Static Vs. Dynamic Stretching

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When I was initially tasked to write about stretching, I got excited because as a former athlete and now physical therapist for more than 16 years, I thought I understood the evidence and rationale to easily address this topic. However, like the evidence-informed therapist that I am, I decided to first perform a literature search in order to check my preconceptions. This would prove to be pivotal in how I decided to tackle the subject matter.

What is Static Stretching?

Static stretching is when you take a body part to a point where a “stretch,” or pulling sensation, is felt and hold that position for a length of time, generally less than 60 seconds in duration (position based). ​An Example of a static stretch for the arm would be a cross body stretch – holding the arm directly across the chest.

What is Dynamic Stretching?

Dynamic Stretching can be classified as a large/gross movement pattern that involves multiple joints and muscles groups moving in and out of various ranges of motion (movement based). An example of a dynamic stretch on the arm would be performing arm circles – moving the arms forward and/or backwards in various degrees of motion.

What are the Benefits of Stretching?

For years it was thought that static stretching prior to activity would help decrease injury, prepare the body for activity, improve range of motion (ROM), and even enhance performance. However, does stretching do any of these things?

  1. Reduce Injury: Most of the recent data suggests that static stretching alone is inefficient at reducing the likelihood of sustaining an injury with a sporting activity. In fact, depending on the sport, in an article recently reviewed pertaining to golf, adding static stretching seemed to increase in the likelihood of injury. However, if static stretching is incorporated into a comprehensive warm-up program, it may actually help reduce musculotendinous injury in sports that require sprinting/making sharp cuts, i.e., soccer, football, basketball, etc.
  2. Prepare Body for Activity: The idea of a “warm-up” is to increase blood flow to the muscles that we intend to use for the given activity we are about to perform as well as increase the body’s core body temperature prior to competition. Static stretching alone does not satisfy these goals, which is why many professionals would recommend dynamic stretching.
  3. Improve ROM: It has been shown that static stretching does increase ROM of the hip and knee with hamstring stretching, but there are very few research studies that have shown the same amount of change in other body areas. To observe these changes in ROM, the static stretch needs to be done consistently for no more than 45 seconds at a time for no fewer than three reps for a minimum of eight weeks.
  4. Enhance Performance: Initially, I was confident that there was indeed research that supports the notion that static stretching had been shown to reduce strength, power, and muscle performance. While that is not entirely false, the evidence is not as consistent as I had once thought. a 2013 Systematic Review of 104 studies concluded that there was a decrease in strength, power, and explosive performance (to varying degrees). However, when looking at how they did the analysis the individual study designs and the tests they used to measure strength, power, and explosive performance varied greatly, which makes it much more difficult to make blanket statements with regards to performance deficits that may exist after static stretching.

What is the Goal or Purpose of Stretching?

If your goal is to gain range of motion in a specific muscle group or joint, keep the stretch to less than 45 seconds. Dynamic stretching is preferred as it is more efficient and better prepared the body for an activity or sport.

If you want to warm up before an activity, work, or to help reduce injury, consider a Comprehensive Warm-Up (CWU). A CWU should include light aerobic activity (walking, jogging, cycling, jumping rope/jacks, etc. in which you can still speak comfortably), dynamic stretching, and a sport/activity/job specific tasks. For a sport or activity that requires sprinting/quick changes in direction, adding static stretching of less than 45 seconds in a given position may help reduce musculotendinous injury.

 

Josh Anderson, PT, DPT has over 15 years of diverse experience in both the on-site and outpatient settings treating patients by providing Injury Prevention Services and Early Intervention Screens, as well as utilizing a variety of Physical Therapy techniques to get patients back to work as quickly as possible. His professional interests include Balance and Vestibular Orthopedics, Sports Physical Therapy, and Manual Therapy. Josh is certified in Sports PT through Evidence in Motion, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Rocktape Level 1. He is also a Certified Clinical Instructor via the APTA.

