Treating Joint Dislocations for the Elderly

As we age, we lose some balance and mobility that can potentially put us at risk of injuries and health issues. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, our goal is to help our patients remain as healthy as possible. We offer various services to help patients deal with injuries and help them lead more independent lives. Please continue reading to learn how we treat joint dislocations. 

What is a Joint Dislocation?

A dislocation is caused by the bones in a joint being forced out of their usual positions. Dislocations are generally caused by traumatic impact injuries such as falls or car accidents. For smaller joints, less impact is needed to drive the joint to dislocate. Joints that have previously been dislocated can become more susceptible to dislocations, as the tissue holding the joint in place may have been stretched. Most of the joints in the body can become dislocated, but some are injured more commonly than others. Shoulder dislocations are most common among adults. Older adults tend to have poorer balance, making them more vulnerable to falls. Ligament and muscle weakness is also an issue that older adults face due to lack of fitness. Dislocations are usually easily visible. The area can be discolored and swollen or may appear deformed as a result. Some other symptoms can include:

  • Inability to move the area. 
  • Pain during movement. 
  • Numbness or tingling in the area. 

Treating Joint Dislocations

If you have a joint dislocation, you should seek out help immediately. Trying to put the joint back in place yourself can lead to further injury. After the joint has been safely moved back into position, you may need a physical therapist to help you rehabilitate. Our team will evaluate your condition and determine the appropriate rehabilitation for your injury. For elderly patients, the goal of rehabilitation is to improve your strength and range of motion and help educate you on how to prevent these injuries from reoccurring. Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries for seniors, so we will work with you to minimize your risk of falls. Some of the ways you can prevent dislocations from occurring could include:

  • Using handrails when using staircases. 
  • Remove tripping hazards from the home. 
  • Physical therapy treatment to improve balance and improve strength. 

Contact Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions

A joint dislocation can be difficult to manage on your own and can keep you from living your life comfortably. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, we offer rehabilitation services that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help! 

Common In-Home Injuries for Senior Citizens

Most senior citizens want to live in their homes for as long as possible. The question that arises with this is how to accomplish this safely. Unfortunately, aging diminishes balance, strength, eyesight, and memory, which can affect a senior’s ability to perform daily living activities. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, our mission is to make a positive difference in our clients’ lives. We provide our clients with the help they need to safely ensure that they achieve the highest level of independence to remain in their homes. 

In-Home Injuries

Home should be a place where we feel safe. If you are a senior citizen, there may be certain dangers in your home that put you at risk of injury. To avoid this, you should be aware of the common injuries that typically affect senior citizens at home:

  • Falls

Many injuries that occur in the home for seniors are related to falls. As you age, your mobility can become more limited and put you at risk of falling. Falls can often be the result of uneven surfaces and floors, unstable furniture, and poor lighting. Other risk factors for falls include lower body weakness, balance, walking difficulties, and poor footwear. Seniors that fall can suffer from broken bones or even brain injuries. 

  • Sprains

Sprains are not nearly as painful as fractures, but they are prevalent among senior citizens. As we age, the tendons in our hands and ankles become less flexible, which increases the risk of strains and sprains. Simple activities like standing up or catching themselves from a fall can all cause a sprain. Uneven surfaces can also trip seniors up and cause injury. 

  • Burns

Another common injury that affects seniors in the home are burns. This injury is common for those who cook regularly, but burns can result from an appliance malfunction, cooking accident, or product malfunction. Burns are among the leading causes of fatal injuries among seniors since seniors have a harder time responding to fire treatments. 

Contact Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions

At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, our team offers an extensive range of services to help seniors avoid injuries in the home and rehabilitate them if an injury occurs. From in-home physical therapy and occupational therapy to obtaining durable medical equipment, we aim to provide our patients with the safety and independence they need to stay in their homes as long as possible. To learn more about our services, contact our team today! 

Common Geriatric Injuries

Want to learn the benefits of physical therapy for seniors? Our team at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions is here to educate you. Contact us to learn more!

What is Geriatric Injury?

