Month: October 2021

Choosing to undergo knee replacement surgery can be a daunting task. For many patients, this procedure brings forth welcome relief from knee pain and discomfort. After your procedure, it may seem like your recovery is far away, but our team at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions is here to help. We offer in-home physical therapy to patients recovering from knee replacement surgery. With October being National Physical Therapy Month, there is no better time to take charge of your recovery after this surgery. To learn about common physical therapy exercises after this procedure, continue reading below. 

Physical Therapy After A Knee Replacement

Physical therapy after a knee replacement is one of the best ways to speed up the recovery process and restore function to the knee. Some of the common physical therapy exercises you may perform after a knee replacement can include:

Straight Leg Raises

Straight leg raises work to strengthen the quadriceps muscle of the thigh. When performing this exercise, you should be wearing your knee immobilizer to keep your knee safe and secure:

• You will begin by sitting on the edge of a physical therapy table with both legs hanging off the side. 
• From this position, you will raise one leg towards the ceiling until it is parallel to the floor and then straighten your leg as much as possible. 
• After completing this motion with one leg, switch to the other and complete one set of ten repetitions up to three times a day.

Short-Arc Quads

Short-arc quads are designed to strengthen your quadriceps, which control the knee joint:

• Start out lying on your back on a table with both legs extended. For added comfort, place a pillow under the operated leg. 
• Lift the heel of your affected leg off the bed and hold it up for five seconds. 
• Gently lower the heel back down, and do one set of ten repetitions up to three times a day.

Ankle Pumps

Ankle pumps can help improve circulation in your legs and strengthen the calf muscles:

• Start by lying on a physical therapy table with both legs extended in front of you. Make sure your feet are spread slightly apart.  
• Start with your toes pointed towards the ceiling, and flex your foot. 
• Hold the flexed position and return your toes to the original position. 

Depending on the condition of your knee, our physical therapy team will modify and adjust your treatment. Please consult with a licensed physical therapist before starting any exercise regimen.

Contact Us

By working closely with our team of physical therapists at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, you will be able to learn these exercises and others that will help you recover from your knee replacement surgery and restore function to your knee. To learn more about our in-home physical therapy services or to schedule an appointment, be sure to contact us today!

Speech therapy is often associated with helping kids or young adults resolve speech difficulties and improve communication. Communication is fundamental at any age but is absolutely vital for seniors. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, our dedicated speech therapists develop personalized care plans to suit every patient’s needs. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of speech therapy for seniors. 

When Is Speech Therapy Necessary For Seniors?

Speech therapy often becomes necessary for seniors recovering from the unfortunate consequences of dementia, stroke, or head injury. Communication is essential for seniors because an emergency situation can occur if they cannot describe their needs. Ignoring speech and communication issues can lead to several consequences. Speech therapy should be considered if your loved one exhibits the following:

• Difficulty responding to questions. 
• Difficulty managing their personal, financial, or medical matters. 
• Displays an inability to avoid potentially dangerous situations. 

Benefits Of Speech Therapy For Seniors

When speech is affected by age or illness, it can be challenging to communicate effectively. Our team offers speech therapy specialized for senior patients to provide benefits far beyond improved communication. Here are some of the ways speech therapy can help:

• Improved ability to swallow – Age-weakened muscles can lead to a diminished ability to swallow. This can increase a patient’s likelihood of choking. Speech therapy can strengthen the vocal cords, larynx, and jaw muscles and improve the swallowing reflex. This improvement increases safety and comfort during meals. 
• Strengthened vocal cords – The vocal cords lose their elasticity with age, weakening the larynx and affecting communication. Speech therapy can strengthen the vocal cords and improve the quality of communication. 
• Treat Dementia and memory loss – Those suffering from dementia and memory loss can benefit from speech therapy even if their speech is normal. This therapy preserves brain function and addresses cognitive aspects of communication. 
• Manage stroke-related disorders – Those dealing with aphasia and apraxia stemming from a stroke are good candidates for speech therapy. Immediate treatment can increase their chances of making a full recovery. 
• Improves quality of life – Communication is vital, and many seniors with untreated speech issues experience isolation and medical problems. Improving a senior’s ability to speak will enhance their safety, health, and quality of life. 

Contact Us

At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, our speech therapy program consists of support, treatment, and care for those having trouble communicating, swallowing, and experiencing difficulties with cognition. Contact us today to learn more about our senior speech therapy services.