TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and is commonly used in physical therapy to aid in pain relief. With TENS, sticky electrodes are placed on the skin around the painful area. When the TENS unit is turned on, it delivers a light current through the electrodes to the skin and tissues just beneath it. Using TENS feels a bit like tingling, or pins and needles, though the intensity can be set high enough to make a muscle twitch. TENS is most commonly used for back pain and neck pain.

TENS is a type of electrical stimulation to help with pain relief.

How TENS Works:

TENS is thought to disrupt the pain cycle by delivering a different, non-painful sensation to the skin aroudn the pain site. In essence, it modulates the way we process the pain sensations from that area. TENS closes the pain gate, so to speak.
Depending on the frequency the TENS unit delivers, the electrical stimulation can also trigger the body to release endorphins. Endorphins act as natural painkillers, and help promote a feeling of well-being.

TENS for Chronic Pain:

Does TENS relieve chronic pain? Sadly, the jury is still out on this one. A number of researchers have determined that TENS can help control chronic pain. However most studies show little difference between the TENS unit and the placebo. Like most chronic pain treatment, it does not work for everyone.
The good news is that TENS has few side effects, if any. It won’t interact with other medications, and it won’t make you drowsy. Once your TENS unit is programmed, it is easy to apply, and can be worn during most activities.

As a whole, strengthening exercises aims to increase muscular mass and strength. It can also be aimed to increase the metabolism of the body as well as to increase bone strength. When it comes to doing basic daily activities like walking, climbing stairs and running, a level of muscular strength is required. For patient who suffered injury or damage to their back, legs or knees, they need exercises to help them regain their independence and mobility.

Examples of strengthening exercises that targets the legs and back are lunges, plies, the bird dog and hip bridge exercise. These help the patient to attain better overall strength and balance for doing basic daily activities. Lunges can strengthen the leg muscles; plies are best in strengthening and toning the outer and inner thighs; the hip bridge exercise stabilizes the spine and the lower back as it stretches and strengthens muscles; and the bird dog improves overall coordination and muscle balance.

Knee problems are also common especially for athletes and for the older population. The knees are supported by the quadriceps and the hamstrings. Examples of knee strengthening exercises are knee dips, hops and wall sit. Knee dips can help in strengthening the quadriceps while wall sit works the quadriceps, hamstrings as well as the abdominals and gluteals.

Strengthening exercises are of three types and these are isometric, isotonic and isokinetic. Isometric exercises allow the muscles to contract and do not involve the affected joints. This technique is effective in developing the total strength of the target muscle or muscle group.

Isotonic strengthening exercises also lets the muscles contract but this time, it also encourages movement of the affected joint. An example is calisthenics, push-up, sit-up and chin-ups.

Isokinetic strengthening exercises uses machines to control the contraction speed in a range of motion. Special machines are required to perform these exercises.

Exercises should always be under the supervision of a qualified therapist. When looking for physical therapy in Delaware County, PA, one can always ask for a doctor’s referral or ask friends and families.

The popularity of aquatic therapy is due to its multiple benefits.  It promotes cardiovascular fitness although the heart does not have to work as hard.  This is due to water pressure and aids in blood circulation.  Aerobic exercise done in water up to the chest is likely to elevate the heart rate lower than it would in land.

Exercising while in water can also help in developing muscular endurance and strength.  It is comparable to weight lifting and using resistance devices while performing aquatic therapy exercises can be done for more intensive routines in building muscles.

Flexibility can also be enhanced by doing aquatic therapy exercises.  The buoy of the water allows the patient to move affected joints in a much wider range of motion that can be done on land.  Also, the water buoyancy will lessen stress on the joints allowing it to heal at a faster rate.

Doing water exercises regularly can also help in reducing body fat.  As an aerobic activity, it is an effective way to manage weight. A study says that one can easily burn up to 500 calories when doing an hour of aquatic exercises.

An addition benefit of doing aquatic therapy is in the patient’s mental health.  The warmth of the water is conducive to relaxation and an overall improvement of the mood.  It also reduces anxiety, stress and even depression.

Common aquatic therapy includes water pilates, watsu and ai chi ne.  Water pilates is effective in improving range of motion, flexibility and increasing strength.  The water resistance is beneficial to improve breath control, proper alignment of the spine and body as well as strengthening of the core.

Watsu is applied in reducing pain and stress as well as increasing circulation.  Most often, this is used to rehabilitate patients with orthopaedic challenges and disabilities.  This is a passive form of aquatic therapy since the therapist moves the patient in the water.  Watsu has beneficial effects to the nervous and neuromuscular systems of the body.

Not all patients should perform aquatic therapy.  There are some medical conditions that could be aggravated by water exercises.  It is best to get the recommendation of a qualified therapist before undergoing aquatic physical therapy in Media, PA.

The truth is a physical therapist performs multiple specialized functions different from other healthcare professionals. Direct access laws in most states make it possible to directly consult a physical therapist without a referral from the primary care physician.

While it is true that a physical therapist can help patients after serious health problems, he/she can also help in promoting overall health and well-being. A physical therapist does not create a generalized treatment plan that fits all but does a careful assessment of aindividual patient’s current health status and customizes a program tailor made for the patient.

