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  • Physical Therapist Guided Exercise Helps EVERYTHING That Matters!!

    ### The Positive Impacts of Physical Therapist Guided Exercise on Health Metrics In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining optimal health can be challenging. However, incorporating physical therapist guided exercise into your routine can significantly improve various health metrics. Whether through in-home physical therapy or regular sessions at a clinic, the benefits are far-reaching, impacting both physical and mental health. Let’s explore how physical therapy can positively influence health metrics such as waist-to-height ratio, blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar levels, sleep, obesity, sarcopenia, mental health, stress, and cognitive function. #### Waist-to-Height Ratio and Obesity One of the critical indicators of health is the waist-to-height ratio, a measure that helps assess the risk of obesity-related diseases. Physical therapist guided exercise focuses on personalized fitness plans that target abdominal fat, reducing waist circumference and improving overall body composition. Regular physical activity, supervised by a physical therapist, can effectively manage and prevent obesity, contributing to a healthier waist-to-height ratio. #### Blood Pressure and Heart Rate High blood pressure and irregular heart rates are significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Physical therapy includes aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises that are tailored to the individual’s needs. These activities help to improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and stabilizing heart rate. Consistent exercise routines under the guidance of a physical therapist can lead to long-term improvements in these vital health metrics. #### Blood Sugar Levels Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for preventing and controlling diabetes. In-home physical therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those who prefer exercising in the comfort of their homes. Physical therapists design specific exercise regimens that enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity is an essential component of diabetes management, and physical therapy ensures it is done safely and effectively. #### Sleep Quality Quality sleep is vital for overall well-being, and physical therapy can play a significant role in improving sleep patterns. Exercise has been proven to enhance the quality and duration of sleep by regulating the body’s internal clock and reducing insomnia symptoms. Physical therapists can guide patients through relaxation techniques and exercises that promote better sleep hygiene, leading to restful and restorative sleep. #### Sarcopenia and Muscle Strength Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength with aging, can severely impact quality of life. Physical therapy addresses this issue through resistance training and muscle-strengthening exercises. These programs are designed to increase muscle mass, enhance strength, and improve functional ability. By incorporating physical therapist guided exercises into their routine, individuals can combat sarcopenia and maintain muscle health as they age. #### Mental Health and Stress Reduction Mental health is as crucial as physical health, and exercise is a powerful tool in managing stress and improving mood. Physical therapy includes exercises that release endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. Moreover, the structured and supportive environment provided by a physical therapist can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Regular physical activity helps manage stress levels and promotes a sense of well-being, contributing to better mental health. #### Cognitive Function Exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline. Physical therapy can incorporate activities that challenge the brain and body simultaneously, such as balance exercises, coordination tasks, and problem-solving activities. These exercises stimulate brain function, enhance memory, and improve overall cognitive performance, making physical therapy a valuable tool in maintaining cognitive health. #### Conclusion Incorporating physical therapist guided exercise into your routine can lead to significant improvements in various health metrics. Whether through in-home physical therapy or clinic sessions, the benefits extend to waist-to-height ratio, blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar levels, sleep quality, obesity management, sarcopenia prevention, mental health, stress reduction, and cognitive function. By working with a physical therapist, you can achieve a holistic approach to health that enhances both your physical and mental well-being. At Achieva Rehabilitation, we are dedicated to providing personalized and effective physical therapy programs that cater to your unique needs. Embrace the positive impacts of physical therapy and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. Let’s work together to achieve your health and wellness goals. www.achievarehab.com info@achievarehab.com 888-929-7677 Click HERE  for more info about the Achieva Rehabilitation In-Home Physical Therapy Program

  • The Basics of Achieva Rehabilitation's In-Home Physical Therapy Program...How We Do What We Do So Well!!

