Articles tagged with Physical Therapy
A study of 150,000 insurance claims found that patients who saw a physical therapist first had significantly lower rates of opioid prescriptions, advanced imaging services, and emergency department visits. They also had lower out-of-pocket costs and a higher probability of hospitalization in some cases.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a new approach to noninvasively measure tendon tension while a person is engaging in activities like walking or running. The technology uses vibrational characteristics to assess tendon force, providing insights into motor control and mechanics of human movement.
A new study found that only slightly more than half of PT clinics in the metropolitan Boston area accept Medicaid, leading to longer wait times for initial appointments compared to privately insured patients. The authors highlight the importance of providers working with patients with Medicaid earlier on to establish a postoperative tr...
A University of Kent physiotherapist contributed to updated international guidelines for managing meniscal and articular cartilage lesions. The guidelines include new recommendations for physical therapy management after knee cartilage surgery, aiming to improve patient outcomes and return to previous activities.
Researchers found that literacy-adapted group cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and simplified pain education (EDU) significantly improved pain and physical function in patients with chronic pain. The study suggests that CBT can be simplified to improve accessibility without reducing its potency.
A study published in PNAS suggests that video games can complement physical therapies to overcome attention deficit disorders, which contribute to motor skills disorders in stroke patients. The researchers analyzed brain injuries in 167 patients and found a connection between attention control areas and mobility problems.
A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that direct access to physical therapy for neck and back pain can reduce treatment costs by an average of $1,543. Patients who chose this approach reported similar improvement in their condition, with an average gain of over 50% in pain and disability.
A trial by The BMJ found that simple breathing training with a physiotherapist before surgery halves the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications. The researchers suggest this service could be considered for all patients awaiting upper abdominal surgery.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients who received one-on-one physical therapy education and access to a web-based microsite prior to joint replacement surgery achieved physical therapy goals more quickly. This personalized approach improved their outcomes, including reduced hospital stay and increased confidence.
New research identifies characteristics of women who need extra support to self-manage their lymphedema, highlighting the importance of a 'stepped-care' approach. Advances in imaging techniques and technologies offer opportunities for improved patient monitoring and control.
A systematic review of nine studies found that standardized outcome measures like the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) can predict stroke patients' discharge destinations. Patients with higher scores on these scales are more likely to be discharged home, while those with lower...
A study found that women's health values, work and achievement values, and spiritual values predict pelvic floor muscle training session attendance. Patients value relationships more strongly than other aspects of their lives, but these values don't necessarily influence treatment attendance.
A self-taught breathing retraining program shows similar results to face-to-face training with a physiotherapist in improving symptoms, mood, and ability to conduct day-to-day activities. The program is cheaper and less resource-intensive than physiotherapist training.
A new study at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine found no relation between biomechanical stiffness and reported feelings of stiffness in participants. Instead, researchers suggest that people may experience a protective construct created by their nervous system when describing stiffness.
According to a new literature review, therapeutic modalities such as physical therapy can improve bone-and-joint function affected by pain and/or injury. The study highlights the utility of various modalities, including cryotherapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapies, cupping therapy, and iontophoresis, in man...
Researchers developed a smartphone-based biofeedback rehabilitation system to guide patients through balance exercises, showing noticeable improvements in postural stability and reducing the risk of falls. The custom wearable belt uses vibrating actuators to provide personalized guidance, mapped in real-time on a smartphone application.
A new report from the University of Kent shows how anti-gravity treadmills help knee surgery patients return to running, reducing fears and increasing self-belief. The devices use adjustable air pressure to reduce joint load and facilitate a safe transition back to sports.
A clinical trial found that noninvasive brain stimulation and physical therapy alone or in combination improve some measures of walking ability in patients with Parkinson's disease. Walking speed increased by an average of 19 percent, with improvements lasting for at least eight weeks after treatment.
A new trial has found that a guided self-help approach to a graded exercise program can be safe and may reduce fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study, which involved 200 people, showed that participants who received the guidance had a smaller effect on reducing physical disability compared to those who did not.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that a healthcare provider's strong belief in their treatment can significantly impact patient results. Participants who received treatment from providers with a strong preference experienced better pain relief, suggesting that self-efficacy plays a crucial role in treatment outcomes.
Shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers is essential for optimal MS treatment and quality of life. The process involves working together to select tests, treatments, and care plans, taking into account evidence-based treatments and lifestyle factors.
A study of 320 predominantly low-income, racially diverse adults with chronic low back pain found that yoga was as safe and effective as physical therapy in restoring function and relieving pain. Yoga and physical therapy groups showed similar improvements at 1 year, suggesting a reasonable alternative for patients.
A new study reveals that 72% of Medicare beneficiaries report improved function after receiving rehabilitation services. This positive outcome is crucial as the older adult population doubles by 2050, emphasizing the need to plan sufficient resources for rehabilitation services.
A study published in JAMA found that spinal manipulation therapy associated with modest improvements in pain and function at up to 6 weeks, with temporary minor musculoskeletal harms. The treatment has a statistically significant association with improvements in both pain and function, but heterogeneity in study results remains a concern.
A new study published in JOSPT found that dry needling is as effective as cortisone injection in reducing pain and improving movement problems caused by greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Researchers treated patients with chronic hip pain, finding that both treatments resulted in decreased pain and improved function.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic successfully stimulated a man's paralyzed legs using electrical current, enabling him to move and stand. The study suggests that people with discomplete spinal cord injuries may be candidates for epidural stimulation therapy.
A study of 13,089 patients found that higher physical therapy utilization after ACL reconstruction increases the risk of a second ACL injury. Young female athletes are at particular risk.
A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found that tailored physical therapy programs can significantly reduce the severity of falls and slow physical decline in elderly patients. Those with fewer medical conditions reported fewer falls overall.
A new study published in JOSPT found that physical therapy achieved results comparable to surgery outcomes for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients treated with physical therapy showed faster improvements and similar benefits at one year following treatment.
A new study shows that specialized physical therapy exercises can improve the curve of the spine, muscle endurance and quality of life in teens with scoliosis. Researchers advocate for conservative management to be added to standard care.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a novel virtual reality training scheme that improves motor skills and mobility of impaired hands. The training program has been shown to be effective in rehabilitating patients with hemiparesis, a condition causing weakness or paralysis of one hand.
A randomized trial found that strengthening and aerobic exercises did not alleviate long-term knee pain or improve activity limitations compared to usual care. Most patients experienced reduced knee pain and improved function, but physical performance deficits persisted 12 months post-replacement.
A randomized controlled trial found that physiotherapy treatment for mild to moderate ankle sprains has little clinical benefit compared to basic self-management. Fewer than half of patients achieved 'excellent recovery' by six months in the physiotherapy group.
New research from the American College of Rheumatology finds that most people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) meet the minimum physical function level necessary to walk at least 6,000 steps a day. This suggests that many individuals with OA can adopt physically active lifestyles and achieve significant health benefits.
The new guidelines provide recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephaly in infants, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy with helmet therapy. The guidelines are based on a comprehensive review of research and aim to provide a safe and effective approach for managing this common disorder.
A study comparing standardized rehabilitation therapy to usual ICU care found no difference in median hospital length of stay, despite improved functional-related and health-related quality-of-life outcomes at discharge.
A new study found that a standard protocol for physical therapy in ICU patients with acute respiratory failure did not shorten hospital length of stay. However, the test group showed improved physical function and health-related quality of life at six months post-discharge.
Physicians can ask patients about firearms, counsel them on gun safety, and disclose information to third parties as needed. Current federal and state statutes do not prohibit discussing firearms with patients, but many physicians lack training and knowledge to provide effective counseling.
Researchers found that self-guided exercise programs can be as effective as traditional physical therapy for patients undergoing total hip replacement. The study also suggests that activating the quadriceps muscles immediately after total knee replacement may improve rehabilitation progress.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients who received one-on-one education with a physical therapist before knee or hip replacement surgery were more satisfied and better prepared for recovery. They also needed fewer physical therapy sessions in the hospital.