At the same time, a physical therapist can be part of a multi-disciplinary discipline that will refer patients to other health care professional if he/she finds any health issue that requires specialized attention from other experts in the medical field.

Physicians usually take the medication approach when it comes to dealing with patients’ health issues while a physical therapist does it from a more holistic standpoint. Physical therapy providers look at the human body as a whole instead of the individual contributing factors of the problem. This approach however does not mean losing focus on treating the specific problem. A physical therapist in Secane, Pennsylvania will always refer patients to physicians for medication if the holistic approach cannot resolve the problem.

A physical therapist uses a variety of techniques to treat patients and improve their general well-being. Some of these are passive modalities such as cold and heat therapies, mechanical modalities like traction. Neuromuscular reeducation is also a technique that helps in the improvement of balance, posture and coordination of affected patients.

Aquatic therapy is a form of therapy performed in water aimed at improving blood circulation, relaxing muscles and for pain relief.  A physical therapist often used hydrotherapy for patients with learning and physical disabilities.

Exercise of some kind is nearly always used by a physical therapist in the patient’s plan of treatment and care. It may include balance, muscle re-training, stretching and strengthening exercises.  More often than not, the physical therapist will teach patients home exercise programs to promote overall health and avoid future problems.

Throughout the entire treatment process, a physical therapist will use evidence-based methods. This is to make sure that the intervention chosen is the most effective and the most appropriate.  This ensures that the needs of each patient are met and value is provided for each encounter.

Pain management is one of the major treatment programs that health care providers in the field of physical therapy do to help patients, improve their quality of life, regain their independence and educate them how to manage, if not prevent, pain.

Using the healthcare professionals of physical therapy in Secane, Pennsylvania has the following advantages:

• Innovative approach to pain management and tailor-made to suit the needs of individual patients.
• Availability of well-trained and experts in physical therapy who render service with compassion and heart.
• A host of services in various specializations in physical therapy
• Coordination with other healthcare professionals in different fields to find out the root cause of the problem and offer multi-disciplinary and comprehensive care.
• Availability of continuing care even after the main treatment has been concluded.

The root cause of the pain is difficult to pin down but the physical therapy providers have extensive training and experience. They would be asking detailed questions to get to the root of the problem and come up with a pain management program to let patients lead active, healthy and pain-free lives.

One of the areas which the experts of physical therapycan help is joint pain. Injury and arthritis along with other medical conditions may bring about stiffness and pain of the joints.

Physical therapy has modalities and techniques to help patients suffering from joint pains by restoring mobility and flexibility, removing the stiffness, eliminating or at the very least reducing joint pains and protecting the joints from more injury.

Healthcare professionals of physical therapy recognize the uniqueness and individuality of each patient thus the treatment plan of care is customized to the condition of each patient.

The methods might be the same but the application is done with consideration to the physical structure of the affected patients to make treatment more pleasant aimed at getting more productive outcomes.

Physical therapy in Secane, Pennyslvania offers services that make a difference. With the latest equipment and highly-qualified staff, they can be trusted to effectively provide lasting relief from pain.

Evaluation is the first thing a physical therapist will do. Expect a physical therapist to ask very detailed questions about the cause of the injury or the illness. The patient’s answers will help the therapist discover the root cause.

The most common health issues the patients come to see a physical therapist are knee pain, low back pains and injuries due to overuse. Therapists usually use passive modalities like ice, heat, electrical stimulation and laser therapy but the foundation during evaluation and treatment plan is manual therapy.

Manual therapy is the hands-on approach of a physical therapist and is considered the backbone of the patient’s treatment plan. It refers to techniques such as massage, stretching and strengthening exercises with the aim to restore mobility and function. Manual therapy can be used to any injury.

Ice or cold packs is used by a physical therapist to reduce and prevent swelling immediately after injuries. What it does is it constricts blood vessels thus reducing the amount of fluids and blood reaching the injured area.

Heat application is another method of a physical therapist for main management and increasing mobility after an injury. This is usually used for injuries which involve soft tissues and making these tissues more flexible so manual therapy can be done.

Other techniques that a physical therapist may use are ultrasound therapy, low-level laser therapy, traction and electrical stimulation. Exercises are also vital in the overall treatment and fitness plan. These exercises are designed to address the individual health issues of patients and to maintain the well-being of the patients after discharge. A sedentary lifestyle can be the cause of many injuries or their recurrence. Regular exercises can prevent aches and pains.

Primary care physicians normally refer patients to a physical therapist. However in most states, direct access allows those needing physical therapy to directly visit a therapist without referral from a doctor. Findings of a research showed that patients who took advantage of the direct access laws have more timely care, increased patient satisfaction, better health results and lower costs.

With the awareness of the expertise of a physical therapist as evidenced by the methods and techniques being utilized, patients will have more confidence in availing the services of a physical therapist in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania without consulting their primary care physicians.