Geriatric injury mostly occurs in an elderly patient. People who face geriatric injuries must get treated because you want them to do their daily activities. Geriatric care can help families to navigate the challenges that a patient might face directly through professional care. Especially the older a person gets, the more support they need because they need the comfort to lead a healthy life with confidence. With more attention brought to the subject, it will encourage elderly individuals to seek therapies. There are many benefits of physical therapy for seniors to improve movement, manage extreme pain, avoid surgeries, and reduce medication for the elder population. The only way of treating a patient from geriatric injury is through physical therapy with Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions. 

How Are Geriatric Patients Treated?

  • Reducing background noise
  • Speaking clearly 
  • Speaking loudly
  • Getting their attention 
  • Screenings of injuries 

Did you know there are many benefits of physical therapy for seniors who face geriatric injuries with an acute illness and trauma? Many doctors refer their patients to physical therapy because professional therapists have more knowledge about how they can treat their patients, which may lead to the benefits of physical therapy for seniors. A physical therapist will examine a patient, then create his/her recovery plan and mainly focus on reducing medications for their patients. According to Mayoclinic, the United States is in the mindset of aging, and that is why it is essential to know how to treat geriatric trauma patients. 

Common Geriatric Causes: 

  • Falls
  • Motor vehicle collision
  • Elder Abuse
  • Dizziness 
  • Medicines 
  • Heart Disease
  • Blood vessels 

Contact Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions Today!

Geriatric injuries must get treated. Therefore, you must get your doctor’s consultant. Addressing health issues is important, and you do not want problems in the future related to your health. You must read more information about what kind of therapies we are offering on our website, which will give you more knowledge about the benefits of physical therapy for seniors. Or, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us. We will be happy to answer all your questions. There are many solutions for our older population to get the right therapy that will make them empowered. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for seniors at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions.

The Best Exercises for Upper Body Mobility

Pain and tightness in your shoulder can be a nuisance. If you are looking to improve your upper body strength or are recovering from an injury, there are exercises you can implement into your routine to improve your mobility. Our team at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions would like to share some of the best suggested exercises that you can do for upper-body mobility. 

Before we get into these exercises, we want to point out the difference between mobility and flexibility. Flexibility refers to the muscle’s ability to lengthen and stretch, and mobility refers to the joint’s ability to move through its full range of motion. Performing exercises specific to your upper body can help improve strength and mobility in your shoulders and potentially help you avoid injuries. We always recommend warming up before exercising to help with your overall performance. (Before beginning any exercise program, it is important to consult with a physical therapist or another medical professional.)

Arm Swings

  1. Stand up straight with your arms at your sides. 
  2. Tighten your core and swing your arms forward as high as they can go. Do not raise your shoulders while performing this motion. 
  3. Return your arms to the original position, and repeat. You should do this movement for about one minute. 

Shoulder Pass-Through

  1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. 
  2. Hold a long stick with an overhand grip. The stick should be parallel to the floor, and your arms should be wider than shoulder-width apart. 
  3. Engage your core and raise the stick above your head with your arms straight. Do not push past the point of comfort. 
  4. Hold this pose, return to starting position, and repeat five times. 

Reverse Fly

  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Make sure the weight is manageable. 
  2. Stand with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart.
  3. Bend forward at the waist while engaging your core. Make sure your back is straight. 
  4. Raise your arms away from your body, and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Stop this motion when you get to shoulder height. 
  5. Return to the starting position and repeat. Do three sets of ten repetitions. 

Contact Us

At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, we provide our clients with the education they need to help them achieve the highest wellness level. Our team will evaluate your capabilities and needs and develop a treatment plan that best serves you. To learn more exercises to improve your mobility, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today! 

Physical Therapy For Fall Prevention

As we continue to age, one of the most common issues we need to be aware of is an increased likelihood of falls and balance issues. While this may not seem like a big deal, the truth is that falls can come with serious injuries. Here at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, our team can help prevent this from happening. We can offer physical therapy sessions to help combat the likelihood of falls so you can remain as healthy as possible.

