How Physiotherapy Helps Patients After A Stroke

Chronic ailments need to get treated at the earliest! However, when it comes to a stroke, the brain has its way of recovering. Not every patient has the same recovery pattern. Also, medical research indicates that the brain's recovery chance after a stroke, by all means, gets limited. There are other schools of thought and medical research that have cited exception to this rule as well. 

These research and studies highlight that at the time of a stroke, the brain cells might get damaged briefly, but doesn't get destroyed or killed. And there are chances that it can resume normal functioning again. There have been proofs that the brain can compensate for its damaged cells, and it can also re-organize its operations. The recovery process gets aided through various other therapies and healing modalities. One of these is physiotherapy. 

Strokes And Physiotherapy 

There are patients who, after a stroke, develop some disabilities in a major or minor way. Some patients show ample recovery initially, and then there's stagnancy. Recovery and healing are gradual. Physiotherapy helps patients who've survived a stroke to recover better. It helps them with their mobility. Doctors and therapists recommend 45 minutes of physiotherapy almost every day during the first phase of the recovery. Few patients who need to relearn their lost abilities get suggested to opt-in for high-intensity therapy. To know more about this, you can get in touch with Cambridge physiotherapy. 

Patients’ should carry on with their physiotherapy sessions as long as the doctor deems it fit. Gradually, as the patient recovers, the doctor and therapist will make changes in the frequency of the physiotherapy sessions. 

How Does Physiotherapy Help? 

After a stroke, doctors carry on the treatment planning and assessment at the earliest. In most cases, the therapy and treatment will get customized according to the person's need and severity of the stroke. Opting in physiotherapy will bring in the following benefits: 

• Helps in stretching and positioning 
• Allows the patient to walk and stand better 
• Improved sitting balance and bed mobility 
• Helps with coordination and balance 
• Improves upper limb weakness 
• Reduces muscle and joint fatigue 

There might be days when a physiotherapist might make use of different treatment tools and devices, for instance, the gym balls, splints, exercise bike, standing aids, parallel bars, walking aids, mirrors, and treadmill to help the patient to recover. They want their patients to improve entirely and become independent as much as possible. They also ensure that as the patient's recover; they can resume their daily functions with ease. 

Physiotherapy can't resolve every mobility issue that a patient develops after a stroke! But it helps the patient to tap into their nerve impulses and work towards a better posture and life. It helps the patient from becoming completely static and stagnant. It is essential to carry on with the required medications and other treatments that the doctor deems fit. Also, it is necessary to choose the best physiotherapist who has the necessary experience and expertise to treat a patient who suffered a stroke. Some of the best physiotherapists are available online.

How To Get Your Workouts Better Post-Injury

Fitness and working out is hard after an injury. This is especially true for athletes and bodybuilders that aren't used to being on the shelf. It is not easy physically or psychologically and some people can end up getting depressed or frustrated. Some people even resort to steroids and human growth hormone use to help speed up their recovery. 

Have you ever had an injury and totally fell off your workout routine? Your fitness and workout may have to follow these simple steps to refocus on your workout routine.

You see it all the time were professional athletes have an injury in their professional sport. Some are career threatening and some are just sprains or broken bones. Whatever the injury is it stops them from continuing their routines. They have to rehab their injury and refocus back into their workout routines. You know what it is like to get into a routine and something happens. 

You take a little time off and all of a sudden you start giving excuses why you can't workout. We should talk about some tips you can use to keep yourself focused or even to get back into that workout after your injury has healed 100%. Also you should make sure that your doctor has given you a clean bill of health. 

Even if your Doctor says your ready to go, you may feel a little afraid to push it in the beginning, but one workout routine that you could do to lesson the strain on your injury is a water routine. You could find a local swimming pool and start using the resistance of the water to start redeveloping your strength and confidence in your healed injury. Once you feel confident you can start doing activities out of the water. There are many different items you can use to help you along the way in the water to create more resistance and gain even more strength. 

The goal here is that you are lighter in the water and believe it or not you will find it more enjoyable. You can then develop your confidence and start getting back to your old routine. Log down your daily workout. Keep track on a calendar how long you workout and how often. 

Remember you don't have to exercise for an hour. All you need is twenty minutes or a half an hour. Also remember that if you are really sore after your workout you could possibly be pushing yourself too hard. Some people try pushing it right away and find it harder to workout more than before and start getting dejected. Then they quit. 

Also if you log down your workout you will find that checking each day off gives you a rewarding feeling and is easier keep up with your motivation. Find yourself a friend who also would like to workout. This can help you in many ways. First if you are not confident because of your injury, he or she can help spot you so you don't re-injure yourself. Also they could provide you with the encouragement you need to keep up with every day or every other day routine. One of the most important tips that anyone can give you is to just keep it up. Just do it! Workout for the amount of time you have. If you only have twenty minutes then that is what you do. The bottom line is you have to just keep doing it no matter what. 