Pennsylvania is the 44^th state that allows direct access to a physical therapist.  Patients who have referred themselves to a physical therapist in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania have more freedom when making decisions about their health thus they tend to be more proactive. They are more likely to be more satisfied with the level of service they got as evidenced by the findings of a research. Direct access to the services of a physical therapist results in a more timely care, lower costs and better health outcomes.

Some common problems that can be treated by physical therapy in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania are the following:

• Back pain
• Fractures
• Strokes
• Sports injuries
• Tendon or ligament problems
• Pre- and post- surgical rehabilitation

The aforementioned are just some of the health issues that physical therapy can address. In broad terms, physical therapy is primarily concerned with the evaluation and treatment of problems that result to pain or physical impairment. More often than not, medical doctors refer patients to avail of the services of physical therapists.

There are a lot of techniques that specialists of physical therapy use to help patients regain function and mobility, relieve pain and increase strength. After the evaluation, physical therapists will design the treatment plan which usually includes the R.I.C.E modality which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition and the physical therapy goals, other intervention can follow like electrical muscle stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and manual therapy among others.

Physical therapy can also be part of a multi-disciplinary treatment involving other healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses and speech therapists. The involvement of family members is also crucial to the swift and optimal return to function of patients.

The services offered by healthcare professionals highly trained in physical therapy are not only for treatment of problems related to the musculoskeletal system but also the prevention of recurrence. This can be done by improving the overall health and fitness of patients through exercises that enhance mobility and strength.

Personalized treatment can be designed by experts of physical therapy in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, to fit the particular requirements of a patient. This may include various forms of exercises for therapeutic purposes.

The success of physical therapy largely depends on the commitment and determination of the patient. It is crucial for complete recovery that the patient and the therapist work for the common goal. The benefits of physical therapy can be maximized if there is coordination and open communication between the both of them.

To ensure the best treatment care, please schedule an appointment with the experts in physical therapy in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, who are dedicated to help you live a pain-free life.

A physical therapist is a highly educated, health care practitioner who evaluates and treats patients regardless of age.  A physical therapist can choose to specialize from the branches of physical therapy so they can serve a particular patient group.

It is common for a physical therapist to get certified in a specific area of specialization.  There are several branches of physical therapy that they could choose from like orthopaedic, geriatric, pediatric and cardio-pulmonary.  Once they get certified, they can then focus on a patient group.  It is not uncommon also for physical therapists to go and open their own practice once they have enough experience and sufficient patient base.

In general, physical therapist will examine individual patients and develop care of plans with the various treatment techniques.  Primary goals for any therapy is to promote and restore mobility and function, reduce and eliminate pain and prevent any permanent disability.

Some of the measures which a physical therapist in Media, Pennsylvania should evaluate on include the patient’s balance and coordination; mobility and speed; strength and flexibility; and functionality.

Therapy can be performed by physical therapist in a variety of settings.  It could be in a hospital, especially for those who just had surgeries, it could be in clinics and it can also be at home for those who have problems getting around.  Physical therapists can also be available in specialized settings like fitness facilities and nursing homes.

Any physical therapist should also deal with potential risk factors that could affect the patient at home. A home exercise program could also be created to ensure the patient will continue with exercises necessary to maintain well being. Physical therapists are also expected to provide relevant suggestions for prevention and lifestyle changes as needed.

When it comes to choosing a physical therapist, always look for one who is board certified and came highly recommended by a trusted person or a physician.  Getting physical therapy from just any therapist might not give you the relief and help that you are looking for due to the therapist’s inexperience and incompetence.

Physical therapy aims to restore a patient’s ability to function fully by minimizing any physical impairment, disability-related congenital as well as acquired conditions, and also functional limitations. In instances wherein movement is limited and pain is experience, physical therapy might be a recommended course of treatment.

Orthopaedic physical therapy should include the following:

Initial evaluation should be done first to thoroughly determine the services and treatment that is best for the patient. Some test and measures might be required to validate the conclusion of the therapist.

Depending on the medical condition of the patient, orthopaedic physical therapy will also cover pain reduction. It could be with the use of heat, ice or any other modalities as seen fit by the therapist.

Next, the care of plan will be discussed and as soon as the patient agrees and expresses commitment to the program, orthopaedic physical therapy will then commence. As the program is implemented, its progress should be accessed regularly to ensure it is getting the expected results. If not, then there might be a need for re-evaluation and adjustment of the program.

Part of any orthopaedic physical therapy in Media, Pennsylvania care of plan is patient education. It is important to educate the patient on the injury, what caused it and how it can be prevented. If needed, a patient’s home can also be rearranged to support the patient’s lifestyle change to make it easier for his or her to live with an illness. This can be especially true for patient’s living with arthritis and or chronic low back pain.

For patients who are recovering from major orthopaedic surgeries, education is especially important so that re-injury can be prevented. In the case of ACL patients, they need to avoid activities that would make them prone to re-injuries like playing active sports. Orthopaedic physical therapy should not only cover the patient’s current situation but should also prepare the patient on how to avoid more injuries in the future.

For amputees, orthopaedic physical therapy can also help the patient with assistive tools and equipments like prosthetics.