Posts

How to show patients their progress?

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  1. The Need for Measurable Progress When you started as a Neuro rehab specialist, you realized that patients needed more than just a "feeling" of improvement. They needed numbers and data to really see their progress. Makes sense, right? 2. Enter the Ohm3000 You found the Ohm3000 , which measures two important things: Weight-bearing distribution: Is the weight balanced equally between both feet? Is it more in the front or back? Stability while standing: How steady are they? This helps assess their fall risk . 3. Why It’s Great for Rehab Objective Assessment : It gives clear, measurable results that can show progress over time. Therapeutic Tools : It doesn’t just measure; it helps patients improve with games focused on weight-bearing and balance. This makes therapy more fun and engaging. 4. Patient Motivation Seeing their own progress on the screen must boost their confidence! When patients see real-time feedback, they can feel more in control and motivated to keep impr...

Can Neuro Pilates Boost Memory and Focus: The Cognitive Benefits of Pilates.

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Neuropilates combines Pilates principles with neurological rehabilitation, customizing exercises to address specific cognitive and physical challenges in patients.  For example, with Parkinson’s patients, the focus is on improving coordination, mobility, and awareness. The exercises are designed to enhance both motor skills and cognitive control, empowering patients to actively engage in their recovery. It’s not just about strengthening muscles but also about improving brain-body connection, leading to better overall function and quality of life. Neuropilates can improve memory and focus. Here's how: Mind-Body Connection : Neuropilates encourages patients to engage both the body and mind, promoting cognitive awareness during physical exercises. This dual focus can improve attention and concentration. Cognitive Stimulation : Exercises involving coordination, balance, and multi-step movements challenge the brain, enhancing cognitive functions like focus, problem-solving, and memory. ...

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...