What is dry needling, is it safe and effective, and how does dry needling differ from acupuncture? Find out here! Physical therapists have long used a multitude of techniques in order to address pain and dysfunction associated with myofascial trigger points. One technique in particular has recently received overwhelming attention: dry needling. Despite its efficacy and low risk, questions about the treatment remain: What is dry needling? How is dry needling different from … [Read more...]
Continuing Education
Dangerous Sleeping Pills? FDA Issues Black Box Warning on Ambien & Other Insomnia Meds
The FDA just issued a black box warning on prescription insomnia medications, and millions of Americans are currently taking these dangerous sleeping pills. Here’s what healthcare professionals need to know. 50 to 70 million adults suffer from a sleeping disorder with insomnia being the most common. For years, the gold standard for insomnia treatment has included combined behavior therapy and pharmacotherapy. But now, healthcare providers might want to consider using … [Read more...]
Caregivers of Dementia Patients
Research has repeatedly shown that caregivers of dementia patients are at high risk for increased psychological stress, socio-demographic burden, and physical illness. Being a caregiver is hard work. It is especially difficult for caregivers of dementia patients. Since dementia is a progressive condition, a caregiver assumes increased responsibilities over time as they take care of their loved one. They often have high rates of burden and psychological morbidity as well as … [Read more...]
Study: Yo-Yo Dieting More Than Doubles the Risk of Dying Young
A new study shows that fluctuating weight with yo-yo dieting can raise your risk of heart attack or stroke. The term "yo-yo dieting", also known as weight cycling, originated from Kelly D. Brownell at Yale University. It refers to the cyclical pattern of losing and then regaining weight, analogous to the up-and-down motion of a yo-yo.According to new research published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation, yo-yo dieting can wreak havoc on your body – … [Read more...]
Staff Shortages in Healthcare
How many times in your career have you heard the sentence, “Sorry, we are short-staffed today,”? Unfortunately, you’re likely to hear this again. Staff shortages in healthcare facilities are a growing problem, and here’s why… Ongoing staff shortages in healthcare is a real problem that makes providing patient-centered care a daunting task. As per a recent report by CNN, the United States will need to hire 2.3 million new healthcare workers by 2025 to be able to take care of … [Read more...]
REMINDER – Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Continuing Education Due This Year
Sure December 31st seems like it's forever away, but before you can say "Someone get the cat out of the tree", Christmas will have come and gone and you'll be left wondering how you're going to find and finish 30 hours of continuing education before the end of the year.So, before we get ourselves worked up, let's get a handle on your Pennsylvania Physical Therapy continuing education rules and how you can finish them before you've wrapped your first gift. The rules: … [Read more...]
PTs in Emergency Rooms Reduce Likelihood of Emergency Revisits
A new study shows that having PTs in emergency rooms reduces the likelihood of ED revisits for falls. Each year, approximately 30% to 40% of people aged 65 years and older who live in the community fall. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, in 2014 alone, approximately 2.8 million older adults visited the emergency department (ED) for a fall-related injury. And, older adults who presented to the ED were at higher risk of ED … [Read more...]
Lack of Training in Healthcare: Impact & Opportunities
Lack of training in healthcare is a challenging problem. But, there are several low-cost training options to improve staff competency, quality of patient care, and business profits. Official training programs are an integral part of hiring new employees and integrating them into a company. But sadly, the training often stops soon after orientation. With growing demands and constantly changing insurance requirements, healthcare is a fast-paced industry that requires ongoing … [Read more...]