Also do not be hard on yourself if you miss a workout day, OK, just get back in the saddle again the next day. Keep something like before pictures and compare them with pictures after a few weeks and see the difference. Also look at clothes that you start getting to small for and enjoy the results. Another thing you could do is keep pictures of people working out or watch fitness programs once or twice a day, they will get you motivated. Also remember a simple long walk will go a long way and will break up a routine that will just get tiresome.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about how to get your workouts back on track after an injury while staying on a frugal budget.

Interested in more articles about frugal fitness workouts? 

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How To Exercise At Home After Serious Injuries

If you are trying to recover and stay fit after an injury, you should play it incredibly safe. The worst thing for you to do is jump straight back into your old routine before you are ready as this will cause more damage and slow your healing even further. Many of those recovering from severe injuries like auto accidents find it very difficult to motivate themselves, so if you have managed to find that motivation, it can be challenging to resist exercising. If you feel you are ready, you need to follow these steps: 

Be Sure You Are Ready 

There is a reason that specialist doctors exist: without training and experience, it can be challenging to make the right call for yourself. As a result, if you are thinking of getting back on your exercise regime, you should run it by a specialist first. Make sure they have experience in the specific accident you have had, for example, if you have an auto collision in the State with the most auto accidents, you’d want to only get the opinion of an auto accident and rehabilitation Orlando experts. A good chiropractor will likely give you an exercise plan to follow. 

Get Mentally Prepared 

If you have been involved in a serious accident, you will likely have a long rehabilitation period. It is common to feel frustrated during this time of waiting, but understanding that it is for your own good is vital. If you used to have exercise as a critical aspect of your routine, try substituting this with a healthy but less physically exerting mental exercise like meditation. 

When You Are Ready, Go Slow 

When you are both physically fit enough to start exercising again and have the necessary motivation, you should start slowly and exercise many different areas of your body at once. If you were previously a runner, some might advise you to start running at about 50% the distance / pace that you previously ran, increasing 10% each week. It is much more beneficial to instead start doing low-intensity home exercises that exercise your body in its entirety. If you have one specific area that has been injured, working on the whole of your body will give you the holistic strength that you need to support your recovery. You can find many whole-body home exercises online, but make sure you start with low intensity before moving up. 

Warm Up Then Keep Cool 

It will be crucial for you to take the time to warm up properly before exercise and cool down properly after exercise. Warming up should vary depending on your exercise but should last about 5-10 minutes and gently prepare your body for the exercise ahead. Cool-downs should last a similar time and are equally important, you need to stretch and wind down your intensity. Avoid sudden stopping and starting as these can put unnecessary stress on your recovering body.

Don’t Push Through The Pain 

If you are an eager exerciser, you will likely be good at sensing discomfort and pushing through it to extend your limits. Don’t do this when you’re recovering as painful discomfort will be a sign from your body that you are doing damage to an already damaged area. Some very mild pain is okay, but if this intensifies when you continue your exercise you should stop immediately and either look for a different exercise that doesn’t cause that pain or give it a few days of rest – doing anything else simply isn’t worth it.

Top Tips For Dealing With Post-Session Aches And Pains

Adding exercise into your daily routine can be great for your physical and mental health, but no one talks much about some of the aches that you can deal with as a result of your change. Just been out for a long run, or lifted heavy in the gym? You can guarantee that you are going to feel it tomorrow! 

Here are some of our best tips to help you deal with some of those post-session aches and pains you might be dealing with. 

4 Top Tips For Dealing With Post-Workout Aches And Pains

1. Make Sure You Are Exercising Correctly 

One of the first things you need to do is make sure that you are actually exercising correctly. Is it an ache you are feeling, or a sharp pain? If it is the latter, this could be an indication that you are not actually completing your exercise routine correctly. You need to correct things as soon as possible before you run into issues. 

If you are running or hiking, it could be as simple as buying the right shoes and correcting your form a little. For those who prefer to lift weights, you need to make sure that you are following proper form and lifting the right weight for you. A few sessions with a personal trainer could help you develop the right skills. 

2. See A Professional 

In addition to the help that a PT could give you, there are a number of professionals who could aid your journey to soothe your aches and pains. For example, you might wish to seek out the help of a massage therapist. Whether you get a full sports massage or just an ordinary one, they can really help your muscles. 

On a chiropractor Libertyville website, regular maintenance treatment is recommended to help sort out some of the tightness and pain you are feeling in your back, or referred pain elsewhere on the body. The right session could leave you feeling liberated and ready to take on new challenges. 

3. Learn How To Cool Down 

It is also vital that you learn how to cool down correctly once you have exercised. There will be a right and a wrong way to do so. Don’t just leap off the exercise equipment and head out the gym – you will definitely feel it the next day! 

Take the time to instead stretch and use a foam roller on your muscles. Having a bath or at a push, a long shower can also be massively beneficial. Both will help to relax your muscles, and will hopefully prevent you from dealing with muscle pain the next day. 

