PhysicalTherapy & Chiropractor News

Physical Therapy Queens -Physical Therapy in Joint Replacements

Do you find that daily activities have become painful due to joint pain? Arthritis, injuries and overuse of muscles and joints can cause discomfort and limit mobility. In some cases, standing, walking, climbing stairs and bathing can become painful. When conventional (non-surgical) treatments are no longer working, a joint replacement may be recommended. In this procedure, an orthopedic surgeon replaces the original joint with a prosthesis (artificial joint) made of metal or high-quality plastic.

Knee replacement surgery tends to be common, since the knee is a weight-bearing joint. This procedure is called ‘Total Knee Arthroplasty’. Knee replacements were first performed in the late 1960s and have come a long way since then. Today, physicians are able to choose from a wide variety of knee replacements to suit the patient’s overall health, age, weight, and activity level.

An important goal after surgery is gradual, progressive mobility of the new joint. A physical therapist will create a plan to improve motion and regain strength in a controlled manner. The individual will also be advised about which positions to avoid, in an effort to protect the joint while it is healing. Physical therapy is a safe, effective treatment option and will help the individual to recover from joint replacement surgery.

Recovery After Joint Replacement Surgery
It’s normal to have concerns before any surgery. After all, you want to return to an active lifestyle as quickly as possible. This requires planning before and after the surgery. This is exactly where physical therapy can help. Your therapist will encourage you to stay as active as possible prior to the surgery. This will minimize muscle loss and speed up recovery after the surgery.

It’s best to ask a family member, friend, or a caregiver to help you in the recovery process. The physical therapist will educate these individuals to help you in the early stages of recovery. Over a period of time, you’ll learn to become independent as your body heals.

A physical therapist will prescribe gentle stretching exercises to restore mobility after the surgery. You will be asked to walk, possibly with crutches, a walker, or a cane for additional support. Under the watchful eye of the physical therapist, you will regain confidence and begin to move indoors, then outdoors. It’s normal to experience a little pain and discomfort initially. Don’t worry. Your therapist will make sure you don’t push yourself too much. Expect to learn supervised exercises to strengthen your knee. All these measures will facilitate a rapid and successful recovery.

Your Physical Therapist - An Important Ally
Your physical therapist is an important ally for you and a critical member of your healthcare team during the recovery process. Since each patient has specific needs, your therapist will tailor your exercises and advise you about the do’s and dont’s based on the guidelines established by the surgeon. This will enable you to get the best possible result from your surgery. You will regain freedom, restore mobility, and finally enjoy an active pain-free lifestyle.

If you or someone you know is considering (or has already had) joint replacement surgery, physical therapy can help. To find out more about how we can help, call us for an appointment today. We’ll do everything we can to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Don’t let a joint replacement surgery hold you back from a normal, active lifestyle.

www.ForestHillsRehab.com

totalwr3ck asked: Hey! So today after I worked out maybe like 3 hours after when I sat down something felt misplaced in my back near my shoulder blade. Like it felt like there was a gap. So I took a look and my left shoulder blade was sticking out and that never happens. Also my left shoulder (biceps all the way to the shoulder area) is sore and numb. Got any idea what it could be?

The shoulder blade (scapula) is pulled against rib cage by a group of muscles. The serratus anterior is important in preventing the scapula from winging. Winging scapula is commonly related to weakness in serratus anterior. However since you are also describing pain at the front of shoulder there may be other muscles involved. Numbness may indicate nerve irritation. I would suggest that you ice the area that is painful and have a consult ASAP to properly diagnose the source of dysfunction. I would need a more complete history to diagnose further. Click through to our website or call to speak with one of our doctors or therapists and perhaps we could help you further. Regards. http://www.Forest HillsRehab.com

physical Therapy Queens: Preparing For Orthopedic Surgery

Prehab - The Role of Exercise Before Surgery

If you or someone you know is preparing for an upcoming surgery, the information you are about to read will be very useful. Most individuals are familiar with the thought of rehabilitation after surgery, but the idea of pre-surgical rehabilitation is gaining recognition.

Often, there is a period of waiting involved prior to any surgery. This time is valuable, and it can be utilized to prepare the body for surgery and facilitate a better outcome after the surgical intervention. When muscles, bones and joints are in optimum condition before the procedure, the impact of the inevitable muscle loss and joint stiffness is minimized post operatively. Essentially, the stronger a person is going into surgery, the better the chances of an easier and faster recovery after the surgery.

Individuals who participate in a pre-surgical rehabilitation program tend to regain function and return to their daily lives faster than individuals who do not participate in pre-surgical rehabilitation. Traditionally, a physical therapist helps with post-surgical rehabilitation, but you may be surprised to learn that the therapist can also be your biggest ally during the ‘pre-hab’ process.

