Geriatric physical therapy can help with a variety of common conditions that affect older adults. These conditions may include arthritis, osteoporosis, joint replacements, balance disorders, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and chronic pain. Geriatric physical therapists are trained to address the specific needs and challenges that come with aging, such as decreased mobility, muscle weakness, and reduced flexibility. They use specialized techniques and exercises to improve strength, range of motion, and overall function in older adults.
Geriatric physical therapy differs from other forms of physical therapy in that it focuses specifically on the unique needs of older adults. As people age, they may experience a decline in physical abilities and an increased risk of falls and injuries. Geriatric physical therapists are trained to assess and address these age-related changes, taking into consideration factors such as balance, coordination, and cognitive function. They also understand the importance of maintaining independence and quality of life in older adults, and tailor their treatment plans accordingly.
Back pain is a common ailment that many of us have experienced at some point in our lives. One specific type of back pain, known as discogenic low back pain (LBP), is characterized by pain originating from the intervertebral discs (IVDs) in the spine. Despite extensive research, the exact causes of discogenic LBP have remained elusive. However, a recent study conducted by Seiji Ohtori and his colleagues sheds new light on the underlying mechanisms of this condition.Animal Models and Discogenic LBP:Through the use of animal models, researchers have made significant discoveries regarding discogenic LBP. They have found that sensory nerves grow into the inner layer of the lumbar IVDs, and this nerve ingrowth is induced by certain inflammatory substances called cytokines. These cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins, stimulate the ingrowth of sensory nerves into the discs. Moreover, nerve growth factor has been identified as a key player in inducing this nerve ingrowth. Animal models have also revealed that disc degeneration triggers the production of collagenases, enzymes that break down collagen, leading to hypermobility and pain. Sinuvertebral NervesUnveiling Human Discogenic LBPFurther insights into the mechanisms of discogenic LBP have been gleaned from the examination of degenerated human IVD specimens. These specimens have revealed sensory innervation and nerve ingrowth, similar to what has been observed in animal models. The presence of cytokines in human discs suggests a shared mechanism with animal models. This indicates that the findings from animal studies can be applied to human patients as well. In addition to sensory innervation and cytokine involvement, sensitization of sensory nerve fibers innervating the IVDs is a crucial factor in discogenic LBP. When these nerve fibers become sensitized, they become more responsive to pain stimuli, leading to heightened pain perception.Psychosocial factors also play a role in the perception and experience of pain associated with discogenic LBP. Factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, and social support can influence an individual’s pain experience. Understanding the interplay between these psychosocial factors and the physiological aspects of discogenic LBP is important in developing comprehensive treatment approaches.Tackling Discogenic LBP: Treatment ApproachesUnderstanding the underlying pathomechanisms of discogenic LBP opens up avenues for potential treatment strategies. To effectively manage this condition, it is crucial to prevent sensitization of sensory nerve fibers within the IVDs. This can be achieved through targeted interventions that aim to suppress the pathogenic increases of cytokines. By reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins, the ingrowth of sensory nerves into the discs can be controlled, thereby reducing pain.In addition to cytokine regulation, addressing disc hypermobility is an essential aspect of treating discogenic LBP. Hypermobile discs can magnify pain and further damage the disc structure. Treatment options such as physical therapy and specific exercises can help stabilize the spine, reduce hypermobility, and alleviate pain. Other interventions, such as spinal manipulative therapy and epidural steroid injections, may also be considered in certain cases to manage pain and promote healing.Conclusion:Discogenic low back pain is a complex condition with multiple underlying mechanisms. The research conducted by Seiji Ohtori and his colleagues has provided valuable insights into the pathomechanisms of this condition, highlighting the role of sensory nerve ingrowth, cytokines, and disc hypermobility. By understanding these mechanisms, health professionals can develop more targeted treatment approaches to help patients suffering from discogenic LBP.One innovative product that aids in the understanding and communication of discogenic LBP is the Professional LxH Dynamic Disc Model by Dynamic Disc Designs. This model accurately represents the structure and function of the intervertebral discs, allowing health professionals to visually demonstrate the impact of disc degeneration, nerve ingrowth, and hypermobility to their patients. By using this model during patient consultations, health professionals can help individuals better comprehend the nature of their condition and the rationale behind the recommended treatment approaches.Check out MMT's Exclusive Blue Nucleus model!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 2023-07-31
Andrew is back talking about a colleague's recent case. This is a new grad, only practicing for 5 weeks or so, but kudos to his differential diagnosis skills and applying the Wells Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism. If you're not familiar with it, its something you should keep in the back of your mind, especially with post op patients, those who have been recently immobilized, or with history of Cancer or PE. 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 2023-07-26
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
![[RESEARCH] Collagen Supplementation for Joint Pain and Arthritis: Does it Really Work?](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRlO03OFOpdytY9td2mMDwpqFwMqHyUpqlQukvulwJkAaq6-RVGwr1keXUlLXifkdyTTWv66um_-YJFeEDqBBymiw14ZWWFPPem3W4DZrzncQYGpZkWWsxSuZhi6eaJN19b1AkC6SMBeCDeEBF1DYueqVTCUD80jq5SJkKqc2Tokr3FWbElnPb8LbnhP0/s16000/knee%20oa.jpg)
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
Incorporating exercise into a geriatric physical therapy program offers numerous benefits for older adults. Regular physical activity can help improve strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. It can also help manage chronic conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis, improving overall function and reducing pain. Exercise has been shown to have positive effects on mental health as well, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, staying active can help maintain independence and improve overall quality of life in older adults.
