Monday 5 February 2018

PHYSICAL THERAPY MAY BE AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF TREATING DYSTONIA FOR MANY PEOPLE

Physical therapy may be an important component of treating dystonia for many people.
Many forms of dystonia affect mobility, posture, balance, stamina, and the ability to complete everyday tasks, Since dystonia is a neurological disorder, physical therapy does not treat the dystonia directly but rather secondary conditions that may accompany the dystonia.
Under the guidance of a physical therapist and a physician, an individual may learn to recognize compensatory movements and habits that may have developed as a result of the dystonia. Being aware of activities that aggravate symptoms and learning beneficial substitute methods may contribute to improved motor control. Physical therapy may enhance the benefits from other medical treatments, such as oral medications and/or botulinum toxin injections.
Physical therapy is a slow process that should be approached with commitment and optimism. Results may not be immediately apparent, but a physical therapy program can influence many aspects of daily living. Under the guidance of a therapist and physician, physical therapy and stress management can help achieve increased awareness and control of one's movement, environment, and symptoms as well as address secondary complications that may result from the dystonia.
For information about locating a local physical therapist who specializes in neurological conditions such as dystonia, please contact: Relief Physiotherapy, Acupuncture & Acupressure at 8130462777(INDIA)
Goals of Physical Therapy
A physical therapy program may involve visits with the therapist, a regimen of exercises to practice at home, and/or adjustments to one's schedule or surroundings. The goals of a physical therapy program are to:
• Increase and preserve range of motion and mobility needed for function
• Strengthen weakened muscles that may be under-utilized in the presence of dystonia movements
• Promote awareness of posture and maintenance of individual optimal body posture
Physical therapy is tailored to the needs and circumstances of the individual. Frequent re-evaluation of the dystonia and re-assessment of the personal needs of the affected person are necessary to optimize benefits from the physical therapy program.
Tips to Help Maintain Alignment
• Once a person has consulted with a physical therapist to learn what alignment is best, these tips may help maintain body alignment.
• Using a full-length mirror and/or the assistance of a spouse or friend can help an individual recognize and maintain optimal posture.
• Chairs with firm, high backs and armrests are usually ideal. As much as possible, the feet should be flat on the ground with thighs parallel to the floor. The arms should rest comfortably on the armrests. The back should be relatively straight. Soft, sunken chairs and sofas do not foster proper alignment and may affect the position of the head and neck.
• Proper posture while relaxing and/or sleeping is also important. Sleeping with only one medium-sized pillow under the head rather than two large pillows may improve neck alignment. A pillow placed between the knees while resting on one's side will help maintain alignment of the hips and back.
• Wearing certain shoes may also affect dystonia. High heels hinder proper posture. High-top sneakers may help maintain the alignment of the foot and ankle and therefore the knee and hip as well.
• A supportive pair of shoes should be made of firm material, such as leather, have a definite arch to the sole, and cover most of the foot.
• Gadgets or assistive devices may help around the house or at work. A reaching device may minimize the need to stretch or strain the muscles. Specialized utensils and dressing and bathing devices may compensate for disrupted function.
Daily Activities and Exercise
Before abandoning an activity due to dystonia, one should consider modifying the task to foster posture and muscle control. A person with trouble writing may try to use the shoulder and arm to write, rather than the wrist and fingers. Writing on a vertical surface such as a chalk/writing board or putting the table at an angle may help writing.
Sports involving asymmetrical movements of the trunk, such as golf or baseball, should generally be avoided, especially for individuals with cervical dystonia. Lower stress exercises such as water exercise, walking (if using a treadmill, it should be level), yoga, ballet, low-impact aerobics, or stationary bike riding without moving handlebars are less likely to worsen symptoms.
Rest periods during a workout or physical activity are valuable. Frequent 5- to 10-minute breaks promote muscle relaxation and proper posture. Lying down or sitting in a high-backed chair with arms supported during a break may help the muscles thoroughly relax.
Rest periods are equally important while doing chores around the house or running errands. Take one task at a time! Taking breaks and pacing oneself are important.
The physical therapist may examine a person's daily routine and make recommendations to improve efficiency and safety. A stand-up vacuum may be easier to use than a canister model. It may be more comfortable to chop vegetables while sitting in a high-backed chair with arms supported rather than while standing at a counter. Unnecessary weight should be removed from purses, briefcases, or backpacks. If possible, purses or bags should be carried on the side opposite the dystonia. Waist packs are often an ideal alternative to bags with straps or handles.
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Stress Management
Elements of stress management may be incorporated into a physical therapy program, and relaxation exercises may be tailored to address specific motor problems.
Relaxation techniques may vary from deep breathing, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation to local and generalized stretching. Stress management may also mean taking more time for leisurely activities. Yoga or a soft martial art such as Tai Chi may increase fitness and relaxation simultaneously. Meditation can create a mental refuge from stress and aggravation
Stretching and Strengthening
A physical therapist or physician is likely to demonstrate and prescribe exercises to stretch muscles and increase flexibility. Various types of strengthening exercises may be recommended to build up underused muscles and prevent weakening of the bones.
A physician or therapist may use certain equipment to activate the muscles. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may stimulate and strengthen the antagonist muscles (which oppose the dystonia spasm) while the overly active agonist muscles (which cause the dystonia spasm) are relaxed with botulinum toxin. Biofeedback involves using surface electrodes to identify and relax overly active muscles and to increase control and activation of the passive muscles.

HOW ACUPUNCTURE CAN IMPROVE IVF SUCCESS RATES AND FERTILITY......

Acupuncture Can Improve IVF Success Rates and Fertility
PRECONCEPTION CARE (UP TO 6~ 12 MONTHS PRIOR TO PREGNANCY)
Our practitioners are providing the preconception care program up to 6-12 months prior to pregnancy. It has the purpose of promoting optimal health and balancing body and mind condition for mom-to-be. In Traditional Oriental Medicine, woman's fertility has been compared with fertilized organic garden. Prudent gardeners know the importance of preparing, tilling and fertilizing the soil long before they plant their crop. Once your body and mind are filled with great energy for baby, it is easy to carry a baby to full term and then breast feed, nurture a child.
This program includes 5 main goals with nutritional counseling, exercise and lifestyle modification, along with acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal formula.
1. BODY DETOXIFICATION
Detoxification of the body, or detox, is considered essential these days because there are so many chemicals and toxins in the environment and in our food. Pesticides, engine exhaust, alcohol, nicotine and the list goes on Most of us have some toxins which can interfere with fertility and health condition due to the daily activities in these environments.
Reset diet can help to make for a healthier environment for your baby.
2.NUTRITIONAL ENHANCEMENT
More research is showing that food and healthy nutrition are tied to fertility health. There are nutritional needs for both men and women.
Begin making healthy changes 6 months to a year before you conceive. The evidence shows that healthy nutrition and fertility is linked for both men and women. Choosing organic, nutrient dense, whole foods will provide your body with a good foundation, and supplements can be used as needed.
3.STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress has been linked to delayed or missed periods which can cause difficulty tracking ovulation and getting pregnant. Limit your amount of stress as much as possible. Meditation, abdominal breathing and relaxation can help to reduce stress level.
4.ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION TREATMENT FOR UNDERLYING DISORDERS
We can help to identify overt diseases as well as subtle imbalances, and then work with you to optimize your chances of conception.
5. BALANCING BODY AND MIND
Acupuncture / Infertility
Many studies have been showed a significant increase in pregnancy rates from IVF in women who received acupuncture at the time of embryo transfer. Pleasant Hill acupuncture clinic provides this treatment for IVF patients.
Acupuncture had a positive influence on increasing blood flow to the uterus, therefore enhancing uterine receptivity for implantation. In our protocol, acupuncture treatments were administered twice a week during the 9 weeks prior to egg retrieval. Following recent researches, acupuncture may help improve the success rate of IVF with these reasons.
Relief Physiotherapy, Acupuncture & Acupressure clinic provides 2 plans for IVF in prospective mom for 12 weeks.
Plan 1
9 week program for before IVF
Plan 2
6 week program for after IVF
Two treatments per week for six weeks before egg retrieval (optimal) plus treatment at the time of embryo transfer

ULNAR NERVE PALSY - DYSFUNCTION

Ulnar Nerve Palsy (Dysfunction)

WHAT IS ULNAR NERVE PALSY?