 

Bibliography:

1. K Small, et al. A Systematic Review into the Efficacy of Static Stretching as Part of a Warm-up for the Prevention of Exercise Related Injury. Research in Sports Medicine, 16:213-23, 2008
2. A Ehlert and PB Wilson. A Systematic Review of Golf Warm-ups: Behaviors, Injury and Performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(12): 3444-3462, 2019
3. DG Behm, A Chaouachi. A Review of the Acute Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching on Performance. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 111: 2633-2651, 2011
4. DM Medeiros, et al. Influence of Static Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility in Health Young Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 32(6): 438-445, 2016
5. DG Behm, et al. Mechanisms Underlying Performance Impairments Following Prolonged Static Stretching Without a Comprehensive Warm Up. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 121: 67-84, 2021
6. L Simic, et al. Does Stretching Improve Performance: A Systematic and Critical Review of the Literature.Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 23(2): 131-148, April 2013
7. Yamagichi, et al. Effects of Static Stretching for 30 seconds and Dynamic Stretching on Leg Extension Power. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19(3): 677-683, Aug 2005
8. DG Behm, et al. Effect of Acute Static Stretching on Force, Balance, Reaction Time and Movement Time. Med Sci Sports Exercise, 36(8): 1397-1402, 2004
9. AD Kay, AJ Blazevich. The Effect of Acute Static Stretch on Maximal Muscle Performance: A Systematic Review. Medicine & Science in Sport and Exercise, 44(1):154-164, 2012
10. I Shrier. Does Stretching Improve Performance: A Systematic and Critical Review of the Literature.Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 14(1): 267-273, 2004
11. DG Behm, A Chaouachi. A Review of the Acute Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching on Performance. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 111: 2633-2651, 2011
12. H Chaabene, et al. Acute Effects of Static Stretching on Muscle Strength and Power: An Attempt to Clarify Previous Caveats. Frontiers in Physiology, 10 (1468): 1-10, 2019

Can the Value of Physical Therapy Be Measured?

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October is Physical Therapy month, and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has deemed the theme for 2024, “The Value of Physical Therapy.”

Value: noun – (val-ue) relative worth, utility or importance; consider (someone or something) to be important or beneficial.

Can the value of physical therapy really be measured?

We have tools to measure our patients’ outcomes, but can we measure the actual value of services?  Physical therapy provides a variety of benefits, including reduced pain, improved function, increased range of motion, proper alignment and more.

Physical therapists are experts at movement who are trained to optimize function, improve motion, and ultimately, live better!  They will assess your condition and help you regain maximum functional mobility and independence. Physical therapists will also  use a variety of treatment modalities and techniques to help you move better and feel better.  Treatment is highly individualized, cutting edge, and research-based to return patients to their optimum functional level and live life to its fullest.

Again, we ask, can the value of physical therapy be measured?

The answer to that question would depend on each individual patient.

  • How valuable is it to be able to walk across the room pain free?
  • What does is it worth to be able to play with your grandchildren in the backyard? Or go on a walk with them?
  • Does your pain or inability to function at your best hold you back from taking that dream vacation?
  • Does your desk set-up at work cause you to go home at the end of the day with headaches?
  • Are there any extra-curricular activities that you are passing up because your back, neck, or another body part is holding you back?
  • How much do you value a pain free life to participate in any activities you enjoy?

Physical therapists treat people across the entire lifespan. Many therapists have certifications or specializations to treat a certain population, like children, the elderly, or athletes. Regardless of age or population, if you have a condition that is keeping you from the activities in your life, a physical therapy evaluation may be warranted to offer treatment and a strategy to improve function.

The benefits of physical therapy include:

  • Prevention of the onset and/or slow progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes
  • Pain management with reduced need for opioids
  • Avoidance of surgery
  • Improvement in mobility and movement
  • Recovery from injury or trauma
  • Recovery from stroke or paralysis
  • Fall prevention
  • Improvement in balance
  • Management of age-related medical problems

From the APTA:

“A recent study also examined the overall value of choosing physical therapy over other options. Researchers calculated the economic impact of choosing physical therapy for the following eight conditions, representing a broad spectrum of physical therapist treatment: Cancer Rehabilitation, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Falls Prevention, Stress Urinary Incontinence, Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Low Back Pain, Tennis Elbow, and Claudication (leg pain when walking due to restricted blood flow).  They found that physical therapy is effective and saves on all the hidden costs of your time, pain, missed life events, and the dollars paid for services.

