Back Clinic Personal Injury Chiropractic Team. Injuries from an accident can not only cause physical harm to you or a loved one, being involved in a personal injury case can often be a complicated and stressful situation to handle. These types of circumstances are unfortunately fairly common and when the individual is faced with pain and discomfort as a result of trauma from an accident or an underlying condition that has been aggravated by the injury, finding the right treatment for their specific issue can be another challenge on its own.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s compilation of personal injury articles highlights a variety of personal injury cases, including automobile accidents resulting in whiplash, while also summarizing various effective treatments, such as chiropractic care. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.
Can individuals experiencing difficulty with functional mobility benefit from physical therapy to help them return to normal activities?
Outcome Measurement Tests
Outcome measurement tests assess the effects of a treatment plan on a patient. They can be used to determine a patient’s baseline function, monitor their progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. They also give the therapy team an effective way to measure mobility, flexibility, and range of motion.
The physical therapist may use other functional outcome measurements to help assess physical therapy progress.
They may measure your strength and range of motion.
Balance and posture may be evaluated.
Effective functional outcome measurement tests must meet certain criteria to be useful in a physical therapy clinic. First, they must be reliable, meaning the results must be consistent with each patient and within groups of patients. They must also be valid to measure exactly what they are intended to measure. An effective measurement test must also be easy to administer, so it must be practical and simple. Outcome measurement tests must also be purposeful. For example, a balance test must reflect a patient’s current function and be related to their balance ability.
Common Outcome Measurement Tests Used
Common functional outcome measurement tools that a physical therapist may use include:
The timed up-and-go or TUG test is a simple assessment used to evaluate a person’s mobility and balance by measuring how long it takes them to stand up from a chair, walk a short distance, turn around, walk back, and sit down again; it’s often used to identify potential fall risks in older adults, particularly those with mobility concerns, as a longer time to complete the task may indicate increased fall risk. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017)
The Tinetti balance and gait evaluation, also known as the Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), is a clinical test used to assess balance and gait abilities, particularly in older adults. It evaluates stability during various standing and walking tests and provides a score that indicates a person’s fall risk potential.
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a standardized test for adults that measures balance and the risk of falling. It’s widely used and can be performed in various settings.
The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a medical assessment in which a person walks as far as they can in a designated area for exactly six minutes. This allows healthcare providers to evaluate their functional exercise capacity. It is particularly useful for assessing patients with lung or heart conditions where walking ability might be compromised. The distance covered during the six minutes is the key measurement used to interpret the test results. (Ferreira M. B. et al., 2022)
The functional reach test (FRT) is a clinical assessment that measures an individual’s dynamic balance by determining the maximum distance they can reach forward while standing in a fixed position. It assesses their risk of falling by evaluating how far they can extend their arm before losing stability. The FRT is often used to assess older adults or individuals with potential balance issues.
The Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire is a self-administered questionnaire used to measure the level of disability a person experiences due to low back pain. It assesses how the pain impacts their daily activities in various aspects of life, such as personal care, work, and social life; a higher score indicates greater disability.
The functional independence measure (FIM) assesses a patient’s ability to perform daily activities independently. It also measures the patient’s disability level and how much assistance is needed.
Functional outcome measurement tests provide a starting point for developing physical therapy goals. For example, if the TUG test takes 19 seconds, individuals may aim for 10 seconds. A TUG score that falls at or over 10 seconds indicates reduced physical capacity (Kear B. M., Guck T. P., & McGaha A. L. 2017). This can be the motivation needed to reach physical therapy goals.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to build optimal health and wellness solutions. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Ferreira, M. B., Saraiva, F. A., Fonseca, T., Costa, R., Marinho, A., Oliveira, J. C., Carvalho, H. C., Rodrigues, P., & Ferreira, J. P. (2022). Clinical associations and prognostic implications of 6-minute walk test in rheumatoid arthritis. Scientific reports, 12(1), 18672. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-21547-z
Kear, B. M., Guck, T. P., & McGaha, A. L. (2017). Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test: Normative Reference Values for Ages 20 to 59 Years and Relationships With Physical and Mental Health Risk Factors. Journal of primary care & community health, 8(1), 9–13. doi.org/10.1177/2150131916659282
Can knowing about wrist sprains—their types, symptoms, causes, and diagnoses—help develop an effective treatment program?