4. Active Recovery Relieves

Post-session aches and pains can ruin the next few days while you try to recover. However, the proper aftercare will help you recover that little bit faster and minimize delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Take the time to stretch and attend to your body after a good workout and you will notice all the difference in how you feel the next day. Remember – if it is a sharp pain rather than a dull ache, there is a chance that you are exercising incorrectly!

Physical Therapy For Neck Pain

Neck pain cases are a major concern mainly because it affects approximately 30% of the US population in a year. It is usually mostly felt in the back of the neck near the upper spine region but, when some of your nerves are damaged, it can extend your upper shoulder, arm or back. Fortunately, you can treat chronic neck pain through physical therapy. In this post, we look at how a doctor of physical therapy in Greater Heights can alleviate your neck pain. 

Why Is Physical Therapy For Neck Pain Done? 

Although chronic neck pain cannot be treated completely through this method, physical therapy plays a significant role in enhancing neck function and structure for day-to-day movements. Physical therapy also: 

• Helps develop effective solutions for recurrent neck pain 

• Improves your neck and head posture 

• Alleviate stiffness and pain 

• Strengthens your neck and improves its range of motion 

When Is Physical Therapy A Viable Treatment For Neck Pain? 

Generally, physical therapy can be recommended as a suitable treatment option for a number of chronic conditions or illnesses. It could be recommended in the following situations: 

1.      Post-Surgery 

Some neck surgeries often lead to severe neck stiffness and pain, especially in the ensuing weeks and months. For such scenarios, physical therapy is used to improve neck function and reduce stiffness. 

2.      Neck Injury 

There are some injuries that can damage the neck’s soft joints and tissues, resulting in severe pain. Physical therapy helps alleviate neck pain and restore normal neck functioning. 

3.      Chronic Pain 

Recurrent or frequent neck pain tends to weaken your neck’s muscles. Physical therapy helps improve neck support and in turn becomes more resistant to pain. 

When Is Physical Therapy For Neck Pain Not A Good Idea? 

In some cases, physical therapy is normally not recommended for chronic neck pain as it may not eliminate pain or may result in further damage. Such situations include: 

·         Serious Underlying Condition 

If the immediate cause of neck pain is a tumor or infection, doing exercises cannot reduce the size of the tumor but could worsen the problem. 

·         Spinal Instability 

If your cervical spine is unstable or if spinal degeneration causes compression of a nerve root or the spinal cord, the spine must be first stabilized to prevent any further injury before physical therapy. 

Therapy Treatments For Neck Pain 

Generally, physical therapy treatments adopt an individualized approach. Your physical therapist customizes a suitable neck pain treatment plan based on your symptoms, functional goals, and diagnosis. Additionally, the main purpose of neck pain physical therapy is to develop a suitable strategy that reduces neck pain, restores neck mobility, and prevents recurrent neck complications. 

Your neck pain treatment plan may include: 

• Dry needling 

• Ergonomics 

• Home stretching program 

• Posture therapy 

• Aquatic therapy 

• Home exercise program 

• Manual therapy 

• In-office or virtual physical therapy 

Conclusion 

With the numerous advancements in the world of technology, most people spend their time hunched over their smartphones or computers and, as a result, end up with neck pain. For individualized physical therapy for neck pain, consult Roy Rivera Jr., PT, DPT, MCHES, PhD, Jordan Boyd, DPT, CSCS, PT, and the highly qualified team at Crom Rehabilitation in Pearland and Houston, Texas. You can also schedule an appointment online or call any of their offices today.

Top 5 Best Therapy Clinics In Michigan

A physical rehabilitation unit provides care to all patients who have a temporary or permanent disability caused by a bone, muscular, cardiovascular, neurological disease, which generates alterations in their balance, gait, and functionality processes. 

The objectives of physical therapy are basically “to restore the function of all patients, to recover the functionality and the work activities or the regular life of the patients”. 

The specialized units have services of: 

• Physical therapy 

• Hand physical therapy 

• Occupational therapy 

• Pelvic floor therapy 

• Neurological rehabilitation 

• Cardiac Rehabilitation 

• Pulmonary rehabilitation 

• Physiatry 

• Occupational Mental Health Therapy 

... complying with all the guidelines of the ministries of health or related institutions. 

Currently, for the safe care of all users, the facilities or clinics must have protocols such as social distancing two meters away. Healthcare professionals should wear a surgical mask and face shield before treating a patient and ensure optimal health conditions are in place to proceed with the session. 

Take into account if the physiotherapist has implemented a teleconsultation service to provide appropriate service since some patients due to the health contingency cannot leave their homes. 

What apparatus, equipment or instruments should a physiotherapy center have? You must have, first of all, enough space to perform the treatments properly, as well as comfortable and adequate stretchers to treat patients. 

