Back Clinic Physical Rehabilitation Team. Physical medicine and rehabilitation, which is also known as physiatry or rehabilitation medicine. Its goals are to enhance, restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. A physician that has completed training is referred to as a physiatrist.
Unlike other medical specialties that focus on a medical cure, the goals of the physiatrist are to maximize the patient’s independence in activities of daily living and improve quality of life. Rehabilitation can help with many body functions. Physiatrists are experts in creating a comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plan. Physiatrists are integral members of the team. They utilize modern, as well as, tried and true treatments to bring optimal function and quality of life to their patients. And patients can range from infants to octogenarians. For answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900
The concept that light energy from a laser can reduce inflammation and pain, hasten healing in damaged tissues, relax muscles, and stimulate nerve regeneration appears far fetched. Science, however, tells us these effects do happen.
“Power and wavelength ascertain the capability of the laser to penetrate into the body. Once you are in the infrared spectrum and above 800 nanometers in wavelength, laser energy penetrates like X-rays, but to attain depth you need substantial electricity or energy,� Dr. Bruce Coren told Spine Universe.
Two Categories Utilized in Physical Therapeutics
You can find just two groups of lasers being used in physical therapy; group 3 and 4. �Category 3 lasers are much less than 500 milliwatts, mw, in power while class 4 lasers are greater than 500 mw,� Dr. Coren said. Class 3 lasers are occasionally known as cold lasers, while the treatment may be called LLLT for low-level laser therapy. In contrast, class 4 laser treatment might be called HPLT for high power laser therapy.
�The majority of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions respond better to a higher power and a greater dosage, which will be a function of power output and time,� Dr. Coren commented. The best results are going to be obtained with a laser that’s 30 watts of power or more. A 10-minute treatment using a 30-watt laser will generate 18,000 joules, which gives a critical pain relieving, anti inflammatory and healing effect.�
Although 5 or more sessions may be required to solve the problem, patients usually begin to feel better after 1 or 2 treatments. � The more extensive the injury and the more chronic, the more treatments are usually needed,� he included.
Properties of High Power Laser Treatment
Pain Relief: Laser decreases nerve sensitivity by decreasing bradykinin; a pain generating compound. It normalizes ion channels, gatekeepers that are mobile, and releases endorphins, body�s natural pain reliever, and enkephalins, that is related to endorphins, that generate an analgesic effect. Additionally, it has a pain-blocking effect on specific nerve fibers. This increased energy accelerates the repair processes of the cell. Laser additionally causes a widening of the arteries and veins around the damage which really helps to remove damaged cellular debris and increase nutrients and oxygen. White blood cell activity is improved leading to a more fast repair process.
Gifted Tissue Repair and Cell Growth:�Photons of light from lasers penetrate deeply into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and growth. As a result of exposure to laser light, the cells of nerves, ligaments, tendons and muscles are repaired quicker.
Improved Vascular Action:�Laser light raises the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue, which closes wounds quickly, and speeds up the healing process.
Cause and Acupuncture Points:�Laser is very effective in extinguishing painful trigger points. It’s likewise a highly effective method of stimulating acupuncture points with no distress related to needling.
Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation:�Laser therapy reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from burns, cuts, scratches, repetitive motion injuries or surgery.
Faster Wound Healing: Collagen is the essential protein necessary to repair injuries or to replace old tissue. Because of this, the laser is effective on burns and open wounds. Laser raises the number of stem cells, which enhances healing.
Conditions Treated Where Laser Therapy is Administered
High power lasers are typically present in physical therapy clinics and chiropractic offices. Neck, back or joint pain generally responds immediately to laser therapy.
�Lasers are also rather powerful for inflammatory conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, tendonitis, bursitis, and capsulitis. Sprains, strains, and repetitive motion injuries all have an inflammatory component and may be successfully treated with laser,� he remarked. �There is no specific state that reacts more quickly to laser. Nonetheless, some patients will respond faster than others for precisely the same condition as individual healing rates can change.�
Laser therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or with rehabilitative exercise therapy. �Rehabilitative exercises and laser therapy complement each other nicely,� explained Dr. Coren.
Precautions of Laser Therapy
There are a few precautions with laser treatment. Eye protection is required for both therapist and the patient, and laser must not be performed over malignancies, pacemakers, spinal stimulators or within the midsection of pregnant women.