The ulnar nerve controls motion and sensation in some of the muscles of your arm and hand.
Ulnar nerve palsy is caused by damage to the ulnar nerve, which is usually the result of illness, injury, or too much pressure.
People with ulnar nerve palsy typically have tingling or complete loss of sensation in their fourth and fifth fingers.
Your ulnar nerve runs all the way from your shoulder to your little finger. The ulnar nerve manages the muscles that allow you to make fine movements with your fingers. It also controls some of the muscles of your forearm that allow you to grip things tightly. Unlike most of your other nerves, the ulnar nerve isn’t protected by muscle or bone throughout its course. In some areas, it’s near the surface of your skin. This means that injuries to the ulnar nerve aren’t uncommon.
The ulnar nerve is what creates the shock-like sensation when you hit the funny bone in your elbow.You may lose sensation and have muscle weakness in your hand if you damage your ulnar nerve. This is known as ulnar nerve palsy or ulnar neuropathy. This condition can affect your ability to make fine movements and perform many routine tasks. In severe cases, ulnar nerve palsy can cause muscle wasting, or atrophy, that makes the hand look like a claw. Acupuncture, Acupressure & Physiotherapy therapy to used and see very good results but Surgery is sometimes necessary to correct this.
SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of ulnar nerve palsy?
Ulnar nerve palsy is typically a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time.
The symptoms associated with ulnar nerve palsy include:
a loss of sensation in your hand, especially in your ring and little fingers
a loss of coordination in your fingers
a tingling or burning sensation in your hand pain
hand weakness that may get worse with physical activity a loss of grip strength
The lack of strength in your hand can affect your daily activities, such as gripping a glass and holding a pencil.
Over time, the lack of control and sensation can cause the muscles in your hand to tighten, leading to a claw-like deformity. This usually only occurs in severe cases of ulnar nerve palsy.
Ulnar nerve palsy can make it difficult to work with your hands, so it may be harder to complete tasks that were once easy. Activities that put strain on your hands and lower arms, such as golf or tennis, may make the pain worse.
What causes ulnar nerve palsy?
The cause of ulnar nerve palsy isn’t always known.However, damage to the ulnar nerve can occur due to:
an illness that damages your nerve
an injury to the nerve
excess pressure on the nerve
nerve pressure due to swelling
an elbow fracture or dislocation
Damage to the ulnar nerve is like cutting a telephone cord. The messages from your brain can’t be properly transmitted to their targets in your hand and arm, and they can’t be received from the hand.
DIAGNOSIS
How is ulnar nerve palsy diagnosed?
Your doctor will first examine you and ask you about your symptoms. Make sure to tell your doctor if your symptoms began after an injury to your hand. This can help your doctor determine potential causes of your condition more easily. They’ll want to know how the injury started, how long it’s been present, and what makes your symptoms worse or better.
During the exam, your doctor will evaluate how well you can move your fingers and assess the condition of your hand.
In addition to a physical examination, testing can include:
blood tests
imaging tests, such as a CT or MRI scan
nerve conduction tests
X-rays
These tests help detect swelling and measure nerve function in the ulnar nerve. They can also help to localize the area of the nerve that isn’t functioning properly. A nerve conduction study can help determine the severity of the dysfunction.
TREATMENT
How is ulnar nerve palsy treated?
Nerve tissues usually heal much more slowly than other types of tissues. However, some ulnar nerve palsy symptoms may get better without treatment.
There are a number of possible treatments for ulnar nerve palsy, including:
over-the-counter pain relievers,medications to reduce nerve spasms, such as gabapentin (Neurontin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), or phenytoin (Dilantin) corticosteroids to reduce inflammation,a splint to support the hand and reduce painful symptoms
physical therapy to increase muscle strength and function occupational therapy to minimize further injury.
How is ulnar nerve palsy prevented?
Getting medical treatment as soon as you notice symptoms of ulnar nerve palsy is vital to preventing more serious complications, such as a permanent hand deformity. The most common cause is pressure on the nerve at the elbow. If the condition is progressive, then moving the nerve from the back of the elbow to the front takes pressure off the nerve and allows it to function normally.
Like acupuncture, acupressure is an alternative medicine focusing on energy and healing points on your body. While acupuncture places small needles into these pressure points, acupressure is pressure applied by the fingers and hands of trained individuals onto the same points. Ulnar nerve damage can be reduced by acupressure, pushing on the nerve to reduce and relieve pressure. According to Dr. Subodh, regular acupressure is the best way to provide your large nerves with optimal blood flow. In addition, according to Mayo Clinic M.D. Tony Chon, both acupuncture and acupressure have had a long documented history with respect to healing injured patients. You may also want to meet with an occupational therapist to determine whether your daily work habits are placing excess pressure on your ulnar nerve.
To prevent further injury, you may need to wear a cast, splint, or brace for support.
Your doctor may also recommend surgery if the nerve damage is extensive, extremely painful, or not improving. Surgery is also often necessary if you find it difficult to go about your daily life due to the nerve palsy. If the cause is compressed nerve at the elbow, moving the nerve from the back of the elbow to the front of the elbow may be necessary.
If your doctor determines that the nerve isn’t going to restore its normal function, another surgical procedure involves tendon transfer. During a tendon transfer surgery, a functioning tendon is moved from its original bone attachment to a new one. This can help restore muscle function, allowing you to perform routine activities once again.
The results of surgery are generally good, but nerves heal slowly. A full restoration of wrist and hand function can take months. Even after surgery, you may still have a loss of sensation and movement in your hands.