Managing Diabetes with Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy Forest Hills – PT & Diabetes More than 29 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and it affects both adults and children. Diabetes occurs when the body can’t make sufficient insulin, doesn’t make any at all, or can’t utilize what it does manufacture. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that enables people to use the glucose (sugar) they consume in foods to provide energy for the body to work and play. There are three types of diabetes. Type 1 is known as juvenile diabetes since it typically begins in childhood. It’s an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the pancreas resulting in little, if any, insulin production. Type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as adult onset diabetes and individuals may or may not require daily insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed with exercise, diet and oral medications. It also has a strong genetic component and is exacerbated by high-carbohydrate diets and lack of exercise. It can occur at any age, but is often seen in older adults. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and ordinarily disappears after childbirth, but the mother will have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes at any time thereafter. Many of the symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be subtle, often overlooked, and are only discovered after long-term damage to the body has already occurred. Patients with diabetes may experience: Fatigue Hunger More thirst than normal Increased need to urinate Increased breakage and hair loss Blurred vision Dry mouth and itchy skin Injuries and wounds that heal slowly Yeast infections Pain, numbness or tingling in legs and feet People with type 1 diabetes often experience unplanned weight loss even though they haven’t made any changes in their diet. In type 1 diabetes, the body can’t utilize the food that’s being consumed and the body begins to burn fat and muscle to produce energy. As the body burns fat, ketones are produced and when they build to dangerous levels, nausea and vomiting can occur. 9 Benefits of Physical Therapy Physical therapy is beneficial for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes and individuals with pre-diabetes, also known as insulin resistance. Pre-diabetes occurs when glucose levels are elevated, but haven’t yet reached diabetic proportions. Physical therapy is effective for: Better utilization of glucose Lower blood pressure Reduce the risk of heart disease Weight loss Reduced nerve disease Fewer skin problems Improved muscle function and flexibility Pain relief Lower risk of amputations People with diabetes are at increased risk of numerous problems that accompany the disease. Damage to nerves is common, resulting in pain and disability. High blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease and stroke are very real concerns. If not controlled, diabetes damages neurological systems that can cause blindness and one of the greatest threats to diabetics is kidney disease. Injuries heal slowly and can quickly transition into life threatening wounds that won’t respond to antibiotics and limbs that must be amputated. Physical Therapy for Diabetes Managing diabetes with physical therapy has multiple benefits ranging from more efficient use of glucose and weight loss to improved muscle tone and strength. Aerobic exercise and resistance training are highly effective therapies for managing diabetes and helps relieve pain, expand range of motion, increase flexibility, and improve balance and coordination. Your physical therapist may choose clinical Pilates, yoga or tai-chi to address movement and weight problems. He/she can also provide nutritional counseling and dietary supplements that are specially designed for your diabetic needs. Assistance is available if you need mobility aids such as crutches, canes, walkers or wheelchairs. Orthotic devices and shoes can be prescribed to lessen pain, alleviate sores, stabilize the gait and align the body. Your physical therapist can evaluate and care for injuries and show you how to protect your feet from wounds – particularly if you have little or no sensation remaining. Exercise plans will be adjusted as needed as your overall physical conditioning improves. Your physical therapist has a wide array of therapies that can be used to provide you with the exercise you need to manage glucose levels, lose weight, and improve your health. Hydrotherapy is an effective treatment for improving the body that also relieves the effects of gravity and weight on the body, making it easier to move. Therapeutic massage may also be utilized to stimulate the immune system, rid the body of toxins and reduce blood pressure. The therapy is beneficial for improving circulation, easing pain, and relieving the stress of dealing with a chronic disease. Diabetes is a systemic problem that affects every organ in your body. Your physical therapist can help you manage the symptoms and health risks associated with the disease, assist in your continued mobility, and aid you in maintaining overall health. Physical therapy had a wide variety of therapies that can be utilized to manage the symptoms and effects of diabetes. Exercise is a key component in the management of diabetes and your physical therapist can create a custom exercise program that’s tailored to your fitness level and mobility level. http://www.ForestHillsRehab.com Forest hills Rehabilitation 108-14 72nd Ave, 4th Flr Forest Hills NY 11375 (718) 520-8480
Car Accident Physical Therapy – New Video
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Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease, despite the name, is not a disease but a deterioration of the discs of the spine. It occurs over a period of time, resulting in neck or back pain and other musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms. It is common in adults in their thirties. Types of degenerative disc disease Cervical: affects the neck and is referred to as cervical degenerative disc disease Lumbar: affects the lower back and is called lumbar degenerative disc disease The cervical and lumbar regions of the spine are susceptible to damage due to increased movement capabilities. Constant motion over time results in the wear and tear of the discs. Signs and Symptoms of DDD Most patients report one or more of the following symptoms. Pain is triggered by an activity Pain flares up periodically and then settles to a low-grade pain/discomfort Sitting or standing for long periods of time worsen the pain Activities such as walking may alleviate the pain Relief upon changing body position Muscle spasms Tingling sensations in the extremities Any activity that triggers pain in the neck or lower back should be ceased immediately. If there is no relief with rest, consult with a physical therapist. Early intervention could save you from further damage to the disc, muscles and ligaments. Management of Degenerative Disc Disease Physical therapy helps treat the underlying factors such as the instability of the intervertebral joints and the associated inflammation. Your physician may recommend prescription medication to provide relief. Once the pain is reduced, specific exercises and specialized physical therapy techniques are utilized to achieve lasting relief. Treatment falls into one of the following three categories: Medical Pain control with acetaminophen, prescription medications, narcotics, etc. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID, steroid injection etc.) Surgical (if required) Fusion of the discs Replacement of the damaged disc with an artificial disc Conservative (Physical therapy) Exercise: Progressive controlled exercises under supervision. These include stretching, strengthening and low-impact aerobics. Lifestyle modification: Improved posture and movement patterns reduce stress on the spine. Ergonomically designed chairs can also relieve pressure on the spine. Self-care including weight management, treatment of depression, etc. A Stronger Spine Prevention Tips Poor posture, especially in a sitting position, can cause bone and joint issues over time. If your job is sedentary it is important to: Perform stretching exercises at regular intervals. Adjust the height of your desk chair and computer to minimize strain on your neck and lower back. (Come to our office for an evaluation and we will identify the most appropriate height for you). Invest in footwear to reduce stress on the lower back Call our office without delay if you are at risk of developing DDD. If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with DDD, a physical therapy program, combined with traditional medicine, is critical for recovery. Physical therapy interventions include: Strengthening Postural retraining Ergonomic intervention Use of modalities including electrical stimulation for muscle reeducation Physical therapy will improve blood circulation to the affected region and reduce pain by facilitating the release of endorphin (pain relief chemicals naturally produced by the body). The long-term goal is to reestablish range of motion over time and assist in recovery. Call us today to learn more about what physical therapy can do for you. Forest Hills Rehabilitation www.ForestHillsRehab.com 718-520-8480