Further Recommendations
High power laser treatment is just one of the quickest, most powerful modalities therapists now need to treat inflammation and pain. �Sadly, laser just isn’t covered by insurance, and high-power lasers could be difficult since they are high-priced to locate. Most importantly, results are reached by the quantity of energy produced, 18,000-30,000 joules per treatment being the sweet spot,� Dr. Coren reasoned.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Chiropractic and Sciatica
Sciatica is identified as a group of symptoms rather than a single injury or condition. Low back pain is common among a variety of individuals, but when symptoms of numbness and tingling sensations are accompanied with pain and discomfort, there may be unnecessary pressure being placed against the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve pain or sciatica can occur due to a variety of factors and chiropractic treatment can help relieve the symptoms. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment option available for restoring the health of the spine and reducing sciatica symptoms.
Exercise can help with back pain�you’ve probably heard that before. And Pilates tops the list of “helpful for your back” exercises.
This shows 4 Pilates moves to prevent pain. Of course, talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise plan.
Warm-up Your Spine with this Exercise
Cat/Cow
The cat/cow stretch lengthens and strengthens the muscles along your spine.
Start on hands (shoulder-distance apart) and knees (hip-distance apart).
Inhale and look up as you slightly arch your spine. Then exhale, engage your abdominal muscles, and draw your belly button toward your spine as you gaze at your navel. Repeat 5 to 10 times every day.
Chest Lift
Not Your Average Sit-up
The chest lift is similar to a basic crunch. The difference? This move deeply targets your abs.
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat (hip-distance apart). Bring hands behind head with fingertips touching. Elbows are wide open.
Inhale, and then as you exhale, pull belly button toward the spine and lift the shoulders off the ground (leading with chest). Really use your abs to lift�not your neck. Inhale again as you release toward the ground. Repeat 6 to 8 times daily.
Pelvic Curl
A Pose to Help Ease Low Back Pain
Doing this exercise regularly teaches you how to engage your abs to help support and lengthen the low back.
Start by lying on your back with knees bent and feet flat (hip-distance apart).
Arms are straight along the sides of your body and palms are touching the ground. Inhale deeply and engage your abs as you lift your hips off the floor�vertebra by vertebra.
Exhale and roll back down very slowly, engaging core muscles. Link breath with movement. Repeat 3 to 5 times daily.
Child�s Pose
An Easy, Restorative Stretch
This move really stretches tight, sore low back muscles.
From hands and knees, bring hips toward heels, and stretch arms in front of you so palms are touching the ground.
Press forehead gently to the floor and do some deep belly breathing. Bring hands toward the legs to slowly sit up. Repeat 3 times daily.
Physical therapists (PT’s) are healthcare professionals who treat patients of all ages with back or neck ailments. Your spine surgeon, physiatrist, orthopedist, primary care physician, neurosurgeon and your chiropractor may refer you to a physical therapist as portion of your non-operative plan of treatment. An organized physical therapy plan may be an intrinsic portion of your after-care following back surgery. PT’s practice in a variety of settings for example hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. �Myself, I am a Chiropractor. �There are clear differences that sometimes creates confusion, and for that reason I have posted this in order to create conversation regarding the similarities and contrasts.
Goals of Physical Therapy
The primary goals�of physical therapy include: maintain practical skill and improve, build endurance and physical strength, increase flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent impairment. PTs also instruct patients the best way to exercise to enhance overall physical fitness, move about safely (biomechanics and ergonomics), and injury prevention. Physical therapists also help patients with long-term physical incapacity (eg, spinal cord injury).
Physical therapy may contain passive modalities; the individual is administered to treatments by the PT. Modalities include myofascial release, different types of massage, ultrasound, ice or heat. Some of these treatments could be administered before lively therapeutic exercise.
Rebuild endurance, flexibility and strength after back surgery, also as specific physical needs associated with surgical aftercare.
Coordinated Care
Your physical therapist may work directly for or with your physician, therapist, chiropractor and other healthcare providers to organize aspects of your physical treatment. For instance, your doctor may send the physical therapist pertinent parts of your graph, such as present medications, your analysis, and results of imaging studies.
During the first consultation, the physical therapist talks with you about symptoms, analysis, and your medical history. Many patients with a back or neck ailment experience pain that is severe, chronic, and/or episodic. Severity the location, type, and variables that decrease or increase pain are significant, and the PT will ask you many questions regarding pain.
