Urban Physical Therapy

06/17/2024

When an injury necessitates the use of a cast for immobilization, one of the associated challenges is the potential for muscle atrophy due to lack of movement and reduced activity.

When an injury necessitates the use of a cast for immobilization, one of the associated challenges is the potential for muscle atrophy due...

03/05/2024

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for sacroiliac joint dysfunction is essential for effective management and improved quality of life for affected individuals.

The sacroiliac (SI) joint plays a crucial role in providing stability and transmitting forces between the spine and the pelvis. It is where the lower...

03/04/2024

Cancer patients undergoing treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy frequently develop chronic pain syndrome.

Along with medical approaches to help patients manage cancer-related pain, lifestyle changes can also decrease discomfort and improve quality of life.

02/16/2024

Resilience in the context of physical rehabilitation is a particularly fruitful line of research.

Psychological resilience is defined as the ability to cope mentally and emotionally with a crisis, or to swiftly return to pre-crisis status.

01/09/2024

Understanding patient-specific risk factors for bone fracture can help to effectively prevent and manage fractures.

Bone fractures often result from trauma or underlying conditions. Understanding patient-specific risk factors for bone fracture can help to effectively prevent and manage fractures. Bone not only protects our organs and helps facilitate movement, but it is also constantly being built and resorbed (B...

01/03/2024

Understanding the nuances of each condition is a meaningful first step to identifying someone’s condition and being able to treat them.

Not all types of back pain are equal: lower back pain and upper back pain occur at different rates and are often the product of distinct causes.

11/20/2023

Exercise has a number of clear neurological benefits for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Physical activity has been central in the life of humans for most of our history, shaping our evolutionary physiology and needs.

09/26/2023

Balance training can be used to prevent or reduce the risk of falls.

To prevent falls in those with conditions affecting balance or strength and in healthy older adults, studies over the last few decades have focused on balance training, which aims to restore postural control through understanding the body’s center of gravity and physical support system.

08/22/2023

Exercising can be a challenge when you have a muscle tremor. Low-impact exercise and resistance training with the help of a professional can improve muscle strength and coordination in patients with tremors.

Deterioration of fine motor skills and shakiness can make exercising a challenge when you have muscle tremor. Luckily, there are ways that you can exercise safely and effectively and even use exercise to reduce the frequency and severity of tremors.

07/17/2023

Spinal cord injuries can be devastating to a patient's daily life, and recovery will vary depending on the injury itself. Although most patients recover as much as they will within the first three to six months, recovery can carry on well beyond.

The trajectory of functional recovery from spinal cord injury tends to follow a certain pattern, although variations in these patterns exist from patient to patient.

06/20/2023

While returning to exercise after a concussion is an important part of the recovery process, exercise could aggravate concussion symptoms and slow recovery. So, medical practitioners carefully consider when patients should restart exercise, the types of activities, and other precautions.

Returning to exercise after a concussion is an important part of the recovery process. The issue, however, is that returning to exercise could aggravate concussion symptoms and hinder recovery.

05/25/2023

How a Physical Therapists Can Help Patients with Balance Disorders in Their Homes

Physical therapists are integral health care professionals who can offer essential help to patients with balance disorders in their homes. These disorders, which could arise from conditions such as vertigo, Parkinson's disease, stroke, or age-related issues, often limit an individual's mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

Physical therapists use a range of techniques to improve balance, strength, and coordination. These may include tailored exercise programs, manual therapy, and education to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of injury due to falls. In the home environment, these methods can be adapted to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.

An important part of a physical therapist's role is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition, including their physical capabilities, home environment, and daily activities. They assess muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion, coordination, and balance. They also take note of environmental hazards that may contribute to the patient's imbalance or increase the risk of falls. This can include assessing floor surfaces, lighting, and the presence or absence of mobility aids such as handrails.

Based on this evaluation, the therapist can develop a personalized rehabilitation program. This could involve strength and flexibility exercises to improve muscle tone and joint mobility. Additionally, balance training exercises can enhance the patient's stability and confidence in navigating their home environment. These exercises may be modified according to the patient's progress and evolving needs.

Education is also a critical part of the therapy. The physical therapist will educate the patient on the nature of their balance disorder, what to expect, and how to manage their symptoms. They'll also teach the patient safe movement and transfers, like how to get in and out of bed or a chair safely, which can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

Another aspect is the provision of assistive devices if necessary. This might include canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, and training in their safe and effective use. This can greatly aid patients in maintaining mobility and independence in their homes.

Importantly, a physical therapist can also provide guidance to family members or caregivers, enabling them to support the patient's ongoing rehabilitation and safety at home. This collective effort can substantially improve the overall outcomes for the patient.

In summary, physical therapists play an invaluable role in helping patients with balance disorders at home. Through a combination of personalized rehabilitation programs, patient education, and environmental modifications, they contribute significantly to improving the patient's balance, mobility, and quality of life.