addition to most other types of neurologic, orthopedic and degenerative conditions. Check out our website - or give us a call today!

Forest Hills Rehabilitation
108-14 72nd Ave, 4th Flr
Forest Hills NY 11375
(888) 595-7282
(718) 520-8480

Prehab - The Role of Exercise Before Surgery

If you or someone you know is preparing for an upcoming surgery, the information you are about to read will be very useful. Most individuals are familiar with the thought of rehabilitation after surgery, but the idea of pre-surgical rehabilitation is gaining recognition.

Often, there is a period of waiting involved prior to any surgery. This time is valuable, and it can be utilized to prepare the body for surgery and facilitate a better outcome after the surgical intervention. When muscles, bones and joints are in optimum condition before the procedure, the impact of the inevitable muscle loss and joint stiffness is minimized post operatively. Essentially, the stronger a person is going into surgery, the better the chances of an easier and faster recovery after the surgery.

Individuals who participate in a pre-surgical rehabilitation program tend to regain function and return to their daily lives faster than individuals who do not participate in pre-surgical rehabilitation. Traditionally, a physical therapist helps with post-surgical rehabilitation, but you may be surprised to learn that the therapist can also be your biggest ally during the ‘pre-hab’ process.

Pre-Surgical Rehabilitation 101
It is common for the region that is about to be operated on to be inflamed and weak. With a carefully planned exercise routine, a physical therapist can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation to the affected area. This improves mobility and helps with pain relief. This also helps promote correct movement patterns and minimize compensatory movements like leaning and uneven weight bearing.

Improving health and fitness, and being in optimal physical health can go a long way towards the facilitation of post-operative recovery.

These are some simple guidelines to follow with a pre-surgical rehabilitation program:

Start the program at least six weeks prior to the surgery.
Start slowly. This is not the time to aggravate an existing issue or trigger a new one.
If you are physically fit, consider increasing your intensity, frequency, or duration as long as it doesn’t interfere with your current injury.
Yoga is an excellent way to prepare both the mind and body for surgery. The combination of relaxation and soothing movements can be beneficial before and after surgery.
One of the requirements for post-surgical discharge is that a patient is able to complete certain activities. Your physical therapist will collaborate with the surgeon to design your goals and establish benchmarks for recovery. For example, you may be expected to walk a certain number of steps or climb stairs before you are allowed to go home. Once this pre-requisite is met, you can start a home exercise program. Patients who are physically prepared for surgery can leave the hospital sooner and are likely to suffer fewer complications.

Physical Therapy and Pre-hab
A consultation with your physical therapist will involve an evaluation to determine:

Muscle and joint strength
Ability to move and perform day-to-day tasks (climbing stairs, getting in and out of bed)
Degree of assistance required from friends and family members
By working with a physical therapist prior to surgery and creating a pre-surgery rehabilitation plan, you will create a strong foundation for rapid recovery. Similar to the post-surgical collaboration, you can expect your physical therapist to work closely with your doctors to facilitate recovery even before you have surgery.

The physical therapist will help you familiarize yourself with walking aides and other supportive devices like crutches, walkers, or canes should they be needed. You will discover the importance of breathing, proper techniques and range of motion of important exercises that you’ll be doing after the surgery. This will reduce the stress and apprehension associated with discharge and facilitate independence. As your physical therapists, we are committed to keeping you as healthy as possible. If you or someone you know is considering surgery, schedule a consultation with us. 'Pre-hab’ is a great way to speed up rehab and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Phone:718-520-8480
Web:http://www.ForestHillsRehab.com