    I hope you will take time to read this and pass it along especially to older people in your lives so that more and more people will know about what we consider a hidden treasure. First, our program structure is exactly the same as any outpatient provider of physical therapy with SEVERAL HUGE DIFFERENCES . The first is that we see our patients in their homes and not a physical clinic. And secondly, because of that, we are able to see our patients one-on-one with no distractions and our complete focus for 60 minute visits. That's what the Achieva Rehab In-Home PT Program is. But, we go a little further...sort of like when you go out for dinner for your birthday and unexpectedly, the restaurant brings you a great big ice cream sundae for dessert...it's quite a great surprise bonus. So, the bonuses that you get with Achieva Rehab : As George Burns said "It's Just You and Me, Kid!" That's right...there are no other patients. There are no phone calls. There are no other therapists. There are no distractions . That allows us to focus 100% of our time on treating, training, and teaching our patients. 60 minutes of time is given completely to the patient. When compared to a traditional clinic with busy therapists and waiting rooms and distractions, that means we provide 2 to 3 times more than what a patient would be getting in a busy clinic . Speaking of waiting rooms... you don't have to get ready to go anywhere and you don't have to wait! We come to you and we get started as soon as we walk in the door! Speaking of busy clinics...you know why they are so busy? Because they have to pay for that clinic and pay for the equipment and funnel that money back to the corporation which guides their judgments....Achieva Rehab's owner is also a treating therapist and the financial bottom line is not the main concern. Speaking of equipment...why is it that people think they need equipment in order to improve their mobility and regain independence? Why do people need equipment to help them get stronger so that they can get out of a chair... let's work on getting out of a chair . Why do people think they need machines in order to do the steps better... let's work on the steps . Why do people think they need machines to improve their balance...heck, I could replicate any balance machine simply with a couch cushion! You don't need machines or equipment!! For anyone who might be skeptical as to what can be accomplished without machines, please see the dozens of reviews we have on our website or on Google or Facebook...those results had zero to do with machines and gym equipment and way more to do with the human spirit and ingenuity of great therapists!! 6. The Grandma Standard!!! Ahhhhh...Grandma (and Grandpa!!)...our Grandma Standard is our simple guiding principle for all that we do. Our decisions, treatment, education, time is given to all our patients as if you were our own grandmother! Simple...you just can't get that from other programs. There are great physical therapy programs out there and if you are affliated with one that works for you and your family, I couldn't be happier. You already know what our profession can do for you. I just want people to know Achieva Rehab's In-Home PT Program is an AMAZING choice for any older adult who is struggling with their independence or mobility. For anyone who is fearful that they may no longer be able to stay home alone or are afraid to go out into the community. Our website is full of information that can help you if you fall into that category and we are always here for you in Schuylkill, Luzerne, Carbon Counties. If you help us spread the word about this program, maybe we can help more people in more counties in PA! Fingers crossed! www.achievarehab.com   Phone and Fax: 1-888-929-7677 Be well and do good! Click HERE  for more info about the Achieva Rehabilitation In-Home Physical Therapy Program

  • Understanding In-Home Physical Therapy: A Message from Joel J. Digris, Owner of Achieva Rehabilitation