• Electrotherapy 

Many centers have various electrical currents such as interferential, diadynamic, galvanic therapy, etc., each with different purposes. Some have an analgesic effect by acting directly on pain receptors to inhibit pain. Other currents work at the muscular level to increase fiber, promote trophism and improve muscle strength. Other electrical currents are used to help slow down the different intrinsic metabolic processes found within tissues and promote cell catabolism. 

• Therapeutic Ultrasound 

It is used in different modalities, it provides a superficial heat to favor the mobilization of some structures, to release some tissues that could be housed in deep surfaces. 

• Laser Beam 

It has the purpose of diminishing cellular regeneration and inflammatory processes. 

• Surface Heat 

There are different techniques. It can occur through the use of hot-humid compresses, with fluid therapy machines, among others. 

• Therapeutic Massage 

There are therapeutic massages of different modalities, closely linked to the different physical effects by manipulating the tissues or muscles. 

• Therapeutic Exercise 

Through therapeutic exercises, the different muscles of the body are strengthened and the patient gradually integrates his daily activities, acquiring and recovering the functionality of some limb or other part of the body, as well as walking. 

• Post-Covid Therapy 

One of the most required modalities in recent times is therapies for patients who have gone through this disease. It is very important to go to physical therapy if the coronavirus has left consequences in the body or simply to recover optimally. 

• Pulmonary Therapy 

As well as the previous point, it is extremely important to learn to breathe well through different techniques. Physiotherapists help and teach to control the correct way of breathing since this directly affects the treatment and/or daily activities. 

• Magnetotherapy 

Similar to electromagnetic therapy, it is an alternative medicine practice in which magnetic fields generated by special electrical devices are used for this purpose. 

• Mental Health 

Physiotherapy aimed at mental health offers a wide range of possibilities to treat and recover patients with brain and motor problems, etc., who find a refuge in this type of therapy. Emotional health is as important as physical health. 

• Pediatric And Adult Rehabilitation 

The rehabilitation center must have the necessary conditions to treat children, adolescents, and the elderly. 

After giving you these guidelines to take into account when choosing a specific treatment, let's see a top 5 with the best therapy clinics in the State of Michigan. 

1. Miracle Physical Therapy And Massage Center 

Without a doubt one this is one of the best rehabilitation and physical therapy clinics in the state. It has highly qualified professionals in two different facilities: Miracle Physical Therapy and Massage Center in Farmington Hills, MI and in Warren. 

They have the following services and specialties: 

• Orthopedic Rehabilitation 

• Low back pain treatment 

• Hip pain treatment 

• Auto Injuries Rehabilitation 

• Sports Injuries Rehabilitation 

• Pre- and post-operative Rehabilitation 

Among some of the therapies we can mention: 

• Flexibility exercises to improve range of motion 

• Exercises to strengthen muscles 

• Posture, balance, and coordination training 

• Gait analysis and training 

• Manual therapy techniques 

• Mentally prepare for surgery 

• Reduces pain and inflammation 

• Improving muscular control of the injured joint 

• Normalizing movement patterns before surgery 

• Improved overall well-being and fitness 

• Improved overall well-being and fitness 

• Gain a good understanding of the exercises that you will perform immediately after surgery 

2. DMC Rehabilitation Institute Of Michigan (RIM) 

This is another of the professional centers specialized in therapy and rehabilitation programs. It has important and innumerable locations throughout the city. A wide variety of professionals in the different specialties will attend to your questions and will provide you with the best support to solve any physical-motor problem that afflicts you. 

3. Henry Ford Rehabilitation - Center for Athletic Medicine 

This state-of-the-art center has advanced technology. The wide variety of services allows you to choose the most suitable for your queries. The specialties are not only aimed at physical therapy but also a wide range of comprehensive health possibilities. 

4. DPT Physical Therapy 

Considered one of the best and most accessible physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, it has two locations in the State of Michigan. He attends to patients in a fairly wide range of hours during the weekdays (7 am - 7 pm). It offers typical physical therapy treatments and sports activities such as fitness, with neuromuscular retraining techniques. 

5. Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy 

This is another very well-trained team of healthcare professionals, providing outpatient physical therapy services. In addition to the State of Michigan, it has other facilities in four other states. With spacious and comfortable spaces, it is a suitable place to start with the required recovery or prevention treatments. Do not hesitate to visit it. 

Summing Up 

Physical therapy is taking an important place in the development of rehabilitation techniques in patients with mobility problems or mental illnesses that affect the correct coordination of the musculoskeletal system. 

To recover, strengthen and prevent injuries to the body, different ancient and current methods are used, both with devices - such as those mentioned above – along with the application of localized or general massages, this health discipline is highly effective and recommended, not only to heal but to improve the quality of life of patients. Have you already decided where to carry out your rehabilitation process?