Wrist Sprain
Wrist sprains are injuries that affect ligaments that attach bone to bone. They occur after a fall from work overuse, house tasks, during sports activities, or with other direct trauma. Symptoms of a wrist sprain include:
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Decreased range of motion
Weakness
Tingling
The injury affects the ligaments and soft tissue structures connecting bone to bone. Mild wrist sprains typically heal within a few weeks; most heal without complications in six to 12 weeks. (National Health Service, 2020) However, severe injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and months to recover fully.
This joint is between the radius and three small bones in the base of the hand.
The scaphoid
The triquetrum
The lunate
Ulnocarpal
This joint is between the ulna and the articular disc and cushions it from the carpal bones, the lunate, and the triquetrum.
Wrist sprains can affect any of these joints but more commonly affect the ligament between the scaphoid and lunate bone or the triangular fibrocartilage complex/TFCC on the pinky side of the wrist.
Sports include skateboarding, gymnastics, basketball, snowboarding, hockey, and contact sports.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider will diagnose a wrist sprain based on symptoms and injury causes. X-rays are the first imaging to rule out fractures. Other tests can include:
Magnetic resonance imaging – MRI
Computed tomography – CT scan
Arthrogram -X-rays with contrast dye
Treatment
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aleve, Advil, Motrin, and aspirin, can treat pain and inflammation. The severity of the wrist sprain determines whether additional treatment is needed. Sprains should initially be treated with the RICE protocol (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2024)
Rest
Minimize using the injured wrist for at least two days.
Wear a splint for support.
Avoid sudden movements.
Avoid placing too much pressure on the wrist.
Ice
Cold packs are recommended several times daily for 20 minutes to decrease pain and swelling.
Compression
Wrap the wrist with an elastic bandage or Kinesio tape to help reduce swelling.
Elevation
To decrease swelling, use pillows to elevate the wrist as much as possible above the level of your heart.
Grade 1 sprains usually heal with basic care within a week or two.
Individuals may need the brace for a week or more.
A healthcare provider may also recommend stretching exercises to overcome stiffness and regain mobility. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2024) Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or treatment by a certified hand therapist can also reduce pain and improve range of motion and strength.
Treatment for grade 3 sprains often requires surgery. Grade 3 sprains, including avulsion fractures, often require a six-week cast for bones to heal. In some cases, the bones might also need a screw or temporary wires to hold them in the proper position. (Vannabouathong, C. et al., 2018) Severe wrist sprains may also require surgery to repair the injured ligament. If the original ligament cannot be repaired, a piece of the tendon can be used to reconstruct it. (American Society for Surgery of the Hand, 2020)
Healing Time
Mild to moderate sprains usually recover within a few weeks without long-term complications. (American Society for Surgery of the Hand, 2018) The prognosis for severe wrist sprains improves with early diagnosis and treatment. After surgery, ligaments usually heal within eight to 12 weeks but can take six to 12 months for function to return to normal. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2024)
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to build optimal health and wellness solutions. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Vannabouathong, C., Ayeni, O. R., & Bhandari, M. (2018). A Narrative Review on Avulsion Fractures of the Upper and Lower Limbs. Clinical medicine insights. Arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders, 11, 1179544118809050. doi.org/10.1177/1179544118809050
Individuals who don’t get enough sleep at night can feel it in many ways. Can sleep deprivation or other sleep disorders contribute to an accumulated sleep debt?
Sleep Debt
Sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep an individual needs and the amount they get. It can accumulate over time and can negatively impact physical and mental health.
What Is It?
Regardless of the cause, sleep debt, also called a sleep deficit, is the accumulated amount of sleep loss from insufficient sleep. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019) For example, if the body needs eight hours of sleep a night but only gets six, it has accumulated two hours of sleep debt for that particular night. This can occur due to sleep restriction, in which too few hours are spent sleeping, which can have significant consequences, especially if the debt builds.
