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Physical Therapy for Dementia

Dementia is a group of conditions that affect the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking, communication, and behavior. Dementia has many forms, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and more. It’s a big deal. According to the WHO, it’s the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and one of the major causes of disability among older people. While there is no cure for dementia, there are ways to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people living with this condition.

Physical activity is one common recommendation. While exercise is certainly beneficial to everyone, the evidence for exercise’s effect on dementia symptoms is mixed. Most studies do show that exercise can help delay or reduce symptoms like depression, or apathy. Some studies also show a benefit in delaying or reducing cognitive declines. If you’re familiar with the benefits of exercise, this all makes sense. We know exercise has a positive effect on mood and depression. When your heart pumps harder during exercise, it increases blood flow throughout your body, including to your brain. 

Does Any Type of Exercise Work?

For people with dementia, it doesn’t appear as simple as “exercise and symptoms improve.” Studies have shown that the type of exercise, duration, and frequency all make a difference. For example, one study showed that people with dementia who engaged in dance movement therapy had less depression and better physical function. A second group who performed other types of exercise at the same intensity did not see those benefits. This is where a physical therapist can be incredibly beneficial. 

Physical therapy for dementia is tailored to each individual’s needs, goals, abilities, and preferences. The physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation of the person’s medical history, physical condition, cognitive status, functional level, and personal interests. Based on this information, the physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan that includes specific exercises and activities that target the areas that need improvement.

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The treatment plan may include:

  • Aerobic exercises to improve cardiovascular health, oxygen delivery to the brain, mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
  • Strength exercises to build muscle strength and power.
  • Balance exercises to challenge the person’s ability to maintain equilibrium and prevent falls.
  • Functional exercises that mimic or practice daily activities that are important or meaningful to the person, such as climbing stairs, getting in and out of bed or a car, or using utensils.
  • Coordination exercises or more complex movements like dance or tai chi. Evidence shows more complex movements like these have larger effects on more dementia symptoms than a simpler exercise like riding a stationary bike. 
  • Dual – task or cognitive exercises like combining walking with doing math out loud, or solving puzzles while on a stationary bike or treadmill. Again, research shows that combining physical and cognitive challenges can have an effect on dementia symptoms. 

The physical therapist will monitor the person’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. They’ll also provide feedback and encouragement. The physical therapist will also educate and advise the person and their family or caregivers on how to continue or incorporate physical activity into their daily routine and lifestyle.

Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to help people with dementia improve their physical and mental health, as well as their quality of life. Physical therapy can also provide support and guidance to people with dementia and their caregivers, helping them cope and adapt to the changes and challenges that come with this condition.

References:

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5 Reasons Physical Therapy May Change Your Life

According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, almost 100 million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain. So, if you’ve been suffering from chronic pain for three months or longer, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, this means that people’s reliance on prescription pharmaceuticals is increasing all the time. In 2013, doctors in the United States prescribed about a quarter of a billion opioid prescriptions or roughly one bottle per person. The opioid crisis we’re all too aware of today results from this need for pain-management medicines. When taken in significant doses or for long periods, opioids are both hazardous and addicting. As a result, many people in the United States are looking for safer pain management options which can be physical therapy.

Physical therapy is a non-invasive, natural, and safe method of treating chronic pain. Contact us at Dubuque Physical Therapy in Dubuque, IA today to learn more about how physical therapy can help you find relief without using dangerous painkillers!

What benefits does PT offer?

Our physical therapists are mobility specialists who are ready to help you with your chronic pain symptoms. They will design a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs in order to give you the most effective passive and active physical therapy treatments for your ailment.

Physical therapy has numerous advantages; nevertheless, the following are the top five:

1. Relief that targets the source of the pain.

Physical therapy’s success is due in part to the fact that it goes to the root of the problem rather than simply hiding it. Pills may be simpler to swallow for pain relief, but their effectiveness is fleeting. With most drugs, the effects only last 12 to 24 hours, so you’ll have to keep popping tablets if you want to keep feeling better. It essentially hides the discomfort while failing to address the underlying issue.

Fortunately, physical therapy does. Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation at your initial appointment to determine where the chronic pain is stemming from and what the best treatments for it will be. Physical therapy gets to the root of the problem to provide long-term relief, whereas medication only works in the short term.

2. It offers safe and non-invasive treatments.

Massage, ultrasound, joint mobilization, electrical nerve stimulation, and diathermy are popular therapies provided by physical therapists. These are all-natural remedies with a low chance of adverse effects, especially when compared to conventional pain-relieving options like surgery and drugs.

3. Better overall physical function.

Physical therapy can be a rather enjoyable experience that might motivate you to take a more active role in your pain treatment! Your therapy sessions can run anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, giving you the opportunity to work closely with your therapist to reach your goals. Physical therapy is the only natural, risk-free, and active approach to pain alleviation that has long-term results.