Find a physical pherapist

If you have an injury or illness that results in pain, physical impairment, limited movement, or a loss of function, a physical therapist can help.  Some patients are referred to physical therapy from his or her physician, and others seek therapy directly. Find out how valuable physical therapy can be to you.

Meet Ann Hightower

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Tx:Team turns 40 in 2023!

Founded in 1983, Tx:Team will celebrate a big anniversary in May, 40 years in business. Because it is such a major milestone, we felt we should celebrate this achievement throughout the year.

Thank you to all Tx:Team associates throughout the decades for his or her part in our success.

Meet Ann Hightower, Vice President of Internal Operations, and hear her story of her time with Tx:Team!

 

Falls Prevention Week

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Each September, we recognize Falls Prevention Week to raise awareness of the impact of falls. The good news is that most falls are preventable.  Tx:Team’s Teaming Up Against Falls Program incorporates the components of the Otago Exercise Program including balance, strength, flexibility, vestibular, and proprioception evaluation and treatment to tackle balance issues and help prevent falls.

According to HealthyAging.org:

  • Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults. One out of five falls result in a significant injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
  • Each year, three million older adults go to the emergency room because of falls. Over 800,000 need to go into the hospital.
  • Older women are twice as likely to fall and break a bone as older men. Men have a higher risk of dying after a fall. 

Prevention

What can I do to decrease my risk of falling?

  • 75% of falls occur in the home. You can decrease your chance of falling by keeping your home safe for you to move around.
  • Make sure you have good lighting in every room. Include night lights in your bedroom, hallways, and bathrooms.
  • Rugs should be firmly fastened to the ground, especially at the corners. Electrical cords should be kept off the walking areas.
  • Add handrails to your bathrooms for support for your bath, shower, and toilet use.
  • Always use the rails on stairs on both sides and ensure that each stair is well lit or has a visual cue.
  • Wear shoes with firm, nonskid, non-friction soles. Avoid wearing loose slippers that could cause you to trip.
  • Keep kitchen items within easy reach to avoid using step stools.
  • Place the bed at a proper height to allow for feet to be flat on floor while sitting at bedside.

Taking good care of your body will also keep you strong, mobile, and more independent.

  • See your eye doctor once a year.
  • Care for your feet and see a doctor if you have pain or corns.
  • Use assistive devices if they are recommended to you.
  • Sit on the bed for a few minutes before getting up to go to the bathroom at night. This will prevent dizziness in the dark.

If you notice that you may have some trouble with your balance or mobility in general, talk to a physical therapist and find out how they can help you to stay on your feet and prevent falls.

You Take that First Step and OUCH

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You get out of bed and go to take that first step. OUCH! 

A sharp pain hits your foot. You limp a few steps but before you are out the door, the pain is gone. After sitting at work for a couple hours, you get up for another cup of coffee and the pain returns. 

It’s possible you are dealing with plantar fasciitis.

But what exactly is plantar fasciitis and what can we do about it? 

The suffix -itis indicates inflammation. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. This leads to the next question, what is the plantar fascia? Plantar is the bottom side of the foot and fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue. Putting those two together, the plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that runs from your heel to your toes, and it helps support the arch of your foot, stability of the foot, and is involved with normalized foot mechanics. Unfortunately, through a series of microtears from overstress and over stretch, the fascia can get inflamed and plantar fasciitis occurs.

Why exactly does plantar fasciitis occur is a great question. There are a few common risk factors to look at first. Generally, it will occur in people 40-70 years old. Activities such as running and dancing can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Occupations that keep you on your feet also increase the risk for developing it. People who are overweight or obese place more stress on their feet and this can cause plantar fasciitis. Lastly, if you have abnormal foot posture or walking pattern, e.g. flat feet, high arches, this can increase risk as well.

Now what to do about it? 

  • It is important to keep your calves loose. When the calf muscles become tight, they will pull up on the achilles, which pulls up on the heel, which stresses the plantar fascia.
  • Improving the strength of the arches of the feet can also reduce stress placed on the plantar fascia.
  • Stretching your big toe backward (toward the top of your foot) can provide an excellent stretch on the plantar fascia and rolling your foot on a lacrosse ball is another great option.
  • Orthotics can also help to normalize your foot if you have high arches or flat feet, thus reducing the stress on the plantar fascia.