The Effects
Sleep deprivation is linked to various mental and physical health problems, including:
Other possible causes of poor sleep quality can include individuals who have a sleep disorder such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or circadian rhythm disorders, which could lead to symptoms that are similar to those that occur with a sleep debt. (Columbia University Department of Neurology, 2022) Even though enough sleep hours were obtained, it could be fragmented, resulting in daytime sleepiness and other health issues. Some signs of sleep debt include:
Feeling tired throughout the day.
Having trouble focusing and reacting.
Feeling frustrated, cranky, or worried in social situations.
Having difficulty judging others’ emotions.
Even after sufficient sleep hours, individuals who wake up feeling unrefreshed may need to see a sleep physician or specialist for sleep testing.
Getting Out of Sleep Debt
Fortunately, the short-term effects of sleep deprivation can be reversed with sufficient rest. To recover from sleep debt, individuals can try: (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019)
Getting into a normal bedtime routine.
Using afternoon naps in moderation.
Avoiding stimulants, especially in the afternoon or evening.
Although sleep deprivation affects everyone, older adults seem to rebound quicker than young adults. Individuals may initially require sleeping longer than average to compensate for the recent losses. That’s why meeting daily sleep needs and following better sleep guidelines to preserve health and well-being are important. (Colten H. R., Altevogt B. M., & Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, 2006)
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Individuals who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders that impact their ability to get restful sleep should consult with their healthcare provider about getting an assessment and treatment to sleep well, avoid deprivation side effects, and restore health. Through healthy sleep practices and lifestyle accommodations, individuals can recover from sleep debt and regain the benefits of quality rest. A chiropractic therapy team can assess your condition and develop a customized treatment plan. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to build optimal health and wellness solutions. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Colten, H. R., Altevogt, B. M., & Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research (Eds.). (2006). Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem. National Academies Press (US).
Experiencing a whiplash injury can be disorienting and painful. Can recognizing the signs of more serious complications, seeking timely medical intervention, and following a structured whiplash rehabilitation plan help individuals find relief and restore function and quality of life?
Whiplash Rehabilitation
For individuals who have recently been in an automobile accident, once the initial neck pain and stiffness have passed, it’s crucial to recognize potential delayed symptoms, such as nerve damage. While many recover quickly, some may experience prolonged symptoms requiring more aggressive treatment and management.
Neck Injury
Whiplash injuries result from sudden, forceful whipping back and forth of the head, commonly occurring in rear-end vehicle collisions, and are one of the most common neck injuries. Other potential causes include: (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024)
Following a healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding medication use, including dosage and duration, is critical to managing symptoms while effectively minimizing potential side effects.
Rehabilitation Steps
To determine the appropriate treatment whiplash rehabilitation plan, a healthcare provider will assess how much the pain affects daily life, including mental health and the ability to do regular activities (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2024). X-rays or other imaging tests will be done to determine how serious the damage to the neck or spine is. Resting and icing the injured area are recommended to relieve inflammation. A provider may recommend slowly increasing neck movements several times daily and continuing with normal daily activities, as exercise will help maintain flexibility. Not moving the neck may prolong pain, stiffness, and healing. Physical therapy may be recommended if symptoms continue for over one or two weeks. (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2024)
Symptoms last longer than the healthcare provider estimated
Other symptoms develop, like weakness, numbness, or a sensation of pins and needles.
Long-Term Injury Side Effects
Individuals in whiplash rehabilitation usually recover in a few weeks to months, but some may have longer-lasting pain as the injury can cause nerve damage. (Fundaun J. et al., 2022) Discuss any new or worsening symptoms with a healthcare provider for guidance. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024)
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
Muscle relaxants for tightness and tension.
Prescription pain medications.