    Hello! I'm Joel J. Digris, the owner of Achieva Rehabilitation's In-Home Physical Therapy Program. Our mission is to bring high-quality physical therapy services directly to your doorstep, eliminating the need for you to travel to a clinic. You might be wondering how a business without a physical address operates and serves its community effectively. Let me explain. The Convenience and Benefits of In-Home Physical Therapy In-home physical therapy, also known as mobile physical therapy, is a service-oriented business model. Instead of you coming to us, we come to you. This approach offers several advantages: Convenience:  No need to worry about transportation or navigating unfamiliar places. We bring all the necessary equipment to your home. Personalized Care:  One-on-one sessions in the comfort of your own home ensure that you receive personalized attention tailored to your specific needs and goals. Comfort:  Being treated in a familiar environment can reduce anxiety and make the therapy process more enjoyable and effective. Accessibility:  For those with mobility issues or who find it challenging to leave their homes, in-home therapy ensures that everyone has access to the care they need. Our Coverage Area Although we don't have a physical clinic, our team of dedicated therapists travels extensively to provide services throughout our coverage area. Our reach is based on our Google My Business map, which helps us connect with clients across various locations. By focusing on a broad service area, we aim to make high-quality physical therapy accessible to more people. Areas We Serve Our therapists travel across a wide region to provide exceptional care. The Google My Business map shows our extensive coverage area, which includes but is not limited to: Hazleton, PA Kingston, PA Lansford, PA Mahanoy City, PA Minersville, PA Orwigsburg, PA Pottsville, PA Schuylkill Haven, PA Shenandoah, PA Tamaqua, PA Tower City, PA Weatherly, PA Whitehall, PA Wilkes-Barre, PA Frackville, PA Drums, PA We cover all areas in between these locations, ensuring comprehensive service throughout the region. No matter where you are within our service area, we are committed to bringing the highest quality physical therapy services right to your home. Ready to Get Started? If you or a loved one could benefit from in-home physical therapy, contact us today. We're here to help you regain your mobility, improve your health, and enhance your quality of life, all from the comfort of your own home. Thank you for considering Achieva Rehabilitation. We look forward to working with you. Stay well, Joel J. DigrisOwner, Achieva Rehabilitation In-Home Physical Therapy Program www.achievarehab.com info@achievarehab.com 888-929-7677 http://www.youtube.com/@achievarehabilitation6370 Click HERE  for more info about the Achieva Rehabilitation In-Home Physical Therapy Program

  • Dizziness - Get me off of this ride!!!

    Dizzines ranks second only to pain in patient complaints at physician visits. Here's a little secret about me.... I LOVE patients that are dizzy!!! Well, most patients that are dizzy. There are different types of dizziness and many ways that the symptom is described. Lightheadedness, haziness, foggy, cloudy, blurry, vertigo, spining and on and on. I once had a patient who described it as "squirrelly." When I say I LOVE patients that are dizzy, it is because physical therapy can have a profound impact on this debilitating feeling that can really be a scare and limit the activity level of those suffering. We will discuss one particular type of dizziness below, but, most types of dizziness respond VERY WELL to PT. The best kind of dizziness for me is the worst kind of dizziness for the patient...at least in terms of the severity of the sensation. True vertigo is caused by nystagmus , which is essentially repeated contraction of eye muscles that shouldn't be working together at the same time. My dizziness is caused by my eye muscles? In the type of dizziness that I will speak about here, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV , the eye muscles are heavily involved. See below...this is nystagmus. There are eye muscles that move the eye side to side and eye muscles that move the eye up and down and eye muscles that have a rotary effect ...they turn the eye clockwise or counter-clockwise. These eye muscles are connected to the inner ear. WHY?? One of the jobs of the inner ear is to make sure your eyes can stay focused while your head moves. Try this..stare at your TV, or a book, or computer, and move your head side to side and up and down. You are still able to maintain your gaze fixed while your head is moving...that's because the inner ear is telling your eye muscles how to react to the movement of your head so that the eye essentially can stay in place relative to the head. Picture a hula-hoop filled with fluid AND rocks . If you turn the hula hoop, the fluid inside naturally moves. The rocks move as well...BUT!!... not at the same speed or direction necessarily because they are heavier than the water. The inner ear is similar. When not stricken with BPPV, when you move your head, fluid moves in the Semicircular Canals and sensory nerves are stimulated inside the canal...this nerve stimulation is what manages the contraction or relaxation of the eye muscles. In another section of the inner ear, there are "rocks" or otoconia , which serve a physiological purpose. For one reason or another, illness, bump on head, some of those "rocks" get dislodged and move into the Semicircular Canal (Hula Hoop) . Now, when you move your head a certain way, the eye muscles get the stimulation that they should be getting from the fluid movement, but, they ALSO get a different stimulation from the "rocks" or "crystals" and pairs of eye muscles work together to move the eye in a way it wasn't designed to move. The result is NYSTAGMUS . That eye movement, as seen above, is what causes the nauseating feeling that the world is spinning around you. BPPV lasts less than a minute and is usually felt while getting up and down from bed, rolling in bed, bending over, or looking up to the ceiling . Lightheadedness and nausea may remain a bit longer than the vertigo. How scary is that feeling? How often is someone going to want to replicate the movement that brought it on? It's a terrible feeling, especially if the reason is unknown. I'm not saying that all vertigo is BPPV..certainly not, but, certain physical therapists have been fortunate enough to learn how to determine that. Here is the part I LOVE! BPPV can be cured in a high majority of cases in just about TEN MINUTES!!!! A therapist will take a complete history, perform a few tests to confirm the diagnosis, and implement a treatment... the results are pretty amazing! That is why I LOVE patients who are dizzy...it's very exciting to ease someones worries in such a short span of time. Let's get you off of that ride so you can get back to life!!! Call for a FREE CONSULTATION 1-888-929-7677

