The Advantage and Benefits of In Home Physical Therapy

Those in need of physical therapy are not always in a position to travel to an office to book appointments and receive treatment. During some recovery and rehabilitation processes, patients are unable to effectively move or transport themselves without assistance, which isn’t always available to begin with. To ensure that these incapacitated patients receive the attention and care they need, there exist physical therapists who opt into homecare.

Patients whose recovery process are more complex and longer in duration include those who have suffered from a stroke, recently undergone surgery, have difficulty walking, suffer from heart conditions, suffer from memory problems, or have general transportation issues and obstacles. These individuals who are unable to reach a facility can still benefit from therapy by contacting and arranging appointments with in home physical therapists, who will accommodate the patient accordingly. Physical therapists who are available for in home care have the necessary means of transportation both for themselves and the equipment they need to ensure that a patient receives the best rehabilitation program possible given their incapacitation.

Some patients may only ever be able to receive in home care given transportation issues, but others whose dependency is based on a temporary physical limitation can transition during their recovery process from in home care to office based care. For many patients, this marks a considerable milestone on the road to recovery, though many patients fear they will have to switch therapists should their physical abilities change. Yet physical therapists offering in home services can commit to a patient’s entire rehabilitation process, agreeing to offer in home care to maintain patient comfortableness and convenience. Therefore patients who experience a swift recovery process need not worry about losing their relationship with their therapist.

In home physical therapy is the best option for patients whose injuries and ailments have left them unable to reach physical therapy offices. No patient should be deprived of the treatment they need to recover, and thanks to the convenience and availability of in home physical therapy, no patient has to be.

The Importance of Strength Training for Senior Citizens

Elderly people are often disheartened by their lack of physical stamina. Even if someone’s endurance is not what it once was, there is hope to improve his or her way of life. By making some changes to their daily lives to include physical activities, elderly people can improve their strength and coordination.

It is no secret that we lose muscle mass as we age. However, we do have the ability to slow the rate with which we lose our strength. Elderly people who do not exercise see a much more rapid decrease in strength and muscle mass than those who do. By adding a strength training program to their lives, elderly people can remain strong and improve their lives in the process.

When we work out we strengthen our muscles, bones and tendons by increasing their size and density. When we don’t work out the opposite happens. Our muscles and bones can actually shrink and become less dense when don’t use them and this happens at a much faster rate as we age. Even elderly people with poor strength can see results relatively quickly if they begin a proper strength training program.

One of the main reasons that older people choose not to participate in strength training is that they fear the workouts will be too strenuous and cause further complications to existing health conditions such as arthritis. Strength training can have negative effects, especially for beginners. Therefore it is wise to consult a doctor before starting and to come up with a plan to start slowly.

A typical exercise program consists of both free weight and machine training that works to strengthen both the upper and lower body. It is a good idea to alternate between different body parts when working out and to work out at least three days a week. Just by adding a simple strength training program such as this, a person of any age can improve his or her overall health. Elderly people can have the added benefit of improving their everyday lives by making simple tasks easier to perform.

The staff at Home Advantage Rehabilitation will be happy to help set up a plan that is right for you. Give us a call today at 516-459-9439

Rotator Cuff Injuries aren’t just for Athletes

Rotator cuff injuries have been affecting professional athletes for years. But this type of injury doesn’t just hurt professionals, many non professionals also suffer from rotator cuff injuries. Rotator cuff tendinitis may occur when the shoulder does the same motion over and over again. A golf swing causes the shoulder to move in the same way and can erode the muscles in the rotator cuff. If not recognized or treated properly this injury can progress and eventually lead to surgery. However, there are ways to recognize rotator cuff injuries and treat them before surgery is needed.

To try and prevent rotator cuff injuries before they happen make sure to always properly stretch before a game of golf or other physical activities. Stretch the muscles in the back of the shoulder by extending your arm across your body with your elbow extended. Use the other arm to gently pull the arm towards your body until you feel tension. To stretch the front muscles get your clubs involved. Hold a club with both hands hip width apart and raise it over your head as high up as possible. While golfing try to shorten and slow down your swing for better control of your body.