Pre-Surgical Rehabilitation 101
It is common for the region that is about to be operated on to be inflamed and weak. With a carefully planned exercise routine, a physical therapist can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation to the affected area. This improves mobility and helps with pain relief. This also helps promote correct movement patterns and minimize compensatory movements like leaning and uneven weight bearing.

Improving health and fitness, and being in optimal physical health can go a long way towards the facilitation of post-operative recovery.

These are some simple guidelines to follow with a pre-surgical rehabilitation program:

Start the program at least six weeks prior to the surgery.
Start slowly. This is not the time to aggravate an existing issue or trigger a new one.
If you are physically fit, consider increasing your intensity, frequency, or duration as long as it doesn’t interfere with your current injury.
Yoga is an excellent way to prepare both the mind and body for surgery. The combination of relaxation and soothing movements can be beneficial before and after surgery.
One of the requirements for post-surgical discharge is that a patient is able to complete certain activities. Your physical therapist will collaborate with the surgeon to design your goals and establish benchmarks for recovery. For example, you may be expected to walk a certain number of steps or climb stairs before you are allowed to go home. Once this pre-requisite is met, you can start a home exercise program. Patients who are physically prepared for surgery can leave the hospital sooner and are likely to suffer fewer complications.

Physical Therapy and Pre-hab
A consultation with your physical therapist will involve an evaluation to determine:

Muscle and joint strength
Ability to move and perform day-to-day tasks (climbing stairs, getting in and out of bed)
Degree of assistance required from friends and family members
By working with a physical therapist prior to surgery and creating a pre-surgery rehabilitation plan, you will create a strong foundation for rapid recovery. Similar to the post-surgical collaboration, you can expect your physical therapist to work closely with your doctors to facilitate recovery even before you have surgery.

The physical therapist will help you familiarize yourself with walking aides and other supportive devices like crutches, walkers, or canes should they be needed. You will discover the importance of breathing, proper techniques and range of motion of important exercises that you’ll be doing after the surgery. This will reduce the stress and apprehension associated with discharge and facilitate independence. As your physical therapists, we are committed to keeping you as healthy as possible. If you or someone you know is considering surgery, schedule a consultation with us. ‘Pre-hab’ is a great way to speed up rehab and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Phone:718-520-8480 
Web:http://www.ForestHillsRehab.com

(Source: ForestHillsRehab.com)

Physical Therapy Queens: Joint Nutrition

Nutrition for Your Joints

It’s well known that that nutrients in certain foods can boost immunity, improve heart health, and promote well being. However, did you know that nutrition can play a role in bone and joint health as well?

Joints serve an important function in the human body. Movement at the joints allows you to bend, reach, turn, and rotate.

As an individual gets older, more sedentary, and gains weight, arthritic changes can set in. Joints begin to degenerate, resulting in pain and discomfort in daily life.

The best way to build strength and stability of the joints and the surrounding ligaments, muscles, and bones is through a combination of exercise, healthy eating, and nutritional supplements.

Exercise - The Right Stimulus for Healthy Joints
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your joints healthy and improve well being. On the other hand, sedentary individuals are at a higher risk for joint pain. The less you move, the more stiff your joints will be, so it’s important to move around.

“Getting up and moving” can be as simple as going for a brisk walk or using the vacuum. If you work in an office, you can increase your mobility by talking on the phone while standing up instead of sitting at your desk. You can also stand up and and stretch at regular intervals.

The weight of your body is supported by your lower back, knees, and hips. Loss of excess body weight will help ease the strain on your joints.

Adding resistance increases muscle strength around your joints and ligaments. It is very important to consult your physical therapist before beginning any resistance training program. You want to make sure you don’t overdo anything and hurt yourself.

Nutrition plays an important role in joint health. Eating a diet rich in nutrients contributes to bone strength. The consumption of diary and foods such as broccoli and kale facilitate calcium intake. If you can’t tolerate milk, ask your physician if calcium supplements are right for you.

Foods rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants may contribute to immunity and joint health. Eat plenty of colorful fruits like oranges, berries, and melons to take in an excellent supply of both nutrients. Salmon is an excellent source of calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats have several benefits, and may boost joint health, heart health and decrease pain and swelling. Please note that these are general guidelines, and are not meant to replace or constitute the advice of a registered dietician or nutritional consultant.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Joint Health
Your physical therapist is a licensed health care professional trained to help you improve joint health. For best results, use a combination of diet and exercise. A well-designed, simple, yet progressive exercise plan will help strengthen muscles surrounding the joints and improve mobility.

Although joint pain can limit your quality of life, your physical therapist will stand by your side and help you. The therapist will design simple, achievable goals and teach you the right techniques to help you regain full function and resume the things you like doing.

We are here to help you. We don’t want you to be limited with your daily activities - not on our watch! If your joints hurt, it’s time to talk to us. Physical therapy (along with healthy nutrition) may be exactly what your joints need.

Forest Hills Rehabilitation

Phone:718-520-8480

(Source: ForestHillsRehab.com)