  • Our Physical Therapy Plan for You is as Unique as Your Fingerprint...We Take Care of What You Need...No Cookie Cutter Plans!

    Confucius say...Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. Funny how Confusion and Confucius are letters apart. In describing the In-Home Therapy Program of Achieva Rehabilitation, it takes a few minutes for the simplicity to sink in, but, when it does sink in, the eyebrows raise and the blinkers go on and people are sold on the idea...big time!! Simply put, we provide Physical Therapy in the same exact way as any traditional outpatient clinic does...we just do it in the patient's home...That's it!! We are outpatient therapy providers where the place of service is the home...everything else is EXACTLY the same. Now, provision of therapy is the same, but, I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you why our way is better, besides the quality, character, and creativity of our clinicians . I won't get into challenging the argument that you need state of the art machinery for therapy...I've covered that in another blog....a tasty read, I might add. The reason we are able to get great results is that we give our patients undivided attention .... One patient, one therapist, one focus ...we are with you and you only for one hour of intensive therapy focusing only on YOUR deficits and YOUR needs . We watch you like a hawk, like a lion stalking his prey, looking at every repetition, giving feedback when it is needed. We educate you in your home exercise program IN YOUR HOME...that's gotta work pretty well. We educate you on functional and ADL needs IN YOUR HOME where you will be functioning...that's gotta be the better way, right? At Achieva Rehab, we strongly dislike (I teach my kids to not say "hate") failing our patients. That's why we give you our best for 60 minutes. One patient, one therapist, one focus! Charles Darwin said... " A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life." We squeeze a boatload of value into our one hour sessions with our patients. That's Achieva Rehab in a Nutshell! www.achievarehab.com info@achievarehab.com https://www.youtube.com/@achievarehabilitation6370 888-929-7677

