Total joint replacements − hip, knee, or shoulder − are highly effective operations for debilitating arthritis. Despite routine procedural success, however, many patients (up to 30%) go on to report dissatisfaction with their surgical results. If asked: “What outcomes are most important to you after undergoing a joint replacement,” they reply: 1) pain relief,
Music has amazing effects on our minds and bodies. We experience these effects in normal
daily living when we listen to our playlists. We can actually analyze the effects in various
research settings. They are real and can be measured. They can be greatly beneficial but
sometimes detrimental. In most instances, they are obvious.
Research has found that balance begins to decline around age 50, and related falls can be much more serious and debilitating. Therefore, it is important to know how to prevent falls during normal daily living.
A recent study found that adults in their 30s and 40s could stand on one leg for more than one minute.
Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is mostly behind us, those who were infected should know about lingering symptoms and long-term consequence. Both require attention.
Most of us realize that infection was worse among the elderly. People already suffering from diabetes, overweight and obesity, heart and lung disease, and a host of other ailments were at greater risk for terrible infections,
The COVID-19 pandemic affects us all in different ways. Most people fully recover from
the infection but others have persistent problems. Ongoing medical complications can
include loss of taste and smell, heart and lungs problems, muscle weakness, reduced
strength, less endurance, and even diabetes. These issues are more common in people
over 60 and contribute to an increase in falls and less physical activity overall.
Are you experiencing constant dizzy spells? Do you feel like the room is spinning when you get out of bed? Are you afraid to look down or turn your head when you’re walking?
If answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from positional vertigo or a vestibular dysfunction. The good news is,
So, you have decided to have a Total Knee Replacement. Most likely you will have to wait 6 to 12 weeks for the surgery. During this time, you can do things to help ensure a successful outcome.
Pre-surgical physical therapy (PT)
Strengthening and stretching the muscles of the entire leg will help to attain better function after surgery.
This first article in a three-part series overviews knee replacement. It cites current statistics and helps you to determine when surgery is actually needed. In the second part of the series, I will provide suggestions on how to prepare for surgery, describe the surgery itself and tell you why it’s necessary. The last article in the series will explain the stages of rehabilitation and the proper use of physical therapy.
Do you find yourself struggling to get in or out of bed?
Difficulty lifting or moving objects around the house? Poor tolerance to
prolonged standing activities?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could be
using poor body mechanics with activities of daily living.
According to UNC School of Medicine,
Regular physical
activity is essential to good health and well-being but many people simply don’t
make time for it. Instead, they spend
small fortunes on expensive supplements and foolish gimmicks, thinking that
they can take the easy way out. But they are only fooling themselves. Gerontologist,
Dr. Ronan Factora, says “no pill is
going to provide as many benefits as simple exercise.”