Potential Injuries To Be Aware Of 

As previously stated, falls can lead to a wide range of injuries and medical issues. Understanding what they are may have patients take the matter more seriously, which is why our team would like to spend some time sharing them. Some of the most common injuries a person can face as a result of falling includes:

  • Broken bones.
  • Ligament sprains and tears.
  • Muscle contusions.
  • Head injuries.
  • Dislocations.

Risk Factors To Be Aware Of

Patients should not wait until after they have fallen and sustained an injury to start working on preventing falls. The sooner you begin the process, the higher the likelihood that it will be successful. That is why our team wants to make patients aware of the common risk factors that point to falls potentially being a standard part of their future. If you begin to recognize any of the below in your life, you should consider starting a physical therapy program with us:

  • Living a relatively sedentary lifestyle in old age.
  • Noticing you have begun to have trouble keeping your balance.
  • Becoming easily fatigued.
  • Generalized muscle weakness in the legs.
  • Limited flexibility and range of motion.
  • Pain in the joints located in the lower half of your body.   

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy involves therapeutic stretches and strength exercises to correct medical issues that the patient is dealing with. When it comes to improving one’s balance and preventing falls, various aspects allow for this to be achieved. Some of what you can expect may include the below:

  • Exercises and stretches specifically tailored to assist with balance.
  • Strength training to correct any weakness and problematic imbalances.
  • Endurance training to ensure falls don’t take place as a result of tiredness.
  • Physical activities aimed at restoring any pain that could lead to future falls.

Schedule An Appointment

One of the best aspects about working with our team at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions is that our team will travel right to your home to administer care. If you’ve been avoiding traveling due to the fear of falling, working with our team is the perfect solution. For more information on how we can help, please don’t hesitate to contact us today and schedule your first appointment.   

Why is Exercise so Important for the Elderly?

Physical therapy and exercise are essential for everyone’s overall health and both physical and mental fitness. The measuring stick of one’s health, the benefits of physical therapy for seniors are far and few between. With the right workout plan and implementation, you can live a much better quality of life. 

Why is Exercise so Important for the Elderly? 

Exercise can restore or increase your strength, range of motion, coordination, endurance, and reduce inflammation and pain, all things that seniors have to deal with on a more consistent basis than younger generations. Exercise helps the elderly maintain their independence, something we all strive for and crave. When we get older we have to be more reliant on those caring for us. Physical activity and exercise help you limit that reliance as much as possible. 

The benefits of physical therapy for seniors can improve anything from Alzheimer’s to urinary infections. Both the mind and body will thank you for utilizing exercise properly. To have non-invasive treatment without the use of drugs and see strong results is amazing and you can be assured that the hard-working people at Home Advantage Rehab will do everything in their power to make that a reality. 

What are Common Ailments Suffered by the Elderly?

Here are some of the ailments seniors have suffered and have lessened and even at times eliminated the effects due to proper physical therapy:

  • Cancer
  • Strokes
  • Parkinsons 
  • Dementia 
  • Alzheimer’s 

At home, PT can be very beneficial as you are in the comfort of your own home yet still able to put in the proper work to see optimal results. Some of the at-home conditions treated include orthopedic conditions such as:

  • Joint Replacement
  • Hip Replacement
  • Shoulder Replacement
  • Arthritis 
  • Fractures

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

Sleep can be difficult as you get older. As we get older we tend to have lighter and less quality sleep. Regular exercise improves your quality of sleep. With better quality sleep you achieve a better immune system and with a more robust immune system, you can get better control of your body including anxiety and stress. Energy expenditure from exercise helps make you tired and is the main reason for your deepened level of sleep. 

The risk of falling is much higher in older adults. Recovery time after falls increases as your age increases. Regular exercise increases your muscle strength and flexibility, this, therefore, results in greater bone density, making it when if you do suffer from a fall the damage is not as great as it could be. The overall likelihood of suffering from a fall is also reduced because your balance and coordination are improved due to physical therapy.

Contact Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions Today!

