People with an active or athletic lifestyle know that minor muscle aches and pains are inevitable. Typically with rest, ice and a massage, our aches and pains normally resolve themselves. But what if the achy conditions don't clear up right away? Hip pain is common among active individuals and it's important to understand what your body is trying to tell you. Dr. Grace Walker, physical and occupational therapist and nutritionist, wants you to know 5 things that most people aren't aware of.
Backs, hips, and knees have a tricky way to mimic each other when it comes to pain. You may feel as if the problem is your hip but it can actually be your back. Seeing a medical professional is the best way to figure out where the pain is really stemming from!
Hip pain can feel more intense because of bursitis, tendonitis and arthritis. These problems are typically treated with non-operative measures such as medication, anti-inflammation injections, and physical therapy.
One of the most common reasons for hip pain is osteoarthritis. Patients with arthritis often have a parent, sibling, aunt or uncle with arthritis also.
Groin pain can sometimes be mistaken as a problem at the hip joint. Normally when a suspected groin muscle pull doesn't seem to improve, it's osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis pain typically ranges from time to time, so patients tend to have good and bad days.
Hip arthritis treatment is improving! There is a new minimally invasive hip replacement procedure called the "anterior approach". It is important to see an orthopedic specialist to talk about the best treatment options for your symptoms.
Seeing a medical professional is the best way to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While hip pain can be limiting, its often easily treated once accurately diagnosed.
Dr. Grace Walker, physical and occupational therapist and nutritionist, knows that falling can cause serious injuries and, for older adults, can even be life threatening. We wanted to provide 6 tips that will help reduce the risk of falls and possible injuries.
Always use a hand rail– Whether you are going up the stairs or standing in your shower, it is important to keep a hand on a stable surface while doing activities that challenge your balance. Consider installing them on your porch or any other areas that may not have them.
Be aware of your surroundings – Avoid situations where you are unable to see well. Try and move through a well-lit area and always scan your path at least six feet ahead of you for hazards.
Keep a clear path– Falling at home is the most common place to experience a nasty spill. Whether its extension cords, uneven tiles, lifted carpet or a small water or grease spill there are many hazards at home that are easily preventable. Make your home safe by moving furniture around, covering loose cords or sticking the corner of the carpet back to the floor and cleaning up any messes immediately.
Wear slip resistant shoes– Shoes with rubber or neoprene soles are best. Add external traction cleats to your shoes when walking out during the rain and snow.
Make an eye appointment– Get your vision checked regularly and be aware of any medication that can negatively affect your vision or balance.
Maintain or build strength and balance through exercises and physical therapy– Physical therapists can properly treat any balance or vestibular issues you may have to help prevent falls and injury.
At Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center we develop specific exercise programs for specific patients, along with a variety of specialized treatments to regain range of motion and strength. We look at the "root cause" when treating patients to provide insight as to why the patient is experiencing unsteadiness, instead of just a quick fix!
Dr. Grace Walker, physical and occupational therapist and nutritionist, wants to warn the public about the dangers of the over prescription of pain killers. Pain killers can be amazing for short term pain relief but when used by patients with chronic pain for long periods of time, addiction is seen by those who don't think they have any other options. The medical community is trying to begin the switch from pain-killers to more long-term management solutions like physical therapy. October happens to be National Physical Therapy Month and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) started the hashtag, #ChoosePT. #ChoosePT is an opioid awareness campaign and encourages consumers to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pick safer alternatives like physical therapy. Help fight this epidemic by spreading awareness so we may move ahead of the ongoing opioid addiction.
At Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center, we develop specific exercise and stretching programs for specific patients, along with a variety of specialized treatments to reduce pain and regain range of motion and strength. We look at the "root cause" when treating patients to provide insight as to why the patient is experiencing pain, instead of just a quick fix!
You may already be asking yourself- What does Dementia and Physical Therapy have to do with each other? More than you might know! Dr. Grace Walker, physical and occupational therapist and nutritionist, has reviewed two new studies that you might want to know about.
What is Dementia, and how does Alzheimer's disease differ?
This is one of the most common questions which can be answered quite simply. Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms such as impaired memory or thinking. It is commonly associated with the cognitive decline of aging. Many conditions cause dementia such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's.
Alzheimer's disease, as of now, has no cure. It is caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain which form plaques and tangles in the brain. Connections between the neurons (communication cells) in the brain are lost and begin to die. The lack of communication between cells in the brain causes the symptoms of dementia.
New "clock-drawing" screening test used in Ontario, Canada for drivers over 80 years old.
Brenda Vrkljan, associate professor of occupational therapy at McMaster University in Hamilton, has found the "clock-drawing test" to be a useful screening tool to measure cognitive impairment in patients with signs of dementia. It has been proven so useful that Ontario adopted this test for its senior drivers. Poor scores do not result in the license being revoked, however, they do signal the need for a closer look at the drivers physical and cognitive condition.
Vrkljan warns against family members administering this test at home as "there is a standardized approach to how you score it." So don't try to make your grandfather try to draw a clock after you've read this- he might not be too excited about you testing his clock-drawing abilities, anyhow.
Prevention and regulation of symptoms is possible.
Recent studies have shown that exercise programs can help reduce the onset of Alzheimer's disease and regulate symptoms of dementia. This is done a few different ways.
Slow mental decline– exercise has been shown to slow brain atrophy (degeneration), especially in the hippocampus, which can influence memory and spatial navigation.
Reduce the risk of falls– changes in judgement and spatial control contribute to tendency to fall. Exercises improve balance and reduce the fear of falling.
Improve physical function– mobility, balance, coordination, and strength.
Improve sleep– sleep disorders are common in dementia patients. Exercise can help one fall into a normal sleep pattern.
At Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center, our staff of trained physical therapists are here to help you and your loved ones design and carry out supervised exercise programs. We come up with personalized programs for each patient to provide results in an affordable, fun, healing environment.