Although plantar fasciitis can be a painful way to start the day, it is certainly treatable through a variety of stretches, exercises, and lifestyle modifications. If you feel you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, make an appointment with your local Physical Therapist and get back on your feet and  walking pain free.

Alex Strahle, PT, DPT, CSCS graduated from the University of Evansville with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy.  He is currently a Physical Therapist in the Employer-Based Clinic setting for Tx:Team.  Alex enjoys seeing patients return to an active lifestyle after treatment for their pain and dysfunction.

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month

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August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month!

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that negatively affects the motor control of 1/10000 people across the lifespan depending on type with which diagnosed. A decline in muscle strength is common affecting an individual’s ability to contribute and participate in society, increasing their economic burden, and in extreme cases, results in death. Hospitalization costs an average of 100k annually for these individuals. Therapy can help reduce hospitalizations, burden on caregivers, and provide education on how to manage this progressive chronic condition to improve these outcomes.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapists screen for neuromuscular delays while monitoring gross motor developmental milestones as part of their SMA assessment. They reduce fall risk by slowing the decline of range of motion, endurance, and strength to maintain and possibly increase mobility (walking, standing, sitting etc.) through therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Seating/mobility device and orthotics recommendations may be made. Preventing the worsening of scoliosis may be included in treatment.

How Speech Therapy Can Help

Speech therapists screen for oral/laryngeal/pharyngeal motor delays as part of their typical assessment. Communication devices and vital stim to aid in breathing and swallowing function may be recommended to aid the individual with SMA in returning to social and mealtime participation.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Occupational therapy can assist people with SMA in becoming more independent in their daily activities, including with basic self-care, work, or hobby pursuits through the use of therapeutic activities. A screening for fine motor and self-care developmental milestones is part of the typical assessment for SMA. Home and lifestyle modifications, adaptive equipment and assistive technology recommendations, energy conservation strategies, and basic mental health care may be provided.

Therapy has been associated with reduced anxiety/depression and increased hopefulness for the future. Early intervention and collaboration with physicians is the key to comprehensive care. Help facilitate access to therapy services for individuals you may know with SMA today!

Alita Borkar MA, OTR/L, CPAM is an Occupational Therapist in the outpatient setting.  Alita believes everyone deserves access to therapy services that improve the ability to live a happy, meaningful, and productive life.  She believes in ethical, evidence based, high quality services and is passionate about developing evidence based programs, advocacy, and mentoring students for effective family services.

 

References

Ch’ng, G.S., Koh, K., Ahmad-Annuar, A. et al. A mixed method study on the impact of living with spinal muscular atrophy in Malaysia from patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives. Orphanet J Rare Dis 17, 200 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-022-02351-4
“Cure SMA, Novartis Publish Economic Burden of SMA Analysis in Journal of Market Access & Health Policy – Cure SMA.” Cure SMA, 20 Dec. 2020.  www.curesma.org/cure-sma-and-novartis-gene-therapies-publish-economic-burden-paper/#:~:text=Results%20of%20this%20analysis%20highlight Accessed 26 July 2023.
“List of Treatments for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.” MySMAteam, 2023.  www.mysmateam.com/treatments.
“Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) | CDC.” Www.cdc.gov, 20 Dec. 2021.  www.cdc.gov/nceh/dls/nsmbb_sma.html#:~:text=Spinal%20Muscular%20Atrophy%20(SMA)%20is.

Ask an Expert: I Was Diagnosed with Moderate Hip Arthritis, Can PT Help?

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I recently got diagnosed with moderate hip arthritis, but the Doctor does not recommend a hip replacement yet. Can Physical Therapy help?  

Physical therapy is a form of treatment that helps to alleviate pain and improve movement in those who have mild to moderate hip arthritis. It is a non-invasive and drug-free approach that can be very effective in managing the symptoms of this and other arthritic conditions.  Physical therapists are trained to work with people who have arthritis and can develop a personalized plan of care to help alleviate your pain and improve your mobility. They may use a combination of techniques, such as exercises, stretches, and hands-on therapy, to help you regain strength and flexibility in your hip joint.