There are so many reasons for seniors to be participating in exercise programs. The benefits of physical therapy for seniors are so vast that almost all aspects of one’s life can be improved if the decision is made to participate in these programs. It is important to remember that like anything physical therapy is a journey and there will be ups and downs. Realistic expectations and hard work will get you far and you truly will have a better quality of life. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for seniors, contact us at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions today!

The Best Forms Of Exercise For Seniors

As we continue to age, it becomes easier and more comfortable to convert to a sedentary lifestyle. However, making this decision can have various adverse effects. When seniors begin to stop moving around, it becomes more and more challenging to start up again. Fortunately, our team at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions can help work against this problem. We want to present some of the best forms of exercise for seniors to stay active while also remaining safe.

Light Aerobic Exercises  

Exercises that increase your heart rate and help break a sweat are always beneficial. Aerobic exercises can help improve blood circulation while also working to keep you at a healthy weight. While seniors may not push themselves as they did, it is still essential to perform moderate ones when possible. Some aerobic exercises that are safe to perform (depending on your health status) can include the following:

  • Walking.
  • Jogging.
  • Dancing.
  • Swimming.
  • Stationary biking.

Strength Exercises

Aerobic exercises are not the only activities people in the senior population need to focus on. Keeping your muscles active and healthy is just as crucial for your overall health. However, our staff won’t be recommending seniors start adding heavy workouts such as deadlifting into their daily routines. Instead, there are safer ways for people of an older age to achieve this goal. High repetitions of low amounts of weight are excellent for muscle toning. Additionally, resistance bands can be used to help improve your strength without needing to pick up any weights.   

The Benefits Of Exercising

Now that some forms of exercising that seniors should consider participating in have been discussed, our team would now like to address how it can help you. Patients should be confident that our staff would not have them perform activities that did not benefit them. By listening to our advice, the perks you can receive may include:

  • Improved mental health.
  • Increased energy levels.
  • Preventing the development of certain health complications.
  • Decreased risk of falls and other balance problems.
  • Enhanced cognitive function.

Contact Us

If you’re a part of the senior population, don’t think you need to avoid physical activity altogether. By listening to our team’s advice, you can reap the health benefits that accompany safe exercise. For more information on how we can help, please be sure to contact our team at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions today.

How Often Should I Do My PT Exercises?

At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, one of the most beneficial aspects of our services is that we will travel to provide care from the comfort of your own home. This means patients in pain don’t need to travel to receive care. However, the healing process should not stop when we leave after the appointment is over. If you’re serious about recovering, you should be completing the exercises we teach you to perform even after we are gone. But how often should you be performing them? Our team has the answer to these questions.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Before addressing how often you should be completing these exercises, our team first needs you to understand physical therapy. This healing process involves the use of therapeutic stretches and activities targeted to the affected area. Our team will perform a full assessment to determine the level of physical output the injured area can handle and then move forward with a treatment plan. Examples of the benefits that come from doing so can include:

  • Improved flexibility.
  • Increased range of motion.
  • Regained strength.
  • Elimination of pain.
  • Mitigated risk of future injuries.

Performing Exercises On Your Own 

As previously stated, just performing the exercises during your scheduled appointments will not be enough for you to make a full recovery. If you choose to go down that route, the recovery timeline will be vastly extended. You also increase the risk of suffering from certain medical complications. For the treatment to be effective, we highly recommend performing these exercises around 3 to 5 times a week for 2 to 3 weeks. In order to stick to this plan, we’d like to lay out the below advice:

  • Block off 30 minutes in your calendar on days you’d like to perform these exercises.
  • Set an alarm for when you’d like to start exercising.
  • Record your pain level to watch it change. Please report any suspected issues with your pain levels to our team.
  • Ask our team which exercises you should be prioritizing.
  • Pair your physical therapy exercises with regular daily activities.    

Should You Do Rehab Exercises Everyday

Dealing with an injury can be annoying. Just remember that rest is an extremely important part of the healing process. Taking part in rehab exercises is key to gaining strength and mobility back in the injured area. With that being said, there must be rest days in between; without it there will be no progress. That is due to the fact that the muscles don’t have time to recover.