Why Rehabilitation Is The Best Way To Heal After An Accident Or Personal Injury

Did you know that people who go for rehabilitation after a major event heal much quicker and get over the trauma much faster? Car accidents or other issues such as personal injuries can limit your life in many ways. Some people never get over the trauma or have a hard time regaining their balance after accidents. However, with Gould Chiropractic and Laser Pain Center, a place offering rehabilitation in Chatsworth, you can find yourself healing much faster, with better movements and mental health after an accident. 

Who Qualifies For Rehabilitation? 

Gould Chiropractic and Laser Pain Center invite everyone to receive rehabilitation after they have had an accident. However, people in critical need of the services include those with deep injuries from either accidents or personal injuries through sports. You can also choose to have rehabilitation after a significant event that has taken a considerable toll on you. Such events are those that cause trauma and often times require surgery or lengthy physical therapy recovery schedules. 

Rehabilitation focuses on many things; the first issue in consideration is your pain. Your rehab services will check on the pressure points where the pain is too much, and then they will provide long-term solutions that will help clear the pain. Rehabilitation focuses on different types of pain. However, the major areas of consideration include: 

·         Bones 

·         Joints 

·         Tendons 

·         Nerves 

·         Muscles 

·         Ligaments 

·         Spine 

Before any session with a rehabilitation expert, you will need various scans, examinations, and a one-on-one with an expert before a recommendation for one. In most cases, the nature of your injuries dictates whether you should have the procedure. 

What Is Needed In A Rehabilitation Exercise? 

The first step into the procedure requires you to have a definite design that your doctor will follow during the treatment. Therefore, once you walk into Gould Chiropractic and Laser Pain Center, the doctors will examine your situation, and from the results, create a design for your treatment. The severity of your injuries will play a role in selecting the best rehabilitation procedures to deal with your problem. You can benefit from exercises, lasers, massage therapy, and chiropractic manipulations. 

·         Exercises 

Exercising is one of the basic ways to get you back on your feet. Your doctor will recommend it alongside almost all the rehabilitation techniques needed to get you back to your feet, especially after a devastating injury. Exercises help accomplish many things, one of them being improving your energy levels. 

·         Massage Therapy 

Massages are a manipulative procedure, especially for your muscles. Your health provider will focus on the soft tissues by caressing them in different extremes to have you release some tension. This technique helps improve blood movement and gives an overall feeling of excitement. 

·         Laser Therapy 

This technique targets some of your tissues, helping them rebuild after an injury. Your team of rehabilitators will most likely make use of a class 4 laser to have your tissues remodel themselves. 

Rehab Right

Rehabilitation is probably one of the most regarded ways of healing after a major event. However, for you to be accepted for treatment, you must pass thorough examinations. Gould Chiropractic and Laser Pain Center are one of the health centers that do the procedure for injured or traumatized patients. Call the center or book your spot online to begin your journey to healing after a major traumatizing event.

Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement Surgery In Katy, Texas

About one million Americans get a total knee replacement surgery annually. A knee replacement surgery is proven to help you live a better life free of pain and regain mobility. As of now, roughly five million Americans live with well-functioning implants. Dr. Pavel Muradov offers Katy total knee replacement through traditional and minimally invasive knee replacement options at Integrity Orthopedics. Dr. Muradov speaks fluent English, Spanish, and Russian. 

What Is Total Knee Replacement? 

Total knee replacement / total knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure involving the removal of damaged parts of your knee and making artificial replacements. Dr. Muradov performs a total knee arthroplasty that alleviates knee pain and restores mobility. 

Latest knee replacement procedures involve removing a few millimeters of the inflamed surface of your shinbone, thigh bone, and knee cap. Your provider resurfaces the treated area with a combination of approved plastic and metal. A majority of the ligaments and bones remain preserved. 

Who Needs A Total Knee Replacement? 

Dr. Muradov explores all non-surgical treatments before opting for surgery. Your knee joint treatment plan may comprise: 

·       Medications 

·       Physical therapy 

·       Injection therapy 

·       Weight management 

Dr. Muradov checks out your qualification for knee replacement surgery if your pain is resilient to conservative treatments. The procedure is best for averting pain caused by arthritis (post-traumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis), the primary reason for total knee replacement. 

Knee Replacement Procedures 

At Integrity Orthopedics, Dr. Muradov offers specialized replacements like total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and minimally invasive knee replacement. 

1) Minimally invasive knee replacement involves making a small incision to avoid damaging quadriceps muscles and soft tissue. Dr. Muradov specializes in minimally invasive knee replacement techniques. 

2) Partial knee replacement involves a compartment of your knee and protection of your natural joint. Dr. Muradov uses the Mako® robotic arm to complete partial knee replacements for qualified clients. About 5% to 10% of patients with arthritis qualify. 

3) Total knee replacement involves the removal of cartilage and bone matter from all parts of the joint. Your doctor replaces the parts with plastic and metal components. To leave the bone intact, Dr. Muradov uses bone-preserving techniques. 