If pain becomes chronic, antidepressants such as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors may be prescribed. These medications can help manage pain and improve sleep quality. (Ferreira G. E. et al., 2023) For severe inflammation and pain, corticosteroid injections directly into the affected area can provide relief. Healthcare providers administer these injections, offering long-lasting effects. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2015)
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Navigating a whiplash injury can be challenging, but understanding the whiplash rehabilitation process can significantly aid in recovery. A healthcare provider can determine the most effective treatment strategies. It is important to talk with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and extent of the injury to provide individualized patient education regarding treatment. This can include physical therapy, rest, health coaching, medication, and surgery, which may be recommended in certain cases. Overcoming these limitations is possible. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Fundaun, J., Kolski, M., Baskozos, G., Dilley, A., Sterling, M., & Schmid, A. B. (2022). Nerve pathology and neuropathic pain after whiplash injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain, 163(7), e789–e811. doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002509
Ferreira, G. E., Abdel-Shaheed, C., Underwood, M., Finnerup, N. B., Day, R. O., McLachlan, A., Eldabe, S., Zadro, J. R., & Maher, C. G. (2023). Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of antidepressants for pain in adults: overview of systematic reviews. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 380, e072415. doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072415
Can modified workouts and/or having a personal trainer design an alternate fitness routine while in injury recovery help injured individuals and athletes maintain fitness?
Maintain Fitness During Injury Recovery
Individuals with personal, work, or sports injuries must take time off to rest, recover, and rebuild. However, there are ways to maintain fitness and endurance levels while unable to engage in full workouts and exercise.
Fitness Base
Injured individuals and athletes will lose a certain amount of fitness during recovery. After all, the body is injured and needs to focus most of its attention on healing to get back to normal. Deconditioning is a fact of life when the body stops exercising, but there are ways to stay active to maintain a fitness base. Individuals can modify or scale back exercise. Before exercising after an injury, get a doctor’s approval. Then, follow their recommendations. (Garber C. E. et al., 2011)
Even if one body part or joint is immobilized, cross-training principles can help individuals discover new ways to stay fit while rehabilitating. The key is to have the right attitude and remain active within tolerance levels until the injury is healed. Trying new things may take some creativity and flexibility, but most find training through injury is possible and not difficult. Here are ways to continue working out while recovering.
Lower Back Injury Workout
Talk with a doctor or sports doctor to understand exercise limitations before modifying workouts. Walking, swimming, or recumbent cycling are generally safe for individuals with a lower back injury. These workouts can help maintain cardiovascular fitness. An example of a modified workout may consist of the following:
Warm up before exercising.
Perform the workout on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds with 15 seconds of rest between exercises.
Complete the entire circuit three to four times.
Complete 30 to 60 minutes of non-weight-bearing cardiovascular exercises on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Chest Press
Lat Pulldown
Overhead Press
Leg Extension
Wall Sit
Shoulder and Elbow Injury Workout
Shoulder or other upper body injuries often make it possible to continue traditional cardiovascular exercise because the lower body can be fully exercised. Walking, stair climbing, stationary cycling like an under-desk bike, and the elliptical trainer all work. Circuit training routines will maintain strength and power in the non-injured muscles and joints. The following example routine can be done four to five times weekly.
Warm-up.
Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds, allowing 15 seconds of rest between exercises.
Complete the entire routine three to four times.
Stationary cycling for two minutes at a moderate pace and two at a higher intensity.
Leg Press
Elliptical trainer for two minutes at a moderate pace and two at a higher intensity.
Ab Crunches
Walking Lunges
Low Back Extensions
Treadmill walking for two minutes at a moderate pace and two at a higher intensity or incline.
Wall sits
Ankle and Foot Injury Workout
If the doctor approves, individuals can use a rowing machine or a stationary bike with one leg or swim a few laps. As a doctor or physical therapist recommends, individuals may also need an ankle brace or other support. A sports doctor or personal trainer can help recommend other non-weight-bearing cardiovascular exercises for 30 to 60 minutes three times weekly. Here is a sample workout to try:
Warm-up.
Perform the workout on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds with 15 seconds rest between exercises.
Complete the workout three to four times.
