Rehab professionals are all about changing people’s lives for the better.Ergonomics. It’s a word physical therapists hear often in both professional and educational contexts. But what does it mean? And more importantly, how can PTs use ergonomics in the workplace? How can they apply it in their day-to-day life as a rehab professional? At its most basic, ergonomics for rehab professionals describes the study and practice of improving well-being and … [Read more...]
PT
Reducing Chronic Pain by Controlling Pain Catastrophizing
Pain catastrophizing can influence pain-related outcomes through a range of theoretical mechanisms.Pain as a symptom, which is now considered the fifth vital sign, accounts for approximately 80% of physician visits and an estimated US$100 billion annually between healthcare expenditures and lost productivity. Experts increasingly recognize psychosocial factors as important moderators and determinants of the pain experience. One factor drawing a good deal … [Read more...]
Treating Deconditioning in Older Adults
Especially in older adults, deconditioning is a significant factor in physical outcomes.As the saying goes, “use it or lose it.” Especially in older adults, deconditioning is a significant factor in physical outcomes. Researchers have noted that older patients tend to have low levels of engagement in exercise, particularly after a hospital discharge. Physical therapists who work with this population should design exercise programs to address barriers, … [Read more...]
Managing Post-Stroke Incontinence
Post-stroke incontinence occurs when the forebrain is damaged - the forebrain is the largest part of the brain.According to the Stroke Association, about half of all stroke survivors admitted to the hospital experience incontinence. Incontinence after stroke alters the survivor’s ability to control their bladder and bowel functions. Incontinence severity varies from light leakage to complete bowel and bladder control loss. An interdisciplinary team … [Read more...]
A PT’s Guide to Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis
Physical therapists play a critical role in identifying and preventing deep vein thrombosis in at-risk patients.A 36-year-old female patient receives treatment at a physical therapy clinic for lymphedema management of her right upper extremity secondary to a recent mastectomy. One morning, she presents with complaints of sudden swelling and tenderness in her upper left extremity. She denies any incident of injury and just returned from a flight the … [Read more...]
When Physical Therapy and Integrated Care Meet
Physical Therapist should pursue the best possible integrated care relationships with their healthcare partners.Pursuing Integrated Care Relationships As the healthcare industry transitions to value-based care, there’s no denying the positive changes and collaboration opportunities awaiting physical therapists. That doesn’t mean there won’t be difficulties, however, as entering into new integrated care relationships can feel overwhelming and wrought … [Read more...]
Accessible Play for the Pediatric Therapist
Accessible play is a meaningful activity for children of all ages.Accessible play provides the opportunity for self-directed enjoyment and allows children to acquire developmental skills such as problem-solving, socialization, motor skills, and sensory processing. Dr. Temple Grandin, autistic author, speaker, and university professor, credits her leisure activities as a significant factor in finding friends. Outside of her leisure activities, she was … [Read more...]
Becoming A Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist
A comprehensive rehabilitation approach is vital to stroke recovery.According to the CDC, every 40 seconds someone in the United States suffers from a stroke. Every year alone, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. will experience a stroke. A comprehensive rehabilitation approach is vital to stroke recovery. The National Institute of Neurologist Disorders reports strokes as the number one cause of serious adult disability in the US and the world. Strokes … [Read more...]