Athletes may not always realize that what they are suffering from is caused by the rotator cuff. It causes a deep aching pain in the upper arm so many people mistake the pain for an arm injury instead of a shoulder injury. If you experience any pain in the arm or shoulder you predominantly use while golfing or doing other activities it is best to see a doctor right away. They will be able to evaluate your pain and muscles and properly diagnose you. A physical therapist will be able to prescribe more exercises in order to stretch and strengthen the appropriate muscles.

If you are suffering from a rotator cuff injury both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available. In some cases anti-inflammatory drugs may be needed to reduce swelling. If your case is not severe physical therapy and some time off from the green may be all you need to recover. Other rotator cuff injuries may require arthroscopic or even open surgery. But after the surgery and some rehabilitation physical therapy you should be as good as new and ready to get back to golfing.

CO-OWNER OF HARS EARNS DOCTORATE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amanda Carnesi
Tel: 631.392.4255
Cell: 631.974.1824
Email: Amanda@prescriptionpr.com
July 11, 2014

CO-OWNER OF HOME ADVANTAGE REHABILITATION EARNS DOCTORATE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

The co-founder of Home Advantage Rehabilitation, Kevin Mangan, has recently received his doctorate in physical therapy from Dominican College of Blauvelt. Kevin has been practicing homecare since 1995 and started Home Advantage Rehabilitation in 2008 with Michael Marzano. Home Advantage Rehabilitation offers at home physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Home Advantage Rehabilitation aims to help patients overcome physical, emotional, and psychological obstacles while offering comfort, independence, and safety to patients in their own home. They currently serve all of Suffolk and Nassau County, Queens and Brooklyn. Home Advantage Rehabilitation treats many neurological, cardiopulmonary and orthopedic disorders. The therapists bring the therapy directly to your home with portable versions of the equipment used in traditional outpatient facilities.

Kevin Mangan has been working in healthcare since 1994. He has worked in an outpatient clinic where he treated sports injuries and and professional athletes. He then worked as physical therapy supervisor in a sub-acute rehabilitation center for 13 years before starting Home Advantage Rehabilitation. Kevin has experience with a variety of conditions such as ventilator dependence, amputee care, orthopedic injury and post op care, neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury, strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and many others.

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For more information on Home Advantage Rehabilitation contact Amanda Carnesi at Amanda@prescriptionpr.com.

How to Choose the Proper Mobility Aid

When an injury limits your mobility, there are certain aids that can help. Canes, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs can all be helpful, however it is important to know which is appropriate for your specific situation. To avoid choosing incorrectly, you should always consult a professional.

Mobility aids are typically chosen based on the type and severity of an injury as well as the overall fitness of the patient. Crutches may be useful in helping someone with a broken leg, however they require a good deal of upper body strength. For someone with minimal upper body strength, a wheelchair or walker may be more appropriate. These aids are crucial to injured people’s overall health as they allow them not only to move around, but also to get out of bed on their own. Just by standing up people can improve breathing efficiency, reduce the loss of bone density and speed up the overall recovery process.

The easiest mobility aid to use is the cane. Canes give people balance and stability and make walking easier by taking the pressure off of an injured leg. However, people with severe balance issues tend to use walkers rather than canes as they provide more support. While canes can be very useful, they should not be used for weight bearing purposes. There are several types of canes and it is important to ask your doctor which one is right for you.

Crutches allow people to completely eliminate pressure to one leg. Although they require some upper body strength, crutches are relatively easy to use and allow people to maneuver around obstacles with ease. There are different types of crutches made with different materials. Aluminum crutches are lighter than traditional wooden crutches and are therefore easier to use.

Wheelchairs are typically reserved for people who have lost all weight-bearing capabilities. While some people may think that using a wheelchair is embarrassing, this type of mobility aid can promote independence for people who previously had no other way of getting around. Overall, mobility aids can have a profound impact on people’s lives even if they only require them for a short period of time. If you have difficulty getting around, consult your doctor about the type of mobility aid that’s right for you.