A randomized controlled trial found that physical therapy significantly improves urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, reducing urine leaks by 75%. The treatment involved pelvic floor muscle exercise and retraining with biofeedback.
A new literature review suggests that a team-based care approach, combining newer pain management strategies, is key to maximizing patient outcomes after total knee replacement (TKR) procedures. Multimodal protocols, including regional anesthesia and intra-operative pain injections, have been shown to lower patient pain severity rating...
A large clinical trial conducted on patients with mild to moderate Parkinson disease found no clinically meaningful benefits from physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The study included over 762 patients who were randomly assigned to receive these therapies or no treatment.
A new study found that periarticular injections reduced postoperative hospital stay and number of inpatient physical therapy sessions after total knee replacement surgery. Patients who received these injections recovered quicker due to maintaining control over the quadriceps muscles, allowing for faster walking independently.
A study at the University of Gothenburg found that combining garden therapy and job coaching strengthens women's physical and mental health, improving their quality of life. The program included practical gardening, mental exercises, and social work to support women on long-term sick leave
A study found that early physical therapy for recent-onset low back pain resulted in statistically significant improvement in disability compared to usual care. However, the improvement was modest and did not achieve a clinically important difference at the individual patient level.
A study found that supervised exercise programs and self-management advice did not improve activity limitation or quality of life after removal of immobilization for patients with an uncomplicated ankle fracture. The findings suggest routine care should include self-management advice but not a supervised exercise program.
Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine are testing the effectiveness of mirror therapy in reducing pain and improving mobility in combat veterans with complex orthopedic injuries or nerve damage. The study aims to assess whether this technique can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for these individuals.
A cognitive behavior therapy intervention was effective in reducing depression in heart failure patients, but failed to improve self-care and physical functioning. The study suggests that CBT may be a superior treatment option for depression in this population.
A study in Malawi found that patients with stroke and spinal cord injuries faced significant obstacles upon return home, including physical barriers and social exclusion. The lack of rehabilitation services after discharge has severe consequences for patients' mental health and ability to reintegrate into society.
Patients who received telerehabilitation had similar outcomes to those receiving in-person physical therapy following total knee replacement surgery. Telerehabilitation was found to be effective for patients with travel limitations or rural/underserved areas, offering the same quality services in their home environment.
Researchers compared bone-tendon-bone and hamstring autografts for ACL reconstruction, finding similar healing rates at 6 weeks and 1 year. This challenges the common assumption that BTB grafts heal faster than hamstring autografts.
The study found a significant decline in smoking rates among nursing and physiotherapy students in Spain from 2003 to 2013. Many students remained unaware of the link between smoking and diseases, indicating a deficiency in undergraduate training.
A University of Florida Health study found that extensive physical therapy helped severely impaired stroke survivors recover motor function, even a year or more after their stroke. The research, which included five hours of rehabilitation per day for 12 weeks, showed significant improvement in arm movements and complex tasks.
Researchers found that combining mental practice with physical therapy significantly improves sensation and motor function scores in stroke survivors. The treatment helps regain motor behaviors by recruiting new neurons and compensating for damaged brain cells.
A study published in BMC Health Services Research found that early physical therapy following an initial episode of acute low back pain resulted in lower healthcare costs and reduced use of resources. Patients who received physical therapy within 14 days had significantly lower costs for advanced imaging, injections, surgery, and opioids.
A two-year study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that physical therapy and surgery produce similar results for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, particularly those over 50. The study suggested that patients don't exhaust all non-surgical options before opting for surgery.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that phone counseling can significantly boost recovery and reduce pain in patients after spinal surgery. The intervention involved short series of phone conversations with trained counselors, leading to higher physical therapy attendance rates and improved functional outcomes.
A study of 24 patients found that non-surgical therapy allowed more patients to return to active duty without limitations. Those who underwent delayed surgery after a trial of physical therapy had a full recovery and returned to full activity.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients who go home after knee replacement and receive physical therapy at home do just as well as those discharged to an in-patient rehabilitation facility. Two-year outcomes in terms of pain, function, and improvement were similar between the two groups.