  • Managing Dizziness in Older Adults: A Guide from Achieva Rehabilitation

    As we age, experiencing dizziness can become more common and concerning. However, it's important to know that dizziness is not an inevitable part of aging, and there are effective ways to manage and even prevent it. At Achieva Rehabilitation, we specialize in in-home physical therapy designed to address the underlying causes of dizziness, helping to restore your quality of life. Common Causes of Dizziness in Older Adults Dizziness in older adults can stem from a variety of causes. Understanding these can help in preventing and managing the condition effectively: Vestibular Disorders : These affect the inner ear and balance. Common vestibular issues include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, and vestibular neuritis. Medications : Many older adults take multiple medications, some of which can cause dizziness as a side effect. Common culprits include blood pressure medications, sedatives, and antidepressants . Cardiovascular Issues : Conditions such as low blood pressure (hypotension), heart disease, and arrhythmias can lead to dizziness . Dehydration and Nutritional Deficiencies : Dehydration and deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin B12 can contribute to dizziness . Neurological Conditions : Diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and even migraines can cause dizziness . Anxiety and Mental Health Issues : Anxiety, depression, and stress can also manifest physically as dizziness . Preventing Dizziness: Tips for Older Adults Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some strategies to help reduce the risk of dizziness: Stay Hydrated : Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Healthy Diet : Ensure your diet includes a variety of nutrients, especially those that support nerve and brain health like B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Regular Exercise : Engage in regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health and maintain balance. Exercises like walking, yoga, and Tai Chi are particularly beneficial. Monitor Medications : Regularly review your medications with your healthcare provider to minimize side effects that may cause dizziness. Manage Chronic Conditions : Keep chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease well-managed with regular check-ups and adherence to treatment plans. Avoid Sudden Movements : Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure that can cause dizziness. Managing Dizziness: What Can Be Done? If you experience dizziness, it’s crucial to seek help. Here’s how our in-home physical therapy at Achieva Rehabilitation can assist: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) : This is a specialized form of therapy designed to address issues with the inner ear and balance. VRT includes exercises that help your brain compensate for the imbalance and reduce dizziness . Balance Training : We provide personalized balance training exercises to improve stability and prevent falls. This includes strength training for your legs and core, coordination exercises, and functional tasks to enhance your daily activities . Education and Lifestyle Modifications : Our therapists educate you on how to manage and mitigate dizziness in your daily life. This includes tips on posture, movement, and creating a safe home environment to reduce the risk of falls. Medication Review : Our team works closely with your healthcare providers to review and adjust medications that may contribute to dizziness. Restoring Quality of Life The most important takeaway is that dizziness is treatable, and there is definitely something that can be done to improve it. At Achieva Rehabilitation, our goal is to help you regain your balance, reduce dizziness, and restore your quality of life through comprehensive, personalized in-home physical therapy. For more information and to explore our services, visit our website at Achieva Rehabilitation . Don’t let dizziness dictate your life—take the first step towards better balance and well-being today! References: "Medication-Induced Dizziness in the Elderly," PubMed, National Library of Medicine. "Management of Cardiovascular Issues in the Elderly," American Heart Association. "The Importance of Hydration and Nutrition in Elderly Health," Journal of Geriatric Care. "Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy for Dizziness and Imbalance," Vestibular Disorders Association. "Balance Training and Fall Prevention in Older Adults," National Institute on Aging. "Anxiety, Depression, and Dizziness," Psychology Today. Here is an amazing story about the power of Vestibular Physical Therapy for Dizziness... www.achievarehab.com info@achievarehab.com https://www.youtube.com/@achievarehabilitation6370/ Click HERE  for more info about the Achieva Rehabilitation In-Home Physical Therapy Program

  • #1 Exercise for Balance and Strength (60+)