Recovery After A Total Knee Replacement 

Recovery varies based on the type of procedure and preoperative condition. Dr. Muradov clarifies what you should expect from wound care, pain management, physical therapy, and rehabilitation tailored to meet your needs. 

Other Services Offered At Integrity Orthopedics 

Dr. Muradov also specializes in: 

- Total hip replacement 

-  Arthritis 

-  Injections 

-  Revision knee replacement 

-  Revision hip replacement 

-  Weight management 

-  Knee arthroscopy 

Office Hours 

Opening hours of Integrity Orthopedics are: 

Monday 8:30 am-5:00 pm 

Tuesday 8:30 am-5:00 pm 

Wednesday 8:30 am-5:00 pm 

Thursday 8:30 am-5:00 pm 

Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm 

Saturday: Closed 

Sunday: Closed 

Bottom Line On Better Knees

Integrity Orthopedics is fully equipped to deliver quality services in a comfortable and friendly setting. If you need conventional or minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery, contact Integrity Orthopedics online or by phone to book an appointment today.

Amazing Benefits Of Occupational Therapy You May Not Know

If you are struggling to manage everyday tasks for various reasons, occupational therapy can make your life at work, school, or home less challenging and more productive. Centreville occupational therapy specialists at Town Center Orthopaedic Associates customize the care you get according to your needs. An OT is crucial in helping you find the best ways to lead an as normal and active life as possible despite complications such as disability and chronic pain. This is no mystery, but what benefits make occupational therapy so essential in one’s life? Here are the amazing benefits of occupational therapy you may not know. 

You Get Support 

Occupational therapists offer outstanding support you can never get elsewhere. You will find them spending time comforting you whether you are the patient or the caregiver on the current health complication. Your family also gets to receive strong support under the new circumstances you will have to endure. 

Your provider will help you achieve your goals by offering the care and support you need to cope and adapt to your situation. They go the extra mile from meeting their clinician-determined goals. 

You Receive Adaptive Equipment And Home Modifications 

Sometimes getting help from other people to perform your daily activities may not be ideal. For this reason, your provider's ultimate job is to improve your ability to perform your daily activities independently. This can be achieved through adaptive equipment, where your provider gets to determine the most effective and appropriate product for you. 

Home safety assessments can give you peace-of-mind, especially when performed by experienced and trained occupational therapists like the team at Town Center Orthopaedic Associates. Your provider can also provide home evaluations and advise on home modifications necessary to increase your safety and make your movement activities easy. 

You Get To Receive Caregiver Training 

You can imagine moving from acute care or a rehab hospital where you had all you needed to your home where you will have more to do to yourself or your caregiver to assist you. It can be difficult to adapt to the new environment still. Fortunately, occupational therapists offer you and your caregiver training about aspects of your daily life, what is needed, and what to do. This OT assistance will help you figure out how to live after your life’s turn. 

Improved Cognitive And Visual Skills 

Your provider addresses cognition to improve your functionality, particularly where cognitive skills are required to perform certain tasks. This can be achieved through activities that require attention, reasoning, organization, and problem-solving. 

Our provider also addresses your visual processing and can provide insights into more elusive difficulties. Visual adaptive techniques can be taught to improve your performance and overall experience. 

Improved Strength And Endurance 

Activity tolerance is commonplace in therapy. Your occupational therapy focuses on analyzing your cognitive needs and implementing exercises and activities designed to build up your current abilities to improve your daily independence. OT can keep you more interested and challenged. 

Occupational therapy exercises can help improve weak joint movements and reduce pain, and you can also learn how to properly position your body to reduce the risk of increased pain. 

While these are just a few benefits of occupational therapy, be sure that there is more that you can gain from this therapy. To explore more, you better speak with the experts by contacting Town Center Orthopaedic Associates.

Exercises For A Healthy Spine

Dr. James Chang in East Brunswick is one of the best sports medicine specialists and orthopedists in New Jersey. One thing in particular that he can help you with is spinal disorders. 

Most chronic back pains are caused by issues to the spine. A good exercise routine should help you strengthen your back and spine. 

However, there are certain stretches that specifically help your spine. They will ensure that your spine is aligned and your back muscles are flexible. 

The following are four examples of exercises for a healthy spine: 

1. Back Flexion Exercise 

As the name suggests, the exercise involves stretching your back muscles. It will also help align the spine by curving and stretching it. 

The exercise is done by first lying flat on your back. Lift both of your knees and pull them towards you. Lift your head and try to connect your face to your knees. 

Hold that position for thirty seconds and then take a rest for however long you need. Repeat the exercise five times and you should feel a great stretch in your back. 

2. Knee To Chest Stretch 

The knee to stretch is another great way to lengthen your spine and stretch your back. It is very similar to the back flexion exercise. 

You begin by lying flat on your back. Lift one knee and pull it towards you. Try to get the knee to touch your chest. If you are unable to reach the chest just pull as hard as is comfortable. 