Leg Extensions
Chest Press
Lat Pulldown
Overhead Press
Seated Cable Rows
Incline Push-Up
Bicycle Crunches
Hanging Leg Raise
Leg and Knee Injury Workout
Leg and knee injuries can be limiting, as most endurance exercise requires flexion and knee joint extension. One-legged cycling or using an upper-body ergometer/handcycle are options. Swimming may be possible if the individual uses a pull buoy to keep them from kicking or using their legs. Here are two circuit workout examples:
Circuit 1
Warm-up.
Perform this on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds with 15 seconds of rest between exercises.
Complete the workout three to four times.
Pull-Up or Assisted Pull-Up
Chest Press
Lat Pulldown
Overhead Press
Circuit 2
Warm-up.
Perform the workout on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds with 15 seconds of rest between exercises.
Complete the workout three to four times.
Seated Russian Twist
Ab Crunch
V-Sit ab exercise
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Individuals may need significant rest time to heal properly, so consult a doctor on the balance of rest and training. Doing the exercises prescribed by the physical therapist during rehabilitation is important. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Treating Ankle Sprains
References
Garber, C. E., Blissmer, B., Deschenes, M. R., Franklin, B. A., Lamonte, M. J., Lee, I. M., Nieman, D. C., Swain, D. P., & American College of Sports Medicine (2011). American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 43(7), 1334–1359. doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb
For individuals going through post surgery, injury rehabilitation, illness and/or chronic condition management, can physical therapy isometric exercises help?
Isometric Exercise
Isometric exercises are used in physical therapy to help build muscle endurance, improve range of motion, relieve pain, and reduce blood pressure more effectively than other types of exercise. Because they don’t involve joint movement, they are a solid starting point for rehabilitation and are suitable for individuals with a limited range of motion. They can be performed by pushing against an immovable object, like a wall, or by having a therapist provide resistance. Examples of isometric exercises include:
A physical therapist/PT may have a patient perform isometric exercises after injury or illness. During an isometric contraction, the muscle does not change in length, and there is no motion around the joint surrounding the muscle/s. (Rhyu H. S. et al., 2015)
When To Use
Isometric muscular contractions can be used at any time during physical rehabilitation and strengthening or a home exercise program and are regularly used with the following (Rhyu H. S. et al., 2015)
Post-surgery
When muscles cannot contract forcefully enough to move the joint it surrounds.
To help increase neuromuscular input to a specific muscle/s.
When injury or condition frailty makes other forms of exercise dangerous and not beneficial.
A healthcare provider or physical therapist should be consulted first if isometrics are used in a rehabilitation program.
Benefits
The benefits of using isometric exercise after injury or surgery may include the following:
No special equipment is necessary to perform isometric exercises.
The ability to safely contract a muscle while protecting a surgical incision or scar tissue.
The muscles can be strengthened in a specific range of motion around a joint. (NikolaidouO. et al., 2017)
A physical therapist can help determine whether isometric exercise benefits the specific condition.
Effectiveness
Isometric exercise is very effective after injury or surgery. However, when a muscle is contracted isometrically, it gains strength in a very small area and with a short range of motion. For example, an isometric shoulder external rotation performed with the arm at the side will only strengthen the rotator cuff muscles in the specific position that the arm is in. (NikolaidouO. et al., 2017).
Strength gains are specific to the joint’s position during the exercise.
Individuals who want to strengthen their gluteal muscles in their hip using isometrics would have to contract their glute muscles in one specific position for several reps.
Once several reps of the exercise in one position have been performed, the individual moves their hip joint into a new position and repeats the gluteal contractions in the new position.
This makes the exercise time-consuming, but it is perfect for injury rehabilitation, preventing and avoiding worsening or further injuries.
How to Perform
To perform isometric exercises, all that is needed is something stable to push against. (Rhyu H. S. et al., 2015) For example, to strengthen the shoulder muscles:
Stand next to a wall and try to lift an arm out to the side.
Allow the hand to press against the wall so no motion occurs at the shoulder joint.
Once pressed against the wall, hold the contraction for 5 to 6 seconds and slowly release it.
Perform 6 to 10 repetitions of the exercise.
This could be one set of completed isometric exercises for the shoulder muscles.
Elastic resistance bands or tubing can also be used to perform isometric exercises. Hold the tubing in a specific position and then move the body away from the anchor point instead of moving the joint. The muscles will contract against the increased resistance of the elastic tubing, and no motion will occur at the joint. A physical therapist can show and train on how to perform isometric exercises with the bands.
Neuromuscular Stimulation
Isometric exercise can strengthen muscles and help improve the neuromuscular recruitment of the muscles being trained. This enhances muscle contraction and expedites gains in muscle recruitment while protecting the joint. Isometric exercise can also be used during physical therapy using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). (Fouré A. et al., 2014) For example, a PT may use NMES to improve muscular function for individuals who have difficulty contracting their quadriceps after knee surgery and may be instructed to perform isometric quad-setting exercises during the session.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
A physical therapist can use isometric exercises to help individuals injured or have had surgery and are experiencing difficulty with normal functional mobility by improving their strength during recovery. The exercises can safely enhance the function and stability of the muscles and return individuals to the previous level of activity and function. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Personal Injury Rehabilitation
References
Rhyu, H. S., Park, H. K., Park, J. S., & Park, H. S. (2015). The effects of isometric exercise types on pain and muscle activity in patients with low back pain. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 11(4), 211–214. doi.org/10.12965/jer.150224
Nikolaidou, O., Migkou, S., & Karampalis, C. (2017). Rehabilitation after Rotator Cuff Repair. The Open Orthopaedics Journal, 11, 154–162. doi.org/10.2174/1874325001711010154
Fouré, A., Nosaka, K., Wegrzyk, J., Duhamel, G., Le Troter, A., Boudinet, H., Mattei, J. P., Vilmen, C., Jubeau, M., Bendahan, D., & Gondin, J. (2014). Time course of central and peripheral alterations after isometric neuromuscular electrical stimulation-induced muscle damage. PloS one, 9(9), e107298. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0107298
Individuals who have been injured or ill or have a chronic disability may be having difficulty performing everyday activities. Can recreation therapy help rehabilitate injuries and manage chronic conditions?
Recreation Therapy
Living with a chronic disability or functional limitation due to an illness or injury can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Working with a team of rehabilitation professionals can help improve mobility and the ability to complete everyday tasks comfortably. A recreational therapist is one professional who helps regain emotional and functional well-being. A recreational therapist is a healthcare professional who helps individuals maximize physical and emotional health through recreational activities. Also known as therapeutic recreation, the therapist will use activities to help move and feel better. A physical or occupational therapist uses exercises to improve functional mobility, and a recreational therapist uses recreational activities to help regain mobility and improve well-being. Activities can include:
Playing games
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Puzzles
Horseback riding
Cooking
Therapy
A healthcare specialist uses activity-based interventions to help individuals move and feel better after injury or illness or if they have a chronic disability. The interventions and therapies are based on recreational activities the individual likes and are designed to help recover physical, functional, and emotional health. Recreational therapists are trained to evaluate an individual’s condition and intervene in ways that help maximize social, mental, and physical health. The main goal is to reduce depression and anxiety and to help individuals socialize comfortably. (American Therapeutic Recreation Association, 2024)
Activities
Therapeutic recreation involves engaging in specific activities to help individuals regain their confidence and independence. Examples of activities can include: (American Therapeutic Recreation Association, 2024)
Painting or drawing
Dancing
Sports programs
Cooking
Community outings
Group exercise classes
The key to a positive experience is that the activity should be specific to the individual’s emotional and physical needs and capabilities and something the individual would want to do as an activity.
Other Types of Therapy
Individuals may be familiar with other types of therapists, like physical and occupational therapists. These professionals help individuals regain pain-free functional mobility after injury or illness. For individuals who cannot move their upper extremities after falling, the physical therapist can measure their shoulder range of motion and strength and develop a personalized treatment program. Recreation therapists are similar; they meet with patients regularly to help them recover from injuries or positively socialize with their community. During the initial meeting, they will evaluate the individual’s condition and learn how their emotional and physical needs prevent them from achieving maximal potential. (American Therapeutic Recreation Association, 2024) The patient and therapist will engage in activities to help move and feel better during therapy. During the activity, the therapist may suggest adjustments or ideas that improve movement and ability to interact with the environment.