Contact Our Team

At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, we understand the importance of our services. That is why we are always here to help. If you’d like more information regarding how often you should be performing your physical therapy exercises, contact us today.

 

    Rehabbing Your Way To Walking Again

    Few things are more fundamental to the human experience than being able to walk. When you’ve been able to do this all your life, then suddenly are faced with issues doing so, it can be challenging to deal with. Our team at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions understands this and is here to help. No matter what has caused your walking issues, our team will work diligently to help correct them.

    Common Issues We Help With

    As we continue to age, there are many problems that can lead to an impaired ability to walk. Fortunately, our team is well versed in treating patients suffering through this complication. While there may be many causes that affect you, we’ll work diligently to create a treatment plan that works best for you. Some of the most common ones we treat include:

    • Slip and fall injuries.
    • Vestibular problems.
    • Post-operative issues.
    • Inflamed joints.
    • Muscle weakness.

    At-Home Physical Therapy

    One of the primary areas of care we offer is at-home physical therapy. When you’re having issues walking, traveling for care can be out of the question. That is what makes our team so unique. We’ll travel right to your home so you can experience care without issue. Once there, we’ll utilize the following to help get you back on your feet:

    • Therapeutic stretches.
    • Strengthening exercises.
    • Heat and cold therapy.
    • Massage therapy.
    • Electronic muscle stimulation.

    The Benefits Of Working With Our Team

    When it comes to issues with walking, there are many treatment options to consider. However, it’s essential to choose to work with a team that will provide the most benefits. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, we can be this team. Allowing us to administer care comes with an abundance of benefits, including the below:

    • Increased strength.
    • Improved flexibility and range of motion.
    • Regained balance.
    • Being able to walk once again.
    • Receiving care without needing to travel.

    Contact Our Team  

    Don’t let issues with walking take over your life. By working with our team at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, you’ll find your quality of life will be restored. To get the rehab process started now, be sure to contact our team today.

    The Importance Of Good Diet and Hydration For Seniors

    At any age, it’s essential to focus on keeping a good diet and staying hydrated. However, as we get older, this becomes even more important. A poor diet can lead to a myriad of serious health problems. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, we want you to stay as healthy as possible. That is why we’d like to share the importance of a good diet and hydration and tips to accomplish this goal.  

    Problems With A Bad Diet

    When it comes to staying healthy, eating right, and drinking plenty of water is the key to success. While it’s easy to want to slack on this while we continue to age, doing so comes with the potential for serious health issues. The most common issues regarding this include the below:

    • High cholesterol.
    • High blood pressure.
    • Type 2 diabetes.
    • Joint inflammation.
    • Heart disease.
    • Increased risk of stroke.
    • Obesity-related issues.
    • Bouts of dizziness and fainting

    Benefits Of Eating Right

    Just as eating poorly comes with health risks, eating well, and drinking plenty of water brings about benefits. As we age, we can use as many health advantages as we can get. That is why our team highly recommends making a point of eating as nutritious as possible. The health benefits of doing so can include the below:

    • Maintaining a healthy weight.
    • Increased energy levels.
    • Better sleep patterns. 
    • Reduced risk of cancer.
    • Improved digestion.
    • Improved memory.

    Tips For Staying Healthy

    Eating right and drinking enough water can be difficult. Our team understands this, which is why we’d like to help. We can provide you with some tips on doing so, allowing you to get the most out of your golden years of life. To stay healthy, we recommend following the below:

    • Drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up.
    • Purchase a water bottle that holds the total amount of water you need to drink during the day.
    • Consider meal prepping for the weak, so you have healthier options.
    • Eat slower, so you feel full without overeating.
    • Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables.

    Contact Us

    Eating right and staying hydrated plays a crucial role in your overall health. To stay protected in your old age, it’s essential to take this seriously. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, we’re here to help. To learn more about the importance of a healthy diet and tips to stick to it, contact us today.

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