|
SERVICES
Physical therapy is
not limited to injuries only. Patients of all ages attend
therapy for various reasons. Physical therapy can also be used
to prevent injures from occurring and aid in treatment of chronic
conditions.
ACTIVELY AGING
PROGRAM
The Actively Aging
Program at AIR Physical Therapy is designed to get the 50 and older
population more physically active in order to help maintain health,
enhance well-being and reduce chronic illness and disability. Studies
have shown that moderate activity prevents and treats some medical
conditions. Many senior citizens live with chronic diseases such as
obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and other heart
problems that can be reduced or eliminated by moderate exercise. In
addition to chronic diseases, many patients are at risk for falls due
to being deconditioned as a result of an inactive lifestyle.
Moderate exercise
reduces cardiovascular problems, stabilizes and strengthens muscles,
joints and maintains bone health, as well as improving mental health
and memory. Exercise helps the organ systems of the body function
better together to improve overall health and reduce chronic disease.
Moderate physical
activity requires 30 minutes of exercise for 5 days per week. This can
be broken down into two 15 minute sessions or three 10 minute
sessions. The goal is to get your heart rate up within that time and
get your muscles moving. Walking is perhaps the best form of moderate
exercise because it elevates your heart rate and works large muscle
groups in the body.
The Actively Aging
Program at AIR Physical Therapy includes:
1. A thorough
evaluation of abilities, limitations and health risks
2. Setting realistic goals such as improving endurance, posture,
balance, strength and flexibility, and lowering resting heart rate
3. Implementing an appropriate exercise program that can be performed
at home
Once the individual
has been evaluated and exercise plans have been established, he or she
can continue with the exercise program at home or at Meyer’s Fitness
Club which is located next to AIR Physical Therapy. Clients can
conveniently consult a physical therapist as necessary due to the
close proximity of the gym and clinic.
ANODYNE THERAPY
Anodyne Therapy is
used to treat peripheral neuropathy, a condition that results from
damage to peripheral nerves due to poor circulation. Peripheral
neuropathy most often results from diabetes, however, circulatory
problems, medication, chemotherapy, prescribed drugs, AIDS and alcohol
may also contribute to peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral nerves
are the nerves that run from the spinal cord to the arms and legs and
are primarily responsible for interpreting different sensations.
Damage to these nerves often results in feelings of burning, extreme
coldness, aching, throbbing, cramping, pin and needles and shooting
pains in the hands and feet.
Other clinical
treatments for peripheral neuropathy include various pain killers,
and/or supplements. Pain medication may temporarily help, but
eventually the dosage may be increased to control the rise in pain,
and subsequent medical problems could result from long term medication
use.
Anodyne Therapy is
a non-invasive procedure that does not require medication to treat
peripheral neuropathy. Instead, Anodyne Therapy uses infrared light to
increase circulation in the area to heal the nerves and surrounding
tissue while reducing pain and discomfort that is associated with
peripheral neuropathy. It does so by emitting infrared light waves
approximately 5 cm into the skin to increase photo-activity and
increase heat in the area. The infrared light creates nitric oxide
within the body, which relaxes the blood vessels in the area thereby
allowing them to dilate. Dilation of blood vessels increases
circulation and increases the number of blood cells to that area. It
is the blood cells that are responsible for repairing the body, thus
an increase within the area helps to repair the nerve damage.
Typically patients
are treated three times per week for 30-45 minute sessions. Treatment
times depend on how far the neuropathy has progressed. Anodyne therapy
with traditional physical therapy helps to improve circulation and
decrease/eliminate the effects of peripheral neuropathy.
For more
information contact AIR Physical Therapy or visit
www.anodynetherapy.com.
BALANCE CLINIC
Complications from
falling are the 7th leading cause of death according to the Center for
Disease Control. Falls occur as a result of poor balance due to poor
strength/endurance and flexibility, reduced reaction time,
neurological disorders, or a general fear of falling. Falling is
prevalent in individuals 65 and older, thus the Balance Clinic at AIR
Physical Therapy is offered to individuals over the age of 60.
The Balance Clinic
at AIR Physical Therapy was designed to identify and treat these
conditions to decrease a patient’s risk of falling. A twenty-minute
test performed by a physical therapist will determine a person’s risk
factor for falling. If the person is determined to be at risk, he or
she will be advised to begin physical therapy. Gentle therapeutic
exercise can improve balance, flexibility and strength and also limit
the effects of osteoporosis, arthritis, and swollen joints that can
lead to balance problems and falls.
The goal of the
Balance Clinic is to help elderly individuals gain more mobility and
confidence in walking. According to AIR Physical Therapy, more than
half of the attendees of the Balance Clinic were considered to be at
high risk for falling and indeed had had multiple falls the preceding
year.
A person may be at
risk if they tire easily, have trouble walking or getting out of
chairs, or feel like the everyday world is full of obstacles. This
typically results in patients not wanting to go out of their houses
which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, a poor quality of life, and
further decline in function and health.
“Often the Balance
Clinic is filled with family members who are concerned about their
relative’s risk for falling. They worry about their parent or
grandparent falling at home alone and sometimes are even considering
placement in a personal care home. Their hope is that the Balance
Clinic can improve their loved one’s safety to the point of not having
to take that step,” says Dan Zelch, physical therapist and owner of
AIR Physical Therapy.
If you or someone
you know is exhibiting any of the above mentioned characteristics,
please inquire about the Balance Clinic at AIR Physical Therapy.
|