Preventing falls in older adults is a crucial aspect of geriatric physical therapy. Physical therapists can implement various strategies to reduce the risk of falls, such as balance training, gait and mobility exercises, and home safety assessments. They may also provide education on proper footwear, assistive devices, and environmental modifications to create a safer living environment. By addressing factors that contribute to falls, such as muscle weakness and impaired balance, geriatric physical therapy can help older adults maintain their safety and independence.
Geriatric physical therapy plays a vital role in improving balance and coordination in older adults. As people age, they may experience a decline in these abilities, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Physical therapists use specific exercises and techniques to target balance and coordination, such as weight shifting, proprioceptive training, and functional movements. They may also incorporate equipment such as balance boards or stability balls to challenge and improve these skills. By focusing on balance and coordination, geriatric physical therapy can help older adults maintain their mobility and reduce the risk of falls.
Geriatric physical therapy utilizes various techniques to manage pain and improve mobility in older adults. These techniques may include manual therapy, such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue mobilizations, to reduce pain and improve range of motion. Therapists may also use modalities such as heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound to alleviate pain and promote healing. Additionally, therapeutic exercises and stretches are prescribed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall mobility. By addressing pain and mobility issues, geriatric physical therapy can enhance the quality of life for older adults.
Geriatric physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. By addressing age-related changes and conditions, physical therapists can help older adults improve their physical function and mobility. This, in turn, allows them to continue performing daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and cooking, independently. Geriatric physical therapy also focuses on fall prevention, which is essential for maintaining independence and reducing the risk of injuries. By promoting strength, balance, and coordination, geriatric physical therapy helps older adults stay active, engaged, and able to participate in the activities they enjoy, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, offers several specific benefits for patients with spinal cord injuries. Firstly, the buoyancy provided by the water reduces the weight-bearing load on the spine, allowing individuals with limited mobility to move more freely and perform exercises that may be challenging on land. This can help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Additionally, the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the water can enhance circulation and reduce swelling, promoting healing and reducing pain. The warm water used in hydrotherapy also helps to relax muscles and alleviate muscle spasms, which are common in individuals with spinal cord injuries. Moreover, the water's resistance provides a gentle yet effective form of resistance training, helping to build muscle strength without putting excessive strain on the joints. Overall, hydrotherapy can play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process for patients with spinal cord injuries, facilitating physical improvements and enhancing their overall well-being.
Aquatic therapy has shown promising results in improving social interaction and communication skills in children with autism. Research studies have indicated that engaging in water-based activities can enhance social engagement, promote sensory integration, and facilitate communication in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The buoyancy and resistance provided by water create a unique sensory environment that can help children with ASD feel more comfortable and confident in social interactions. Additionally, the rhythmic movements and sensory stimulation experienced during aquatic therapy can improve body awareness, coordination, and motor skills, which are essential for effective communication. The therapeutic nature of aquatic therapy, combined with the use of specialized techniques and interventions, can significantly contribute to the development of social and communication skills in children with autism.
Virtual reality has shown great potential in stroke rehabilitation, offering a range of benefits that can enhance the recovery process. Firstly, the immersive nature of virtual reality allows stroke patients to engage in realistic and interactive environments, promoting active participation and motivation during therapy sessions. This can lead to increased adherence to rehabilitation programs and ultimately better outcomes. Additionally, virtual reality can provide a safe and controlled environment for practicing various motor skills, such as reaching, grasping, and walking, allowing patients to gradually regain their functional abilities. The use of virtual reality can also provide real-time feedback and performance monitoring, enabling therapists to track progress and tailor interventions accordingly. Moreover, virtual reality can offer a personalized and customizable approach to rehabilitation, adapting to the specific needs and abilities of each individual. Overall, the integration of virtual reality in stroke rehabilitation has the potential to revolutionize traditional therapy methods and improve the overall quality of care for stroke survivors.
Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) is a therapeutic approach that aims to promote motor recovery in stroke patients by focusing on the retraining of movement patterns and facilitating the development of new neural pathways. This treatment method utilizes a combination of hands-on techniques, exercises, and functional activities to improve motor control, coordination, and balance. By incorporating principles of motor learning and neuroplasticity, NDT aims to optimize the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt following a stroke. Through the use of specific therapeutic techniques such as facilitation, inhibition, and guided movement, NDT helps stroke patients regain functional movement and improve their overall quality of life. Additionally, NDT emphasizes the importance of task-specific training and functional activities to promote the transfer of skills learned in therapy to real-life situations. Overall, NDT provides a comprehensive and individualized approach to motor recovery in stroke patients, addressing their unique impairments and facilitating their journey towards improved motor function.
Therapists employ a variety of techniques to effectively address muscle imbalances in dancers and mitigate the risk of injuries. They conduct thorough assessments to identify specific areas of weakness or tightness, utilizing specialized knowledge of dance anatomy and biomechanics. Therapists then design personalized treatment plans that incorporate targeted exercises and stretches to rebalance the muscles and improve overall alignment. These plans often include strengthening exercises to address weak muscles, flexibility exercises to alleviate tightness, and proprioceptive training to enhance body awareness and control. Additionally, therapists may employ manual therapy techniques such as massage or myofascial release to release tension and restore optimal muscle function. By addressing muscle imbalances through these comprehensive approaches, therapists play a crucial role in preventing injuries and promoting the long-term health and performance of dancers.