MAINTAINING RESULTS WHAT HAPPENS AFTER VEST IBULAR REHABI L I TAT ION?
HEALTHY RECIPE
Oneof themostcommonconcerns inpatients with dizziness and vertigo who complete a vestibular rehabilitation program is, “Will my results last?” Researchsuggests that,with theproperpost- therapy exercise, patients who successfully complete vestibular rehab will maintain their positive results long after leaving a physical therapist’s office. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? The aim of vestibular rehab is to improve function and balance while reducing dizziness. This is especially important in older patients who already bear a higher risk of falls as a result of age-related neuropathy, vestibular dysfunction and a host of other conditions. As a result, those who have experienced a positive outcome as a result of vestibular rehab are often reluctant to leave the care of clinicians. To assuage this anxiety and extend the outcome of rehab, physical therapists will often prescribe a home-based exercise program that reinforces therapeutic processes. THE MODE DOESN’T MATTER In a study published in Rehabilitation Research and Practice, elderly patients who
completed vestibular rehabilitation were randomly assigned a print-based exercise program or a computer-based exercise program to determine which mode helped patients preserve function, reduced dizziness and improved the patient’s quality of life. Patient compliance was equivalent in both modes and patients achieved no noticeable differences in outcomes. What researchers did observe was that an at-home exercise program is vital to the patient’s quality of life three months after being discharged from the hospital or other therapeutic setting. Bottom line, patients who are experiencing dizziness and vertigo will not experience improvement without intervention. This is especially true in elderly patients whose functional outcomes are vital to their quality of life. Vestibular rehabilitation as performed by a physical therapist is the most effective wayofproviding theseoutcomesandahome- based exercise program upon release from physical therapy is the best way to maintain them over time. Source: Smaerup,Michael,etal. “TheUseofComputer-AssistedHomeExercises to Preserve Physical Function after a Vestibular Rehabilitation Program: A RandomizedControlledStudy.”Rehabilitationresearchandpractice2016 (2016). PATIENT OUTCOMES DON’T IMPROVE ON THEIR OWN
SLOW COOKER GINGER COCONUT CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS
• 4 cloves garlic peeled • 2-in cube ginger (about 30 grams) , roughly chopped • 1 small sweet onion peeled, quartered • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp butter • 21/2 lbs boneless, chicken thighs • 2 cans coconut milk • 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 can baby corn cobs • 1 cup frozen veggies Spice Blend • 1/2 tsp ground pepper • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp ground coriander • 11/2 tsp ground tumeric • 1 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS Combine spices together and set aside. In a food processor, pulse garlic, ginger and onion until it forms a paste. In a skillet, heat olive oil and melt butter. Add pureed aromatics and stir well. Cook for a few minutes, then add spice blend. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Move aromatics to one side of the skillet and add chicken pieces. Cook chicken slightly on all sides and thoroughly coat it with the spices. Transfer the skillet ingredients into a slow cooker. Remove the cream from the top of the coconut milk using a soup spoon and set aside. Pour the remaining coconut milk over the chicken until it barely covers it. Drain the corn cobs and chop in half. Add to the slow-cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours. Whisk cornstarch with coconut cream (previously set aside) until smooth and add to the chicken, stirring well. Add frozen peas or other vegetables of your choice. Cook for another 1/2 hour or until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are hot.
EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
I M P R O V E Y O U R B A L A N C E !
BALANCE | ANKLE STRATEGY Stand with good posture. Sway backwards and forwards keeping your knees and hips straight. Maintain your balance by using your ankles. Sway for 30 seconds. Rest. Repeat 5 times.
HIP ADDUCTOR STRETCH Begin in the side lunge position as shown. Your leg should be out to the side and slightly behind you, both feet flat on the floor. Keeping your back straight, lunge deeper to the side until you feel a stretch along the inside of your leg. Hold for 3-6 seconds. Repeat 3 times on each side.
IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF COMPLETING THESE EXERCISES OR EXPERIENCE PAIN WHEN DOING SO, STOP AND CONSULT YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
www.simpleset.net
Not a Renaissance Athletic Club member? We offer services to both members and non-members!
RXPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM | @PHYSICALTHERAPYRX
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker