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5 ways to take care of your feet if you have diabetes

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 Taking care of your feet is especially important if you have diabetes, as the condition can lead to complications such as nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation, increasing the risk of foot infections or ulcers. Here are 5 essential ways to care for your feet and reduce the risk of serious issues: 1. Inspect Your Feet Daily Why: Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy), which may reduce your ability to feel pain or notice injuries, infections, or other foot problems. What to Do:     Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.                                         Look between your toes and on the soles of your feet for any signs of injury or infection.     Use a mirror if you can’t reach all parts of your feet. If you notice anything unusual, contact your doctor mmediately to prevent complications. 2. Keep Your Feet Clea...

How is neurophysiotherapy different from other Physiotherapy of other conditions like back pain, knee pain etc?

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Back in the day, general physicians saw all kinds of patients and gave them medicines in amber-colored bottles. We all followed the family tradition of relying on these doctors for various ailments. But as time passed, things started to change. The rise of specialized medical fields led to targeted treatments for different conditions, and healthcare became more focused and specific.   I saw this shift firsthand when I was in my 4th year of Physiotherapy. Our curriculum was designed to provide a broad foundation with four major subjects:  Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy ,  Neurosciences ,  Community Health , and  Cardiovascular Physiotherapy . This setup made sure we were specialized with the techniques and in-depth knowledge needed in each field. By the time I completed my Master’s in  Adult Neuro-Physiotherapy , I had already developed a strong passion for the subject, especially in treating neurological conditions. I became particularly interested in workin...

For how long do I continue exercises After having Parkinson’s?

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The duration of physiotherapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease can vary widely based on individual needs and disease progression. Generally, ongoing physiotherapy is recommended to maintain mobility, flexibility, and strength. Research suggests continuing therapy for at least six months after diagnosis, but long-term engagement is often beneficial. Patients may initially attend sessions multiple times a week, gradually transitioning to less frequent visits as they progress. The focus may shift to maintaining gains achieved in therapy and adapting exercises to changing abilities and functional needs.We have a patient who started with 4 sessions a week and finally in the 2nd year came down to twice a week post achieveing functional goals (cooking and moving about on her own with no risk of fall) and now continuing physiotherapy for fitness (Pilates at Miran) and agility training.  Regular reassessment by a physiotherapist is crucial to tailor the program as symptoms evolve. U...

How do we progress using Body weight support?

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As an intern, managing a spinal cord injury patient often required three physiotherapists for transfers and standing, which was uncomfortable and slowed progress. The lack of equipment delayed key milestones like unsupported sitting and weight-bearing, impeding the patient's recovery and their ability to experience and adapt to weight on their legs. When I began at Miran, I was committed to implementing body weight support (BWS) for weight-bearing exercises. The impact on patients was profound; the joy they experienced when they stood and felt their legs for the first time was truly unmatched. This breakthrough not only boosts their confidence but also plays a crucial role in their overall recovery. BWS systems significantly improve rehabilitation outcomes by providing a safer environment for patients to practice standing and walking. The support reduces the risk of falls, allowing patients to engage more fully in their exercises without the constant fear of losing balance. For the...

Adapting the new normal post brain stroke

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 Accepting the new normal after a brain stroke involves adapting to changes and focusing on rehabilitation and recovery. As a physiotherapist, my role is to guide patients through this transition with a compassionate, individualized approach. First, we assess the extent of physical impairments and functional limitations caused by the stroke. This helps us set realistic goals and develop a personalized therapy plan. Emphasis is placed on improving mobility, strength, and coordination through targeted exercises and activities. We also address any adaptive techniques or assistive devices needed to enhance daily living activities. We focus on adaptive devices like walker or stick as a safety measure more than a supportive device if possible. Encouraging patients to embrace their new routines, while celebrating progress and small victories, is crucial. Support from family and caregivers is integral, as they play a vital role in the recovery process. By focusing on gradual improvement an...

Is loosing balance normal with ageing?

  Have you met anyone saying, I can do a lot of work in the house, I walk for 45 minutes everyday but walking on slippery surface is scary. Now what is this? We fail to admit that we are losing balance while walking on slippery grounds, down the stairs or uneven grounds. We find it normal with ageing. But is it normal? NO, it isn’t normal and lets shed light on why it isn’t.   As you age, a lot of degeneration and system changes happen that are normal. But loosing balance isn’t a normal change. We have three systems in the body that control balance: Vision (major one), somatosensory (your sensory and musculoskeletal system) and vestibular system (the system in between your ears). All of this goes through ageing but if one of the systems is affected more than the normal ageing process, it will affect in increasing the risk of fall. So what are the signs to know that I am at a risk of fall?? When there is fear of fall on a particular surface which was normal at first. Walki...

Can you reverse Parkinson's disease?

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I  was at a family gathering, and I was approached by an elder who was about 60 years old and she told me looking at her trembling hand, do you think I have Parkinsons? Its not the first time I have been approached at a party, family function or even a funeral with symptoms and asking for an instant solution or that one exercise that can solve the problem. But this time it was far more shocking, as she thought her hand tremors was Parkinsons. Just to make it clear, Tremors are not equal to Parkinsons. Its best to get diagnosed with a neurologist and have a chart planned out instead of self diagnosis.  But after positive diagnosis, is it the end of the world? No, even if its a progressive movement disorder , we can slower the progress, plateau it and a lot of times reverse the symptoms. But does Parkinsons go away? A very common question asked to us, when we tell them we need minimum 3 months with them to get them functionally better. Parkinsons is like Diabetes or any other...