As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, I often see clients and other healthcare professionals confused by the difference between lymphedema and lipedema. At Virginian Rehabilitation and Wellness, our CLTs (Certified Lymphedema Therapists) are specially trained to assess the clinical features of both conditions to determine the appropriate treatment. This blog breaks down the difference in presentation and treatment of both.
Physical therapy (PT) is the field of allied health concerned with movement. PT treatment preserves, enhances, or restores physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability. It addresses impairments that reduce functional activities such as sitting, standing, walking, and running. Physical therapy uses exercise, physical modalities (such as soft tissue manipulation or electrical stimulation), and patient education and training, to help people be able to move their bodies in order to participate in activities of daily living and activities of choice. Impairments treated with PT are frequently associated with pain, stress and anxiety, and abnormal muscle tension.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month. We wanted to take this opportunity to talk about the difference between Dementia and the effects of “Normal Aging” on our memory. If you are concerned that you or a family member is developing issues with memory, contact your physician to discuss your symptoms.
Did you know arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States? According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), arthritis impacts 60 million individuals (24% of the US population) each year! Arthritis has become widely accepted as a blanketed term for joint pain associated with general “wear and tear” or overuse over years of activity. Arthritis Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to distinguish between the different types of arthritis and how each can be best managed to minimize symptoms and maximize function for optimal quality of life:
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and affects more than 795,000 people yearly. This condition can cause significant changes in quality of life and ability to perform daily roles and responsibility. Therefore, as therapists, our role in helping individuals recover following a stroke is vital. However, not all clinicians are properly trained to provide the best care and rehabilitation for stroke. To help fill this need, the certification of Stroke Rehab Specialist (CSRS) was developed by Neurorecovery Unlimited. This certification provides a specialty education on current evidence for best practice with evaluation and treatment of the condition.
Occupational Therapy is a newer and unique addition to the healthcare rehabilitation team. Although the driving concepts behind Occupational Therapy of holistic patient centered care have always been entwined in the medical field, OT wasn’t formalized as a profession until 1920. During WWI “reconstruction aids” provided what we would now consider occupational therapy services to wounded soldiers.
We receive a lot of interest in and questions about the Neubie. Clients want to know what makes it such an exciting a promising tool in physical and occupational therapy. In this blog we want to address a common misconception that the Neubie is the same as electrical stim or a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) unit. Short answer: They are not the same.
One powerful tool for enhancing the functioning of the mind is meditation. Meditation is a technique that involves focusing your attention on a specific activity, for example, on breath, an object, such as a candle, or a thought, like a mantra. The idea is to train your mind to be more aware, present, and calm. Through regular meditation practice, you can improve your attention span and memory, among other cognitive abilities.
Over time, handwriting can change, especially with age, tremors, and changes in vision, and strength. With Parkinson’s Disease (PD), handwriting can be impacted by tremors, slowed movement, and rigidity. Seventy-five percent of people with PD have micrographia, which is small, cramped handwriting. It is a result of the same brain processes that affect the amplitude of other movements in the body.
February is Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 1.7 million people (about twice the population of Delaware) will be diagnosed with cancer in 2019 alone. An estimated 600,000 will die because of this disease. That is a lot of lives lost—and many more lives disrupted by treatment and recovery time. This month gives us opportunities to spread awareness and search for more resources to better understand cancer prevention.
HIIT, High Intensity Interval Training, is not a new kid on the fitness scene. Athletes, trainers, and gym rats have been using it for years to build cardiovascular endurance and strength. The problem is many see HIIT as a young man’s game. The good news?...IT’S NOT! More and more research show HIIT’s incredible benefits for those in our community over the age of 60.
