A concussion management program typically consists of several key components. First and foremost, it involves the establishment of clear protocols and guidelines for the recognition, assessment, and management of concussions. This includes educating athletes, coaches, and parents about the signs and symptoms of concussions, as well as the importance of reporting and seeking medical attention for suspected concussions. Additionally, a concussion management program may involve the use of baseline testing, such as neurocognitive assessments, to establish a pre-injury baseline for comparison in the event of a concussion. It also includes a comprehensive post-injury evaluation process, which may involve medical examinations, neurocognitive testing, and balance assessments. Finally, a concussion management program should include a structured and gradual return-to-play protocol, which ensures that athletes are not cleared to return to their sport until they have fully recovered from their concussion.
A concussion management program plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of concussions. By establishing clear protocols and guidelines, it helps healthcare professionals to recognize and assess concussions in a timely and accurate manner. This is important because concussions can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms may vary and may not always be immediately apparent. Through the use of baseline testing and post-injury evaluations, a concussion management program provides healthcare professionals with objective data to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of concussions. This allows for more accurate and individualized treatment plans, which may include physical and cognitive rest, symptom management, and gradual return-to-play protocols. Overall, a concussion management program helps to ensure that concussions are properly diagnosed and treated, reducing the risk of long-term complications and promoting optimal recovery.
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
By Dr. Sean Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DNAs physical therapists (PTs) we do our best to optimize our older clients' strength, balance, and functioning. Obviously, our mainstay interventions focus on exercises, balance training, and adaptive equipment. In our courses, we highlight the importance of Vitamin D status and protein consumption for older adults, to improve balance, strength, and prevent sarcopenia. A recent study in Nature Aging highlights yet another potential dietary component that impacts muscle function: ceramides.Ceramides, a sphingolipid, which is a type of fat, has been shown to reduce muscle mass and functional capacity in rodents. Moreover, it has been shown that offering ceramide-inhibiting medication effectively reverses sarcopenia, which is very promising for human studies. In the current study the authors examined older adults with a genetic variant to inhibit ceramides. The results showed these adults with the variant had significantly better grip strength, walking distance, and sit to stand function: all metrics that Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) routinely measure. The next big step for these researchers is understanding how to yield these results via medication and/or dietary changes.Fortunately, other authors have highlighted how PTs and other clinicians can advise their patients on how to naturally reduce ceramides in their diet. In the FRUVEDomic pilot study, authors demonstrated that a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and high in saturated fat, facilitated an increase in hepatic ceramide production. The researchers concluded that even transitioning patients from a standard Western diet to even the US Dietary Guidelines would yield positive responses for aging. Imagine the impact on aging and physical functioning if we took the diet to a bit more extreme, such as the true Mediterranean or predominant plant-based diet? More research is needed, but PTs need to be aware that fruit and vegetable consumption is important for many health outcomes, and screening tools are available and easy to use. We discuss this and more in our courses!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!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 2023-06-19
Andrew finds out the hard way what the term Functional Overlay means in regard to a slow or non responding patient. Have you ever heard of this term or has anything similar ever happened to you? Comment on our socials or on the podcast on Spotify! 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 2023-06-16
In a recent article in The Lancet Rheumatology, researchers show how lower back pain is a rapidly escalating global issue, affecting an estimated 619 million people in 2020 – nearly 10% of the world’s population. Experts predict that this number will reach 843 million by 2050.Compounding problems in the lower back epidemicAsia and Africa are expected to experience the most significant rise in lower back pain cases. These regions often already face challenges due to limited and overburdened social support systems and healthcare resources.The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problem. Increased inactivity due to lockdowns and poor ergonomics from remote work setups have contributed to the intensity and prevalence of lower back pain. Additionally, limited access to healthcare services during the pandemic has added to the suffering of individuals already affected by this condition.It’s important to consider that the provided figures may underestimate the true burden, as they do not fully account for the impact of the pandemic.The Societal Burden of Lower Back PainLower back pain imposes a substantial burden on society and the economy. