Seeing physical therapist first for back pain may reduce opioid prescriptions
People who first visit a physical therapist for low back pain are much less likely to be prescribed opioids than those who first visit a primary care doctor.
Physical Therapy
Stroke patients regain walking symmetry, speed with new therapeutic shoe
A therapeutic shoe that helps stroke patients regain walking skills is expected to become commercially available this year.
Mental singing promotes a natural gait in Parkinson’s
A tune sung aloud – or silently to oneself – can help people with Parkinson’s set a stable rhythm to their gait while increasing walking speed.
Low grip strength tied to memory loss, cognitive impairment in seniors
Reduced handgrip strength is associated with greater odds of cognitive impairment in adults over age 50, according to new research.
Goal-oriented rehab better for repairing older patients, researchers say
A focus on personally relevant goals during therapy helps patients in skilled nursing facilities recover more function than those in standard therapy.
Resistance training benefits outweigh risks, position paper asserts
A new paper shows how resistance exercise programs can be safely adapted for older adults residing in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
Exercise is not harmful for osteoarthritic knees, study reveals
Contrary to common belief, exercise does not harm knee cartilage in people with osteoarthritis. In fact, it may help maintain knee function, a new study has shown.
Push past pain: Unmotivated PAD patients should have the option to exercise pain-free
Pain can be part of daily life for those with peripheral arterial disease. But researchers say it no longer needs to be a part of the treatment.
Program designed to correct balance and improve strength can significantly minimize the risk of repeated falls
Once an older adult falls, chances of a repeat incident double. A program to correct poor balance and rebuild strength may significantly reduce the risk.
Also in the News for Monday, Jan. 22
Flint, MI, Nursing home reports Legionnaires’ case in city hit hard by water woes … Industry blasts Florida nursing home ‘bill of rights’ as trial lawyers’ money grab … Specialized physical therapy reduced complications, costs for Dutch Parkinson’s patients