4. We’ll provide research-backed treatment methods.

Physical therapy’s effectiveness has been demonstrated in a variety of ways, including thorough research and rigorous investigation. These studies have offered solid data in support of physical therapy treatments, demonstrating how they can effectively treat a wide range of pain-related illnesses.

5. A personalized treatment plan.

In addition to your passive treatments, your physical therapist will create an active exercise plan for you that is specifically tailored to your recovery process. Physical activity can help in reducing your pain significantly, in addition to reducing swelling, improving range of motion, promoting healing, and increasing overall strength and endurance.

Are you interested in learning more about physical therapy? Call us!

If you’re tired of living with pain and discomfort, you’re not alone. By looking for a natural way to treat your pain, you’re already well on your way to finding the relief you deserve!

Call Dubuque Physical Therapy in Dubuque, IA today to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled therapists. We can help you get the treatment you need so you can live a pain-free life without the risks of opioids!

Sources:
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How Physical Therapy Helps People with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, posture, and coordination. It can also cause non-motor symptoms such as pain, fatigue, mood changes and cognitive impairment. While there is no cure for PD, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of people living with PD.

Physical therapy is one of these treatments. PT can help restore or maintain physical function, mobility, and independence. Physical therapists are trained professionals who can assess, diagnose, and treat movement problems related to Parkinson’s disease. They can also provide education, advice, and support to people with PD and their caregivers.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for People with PD

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Physical therapy can help people with PD in many ways, such as:

Improving muscle strength and endurance. Both age and PD can weaken and decondition muscles. A physical therapist will prescribe exercises to improve strength. More strength helps with balance and mobility.

Enhancing amplitude of movement PD can cause people to reduce the size and speed of movements. This can affect walking, speech, facial expressions, and gestures. Physical therapy can help increase the amplitude of movement by teaching overexaggerated physical movements, such as high steps and arm swings. This is a way to retrain the muscles and brain to compensate for the reduced movement that Parkinson’s can cause. The LSVT BIG program is a specific set of exercises and activities that has been shown to improve mobility and quality of life.

Reinforcing reciprocal patterns. Reciprocal movements are side-to-side and left-to-right patterns, such as swinging your arms while taking steps as you walk. PD can affect these patterns, which makes walking slow and unstable. Activities can help to reinforce reciprocal patterns by using machines like a recumbent bicycle or elliptical machine. Practicing walking with arm swings is another activity that can help restore reciprocal movements. This can improve coordination, rhythm, and fluidity of movement for people with Parkinson’s. Dance and tai chi are other activities that involve reciprocal patterns.

Improving balance and posture. PD commonly impairs balance. Your brain uses a complex mix of what you see, your inner ear and sensations from your feet and joints to maintain balance. Physical therapy can help to improve balance using exercises which challenge stability, such as standing on one leg or walking on uneven surfaces. PT will also focus on specific components of the balance system by doing things like having a person close their eyes to focus on the sensations from the feet and joints. Physical therapy can also improve posture by correcting any muscle tightness or weakness that may cause stooping or learning sideways.

Increasing flexibility and range of motion. PD also often causes muscle stiffness and rigidity. Physical therapy can help increase flexibility and range of motion with stretching exercises that target specific muscles. Common areas of issue are the hip flexors, hamstrings, and calves. Stretching regularly can also help to reduce pain and spasm.

Providing education and self-management advice. Physical therapy can help people learn more about PD and how it affects their movement. A physical therapist can provide tips on how to maintain safety when exercising, how to cope with fatigue or pain, how to use assistive devices if needed, and how to prevent or manage complications such as falls or freezing.

Sounds Great. Is There Proof?

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Yes. Research backs up all these claims. One meta-study (a study that combines the results of many other studies) that covered 1827 participants found that when compared to no intervention, PT significantly improved:

  • gait speed
  • two- and six-minute walk test scores
  • Freezing of Gait questionnaire
  • Timed Up & Go test
  • Functional Reach Test
  • and the Berg Balance Scale

These results indicate improvements in mobility, endurance, strength, and balance. Gait speed is an especially important measurement. Physical therapists often consider gait speed a “vital sign.” This is because low gait speed has been linked to:

  • declines in functional mobility
  • higher rates of hospitalization
  • higher fall rates
  • cognitive decline
  • increased disability
  • higher risk of death

A larger meta study that included 191 studies with 7998 participants found that PT significantly improved motor symptoms, gait, and quality of life. Specifically:

  • Resistance and treadmill training improved gait.
  • Strategy training improved balance and gait.
  • Dance, Nordic walking, balance and gait training, and martial arts improved motor symptoms, balance, and gait.

Conclusion

Physical therapy is a valuable treatment option for people with PD, as it can help to improve or maintain their physical function, mobility, and independence. Physical therapy can also enhance their quality of life, confidence, and well-being. If you have PD or know someone who does, consult with a physical therapist who specializes in PD to see how they can help you.

References