Preventing Osteoporosis

Many people hear about osteoporosis and think that it is something that happens later in life and is nothing something they need to think about now. While the disease is usually diagnosed around the age of 60 it starts developing around age 30. By taking preventative measures young people can avoid developing osteoporosis later in life.

Osteoporosis, which is a skeletal disorder that reduces bone mass has been found to cause bone fractures in one in two women over the age of 65. One of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis from occurring later on is by leading an active, healthy lifestyle. Those who are active generally have maintain their bone mass more than those that do not. It’s never too late to start exercising regularly, even if you are over 30 exercising can help prevent or decrease the damage from osteoporosis. Eating right in addition to exercise can also help maintain bone mass which can prevent osteoporosis from developing.

Even if osteoporosis is already present you can slow the progression or even stop the disease. Eating a diet that is rich in calcium is very important for bone health. Try including lots of dairy and leafy vegetables in your diet to get the calcium you need. If you’re having trouble getting plenty of calcium your doctor may recommend taking calcium supplements. While women have a higher risk than men for developing osteoporosis some women have an even higher risk. Some risk factors include age, race, family history, having a petite build, never having been pregnant, smoking, high salt or caffeine diet and getting little or no exercise. Any one of these risk factors makes you more likely to develop osteoporosis.

Taking measures to prevent osteoporosis before it happens is the best way to eliminate possible complications later in life. By simply living a healthy, active lifestyle you can ensure a healthier future for yourself. No matter how old or young you are it is important to think about

Joint Replacement

Due to arthritis, osteoporosis, injury and other skeletal problems many American’s lose mobility and are unable to perform everyday tasks. Today’s technology allows people to have their joints replaced and mobility restored. Every year around 190,000 American’s choose to have joint replacement surgery to get back to normal. The most common joints replaced are the knee and hip but the shoulder can also be replaced.

Artificial joint’s today are mostly made up of steel. Early on doctors struggled to find a system that would properly replace the joints. Finding a material that would work correctly and not cause the immune system to react. The hip has to bear a force that is equal to six times the body’s weight so it is important for the replacement to be strong. Luckily today’s joint replacements are safe and built to last. Replacement hips are formed by a steel ball and stem that replace the top of the thigh bone. Most joint replacements are able to last for around ten years, although with new technology that number is always growing. The newest development in joint replacements promote the growth of new bone in the area around the replacement. This provides more strength and stability in the joint.

The popularity of joint replacement grew back in the 1990’s when professional athlete Bo Jackson had replacement surgery. After suffering from a hip injury Bo had his hip replaced and after recovering he returned to playing baseball for the White Sox’s. His surgery and recovery were played out in the news and showed not only the success of joint replacements but also the importance that physical therapy plays in recovery. Bo showed everyone how with dedication and physical therapy after surgery you can be like brand new. After having a joint replaced physical therapy is crucial to regaining function in the joint. The surgery alone will not improve function, patients have to learn how to move with the new joint.

There is no need to live with pain and reduced mobility. Joint replacements offer a great way to get back on your feet and eliminate pain. With today’s improving technology joint replacement and some physical therapy can improve patients daily lives.

Coping with Arthritis Pain, Naturally

When dealing with the daily pain that arthritis brings, whether it be mild or severe, it is often an experience we wish to delete. Unfortunately, since our bodies do not work that way, we must find alternatives to dealing with the pain. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints that cause stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis, is the most common type, which can get worse with aging by the wear and tear over the years. The good news is that there are ways to improve joint movement and reduce pain by taking natural and healthier approaches.

Losing weight can significantly impact the pressure that is put on the joints and muscles from day to day. Extra weight puts more pressure on your feet, knees and hips. When reducing this stress on your body it will increase mobility, reduce stress on the joints and prevent future injuries in the future.

Exercise is beneficial to your body in several ways, losing weight is not just one of them. For arthritis suffering patients, there are activities such as aerobics and swimming that can loosen the tension and create more flexibility. It is a great alternative to weight-bearing activities such as running that can often create more damage.

Water relief is also a great way to take care of arthritis pain. Hot and cold treatments work wonders for your body by relieving pain and reducing stiffness in the joints and muscles. Hot showers, electric blankets and heating pads are all great tools to use. Cold gels, ice packs and even a pack of frozen vegetables can be great for joint pain.