Put the leg back on the ground and stretch the other leg in the same manner. Ensure that you put your back on the ground while you stretch for support. 

3. Neck Stretch 

The spine reaches all the way up to the neck, so stretching the neck is a great exercise to maintain a healthy spine. This exercise involves stretching the neck in all directions and can be done anywhere. Stand straight with your head looking forward. Drop your head to the right and towards your right shoulder. Place your hand on the side of your head and pull your head gently to the right. 

Hold for thirty seconds and then release your head into a neutral position. Repeat the sequence on the other side. 

Place your hands on the back of your head and then pull your head forwards towards your chest. Hold the position for thirty seconds and then relax. 

Lift your head upwards and look towards the ceiling. Hold the position and feel the stretch in the front of your neck. You can repeat the sequences as long as you like. 

4. Hip Crossover Stretch 

The hip crossover stretch is a particularly great movement for the lower back and spine. However, it will also stretch your hip and glutes. 

Lie flat on your back, preferably on a mat. Bend your knees about shoulder width apart. Cross your left leg over the right leg and lift your left leg. Use your hands to pull your left knee towards your chest. 

Hold the position for thirty seconds, and then repeat the sequence on the other side. Repeat this lumbar spine exercise as many times as you want for a stronger and more flexible lower back.

Top 7 Most Common Injuries In Sports

Seeking the services of a sports orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore is very vital to the sportspeople due to the number of injuries they are exposed to. This is because injuries are the major things that sideline many sportspeople every year. Although there is nothing one can do to prevent injuries, there some things one can do to lessen the risk of getting them. For instance, injuries that are caused by overuse and straining can be minimised by stretching before or after engaging in sports. Also, you can reduce the injuries by resting when you feel like doing so. 

The kind of sports which you play will determine the kind of injuries which are likely to experience. There are two kinds of injuries namely: 

i) Acute- The ones which occur suddenly. 

ii) Chronic- the ones which develop with time. 

Below are some of the common injuries that sportspeople are likely to experience. 

1) Injuries To The Achilles Tendon 

The Achilles tendon refers to a thick corded tissue that connects the calf muscle. It is used to assist you to walk. One of the common injuries which occur to this tendon is known as Achilles tendinitis. This kind of injury is usually common in sports which need a lot of running. It is usually caused by not wearing the right shoes, not stretching before playing, or when one suddenly engages in a lot of sports. You may have Achilles tendinitis in case your calf or heel hurts especially when you run or walk. Other symptoms of this injury are: 

a) If the area feels warm when you touch it 

b) Swelling in the area. 

All these injuries can be both chronic and acute. 

2) Dislocations 

Sometimes it can difficult to differentiate between a dislocation and a broken bone. However, a dislocation occurs when the bones tend to move out of their normal position. This kind of injury is usually common in sports such as basketball, soccer, and football. Some of its symptoms include; not able to move the area, swelling, and extreme pain. 

3) Jumper's Knee 

This kind of injury is also known as patellar tendinitis. It usually happens where there is an inflammation or injury to the tissues which connect the thigh muscles and kneecap to the shin bone. 

Some of the triggers of this injury are sports which involve repetitive jumping such as volleyball and basketball. In addition, individuals who are overweight or play sports on hard surfaces are likely to get this kind of injury. One of the symptoms of this injury is having knee pain just below the kneecap. The affected individuals also experience stiffness or weakness in the knee while they are climbing stairs or kneeling. The injuries can be mild or chronic. 

4) Rotator Cuff Injuries 

The rotator cuff is the area inside your shoulder. It assists in moving your shoulder or keeping it stable. If you engage in repeated action such as baseball, tennis, swimming then you are likely to get injuries in this area. Some of the symptoms of this injury include pain when you lift your arm or when you try to reach your back and also swelling in your shoulder. This injury is usually chronic 

5) Runner's Knee 

This kind of injury is usually common to athletics and other sportspeople who engage in a lot of knee bending, biking, and walking. It can also occur due to hard bumps or trauma at the knee. You may feel a grinding sensation when you bend your knees or knees may be swollen. This injury can be chronic or acute. 

6) Sprains 

It is one of the common injuries which many sportspeople experience. A sprain is a tear or stretch of a ligament near joints such as the wrist, ankle, and knee. This kind of injury is usually caused by twisting motion or falling motion. The injury can be mild or severe, however, this will depend on whether your ligament is torn or stretched. Some of the symptoms of this injury are bruising, swelling, and pain. You will also find it difficult in applying any kind of weight to the joint. This injury is usually chronic. 

7) Strains 

It is good that you know the difference between a sprain and a strain. This is because a sprain usually hurts ligaments while a strain hurts muscles. Also, you may experience a strain when you tear or stretch your muscle tissues by overextending them. If you engage in sports such as lifting, jumping, or running then you are likely to experience acute strains. Strains can also happen when you change direction quickly or during cold weather. Some of the symptoms include sudden pain in the affected area. Sometimes if the injury is severe you may experience swelling and bruising. This kind of injury can either be acute or chronic. 