    "So my number one exercise for older adults that have a feeling of weakness or difficulty with endurance or they get tired with their movements or they're having trouble with their balance, this is an amazing foundational exercise, and it's called the sit-to-stand exercise. This Exercise Works every muscle in the lower half. It forces your system to kind of think about balance and the proper way to move your weight around above your feet, which helps with your walking as well. And it also strengthens the same muscles that we need for elevations and getting up and down curb steps and stairs and things like that. So it's extremely simple, but there are some details involved that I want to make sure that we are on target with here and that you understand. You should be getting up from a chair or a bed the same way that I'm going to teach you here. So to start the exercise, we're going to obviously be sitting down. You may be sitting back in your chair watching television, things like that. The first move, you need to move your bottom closer to the front of the chair. Move your bottom closer to the front of the chair. Your second move is to bring your feet back toward you as close as you can get to the chair. Okay, now if you have difficulty in moving your knees and bending your knees comfortably, just get them back as far as you possibly can. When you do this exercise, try and choose a solid chair that's not going to slip in case you do kind of have a tendency to do what we call vaulting that I just described. Your body will move away from that as you get stronger with the exercise. So we should also pick chairs that have armrests to use to push up on. If there are not armrests, you can have your hands on the chair itself, but I prefer us to have a chair like a kitchen chair to practice this exercise from. Our bottom is forward in the chair, our feet are back, okay, pretty much as far as they can get comfortably because we want them underneath our weight when we begin to lift that weight over top of the feet. Hands go on the armrests. Now, the mistake that a lot of people make is that they think that when they stand, they should be moving their body straight up. So they will stand up this way, and if you try that, it's actually more difficult on your legs. It requires more power to stand with your body going straight up. What I would like you to practice is after your bottom is forward, your feet are back, and your hands are in place, I want you to push in a forward direction so you're going to move your body more towards the wall ahead of you, rather than move your body towards the ceiling. Once you get your body and your bottom up moving forward, then you can stand up and be straight up. Okay, so you're going to lean your shoulders forward, get your nose over your toes or ahead, and slowly, carefully, thinking about your balance, push in a forward direction and then come to full standing. Sitting back down is the reverse. You lean forward, hands go back, bend the knees, and your bottom returns to where it began. Okay, so again, let me reiterate, let me repeat exactly the same process. You're sitting and let's say it's time to do the exercise. Bring your bottom to the front of the chair. That's number one. Move your bottom to the front of the chair. Number two, your feet come back as far as they can get underneath you. That's two. Number three, hands on the armrests or hands on the chair itself. That's three. Number four, we're bending forward. Number five, we're pushing forward. Number six, we're standing straight up. Then we're reversing everything. Tilt forward with the shoulder, shoulders reach back, return your bottom to the front of the chair, and then you can move back and scoot back and relax when you're finished the exercise. Now, what I believe is that counting an exercise, counting the repetitions of an exercise, can actually have a negative impact on the end result physiologically in what the body is feeling in terms of what you're trying to accomplish from that exercise. So most people that have experience with exercise in the past will always gravitate towards a number like 10 or 15 because they're nice round numbers in an exercise class. You know somebody may have told you well you should do 10 repetitions of this and then move on to the next exercise. Strengthening of your body happens in the last few repetitions that you can actually tolerate. So what I want you to do is do as many of these as you can carefully and slowly until your body says you need to take a break. When your body says you need to take a break, by all means, sit down and then you've banked the benefit from pushing your body to a limit. Your body will start to recognize that it needs to develop strength and endurance because you're asking it to do more and that's the whole key with this exercise as a foundation for all the other stuff that we recommend on our channel. It's the number one exercise that I have for older adults. I give it to every single patient that I have regardless of what they're struggling with. So again, remember that we're trying to do as many repetitions as possible until your body feels like it needs to take a break. Now your body will tell you how often you can do this exercise. If you start with this exercise once or twice today, tomorrow, your body will speak to you. If you're not used to exercising, your muscles may be sore and your muscles will say, 'Hey, keep it at one or two times a day for now until we get used to this.' If your body does get used to it really quickly, you can do this quite often through the day, even every hour as it might be able to kind of break up your day and let your brain and your system kind of get a feeling that it's moving around and wanting to move around more often. And then that system starts to change and starts to build muscle and build strength in the muscle. None of us are going to be Arnold Schwarzenegger from this exercise so we don't need to worry about that. We're just trying to build power so that you have it when you need to get up from a chair, get out of bed, go up and down the steps, step down from a curb, walk outside on uneven surfaces. And this will also help improve your balance. We hope you like this video. Click like, click subscribe, subscribe to the channel. I have more content coming that is helpful for older adults who might be struggling with any of these issues. Have a great day." www.achievarehab.com info@achievarehab.com 888-929-7677

  • Exercise is Non-Negotiable if You Want to Beat Parkinson's Disease!

