TheraFit Physical Therapy & Fitness Center
THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY
Parkinson’s is a disease caused by the death of brain cells that make a critical chemical called dopamine. Without dopamine, voluntarymovement is impossible.MostpeoplewithParkinson’s disease take a drug called L-DOPA to treat their symptoms.The oraldrug isconverted intodopamine inthebrainallowingpatients to get up andmove more normal again. In 1988 Curt Freed, MD, professorofmedicineanddivisionheadoftheDivisionofClinical PharmacologyandToxicologyat theCUSchoolofMedicineand his colleague Robert Breeze, MD, performed the first transplant of human fetal dopamine cells into a Parkinson’s patient in the United States. His lab is currently working to convert human embryonic stem cells to dopamine neurons. These techniques should make it possible to produce unlimited quantities of dopamine cells for transplant. Parkinson’s at this time has no cure, however, research is finding that with physical therapy, an active lifestyle, and medication, the disorder can be managed to slow the progression down. One of the first noticeable changes to occur in a Parkinson’s patient is posture related; slumped shoulders, chin or neck protrusion, and slightly bent elbows and knees. These postural changes make breathing, swallowing, speaking loudly/clearly, moving, and maintaining balance more difficult to manage. The four major components to focus on for any Parkinson’s patient would include increasing mobility, strength, endurance, and balance. Disease progression can lead to loss of flexibility, poor posture, decreased strength, risk of falling, shuffled gait, and decline in cardiovascular conditioning; all of which affects every day function. New research in physical therapy reports a way to treat Parkinson’s is withAmplitudeTraining.AmplitudeTraining helps Parkinson’s patients exercise in a greater range of motion with big over exaggerated physical movements, like high steps and big arm swings. It helps to retrain the muscles and slow down the progression of hypokinesia (slowed muscle movement like shuffling). Another good form of exercise that may be used in Physical Therapy is working on reciprocal patterns of the arms and legs such as on an elliptical or recumbent bike. Reciprocal patterns and movements are affected by Parkinson’s disease. Increasing functionality by improving strength, mobility, and balance to avoid risk of falling also increases and prolongs one’s independence.Anexerciseprogram that includesfullbody stretching,strengthening,andaerobicexercises to increaseover all endurance such as walking, swimming, dancing, or riding a bicyclewouldbeextremelybeneficialandofcourseconsistency is crucial.Researchencourages performing awellness program of three to five days per week of exercising and increasing physical activity would be of value to a Parkinson’s patient. Research shows that high intensity exercising three times a PARKINSON’S / LATEST RESEARCH
week with your heart rate between 80 to 85 percent maximum will slow the progression of the disease. There are three ways to check your heart rate. 1. Manually at your neck or your wrist (find your pulseand count the beats for 60 seconds). 2. Pulse oximeter (can be purchased at the local drug store for around $15-$20). 3. HeartRatemonitor (FitBitorasmartwatchcanautomatically monitor your heart rate). The following is a quick and easy way to find your target heart rate between 80 and 85 percent of the allowed maximum heart rate for a high intensity work out: 1. Subtract your age from 220 to get your maximum heart rate. 2. Take this number and multiply by 0.8 and 0.85 to get a target heart rate of 80% and 85%. For example = 220 minus age (72) = 148, 148 x 0.8 = 118.4 (round to the nearest whole number), 148 x 0.85 = 125.8 (round to the nearest whole number). So, to maintain a safe heart rate target zone for a high intensity work out, you would want your heart rate to stay between 118 and 126. Again, this example is specifically for a person at the age of 72. Sometimes it is hard to have a general idea of how hard you are workingorhowhighyourexercise intensity iswithoutconstantly monitoring your heart rate. Moderate activity feels somewhat hard. A few clues to know you are at a moderate intensity level would be that your breathing quickens, though not breathless, you develop a light sweat after about 10minutes of activity, and you can carry on a conversation, but you can’t sing. Vigorous activity feels challenging. Clues that your exercise intensity is at a vigorous level would include your breathing is deep and rapid, you develop a sweat after only a few minutes of activity, and youcan’tsaymore thanafewwordswithoutpausingforbreath. In conclusion, Parkinson’s is a neurological disease that attacks motor neurons. Some of the main symptoms would include decreased balance and strength, slowed movements, shuffling gait, and poor posture.There is no current cure for this disease, but it can be managed with medication and physical therapy. A wellness program to include stretching, strengthening, and high intensity aerobic exercises is needed to reap the long term benefits and to slow the progression of the disease. Parkinson’s patients should consult with his or her Medical Doctor to get health and cardiovascular clearance then get scheduled with a Licensed Physical Therapist to get a personalized wellness program specific to his or her needs so the patient can get the most quality out of an exercise program.
THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY
ARE YOU AFRAID OF TAKING PAIN MEDICATION?
A simple question, should you take a pill to mask your pain, or should you try to fix the underlying cause? It seems like almost every news broadcast these days features a story about a disturbing cluster of drug overdoses, with the word “opioid” prominently featured. So why are these prescription drugs -- which after all, are legal if they were prescribed to the user -- so much in the news these days? And what can you do if you’re torn between not filling your own prescription, versus seeking relief for your very real pain? Why Opioid Overuse Matters Both opioid prescription rates and deaths from opioid overdoses have quadrupled in the last two decades. Given these identical statistics, one can’t escape the obvious conclusion: Reliance on painkillers has gotten out of hand, and the consequences can be literally fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doctors now write so many opioid prescriptions each year that it translates to one bottle per adult living in the U.S. Of the 330,000 people who died from drug overdoses in 2015, 50 percent involved prescription painkillers. Just as ominous is the discovery that people who become addicted to prescription opioids are 40 times more likely to become addicted to heroin.
can be harrowing. And while you’re still using them, opioids can lead to depression, which sets up a vicious cycle of self-medicating in order to feel better emotionally as well as physically. How Physical Therapy Counters the Problem It’s important to get real about the reason people seek prescription painkillers in the first place -- the pain. These patients are not to be condemned for seeking relief for injuries, arthritis and other degenerative conditions, or for post-surgical discomfort. At the same time, however, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that medications like Percocet, Vicodin, Opana and OxyContin are extremely addictive. Physical therapy, on the other hand, is so effective because it provides a multi-pronged attack to pain relief. First, therapists can help lessen the immediate pain through heat or ice therapy, lasers, as well as low-pulse electronic equipment. Targeted massage and gentle stretching also eases extreme discomfort when tension or stiffness is part of the problem. In addition, PT works to eradicate the actual source of your pain. So, if weak muscles aren’t supporting an aching body part, for example, your therapy will address this underlying cause. Flexibility moves can also contribute to pain relief because stiffening joints often exacerbate discomfort, or lead to over-reliance on nearby, overstressed muscles.
Beyond extreme physical risk, over-reliance on prescription painkillers can have other detrimental effects on your health. Withdrawal symptoms
www.therafital.com
Try this movement if you are experiencing pain. EXERCISE OF THE MONTH
Feel Better By Eating Better
Helps Flexibility
www.simpleset.net
HAMSTRING STRETCH - WALL Lie on the floor in a doorway. Rest your leg against the wall. Scoot through the doorway until you feel a stretch up the back of your thigh. Hold for 6 seconds then repeat 10 times on both sides.
There’s no question that what you eat affects how you feel, and a healthy diet helps you feel better. The healthiest diet is one that emphasizes whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables and that includes lean protein and low-fat or no-fat dairy products. Combine a healthy diet with regular exercise, and you will find it helps your mood as well as your body. Here are some tips to help improve your mood and activity with the right nutrition: 1. Mix in Protein to Boost Mood. Like fiber, protein can help you to avoid blood sugar crashes. Some good sources of protein are chicken, fish, eggs, seeds and nuts, low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese and milk, tofu, and peanut butter. 2. Don’t Worry, “B” Happy. The B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folic acid, play a role in the production of brain chemicals that regulate mood. Especially if you have depression, be sure to consume foods rich in these vitamins. Good food sources for many B vitamins include shellfish, poultry, eggs, low-fat yogurt, and fortified breakfast cereals. Folic acid in particular is found mostly in leafy greens. 3. Drink Water. Sip water or other drinks with few or no calories to help maintain a healthy weight. Keep a water bottle in your bag or at your desk to satisfy your thirst throughout the day. 4. Be Active Whenever You Can. Set a goal to fit in at least 2½ hours of moderate physical activity in your week. Being active 10 minutes at a time also adds to your weekly total. Ask your friends or family to keep you company as you bike, jog, walk, or dance. Don’t forget to do some muscle strengthening activities twice a week. 5. Enjoy Your Food But Eat Less. Use a smaller plate for meals to help control the amount of food and calories you eat.
HEALTHY RECIPE Arugula, Grape, and Sunflower Seed Salad
• 1/2 teaspoon stone-ground mustard • 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil • 7 cups loosely packed baby arugula • 2 cups red grapes, halved • 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seed • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
INGREDIENTS • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 1 teaspoon honey • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
INSTRUCTIONS Combine vinegar, honey, syrup, and mustard in a small bowl. Gradually add oil, stirring with a whisk. Combine arugula, grapes, seeds, and thyme in a large bowl. Drizzle vinegar mixture over arugula; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
CALL US TODAY IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PAIN
Patient Success Spotlight
Coupon Corner!
“I went to TheraFit Physical Therapy for severe weakness in my legs. The staff there was awesome. I didmy6weeksof therapyandsaw improvement. I took it one step further with the suggestion of the staff and continue my therapy on my own with their guidance. In 3 months I have more than doubled the strength in my legs. Continued wellness therapy is awesome and would I highly recommend it. I will continue to follow my wellness program. I also have had an added bonus of losing 16 pounds and as many inches! BEST place ever for therapy.” - Debbie M.
10% OFF ICE PACKS SUMMER SALE! COME IN AND PURCHASE A VERY DURABLE ICE PACK THAT IS SOFT, SHAPEABLE, GETS SUPER COLD AND COVERS A LARGE AREA.
Any Questions? Just ask us!
Review Us!
WE OFFER 2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
PARK CITY, TN 931-557-5030
HAZEL GREEN, AL 256-829-9544
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call to schedule. Expires 6-30-19
10% OFF KT TAPING KINESIO TAPE! COME IN AND PURCHASE VERSATILE KINESIO TAPE TO HELP RELIEVE YOUR ACHES AND GET YOU BACK TO WHAT YOU LOVE!
Any Questions? Just ask us!
WE OFFER 2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
PARK CITY, TN 931-557-5030
HAZEL GREEN, AL 256-829-9544
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call to schedule. Expires 6-30-19
PARK CITY, TN 931-557-5030
HAZEL GREEN, AL 256-829-9544
www.therafital.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter