Aquatic therapy is beneficial in managing arthritis because it provides a low-impact environment that reduces stress on the joints. The buoyancy of water helps to support the body, allowing for easier movement and decreased pain. The warm water used in aquatic therapy also helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow, which can reduce inflammation and stiffness associated with arthritis. Additionally, the resistance provided by the water helps to strengthen muscles, which can improve joint stability and function.
There are several specific exercises used in aquatic therapy for arthritis management. These exercises are designed to improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility. Examples of exercises commonly used in aquatic therapy for arthritis include water walking or jogging, leg lifts, arm circles, and gentle stretching movements. The therapist may also incorporate equipment such as water weights or resistance bands to further enhance the effectiveness of the exercises.
Collagen Supplementation for Joint Pain and Arthritis: Does it Really Work?By Dr. Sean M.Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DNRecently I was presenting at the annual conference of Athletic Trainers' Association of Florida (ATAF) and I was overwhelmed by one consistent question: why didn't you talk about collagen supplementation? My talk was specifically on orthopedics for older adults and naturally I focused on osteoarthritis (OA) and how important exercise and diet are for that condition. I did touch on some supplementation, but I left off collagen because my last examination of this supplement, using one of my favorite websites Examine.com, yielded mediocre results. However the participants at the sports medicine conference piqued my interest and convinced me that perhaps I had missed something -- almost every single one of these participants had some form of joint pain or stiffness and felt significantly better after taking collagen daily. So, back to the literature, and asking some of my clients, I went!What is Collagen?Collagen is a protein found in the body that provides structure and support to various tissues, including joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It may play a role in maintaining joint health and may have potential benefits for individuals with joint pain. A few small-scale studies have shown positive results in reducing joint pain and improving joint function when individuals with osteoarthritis took collagen supplements. These studies often used specific collagen formulations, such as collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen, which are broken down into smaller peptides for better absorption by the body. However, it's important to note that the findings of these studies are not yet conclusive, and more robust research is necessary.The ResearchIt's worth mentioning that joint pain can have various causes, and collagen supplementation may not be effective for everyone. Factors like age, underlying health conditions, overall diet, and lifestyle habits can also influence joint health. For instance, a meta-analysis on collagen supplementation for OA showed improvements in the WOMAC, a functional score for knee arthritis, but it didn't yield significant results for knee pain. Meanwhile, another review article looking at collagen supplementation for joint pain, muscle protein synthesis, and body composition found that collagen did significantly reduce joint pain (it had effect on the other metrics). Here's a nice table listed in the article:The joint pain included in the review included knee pain and Achilles tendinopathy, all predominately in an athletic population. Another glaring observation is several of these studies included physical therapy and exercise prescriptions with the supplementation (Yay! Nutrition and Physical Therapy), which can also alter the results and effects of collagen as well. It's important to see the doses varied in the studies from 5, 10, to 40 grams per day; moreover, the collagen can come in varying form from peptides, hydrolyzed proteins, to denatured collagen. Having such variability in the type of collagen also likely explains the variability in responses and data.DosingSo, roughly how much and what type of collagen should a client take? Well, many studies have used dosages ranging from 8 to 12 grams of collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen per day for joint-related benefits. Research suggests that type II collagen supplementation may help reduce joint pain and improve joint function in individuals with arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. It is believed to work by helping to restore and support cartilage health, potentially reducing inflammation and promoting joint mobility. It's important to note that collagen supplements are available in various forms, such as powders, capsules, and liquids, and their concentration of collagen can vary. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs.It's also worth mentioning that collagen supplements are often combined with other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts, which may influence their effectiveness. If you decide to try collagen supplementation for joint pain, it's a good idea to choose a reputable brand and look for products that have been tested for quality and safety. I suggest using Labdoor.com to help you or your client find a high-quality collagen supplement, if and when appropriate.SummaryIn the end, perhaps the participants at the ATAF conference were right -- there is something to say about collagen and joint pain. Not every study is exact and more research needs to be done on what dose, what age, what condition, and what exercises should be done with the collagen -- but that's why we practice physical therapy! Love to hear your thoughts and maybe some of your clients' responses to collagen. If you like what you see here then know there is more in our 3 board-approved continuing education courses on Nutrition specific for Physical Therapists. Enroll today in our new bundled course offering and save 20%, a value of $60! Earn CEUs in most states for PTs! Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below! Learn more online - new online discussion group included! Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. NEW - Online Discussion Group Live cases webinars lecture Live Q&A over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! Check out MMT Insiders Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
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Posted by on 2023-07-24
In this episode, Erson goes over a tough case of constant and flared up cervical pain with radiating complaints. What do you think of his solution? Have you ever had a similar case that responded to sustained holds better than repeated loading or traditional techniques? Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byThe Eclectic Approach Network - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-07-17
Erson tells a story of getting back to rock climbing after a 20 year break. After a finger injury that wasn't healing, he got some totally unexpected great advice from another climber. What do you think of the solution and has anything similar ever happened to you? Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byThe Eclectic Approach Network - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-07-06