Exercises are an important part of physical therapy for hip arthritis. Your therapist may prescribe exercises that are specifically designed to help improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles around your hip joint. These exercises may include range of motion exercises, leg strengthening exercises and balance exercises.  Stretching is also an important component of physical therapy for hip arthritis. Stretching can help to increase the flexibility and range of motion in the hip joint, which can help to reduce pain and improve your ability to move around.  Hands-on therapy, such as massage and manual therapy, can also be used to help alleviate pain and improve mobility in people with hip arthritis.

Physical therapy can also help you learn how to move and do everyday activities in a way that puts less stress on your hip joint. This can help you to reduce your risk of injury and further damage to your hip joint.   It is important to note that physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for hip arthritis, but it is not a cure. However, it can help to alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of further injury. It is always best to consult with a physical therapist to discuss if physical therapy is right for you.

Jeremy Dunker, PT, DPT, OCS

Get In Tune with Dementia

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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines dementia as the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of daily living. It affects millions of people, and while more prevalent as people age, it is not a normal part of aging. It is caused by damage to brain cells, which in turn interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other affecting an individual’s thinking, behavior, and feelings.

My background in Sensory Processing gained from my pediatric days taught me not to forgo looking at dementia with a sensory lens, often there are changes with sensory processing that arise along with the other symptoms. From a sensory perspective, the brain will seek out what it needs, but not always appropriately. One aspect of the Sensory Integration approach is finding ways to provide the individual with what their brain/body is seeking, while at the same time training them to seek this input in an appropriate and safe manner. Developing a keen awareness of patterns in behavior is important in determining if these behaviors are of a sensory processing nature or simply a method to garner attention behaviorally. Being in tune with the various senses of the body including vestibular and proprioception (which I refer to as the grounding sense) are important in helping individuals to better modulate their sensory system.

Finding the reason for a behavior can promote increased safety and quality of life for the individual. Knowledge of how the sensory system works along with observation of how an individual interacts can provide valuable feedback about a given behavior, and by asking simple questions we can better understand and provide appropriate recommendations based off the information about how a person is processing sensory input.

For example: Are they having a tough time sitting still? Do they pace? Are they clumsy? Do they crave touch? Do they avoid touch, textures, or busy/noisy places? Do they hum? Do they bang their hands on hard surfaces?

I could spend all day talking about various tools and interventions utilizing a sensory processing approach, but the tool I wish to spotlight is music.

Music and Dementia

Music has the ability to break through cognitive barriers, where memories are locked away and thought to be forgotten and evoke feelings of comfort and happiness from an earlier time or event in the life of an individual.

Music and memories have a special connection with Dementia. Often, when all else fails, music prevails! It’s a beautiful thing to witness when someone who can no longer walk or engage in the most basic activity, listens to a song, and instantly lights up and starts singing, often verbatim the lyrics of a beloved song. For a moment in time, gone is that person who sits and stares into space, and we are privileged to catch a glimpse of the true person hidden behind a locked door that is called Dementia. Music is powerful and is invaluable to our therapy toolbox! It can help increase attention, improve cadence in walking, calm anxiety, and it can even brighten up even the worst of moods!

I’ve acquired quite the eclectic playlist over the years in working with seniors: hymns, Mozart, jazz, classic country, 1940s war songs, swing, Elvis and even some Beatles, but no matter what style of music, the common thread is that they were each a key that unlocked a door of hidden, once forgotten memories that lead to happiness!

“Oh, simple thing, where have you gone? I’m getting old and I need something to rely on…so tell me when you’re gonna let me in, I’m getting tired and I need somewhere to begin…and if you have a minute, why don’t we go? Talk about it somewhere only we know, this could be the end of everything. So why don’t we go? Somewhere only we know?” –Keane

I was listening to the lyrics of the song above one day, and the beauty of the words brought tears to eyes, as I was reminded of the sweet memories of time spent with my grandfather, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s when I was a young girl. I can still recall his contagious smile, his quiet sense of humor, and his love for roasted peanuts. I also remember knowing a moment in time when something shifted abruptly. Gone was his smile to be replaced with eyes that reflected confusion rather than recognition. Suddenly I was not allowed to see him as often, I was told he was sick and needed rest, but I know now this was said to protect not just him but me from the things I was too young to understand. Dementia is not for the faint of heart. The song, “Somewhere Only We Know” may mean something different to others, but for me, it is a haunting reminder of what life is like for those living with dementia. I believe that if they could express what it’s like, it would sound quite like the lyrics above.