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service spends nearly £5 billion annually on general practitioner appointments alone for this condition.Similarly, the cost of lower back and neck pain in the United States reached a staggering $134 billion in 2016. Of course, the consequences extend beyond the financial costs.Lower back pain leads to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and early retirement, particularly among the working-age population. There is also a strong association between lower back pain and higher rates of depression, leading to prolonged disability and hindering recovery.The researchers warn it is crucial to address the societal impact of lower back pain and develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate its effects.Addressing the Issue of Back Pain GloballyAddressing the global issue of lower back pain will require immediate attention and collaborative efforts. Solutions should prioritize strategies aimed at alleviating lower back pain in the workplace, where many people spend a significant part of their time.Implementing ergonomic practices and promoting physical activity can help prevent and reduce the problem of lower back pain. Moreover, improving access to rehabilitation services is essential for effective management and recovery.Specialized training for healthcare practitioners in the treatment of lower back pain can lead to better outcomes and patient care. Additionally, reducing reliance on ineffective and potentially harmful treatments, such as opioids, is crucial.Finally, the researchers stress that governments, healthcare systems, and policymakers must work together to prioritize lower back pain and allocate resources effectively. By taking proactive measures, we can alleviate the burden of lower back pain and improve the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide.Are you a professional helping in the fight against lower back pain? Take your practice to the next level with our lumbar area anatomy models.Via Dr. Jerome Fryer - Dynamic Disc DesignsCheck out our EXCLUSIVE Anti-Nocebo BLUE Nucleus Disc Model! This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-06-12
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in a concussion management program. They are responsible for the initial assessment and diagnosis of concussions, as well as the ongoing monitoring and treatment of affected individuals. This may involve conducting medical examinations, neurocognitive testing, and balance assessments to evaluate the severity and progression of the concussion. Healthcare professionals also provide guidance and support to athletes, coaches, and parents, educating them about concussions and helping them understand the importance of following the established protocols and guidelines. They play a key role in developing individualized treatment plans, which may include physical and cognitive rest, symptom management, and gradual return-to-play protocols. Additionally, healthcare professionals may collaborate with other members of the concussion management team, such as athletic trainers and neuropsychologists, to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for individuals with concussions.
Concussion management programs ensure a safe return to play for athletes through a structured and gradual return-to-play protocol. This protocol involves several stages, each with specific criteria that must be met before progressing to the next stage. The initial stage typically involves complete physical and cognitive rest, allowing the brain to heal and symptoms to resolve. Once symptoms have subsided, the athlete may begin a stepwise progression of activity, starting with light aerobic exercise and gradually increasing the intensity and complexity of physical activity. Throughout this process, the athlete is closely monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure that symptoms do not return or worsen. If symptoms do recur, the athlete may need to return to the previous stage or even restart the entire process. This careful and individualized approach helps to minimize the risk of re-injury and ensures that athletes are fully recovered before returning to their sport.
There are several common assessment tools used in concussion management programs. One such tool is neurocognitive testing, which assesses an individual's cognitive function, including memory, attention, and processing speed. This can help healthcare professionals to objectively evaluate the effects of a concussion on cognitive abilities and track recovery over time. Another commonly used tool is balance assessment, which measures an individual's ability to maintain stability and control. Balance deficits can be a common symptom of concussions, and assessing balance can help healthcare professionals to monitor recovery and identify any lingering issues. Additionally, symptom checklists and self-report questionnaires are often used to gather information about an individual's symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. These assessment tools, along with medical examinations and imaging studies if necessary, provide healthcare professionals with valuable information to aid in the diagnosis and management of concussions.
Concussion management programs play a crucial role in educating athletes, coaches, and parents about concussions. Through educational initiatives, such as workshops, presentations, and informational materials, these programs aim to increase awareness and understanding of concussions. Athletes are educated about the signs and symptoms of concussions, as well as the importance of reporting any suspected head injuries to their coach or healthcare professional. Coaches are trained on how to recognize and respond to potential concussions, including removing the athlete from play and seeking appropriate medical attention. Parents are provided with information on how to support their child's recovery and ensure a safe return to play. By educating all stakeholders, concussion management programs help to create a culture of safety and promote early detection and appropriate management of concussions.
Implementing a concussion management program can have several long-term benefits. Firstly, it can help to reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with concussions. By ensuring that concussions are properly diagnosed and managed, these programs can help to prevent the development of post-concussion syndrome, second-impact syndrome, and other potential complications. Secondly, concussion management programs can promote optimal recovery and minimize the duration of symptoms. By providing individuals with appropriate treatment and support, these programs can help to expedite the healing process and improve outcomes. Finally, these programs can help to create a safer sports environment by increasing awareness and understanding of concussions. This can lead to improved recognition and reporting of head injuries, as well as the implementation of preventive measures to reduce the risk of concussions. Overall, implementing a concussion management program can have significant long-term benefits for the health and well-being of athletes.