Tension-type headache (TTH) is a prevalent and burdensome condition that affects many individuals. Recent research suggests that the cervical spine, specifically the trigemino-cervical nucleus caudalis, may play a role in the development of TTH. This nucleus facilitates the exchange of pain signals between the upper cervical spine and the trigeminal nerve, which is involved in headache generation. Links between the upper cervical spine and TTHStudies have shown that individuals with TTH often exhibit musculoskeletal impairments. Common findings include forward head posture and restricted cervical range of motion. These physical dysfunctions may contribute to the headache symptoms experienced by TTH patients. Neck pain and sensitivity in the cervical spine are frequently reported alongside TTH and may worsen the clinical presentation of the headache. These symptoms could be epiphenomena resulting from the sensitization of the trigemino-cervical nucleus caudalis.While forward head posture is a common observation in TTH, its direct relevance to the headache remains a topic of debate. Similarly, the relationship between restricted cervical range of motion and TTH is not well understood. It is uncertain whether these musculoskeletal impairments are causative factors or consequences of the headache.Clinicians often use the cervical flexion-rotation test to assess upper cervical spine mobility, which has proven useful in diagnosing cervicogenic headache. However, its application and significance in TTH are not extensively studied. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of this test in TTH diagnosis and management.Another intriguing observation is the reproduction of headache pain through manual stimulation of the upper cervical spine in both cervicogenic headache and TTH. This suggests that referred pain from the cervical spine may be involved in the pathophysiology of primary headaches. Understanding this mechanism could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for TTH.Additionally, trigger points in the neck-shoulder muscles may contribute to TTH symptoms by generating muscle referred pain. These trigger points can refer pain to other areas, including the head, and may exacerbate the headache experienced by individuals with TTH. Managing TTH in practiceA multidisciplinary approach involving physical therapy interventions targeting musculoskeletal impairments, exercise, and psychological aspects is essential for the management of TTH. The effectiveness of cervical treatment approaches varies, and personalized strategies should be tailored to individual patients. Understanding the role of the cervical spine in TTH and differentiating between cervical components and sources can aid in the recognition and treatment of diverse headache presentations. Our cervical spine models help professionals manage the connections between TTH and the role of the cervical spine. Check out my exclusive blue nucleus anti-nocebo version!via Dr. Jerome Fryer - Dynamic Disc Designs Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below! Learn more online - new online discussion group included! Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. NEW - Online Discussion Group Live cases webinars lecture Live Q&A over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! Check out MMT Insiders Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-07-05
Erson goes over an interesting TMJ case of posterior disc subluxation and severe pain with opening and eating. It turns out after significant improvement the patient was still checking for tenderness a bit too much. Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byHelix Pain Creams - I use Helix Creams in my practice and patients love them! Perfect in combination with joint mobs, IASTM and soft tissue work. Get your sample and start an additional revenue stream for your practice. Click here to get started. https://modmt.com/helixCheck out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-06-26
Yes, aquatic therapy can improve joint flexibility and range of motion in arthritis patients. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on the joints, allowing for greater freedom of movement. The warm water also helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow, which can improve flexibility. The resistance provided by the water during exercises helps to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability, which can further enhance range of motion.
Aquatic therapy has been found to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. The warm water used in aquatic therapy helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow, which can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. The buoyancy of water also reduces the impact on the joints, decreasing pain during movement. Additionally, the resistance provided by the water during exercises helps to strengthen muscles, which can provide better support to the joints and reduce pain.
While aquatic therapy is generally safe for arthritis patients, there are some precautions and contraindications to consider. Individuals with open wounds, infections, or uncontrolled bowel or bladder issues should avoid aquatic therapy. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting aquatic therapy, as certain medical conditions or medications may affect the suitability of this treatment. Additionally, individuals with a fear of water or who are unable to swim should be cautious and may require additional support or supervision during aquatic therapy sessions.
The frequency of aquatic therapy sessions for arthritis patients may vary depending on individual needs and goals. In general, it is recommended to participate in aquatic therapy sessions at least two to three times per week for optimal results. However, this can be adjusted based on the severity of arthritis symptoms, overall health, and individual preferences. It is important to work closely with a healthcare professional or aquatic therapist to determine the appropriate frequency of sessions for each individual.
In addition to pain relief, aquatic therapy offers several additional benefits for arthritis management. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on the joints, making it a safe and comfortable environment for exercise. This can help individuals with arthritis to maintain or improve their overall fitness levels, which is important for managing the condition. Aquatic therapy also provides a supportive and social environment, allowing individuals to connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. This can provide emotional support and motivation, which can be beneficial for overall well-being and adherence to treatment.
Mindfulness-based techniques have been found to offer several benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Firstly, these techniques help individuals with CFS to develop a greater awareness and acceptance of their symptoms, allowing them to better manage their condition. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment, reducing the negative impact of stress and anxiety on their symptoms. Additionally, mindfulness-based techniques can improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in individuals with CFS. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce insomnia, leading to better overall sleep patterns. Furthermore, these techniques can enhance cognitive functioning, such as attention and memory, which are commonly affected in individuals with CFS. By training the mind to focus on the present moment, individuals can improve their ability to concentrate and process information. Overall, incorporating mindfulness-based techniques into the treatment of CFS can provide individuals with valuable tools to manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and promote overall well-being.