If I could give any advice on their behalf, it would be this: slow down, embrace the moment, find joy in the simple things together. Be present with them, listen to them, even if it doesn’t make sense, and smile often. Doing so gives them purpose and helps them feel needed. Isn’t that what we all long for?

Hope is the byproduct of compassion and quality care. By giving just the right amount of challenge to meet each individual where they are, we give them the chance to live a life of joy and purpose even in the later stages of the disease. We set them up for success by familiarizing ourselves with resources and utilizing tools such as the Tx:Team Living Well with Dementia program, which is designed to provide therapists with the necessary tools needed in determining the stage the individual is performing at and further aid in providing staff/caregivers the best methods for intervention and communication with the individual at their level.

In the end, those with dementia will not remember that they have it, but they will remember how we made them feel in the moment. So, smile, have fun, and in the words of Bing Crosby, “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, and don’t mess with Mr. In-Between.”

 

Rebecca, “Christon” Cardell, MHS, OTR/L received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2004 and her Master of Health Science Degree in 2005 from the Medical College of Georgia.  Christon has experience working in both the pediatric and geriatric settings. Since her early years as an OT student, Christon has been interested in pursuing more knowledge in the area of Sensory Integration and Processing. She is so excited to see that this area is starting to become more widely used as a treatment approach not only with pediatrics but in the adult population as well.  Christon is a certified provider of “The Listening Program” and has been utilizing this therapeutic technique in some of her treatment plans with great success. She has been a champion for the Tx:Team Living Well with Dementia Program.

Meet Mike Holway

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Tx:Team turns 40 in 2023!

Founded in 1983, Tx:Team will celebrate a big anniversary in May, 40 years in business. Because it is such a major milestone, we felt we should celebrate this achievement throughout the year.

Thank you to all Tx:Team associates throughout the decades for his or her part in our success.

Meet Mike Holway, Director of Senior Living, and hear his story of his time with Tx:Team!

Is Aquatic Therapy Right For Your Patient?

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Physical therapy, historically, has been helping people since the early 1900s. However, the healing benefits of water for the human body date back to ancient Greek and Roman times. After battle, warriors and gladiators would soak in hot springs because they realized they were able to recover faster and get back to battle.

Fast forward, as physical therapists our number one job today is getting patients back to their previous level of function, or ‘back to war!’ We have learned what the ancients already knew, that water has many therapeutic properties including buoyancy, resistance, pressure, and warmer temperatures. These properties allow the patient to exercise with less impact to improve skills at all functional levels:

  • Strength: water is natural resistance, movement patterns allow gentle exercise with buoyancy to allow for improved tolerance to strength exercises.
  • Flexibility: warm water increases tissue temperatures to generate a comfortable environment for mobility exercises and improved range of motion.
  • Endurance: water is denser then air, therefore it is harder to do exercises in water than on land. This can be a stepping-stone to improve tolerance for activity on land.

Aquatic therapy has many benefits for the patient following injury as compared to a traditional land setting by removing gravity. Acute sprains, strains, and fractures with decreased weight baring are great candidates for the pool. Patients can benefit from aquatic therapy or land therapy individually.  They can also benefit from a combination of land and water therapy working together. The plan of care may look different for each patient. Some patients need one visit of land with one visit of aquatics each week, or half the session on land for manual therapy and half on water in the same day for exercises. Patients with poor tolerance to exercises due to chronic pain conditions may thrive in the water to build confidence to perform functional skills on land including; osteoporosis, arthritis, fibro myalgia, and balance disorders.

Aquatic therapy is a modality to aid the therapist in their quest for helping our patients get better faster, and back to their lives…or war!

 

Meagan Gearhart, PTA, is a Physical Therapist Assistant treating in the outpatient setting.  She has extensive experience in not only aquatics but also in orthopedics, post-surgical and non-surgical diagnoses, and a variety of conditions pertaining to musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.