    Exercise is a cornerstone in managing Parkinson's disease, offering numerous benefits that can significantly enhance quality of life. Regular physical activity helps maintain mobility, balance, and overall well-being, counteracting many of the motor symptoms associated with the condition. Benefits of Exercise in Parkinson's Disease Improved Mobility:  Engaging in regular exercise can help maintain and even improve mobility by enhancing muscle strength and flexibility. This is crucial in combating the slowed movements characteristic of Parkinson's. Enhanced Balance and Coordination:  Balance exercises can reduce the risk of falls by improving stability and coordination, addressing common challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson's. Mood and Cognitive Benefits:  Physical activity has been shown to alleviate depression and anxiety, common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's, and may also enhance cognitive function. Recommended Types of Exercise Aerobic Activities:  Exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling increase heart rate and improve overall fitness. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Strength Training:  Incorporate resistance exercises to build muscle strength, which supports better posture and daily functioning. Perform strength training sessions 2-3 times per week. Flexibility Exercises:  Stretching routines enhance flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness, aiding in smoother movements. Include stretching exercises in your daily routine. Balance and Coordination Exercises:  Practices like tai chi or yoga improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. Engage in balance exercises at least 2-3 times per week. Getting Started Safely Before beginning any exercise program, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist to develop a regimen tailored to your abilities and needs. They can provide guidance on appropriate exercises and ensure that you perform them safely. Stay Consistent Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of exercise. Find activities you enjoy to help maintain regular participation, and consider joining group classes or finding an exercise partner for motivation and support. For more personalized advice and resources on managing Parkinson's disease through exercise, visit our website at www.achievarehab.com . Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you achieve your rehabilitation goals and improve your quality of life. Additionally, explore our blog HERE  for further insights into enhancing mobility and independence.

  • Why You Must Take Your Balance Seriously!

    I must admit that I'm a numbers guy. Numbers don't lie. Statistics don't lie. And that's why we need to bring you this very concise video with some statistics that should scare you if you or a loved one are having problems with your balance. Please watch and think seriously about how important it is to have good balance. If this information scares you, our aim hit the mark. I think it takes that level of realization that you need to do something to prevent something catastrophic. The good news is that specialized physical therapy like the programs we have with Achieva Rehabilitation are extremely effective in counteracting these numbers. Physical Therapy for balance problems and fall risk works amazingly well...and we specialize in it. I am offering you a FREE Phone Call with Our Specialist so that we can discover together if our brand of therapy is the right fit for your balance needs. This also applies to people who have dizziness as the two are often inter-related. Below is the link to sign up for our FREE Call...please don't hesitate to take advantage of this call. Click HERE To Arrange Your FREE Call Or if you are anxious to get more information quickly, give us a call or text us at this number: 1-888-929-7677

  • Was healthcare better in black and white?

    Color TV didn't arrive until the 1960s. MRI and CT scans came along in the 70s. Before this time, doctors made house calls and prescription medications were not the uber monopoly that is present today. The reason for this blog is to revisit those good ole' days when doctors had more than five minutes with you, weren't being pulled in ten different directions by regulations and insurance requirements and limitations, and had the ability to focus on you and only you. Those were better times. Months ago, I did a series of short informational snippets on why primary care doctors are in an environment that doesn't lend to the patient having the best outcomes. I called it "Doc Holland did it better" because he was my doctor as a youth and he was there for you anytime, anywhere. Today, the system would restrict Doc Holland significantly...and that stinks. Today, the norm is to add pills, call a specialist, and get MRIs, CT scans etc. But, I'm a physical therapist who owns a therapy company that provides In-Home Intensive PT sessions, and that's how Achieva Rehab is revisiting a better time. Our amazing therapists come to the patient's home to work one-on-one for 60 minutes of intensive interventions. Just the equipment we can bring to the home and our creativity and the patient's compliance...that's absolutely ALL WE NEED!!! It's a NEW, BETTER WAY TO REHAB that revisits an OLD, BETTER WAY to provide care to patients. I'm biased, but, it's awesome! If you are reading this, we need your help to get the word out..we've got amazing results and incredible patient reviews documented but we need doctors out there to recognize that this is a great way to help their patients. Pass it along!! Thank you for reading. www.achievarehab.com Phone and Fax: 1-888-929-7677

  • 168 Hours Can Make ONE Weak!

