|
|
Balance & Fall Prevention TrainingLosing ones balance can be rather frightening. Normally most people take balance for granted, but it is an important part of daily life. As many as 28% - 45% of elders fall each year.
Things that can be a root cause to balance issues:
Beginning a balance program for seniors that includes strength, endurance & balance training is essential in maintaining good balance.
Dementia Care & Memory Loss TrainingDementia is a collection of symptoms including memory loss, personality change and impaired intellectual functions resulting from disease or trauma to the brain. These changes are not part of normal aging and are severe enough to impact daily living, independence and relationships.
With dementia, there will likely be noticeable decline in communication, learning, remembering, and problem solving. These changes may occur quickly or very slowly over time. The progression and outcome of dementia vary, but are largely determined by the type of dementia and which area of the brain is affected. Diagnosis is possible through advanced brain imaging, clinical examinations and diagnostic testing. Common signs and symptoms of dementia include:
Types of dementia
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for two-thirds of all diagnosed cases. Early diagnosis can prolong independence and is the first step towards treatment, management, and living life fully. Vascular dementia Vascular dementia results from a series of small strokes or changes in the brain's blood supply. Sudden onset of symptoms may be a sign of this dementia. Vascular dementia severely impacts memory and cognitive functioning. However, there are ways to prevent and reduce its severity. Less common forms of Dementia Pick's Disease - Pick's Disease affects personality, orientation and behavior. It may be more common in women and occurs at an early age. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease - The disease progresses rapidly along with mental deterioration and involuntary movements. Huntington's Disease - Huntington's is an inherited, degenerative disease. The disease causes involuntary movement and usually begins during mid-life. Parkinson's Dementia - Parkinson's is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system. In later stages of Parkinson's Disease, some patients develop dementia. Lewy Body Disease - This disease causes symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with Lewy Body Disease experience hallucinations and can become fearful. Strategies to improve mental clarity and keep your brain functioning optimally:
|
Lymphedema TherapyLymphedema is the swelling of soft tissues as a result of the accumilation of protein rich fluid in the extra cellular spaces. It occurs most frequently in an extremity, but can be seen in the head, neck, abdomen and genitalia.There are two types of lymphedema:
Primary lymphedema occurs without any known precipitating cause, and is due to inadequate or non-functional lymphatic vessels. Primary lymphedema present at birth is called congenital lymphedema. Lymphedema praecox evolves in adolescence or mid-life. Lymphedema tarda evolves late in life. Secondary lymphedema is precipitated by an event causing blockage or interruption of the lymphatic vessels. In the United States the most common causes are surgery involving the lymph nodes, radiation therapy, trauma, and cancer. It is most often seen following surgery for cancer of the breast, pelvic area, and resections for lymphomas and melanomas. 
As lymphedema progresses, the involved areas swell more and more. Mobility can be severely impaired as the affected areas increase in girth. Joint movement is restricted and painful, and the skin over the involved areas becomes taut and dry. The subcutaneous tissues can become hard and fibrotic which impairs the flow of blood and oxygen to the area.
This unhealthy state often leads to recurrent infections because the high protein lymph fluid is a good growth media for bacteria and fungi. These infections can be life threatening and may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy. Each subsequent infection can further damage the already impaired lymphatic system. Complex Lymphedema Therapy (CLT) consists of the following lymphedema treatments:
The basic concept of CLT is to maximize central lymphatic drainage. This treatment of lymphedema is accomplished by opening collateral vessels to channel peripheral lymph into normally functioning lymphotomes.
Pain Management, Orthopedic Rehab & Neuromuscular RehabPhysical and Occupational therapists are an asset in pain control. We have several modalities we can use to decrease pain, such as; ultrasound, electrical stimulation, therapeutic massage, ice and moist heat.
Some other techniques that we use for pain control are:
Strength TrainingAfter performing an individual assessment, the physical or occupational therapist will develop a personalized strength training program. The individuals progress will be monitored at each visit with changes made for optimum development.
Incontinence MaintenanceUrinary incontinence is a loss of control of the bladder. In some cases, it may result in a total loss of the bladder’s contents or it may just cause minor leakage. The condition may be temporary or chronic, depending on its cause.
Incontinence can be a symptom of many different health problems, ranging from cancer to kidney stones to an enlarged prostate. It can also be a natural result of the aging process, since your bladder muscles become weaker as you get older Simple lifestyle or behavioral modifications are often the first therapy, and may be the only treatment necessary. These noninvasive approaches include:
Pelvic floor muscle exercises (also known as Kegel exercises) strengthen the muscles around the urethra so that urine is less likely to leak, even under pressure. Rehab Dining & Activities of Daily LivingHome/Apartment Safety Screens |