Education and Clinical Training
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who passed a state licensing examination and have completed an accredited physical therapy program. The program includes medical ethics academic learning, and evidence-based medicine with clinical use outside the classroom. After graduation, a PT may advance experience and knowledge by participating in areas of their interest. Now all physical therapists graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, a PT can eventually be a board certified specialist in a specific area such as orthopaedics, pediatrics, or geriatrics. There are various areas of specialization.
Selecting A Physical Therapist
Many states permit you to attend a physical therapist without a physician�s referral. What questions should you keep in mind about picking out a physical therapist, even though you can definitely ask your physician for a recommendation? Listed below are some questions to consider.
What is the physical therapist�s training and educational history?
Does the physical therapist frequently treat patients with my difficulty?
How many times per week do I need physical therapy?
Will I Be provided by the physical therapist with a customized home exercise plan?
Am I comfortable with a female or male physical therapist?
Taking Charge
Bear in mind a physical therapist is a precious healthcare professional and member of your medical team. While physical therapy may be challenging or demanding at first, you are offered many benefits by a PT. It’s an opportunity to take charge of your back or neck pain, while building a stronger more resilient body.
Call Today!
Source:
American Association of Physical Therapists. www.apta.org
According to Dr. Alex Jimenez, chiropractor, participating in physical activities is important for an individual’s overall health and when we start to age, remaining physically active becomes more important than ever. The body undergoes a natural process of degeneration over time, however, exercise and a balanced nutrition can help slow down this process and make it smoother for the individual, avoiding the development of conditions or injuries resulting from these. But, once an older adult has suffered an injury or aggravated a condition, physical therapy can be the best choice to restore the individual’s quality of life.
Physical therapy can help seniors retain their independence, whether they are managing a long-term illness or just want to improve their general health and mobility. The goal of physical therapy is to help restore and improve functionality, reduce pain and increase mobility for better strength and balance.
Falls are the major reason seniors require physical therapy.
As people age, they tend to lose flexibility, strength and often their balance, so maintaining the desired level of fitness becomes increasingly challenging. �Loss of these functions could lead to a fall that could cause serious injury. Physical therapy helps improve these functions.
Osteoporosis, which is a progressive bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, can lead to an increased risk for fractures.� It is often the cause of many falls. Physical therapy and a regular exercise program help control the effects of this condition.
Strength training and exercise provided in physical therapy can also help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. �People with arthritis can benefit from physical therapy because it provides exercises to help preserve the strength and use of the joints.� �Physical therapy also teaches therapeutic methods to relieve discomfort through both physical techniques and activity modifications.
Physical therapy is prescribed in many cases following a hospital stay.� Skipping on post hospitalization therapy can cause serious repercussions.
Consequences of Skipping Physical Therapy
Falls � After a hospital stay, many are weak and more prone to falling. Failing to have therapy after hospitalization could potentially lead to a re-hospitalization due to an injury from a fall.
Infections- Without active movement because of weakness that could have been improved with physical therapy, there is an increased risk for pneumonia. There is also increased potential for skin problems, such as ulcers, which may develop because of lack of movement.
Reduced Long Term Strength and Endurance- During recovery, physical therapy can influence your strength and endurance level that you will have long after you finished your sessions.This can also cause increased blood pressure and heart rate and decreased oxygen saturation levels, which can lead to stroke, blood clots and heart attacks.
Reduced Education- Education through physical therapy shows ways to complete activities of daily living in a more efficient way to help improve physical and mental well being and quality of life.
Increased Pain- If you�re not moving because you are not taking physical therapy, joints tends to get stiff. Decreased mobility leads to more pain.
Physical therapy for seniors has a variety of benefits which can include not only gaining strength and balance, but also providing a renewed sense of confidence.� Physical therapy can give seniors back their independence and make daily tasks easier.
Working with a physical therapist will not only reduce pain, but it will also help improve overall strength and ability and reduce the risk for injuries, helping you maintain a higher quality of life.
As mentioned before, when people age, the body can naturally lose flexibility, mobility, strength and even balance. Because of this, staying active is of utmost importance for seniors. Physical therapy can help the elderly improve their general health as well as help rehabilitate those with an injury or condition. As with any other type of therapy, however, the individual should first visit a healthcare professional to receive an appropriate exercise regimen.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
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