    168 Hours Can Make One WEAK! Here Comes the Sun is one of my favorite Beatles tunes. George Harrison expresses optimism with both words and sound in that tune and the only reason I bring it up in this article is with hope that you’ll see the bright side of all the challenging things that are going on in the world right now. Be good to each other. The sun comes up every day. There are seven days in a week, although the Beatles may disagree with that number. And there are 168 hours within that seven day week. I’m bringing you a different way to think about what you do with your time over the course of those days. I have a simple concept and if you follow it, the 168 hours will NOT MAKE YOU WEAK. If you’ve read my past entries to this column, you will certainly know that I’m an advocate of eating right and exercising. For today, I’m going to simplify “exercise” by using the term “movement.” That is, if you are not an exerciser and have reservations about trying to fit “exercise” into your life, I simply want you to fit more “movement” into your life. My theory is that if you move more than you don’t move over the course of that 168 hours, you are much more likely to remain moving and moving without difficulty. It's just math to me. If you sleep about 6 to 8 hours per day, you are left with about 16 hours. When you are employed and working, you are likely to be moving regularly for 8 of those 16 hours. With retirement and aging, you find yourself with more time and less requirements during your days. The tendency is to use more of that time sitting, laying down, not moving your body. And when your body is not moving, science proves that you are more likely to have pain, weakness, balance problems and even overall health that suffers. You see, there is a direct relationship between how well someone can move with their overall health. In the end, if you move more, you are less likely to get sick and require medical care either by doctor visits or hospitalization or nursing home stays etc. So, in the interest of following the acronym Keep It Simple Stupid, KISS, I want you to move more because I know it will make you healthier, more mobile and happier. One of the easiest ways to do this for older folks is to get up and do something every hour. Take a long walk. Walk up your stairs one or two extra times. Stand up from your chair as many times as you can in a row. Other ideas would be to take up activities that either require more movement or that you can implement more movement into such as gardening, cooking. Nice weather will eventually get here…get outside and move. Stay inside and move. Move it or lose it! 168 hours in a week can make you strong! Use your time wisely. Be good to each other and Be safe!!

  • There's No Place Like Home! Why Physical Therapy In Your Home is Simply A Better Way!

    There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. Truer words have never been spoken. Home is the most comfortable and safe place…it’s where the heart is! I know…bad one..sorry. In the U.S., we are experiencing a rapidly aging population secondary to the ‘baby boom’ while at the same time a tightening of the belt by medical insurance companies , including Mama Medicare, reducing hospital stays. Logically, the role of physical, occupational, and speech therapists is expanding and becoming more relevant at the same pace. Over the years, there have been gaps in provision of medical care for one reason or another. One such gap exists but not for long. Outpatient therapy clinics vs. Home Health Agencies . Not a real competition, just two options for differing circumstances..both outstanding formats for the provision of medical care. For outpatient therapy, the patient must be able to get out of the house to get to the facility, most often times 3 times per week for several weeks, especially in the geriatric population. With conventional home health care, you had likely just gotten out of the hospital after an acute illness and must be considered homebound… The gap exists between the acutely ill who qualify for traditional home health care, and the community dwellers who are not acutely ill, but, have declined for one reason or another, and just cannot get to an outpatient facility….most elderly folks have a real hard time getting out of their homes. Enter the lightbulb moment!! I don’t claim to have invented this strategy...I just want to bring it to this area in order to best serve the seniors of Schuylkill County and surrounding communities. If you or someone you know is one of our great seniors who is not acutely ill but has experienced a decline in functional ability…falls, balance problems, shortness of breath with short distance walks, pain, difficulty getting up from chairs or bed etc., this program is designed just for you. You don’t need to get to the outpatient therapy facility to achieve the same results. We bring the outpatient gym to you. How many 80 year olds do you see having the ability to get to outpatient therapy visits three times per week for twelve weeks? Most seniors want to stay in their homes as long as they possibly can. One way to make that happen is with therapy. Thank goodness for my peers who have done the studies to prove the facts. Therapy in your home is effective, convenient, approved by Medicare and other insurances, and guess what? In my opinion, a very high majority of our seniors would benefit greatly from this service. Give us a call at 1-888-929-7677 for a FREE CONSULTATION , invite us into your home and let us get you back some of that quality of life you may have lost. Ruby slippers optional! www.achievarehab.com info@achievarehab.com https://www.youtube.com/@achievarehabilitation6370

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