When implementing workplace ergonomics to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, there are several considerations that need to be taken into account. Firstly, it is important to assess the physical demands of the job and identify any potential risk factors that may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders. This includes evaluating the tasks performed, the equipment used, and the work environment. Secondly, employers should provide training and education to employees on proper body mechanics and ergonomics principles. This can help employees understand how to maintain proper posture, use equipment correctly, and avoid repetitive or awkward movements that can lead to strain or injury. Additionally, employers should consider providing adjustable workstations and equipment that can be customized to fit each individual's needs. This may include adjustable chairs, desks, and computer monitors. Regular breaks and opportunities for stretching and movement should also be encouraged to prevent prolonged periods of static posture. Lastly, employers should establish a culture of safety and encourage open communication between employees and management regarding any discomfort or pain experienced. By addressing these considerations, employers can effectively implement workplace ergonomics and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among their workforce.
There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of dry needling for myofascial pain syndrome. Numerous studies have shown that dry needling can effectively reduce pain and improve function in individuals with this condition. For example, a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Smith et al. (2018) found that dry needling was associated with significant improvements in pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and range of motion in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Another study by Dommerholt et al. (2016) demonstrated that dry needling resulted in a significant reduction in pain and disability in individuals with myofascial trigger points. Furthermore, a randomized controlled trial by Kietrys et al. (2013) showed that dry needling combined with physical therapy was more effective than physical therapy alone in reducing pain and improving function in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Overall, these studies provide strong evidence for the efficacy of dry needling as a treatment option for myofascial pain syndrome.
Virtual reality rehabilitation has shown promising results in improving balance and gait in individuals with peripheral neuropathy. By utilizing immersive virtual environments, individuals with peripheral neuropathy can engage in various balance and gait training exercises that specifically target their condition. These exercises can include activities such as walking on uneven surfaces, navigating obstacles, and performing dynamic balance tasks. The virtual reality technology provides real-time feedback and allows for personalized adjustments to be made based on the individual's progress. Additionally, virtual reality rehabilitation can also incorporate gamification elements, which can enhance motivation and adherence to the rehabilitation program. Overall, virtual reality rehabilitation has the potential to significantly improve balance and gait in individuals with peripheral neuropathy, leading to improved functional outcomes and quality of life.
Older adults who are at risk of falls can benefit from a variety of effective balance exercises. One such exercise is the single-leg stance, where the individual stands on one leg while maintaining their balance for a certain period of time. This exercise helps improve stability and proprioception. Another effective exercise is the heel-to-toe walk, also known as the tandem walk, which involves walking in a straight line with the heel of one foot touching the toes of the other foot. This exercise challenges balance and coordination. Additionally, the sit-to-stand exercise, where the individual repeatedly stands up from a seated position, helps improve leg strength and balance. Other beneficial exercises include the standing leg lift, side leg lift, and the backward leg lift, all of which target specific muscle groups and improve overall balance. It is important for older adults to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified exercise specialist to determine the most appropriate balance exercises for their specific needs and abilities.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are often caused by a combination of biomechanical factors. These factors include excessive valgus stress, internal tibial rotation, and anterior tibial translation. Excessive valgus stress refers to the inward angulation of the knee joint, which can put strain on the ACL. Internal tibial rotation occurs when the tibia rotates inward, causing the ACL to twist and potentially tear. Anterior tibial translation refers to the forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur, which can also strain the ACL. To manage ACL injuries, various approaches are employed. Non-surgical management may involve physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve stability. Surgical management may involve ACL reconstruction, where a graft is used to replace the torn ligament. Rehabilitation following surgery is crucial and typically includes a combination of exercises, bracing, and gradual return to activity to ensure proper healing and prevent re-injury.
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) has been shown to have potential benefits in enhancing muscle recovery after orthopedic surgery. EMS involves the use of electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions, which can help improve blood flow, reduce muscle atrophy, and promote tissue healing. By targeting specific muscle groups, EMS can help activate dormant muscles and prevent muscle loss during the post-surgical immobilization period. Additionally, EMS can aid in reducing pain and inflammation, improving range of motion, and accelerating the rehabilitation process. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMS in various orthopedic surgeries, such as knee and shoulder surgeries, by facilitating muscle recovery and enhancing overall functional outcomes. However, it is important to note that EMS should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and tailored to individual patient needs to ensure optimal results and minimize potential risks.
Yoga therapy has been shown to have a positive impact on flexibility and pain reduction in individuals with fibromyalgia. Research studies have demonstrated that practicing yoga can lead to improvements in joint range of motion, muscle flexibility, and overall physical function in patients with fibromyalgia. The gentle stretching and strengthening exercises involved in yoga help to alleviate muscle stiffness and improve joint mobility, thereby reducing pain and discomfort. Additionally, yoga incorporates relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices, which can help individuals with fibromyalgia manage stress and enhance their overall well-being. Overall, yoga therapy can be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for individuals with fibromyalgia, providing them with a holistic approach to managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.