What is the Difference Between Dyskinesia and Dystonia?
While dystonia and dyskinesia have similarities, it is important for physical therapists to know the differences. Dystonia and dyskinesia are two involuntary movement disorders familiar to most physical therapists. Both are often associated with neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s or Huntington’s. While dystonia and dyskinesia have similarities, it is important for physical therapists to know […]
Read MoreConcussion Protocols for Physical Therapists
Concussion symptoms are typically temporary. Severe concussions or multiple concussions may cause lasting long-term effects on the chemical balance and overall function of the brain. What is a concussion? A concussion is a form of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a direct trauma to the head. This trauma could be from a fall, […]
Read MorePros and Cons of Cryotherapy for Athletes
The primary goal of cryotherapy is to counteract negative inflammatory symptoms from prolonged muscle exertion. What is cryotherapy? Cryotherapy for athletes uses cold temperatures to promote muscle healing and recovery. It is often used by athletes to help reduce tissue inflammation, swelling, and muscle soreness after intense exercise or injury. During cryotherapy, athletes are submerged […]
Read MoreStatic Stretching vs. Dynamic Stretching
Static stretching is a best-method approach to increase the overall flexibility of the musculoskeletal system. Types of stretching – There are three main types of self-stretching: Static (no movement) Dynamic (movement) Ballistic (bouncing) They are all active modes of stretching, including static stretching. Even if noticeable movement is not present, the muscle is still active. […]
Read MoreMemorial Day and the Impact of War
The Impact of War on Occupational & Physical Therapy. The demand for both occupational and physical therapy grew throughout the war. World War I had a profound impact on both the occupational therapy and physical therapy professions. The war presented significant challenges for rehabilitating injured soldiers, leading to the emergence and development of these therapeutic […]
Read MoreWhat is Trigger Point Therapy?
Trigger points can happen almost anywhere in the body. Any small area of tension within a muscle can be a trigger point. What are trigger points? Trigger points are areas of the fascia or muscle that are often stiff and tight. The feeling is often described as a “knot” in the muscle. These areas tend […]
Read MoreHow to Become a Certified Hand Therapist
According to the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), certified hand therapists (CHTs) can be PTs or OTs who achieve advanced clinical specialty of the upper limb. Approximately 2.6 million Americans each year present to the emergency department with hand injuries. Unfortunately, there are only around 7,000 certified hand therapists in the United States to rehabilitate […]
Read MoreConcussion Care for Athletic Trainers
For the athletic trainer (AT), the most critical aspect of concussion care is to know when it is safe to allow a player to continue to play. In the United States each year, approximately 1.6-3.8 million athletes are affected by sports and recreation-related concussions (Brain Injury Research Institute, 2023). For the athletic trainer (AT), the […]
Read MoreStroke Prevention: How Nutrition Can Help
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of having a stroke, and nutrition plays a key role. Strokes are a serious and potentially life-threatening medical emergency. They occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cells to die. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the […]
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