Supplements of the right fatty acids can be extremely healthy for your body and arthritis pain! Omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid or GLA can reduce pain. Fish oil supplements and seeds from certain plants can provide this nutrients such as fish oil, primrose, borage, hemp and black currants. Another great ingredient to add to your meals is Turmeric, which is a yellow spice that is used in many Indian dishes. This spice contains an ingredient called curcimin that reduces inflammation.

Physical Therapy is always an option to reduce joint stiffness and pain as it release the tension, lifts inflammation off the muscles and creates more flexibility and movement. Whether receiving massages or seeking help from a physical therapist, it can work wonders for your body.

If all else fails, there are always options to receive acupuncture to the specific painful spots in your body or take medication to deal with the pain. Seek professional help from your doctor to see what the best options are for you. Control your arthritis, don’t let it control you.

Headaches!!

You’ve been up since 7 a.m., the dogs won’t stop barking and you spilled coffee on your way to work. As you are finishing up the afternoon rush after filing, making phone calls and getting bombarded with assignments due by 3 p.m., you can feel the headache starting to form. What a day.

When it comes to headaches, there are so many different kinds which can sprout out of nowhere and can range from several levels of pain. Doctors have identified about 20 different headaches which can range from little pain and discomfort in the back of the head after a long day to extreme migraines to warnings of life-threatening illnesses.

When you are battling the annoyance of headache pain, it is important to know what kind you have. The most common type of headaches are called tension headaches which account for about 90 percent of headaches. These are caused by whatever stress-fueling things we may go through during the day. The pain that is caused by this type of headache will affect your upper neck and back of the head. Although these are not an alarming type of headache, they can lead to severeness.

So how can we lessen and maybe even get rid of these tension headaches? Start out by finding a peaceful, quiet place to relax and ease your thoughts. Over-the-counter aspirins can help every once in a while, as well. If you are receiving these headaches, everyday, on a daily basis, then relaxation therapy or psychotherapy may be a helpful option. Exercise and stretching can also relieve tension because you are relaxing tight muscles and working toward eliminating the source of pain.

The more severe type of headache is known as a migraine. Each year about 16-18 million American are affected by migraines. They are extreme pains in your head that cause throbbing and tension. These can be caused by sensitivity of some foods like wine or chocolate, weather changes, altitude changes, oversleeping, skipping meals or seeing bright, flashing lights. Unfortunately, migraines may also run in the family and be passed down with no certain cause of pain.

Migraines can also be treated by a change of lifestyle. Eating, sleeping and exercising properly will all decrease your chance of receiving a migraine. If these actions are not enough, stronger-dose medicine may be required.

Some other types of headaches may cause daily pain even after changing your lifestyle and taking medicine. This is when you should consult a doctor. You may show signs of allergy attacks, arthritis, sinus infections, fevers, or even more serious illnesses. Don’t ignore your pain. Take care of it so you can get back to being yourself again.

Fall Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults 65 and older and are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide. In the United States, 20–30% of older people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures, or head traumas. Between 30% and 40% of adults aged 65 years or older living at home fall at least once per year. Fortunately, falls are largely preventable.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) issued three major recommendations on fall prevention. These recommendations include an evaluation by your physician, an exercise or physical therapy routine, and a daily vitamin D supplement.

To prevent falls, begin with a thorough examination by your physical therapist or physician. Be sure to discuss medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, with your medical professional. Request a screening of your living environment for safety hazards. Having a vision exam at least once a year to update eyeglasses ensures maximum vision.

Exercise has many overall health benefits. Performing exercises prescribed by a trained health professional regularly and focusing on increasing leg strength and improving balance will aid in preventing falls and injury. Mild weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or climbing stairs, may help slow bone loss from osteoporosis.

Vitamin D and calcium are essential nutrients that work together to keep bones strong. Both nutrients are found naturally in foods but they also can be taken as dietary supplements. It is also recommended that all individuals, of any age, know how their medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, affect them. Warning labels that indicate drowsiness or nausea after consumption increase the risk of a fall.

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