Who Can Benefit?
Individuals of all ages and abilities with physical and psychological conditions can benefit from working with a recreational therapist. Children, teenagers, adults, and older individuals who have a disability, either temporary or permanent, can engage in recreation therapy as part of a rehabilitation and recovery program. (American Therapeutic Recreation Association, 2024)
Benefits
Whenever engaging in any healthcare activity or treatment, ask if that treatment can help your specific condition. A review of the use of recreational dance in children and young people ages 5 to 21 found evidence of the benefits of the therapy, which included: (Burkhardt J, Brennan C. 2012)
Decreased anxiety
Improve self-image
Improved cardiovascular fitness
Decreased obesity
Improved bone health
Another study examined health improvements in individuals injured in military service after a week-long recreational therapy wellness retreat. The participating service members’ results showed significant improvement in outcome measures for post-traumatic stress disorder, stress, anxiety, and depression. The health improvements remained three and six months after completing the recreation therapy. This shows that therapeutic recreation may offer significant emotional and psychological benefits to injured military service members’ long-term health and an effective treatment to improve the well-being of injured or disabled individuals with limited negative side effects. (Townsend J, Hawkins BL, Bennett JL, et al., 2018)
Professional Background
Most therapists have a bachelor’s degree in recreational or leisure studies, focusing on art, psychology, and music classes. Upon graduation, students can take a national exam and become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists/CTRS. (Hoss M.A.K, 2019) Once certified, therapists must regularly take continuing education classes and undergo a recertification process every five years.
Receiving Therapy Services
To start working with a recreational therapist, visit your healthcare provider and request a referral. They can ensure the treatment is appropriate for the specific injury and/or condition and should be able to help find a therapist. (American Therapeutic Recreation Association, 2024) Individuals in an inpatient hospital will likely spend time with a recreational therapist at some point. Just like working with a physical or occupational therapist to help individuals move better, working with a recreation therapist while in rehabilitation may be an everyday occurrence to help reintegrate into the community after discharge.
Insurance Coverage
One question regarding recreational therapy is, will my insurance cover the services of a recreational therapist?
For individuals with Medicare insurance, recreational therapy is a covered service for individuals with certain diagnoses and settings.
Therapeutic recreation is a covered rehabilitation service for individuals in an inpatient rehabilitation facility.
Individuals who receive outpatient recreational therapy should ensure they have a prescription and letter of medical necessity from a physician to qualify for Medicare reimbursement. (American Therapeutic Recreation Association, 2024)
Individuals with private insurance should call their insurance provider and inquire about coverage for recreation therapy.
Individuals who do not have insurance can expect to pay $100-$150 per session.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Working in therapeutic recreation may help decrease anxiety and depression, improve the sense of well-being, and improve function in daily tasks. (Townsend J, Hawkins BL, Bennett JL, et al., 2018) Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning new treatment methods. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Integrative Healthcare
References
American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Association, A. T. R. (2024). What is Recreational Therapy? www.atra-online.com/about-rt
Burkhardt, J., & Brennan, C. (2012). The effects of recreational dance interventions on the health and well-being of children and young people: A systematic review. Arts & Health, 4(2), 148–161. doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2012.665810
Townsend, J., Hawkins, B. L., Bennett, J. L., Hoffman, J., Martin, T., Sotherden, E., … Duregger, C. (2018). Preliminary long-term health outcomes associated with recreation-based health and wellness programs for injured service members. Cogent Psychology, 5(1). doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2018.1444330
Hoss, PhD, CTRS, FACHE, FDRT, M. A. K. (2019). Recreational therapy workforce: An update. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 18(3), 9–15. doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2019.0191
De Vries, DHA, MPA, CTRS, D. (2014). Regulatory requirements for recreational therapy in nursing homes. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 13(1), 25–30. doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2014.0063
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