Yes, there are specific manual therapy techniques that can be used to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. These techniques aim to address the underlying causes of TMJ dysfunction, such as muscle imbalances, joint misalignment, and soft tissue restrictions. Some commonly used manual therapy techniques for TMJ dysfunction include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilizations, and stretching exercises. Myofascial release involves applying gentle pressure to release tension in the muscles and fascia surrounding the TMJ. Trigger point therapy focuses on identifying and releasing trigger points, which are tight knots of muscle fibers that can contribute to TMJ dysfunction. Joint mobilizations aim to restore proper joint alignment and improve range of motion in the TMJ. Stretching exercises can help to lengthen and relax the muscles around the TMJ, reducing tension and improving function. These manual therapy techniques can be performed by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or chiropractor, who has specialized training in treating TMJ dysfunction.
The Mulligan Concept is a manual therapy technique that focuses on joint mobilization and pain relief. It utilizes specific mobilization techniques to restore normal joint mechanics and alleviate pain. The concept emphasizes the use of mobilization with movement (MWM) techniques, which involve applying a sustained glide or sustained accessory glide to a joint while the patient performs a specific movement. This combination of joint mobilization and movement helps to improve joint alignment, reduce pain, and restore normal function. The Mulligan Concept also incorporates other manual therapy techniques such as mobilization with sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) and mobilization with movement belt techniques (MWM-Belt). These techniques aim to address joint restrictions, improve joint mobility, and provide pain relief. Overall, the Mulligan Concept offers a comprehensive approach to joint mobilization and pain relief through its specific techniques and focus on restoring normal joint mechanics.
Patients with Parkinson's disease should follow specific exercise guidelines to help manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. These guidelines typically recommend a combination of aerobic exercises, such as walking or cycling, to improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Additionally, strength training exercises that target the major muscle groups should be incorporated to enhance muscle strength and flexibility. Balance and coordination exercises, such as tai chi or yoga, can also be beneficial for patients with Parkinson's disease. It is important for individuals to consult with their healthcare provider or a physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise plan that takes into account their specific needs and abilities. Regular exercise, following these guidelines, can help alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being for patients with Parkinson's disease.
Cupping therapy has been found to have a positive influence on circulation and tissue healing. The application of cups to the skin creates a vacuum, which helps to increase blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, promoting their healing and regeneration. Additionally, cupping therapy can help to release stagnant blood and lymphatic fluid, improving the overall circulation in the body. The suction created by the cups also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. Furthermore, cupping therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain, further aiding in the healing process. Overall, cupping therapy provides a holistic approach to improving circulation and tissue healing by enhancing blood flow, releasing stagnant fluids, and promoting the production of essential components for tissue repair.
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, has been shown to have potential benefits in improving motor function and balance in individuals with Parkinson's disease. This form of therapy involves exercises and movements performed in water, taking advantage of the buoyancy and resistance properties of water to facilitate movement and enhance muscle strength. The hydrostatic pressure exerted by water can help improve blood circulation and reduce swelling, which may contribute to improved motor function. Additionally, the gentle resistance provided by water can help individuals with Parkinson's disease improve their balance and coordination. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of hydrotherapy exercises can also help individuals with Parkinson's disease improve their motor skills and movement control. Overall, hydrotherapy can be a valuable adjunct therapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease, potentially leading to improvements in motor function and balance.
Vibration therapy has been found to offer several benefits in the rehabilitation process following ACL reconstruction. Firstly, it can help improve muscle strength and power by stimulating muscle contractions through the use of mechanical vibrations. This can aid in the restoration of muscle function and prevent muscle atrophy, which is common after surgery. Additionally, vibration therapy has been shown to enhance proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position in space. By improving proprioception, individuals can regain better control and stability of their knee joint, reducing the risk of re-injury. Furthermore, vibration therapy can also promote blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can aid in reducing swelling and inflammation in the affected area. Overall, incorporating vibration therapy into the rehabilitation program after ACL reconstruction can contribute to faster recovery, improved functional outcomes, and reduced risk of complications.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a therapeutic approach that can significantly improve motor function in stroke patients. PNF involves a series of exercises and techniques that aim to enhance proprioception, muscle strength, and coordination. By incorporating specific patterns of movement and stretching, PNF helps retrain the brain and nervous system to regain control over affected muscles and joints. This approach utilizes the principles of motor learning and neuroplasticity, which allow the brain to create new neural pathways and adapt to the changes caused by stroke. PNF also focuses on promoting functional movements and activities, which are essential for stroke patients to regain independence in their daily lives. Additionally, PNF incorporates various sensory inputs, such as touch and resistance, to stimulate the proprioceptors and enhance motor control. Overall, PNF is a highly effective intervention that can improve motor function in stroke patients by targeting specific impairments and facilitating the recovery process.