When Should You Visit The Doctor? 

You can visit your doctor in case you are experiencing bruising, swelling, or deformity in the injured area. You can also visit a doctor in case you have severe pain or your pain or swelling persists for several days. The doctor can offer a splint or sling to assist you to recover faster from the injury.

7 Exercise To Improve Your Posture And Appearance

It can often be difficult deciding on what workout or exercise to pick in the gym or whilst at home working out. Frugal Fitness has gathered together 7 functional exercises which are aimed to improve both posture and appearance whilst targeting specific common weaknesses such as tight hips and poor range of motion all of which can be performed with little to no equipment. Here are 7 exercises. 

● Reverse Plank Bridge 
● Arch Up 
● Wall Angel 
● X-Move 
● Pyramid 
● Hip Flexor Stretch 
● Shoulder Rolls 

Reverse Plank Bridge

The reverse plank bridge is basically a backwards plank. You may be familiar with the original plank and this isn’t much more difficult. Working your whole body mainly targeting core and lower back also targets arms, shoulders, hamstrings, glutes and a wide variety of stabilising muscles in the process. Another side benefit to the reverse plank bridge is the ability to open up the hips whilst providing a whole backstretch, perfect for those who sit at a desk for long hours during the day. 

To Perform: 

1) Lying down on your back position your feet at a 90-degree angle 
2) Position your hands directly beneath your shoulders and push upwards 
3) Your body should now be forming a straight line from your knees to your neck 

4) Hold this position for 60 seconds repeat 3x through with 30 seconds rest in between each rep 

Arch Up 

This particular compound bodyweight movement works a wide variety of different muscle groups due to the increased strain to support your body weight as the movement is performed. 

To Perform: 

1) Lie down face flat on a mat 
2) Push your hands out in front of you trying to raise as high as possible without bending 
3) Lift your arms as high as possible and then to your side followed by attempting to bring your shoulder blades together 
4) Finally, push your arms upwards as if you’re reaching for the sky as high as you can go 

Wall Angel 

Although this exercise may sound a little odd, wall angels are essential for fixing bad posture and improving strength throughout the upper back to prevent injury down the line. 

To Perform: 

1) Stand straight, face forward, back against a wall 
2) Lift your arms up and down as if you were creating a snow angel 
3) Perform a total of 10 times for a total of 3 sets with 30s recovery between sets 

X-Move 

Although it sounds complicated, the X-Move is perfect for strengthing the upper back muscles, especially those located between your shoulder blades, furthermore, the exercise really isn’t that difficult to get a hang of. All you will require is a resistance band (depending on your level of difficulty will result in different strengths of the band). 

To Perform: 

1) Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you 
2) Place a resistance band over the middle of your feet crossing over each other to form an X 
3) Holding the bands by your side, pull towards your hips whilst bending your elbows so they point backwards 
4) Perform a total of 10 reps and 3 sets with a 30-60 second break in between 

Pyramid 

The pyramid stretch is great for targeting tight hamstrings (often lead to injuries or weaknesses in other areas and the lower back all whilst testing and improving your balance and flexibility. The pyramid will also activate essential stabilising muscles used during balance, working on current weak areas and often working muscles you didn’t even know existed! 

To Perform: 

1) Starting standing, position your left foot directly behind your right foot (about 6-8 inches apart) think as if you are walking on a tight-rope 
2) Inhale extending the arms overhead (this will elongate your spine) 
3) Slowly exhale reaching your hands downwards towards the floor (if you can only reach your shins this is okay) 
4) Let your chest lie above your left leg and breathe slowly in order to stretch the opposing hamstring 
5) Hold this position for 30 seconds then alternate side, repeat 3x through on each side 

Hip Flexor Stretch 

Tight hips often lead to reoccurring injuries further down the line of a sporting career or for the enthusiastic gym goer. Opening out your hips and stretching them will allow for increased range of motion, reduced risk of injury and less pain within the hip region whilst performing specific exercises. 

To Perform: 

1) Start standing 
2) Take a large step placing one foot in front of the other 
3) Kneel down until your back leg is parallel and touching the floor 
4) Hold this position for 30 - 45 seconds 
5) Switch legs and repeat 3x on each leg 

Shoulder Rolls 

Shoulder rolls are a frequently used exercise to improve posture and increase range of motion within the shoulder region whilst also providing a strengthening exercise for your upper back. In order to make these more difficult consider adding weights, this will further emphasize the building of muscle once your posture and range of motion has improved. 

To Perform: 

1) Starting standing, place your feet shoulder width apart and arms by your side 
2) Rotate your shoulders in a forward circle motion 
3) Repeat this motion both backwards and forwards 
4) Perform for a total of 30 seconds and repeat 4x with a 15-second rest in between sets.

Now you will have perfect powerful posture!