The term "arthritis" means joint inflammation. This degenerative joint disease occurs as a result of genetic or hereditary factors, injuries and improper body mechanics. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints. There are two major forms of arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis An

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  Many factors can cause balance and fall problems, particularly among older adults. In fact, one out of three seniors experiences a fall at least once each year. Leading risk factors for falls include: Being age 65 or older Prior history of falls Pre-existing medical conditions, such as stroke,

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Fractures A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. There are 206 bones in an adult's body, more than half of which reside in the hands and feet. Most people will fracture a bone once or twice in a lifetime. A fracture occurs when too much force is exerted on a bone, usually from an accident

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Cardiovascular conditioning improves circulation and strengthens the heart, lungs and blood vessels. It builds endurance and strength for the heart muscle, whether a person is well or recovering from a disease or injury. Exercise conditions the heart to work more efficiently, which helps prevent heart

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Cervical spinal traction is used for the short-term treatment of neck pain. It is designed to relieve muscle spasms and nerve root compression. Using a manual (hands only) or mechanical technique, a steady or intermittent force is applied to the neck to stretch the muscles and soft tissue and open up

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Chest physiotherapy involves a number of physical techniques to help remove excess mucus from respiratory passages and improve breathing. The goal is to help patients breathe more freely and get more oxygen through the blood stream into all parts of the body. Normally, mucus helps lubricate the lungs.

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The application of ice to an injured area of the body is often an early treatment used to reduce swelling and inflammation. This technique is applied in cases of bone fractures, sprains, strains, pulled muscles or other sports injuries. Ice is applied to the injury for 20 minutes 2-4 times daily until

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Compression therapy is used to reduce swelling and improve circulation in the legs, most commonly post surgery. Normally, leg movement, such as walking, stimulates regular contraction and relaxation of the calf muscles to help circulate blood from the lower extremeties up to the heart. Periods of immobility,

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The field of physical therapy has sub-specialties in five distinct practice areas: Orthopedic Orthopedic physical therapy focuses on restoring function to the musculoskeletal system, including joints, tendons, ligaments and bones. Many sports injuries fall into this category. Treatment methods include

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Gait retraining is a method used to prevent and rehabilitate injuries to the leg, knee or hip that occur from walking or running. The goal of this technique is to correct body mechanics for a better stride and to lessen stress on the joints and soft tissue. It is most commonly used to reduce joint wear

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The application of moist heat to an injured area is often used in conjuntion with other therapies to relax tight muscles and decrease pain or muscle spasms. Hot packs increase blood circulation, which encourages healing. Physical therapists also use hot packs to relax muscles following therapeutic exercise. It

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Hydrotherapy, also known as aqua therapy, is a program of exercises performed in a pool or body of water designed to help relieve joint pain. Hydrotherapy is often selected by a physical therapist because water buoyancy takes pressure off of the joints at the same time that it allows for resistance training.

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IFC is an electronic device used to stimulate nerve endings in deep tissue in order to reduce swelling, relieve pain, stop muscle spasms, increase blood flow and support healing. IFC is a technology used to treat many muscle, soft tissue and nerve diseases or injuries, such as: Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Back

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Iontophoresis uses an electrical charge to deliver medication through the skin. Known as a transdermal drug delivery system, this non-invasive method is used by physical therapists for the application of anti-inflammatory medications, usually in cases where tendons, bursa or muscles are swollen or irritated. Iontophoresis

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Joints are points in the body where two bones meet. They are surrounded by soft tissue, which is susceptible to injury or disease. Joint mobilization is a physical therapy technique designed to relieve pain and muscle spasms, release tension and improve flexibility in a joint. By increasing the client’s

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Also known as Infrared Light Therapy, laser light therapy promotes tissue repair and natural healing in and around bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. A small machine targets red and near infrared light waves at an injured part of the body. It provides temporary relief of minor muscle aches,

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Also known as ambulatory devices, mobility aids refers to any device that assists a person with walking or improves mobility. These devices help prevent falls, take the weight off of a leg injury, or provide a mechanized system of mobility for those who cannot walk. Mobility aids include: Canes Crutches Walkers Wheelchairs Motorized

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Range of motion refers to the distance and direction a joint moves between a flexed (bent) position and an extended (stretched) position. It also refers to therapeutic exercises designed to increase this distance in a joint's movement. A number of health issues contribute to restricted range of motion,

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Soft tissue in the human body is made up of muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. The soft tissue supports joint action. After a trauma, soft tissue can shorten, restricting the natural movement of a joint. Inflammation causes soft tissue thickening, which can also impede joint function. Soft tissue

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Spinal mobililization is a therapy technique used to treat back and neck pain and stiffness. The bones in the back, known as vertebrae, are surrounded by small muscles, which can get tight as a result of trauma, injury or disease. This can lead to pain, stiffness and restricted range of motion for activities

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Therapeutic exercises refers to a wide range of physical activities that focuses on restoring and maintaining strength, endurance, flexiblity, stability and balance. The goal of therapeutic exercises is to return an injured patient to a fully functioning, pain-free state. A physical therapist begins

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TENS is a small, battery-operated electrical stimulation device that is used to treat a wide range of soft tissue, muscle and nerve injuries or diseases. TENS blocks pain signals to the brain and spinal cord. A single frequency, electrical current is passed through the skin to the deep tissue in order

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