Search Results

Excuses, excuses, excuses. I don't accept them and I won't accept this one: "I'm too old to get stronger!" All too often, our great seniors have this belief that weakness is part of old age and that the geriatric body simply cannot get stronger. They believe that it is essentially inevitable that they will have more difficulty with functional activity as time goes on in their lives, which results in an unfounded level of hopelessness. Folks in their 80s are 40% weaker than they were in their 20s, but, their ability to improve strength is still very viable. Look...exercise should be considered in the same vain as prescription medication. Patients take pills when prescribed by their doctors without question. But, there are many who balk at the idea of exercise (therapy) when "prescribed" by the same physician. The contrast is in the fact that pills are easy and exercise is not. Pills take no effort and exercise is all about effort. There is belief that pills work at any age but exercise is only for the young. Exercise should be performed as regularly as taking your pills. Science is a great thing because it produces facts. The fact is that the muscles of the human body will react in the same manner at any age when exposed to regular exercise. Without going into details and statistics, there are numerous studies that prove this fact. Thus, we can improve strength at any age. If I could simplify my livelihood, it would center around this fact. I work every day with folks in their 80's, 90's, and even over 100 years of age and THEY GET STRONGER if they are compliant with our interventions. So...here is a formal invitation to all the readers out there and their elderly family members. If you are young, get off your butts and get moving because the more you move, the healthier you will be...consider it practice for old age...prepare your body to live happily into your "golden years." If you are close to or sitting in those "golden years", find a way to take advantage of the professional guidance of a therapist who will evaluate your functional weakness and make recommendations in order to get back your quality of life. Do not yield to the mistaken belief that you cannot improve....you can! Old age ain't for sissies...This was quoted from Bettie Davis, and she is absolutely correct. The good news is that I don't know many sissies that have made it to "old age." There are 168 hours in a week. Take 3 of those hours and get moving so that you can enjoy your life as long as possible. Fight osteoporosis, arthritis, lethargy, pain, and even dementia!! If you don't know how to do it, we can certainly help you...it's our job to help you improve your quality of life. Each journey starts with one step...take that step. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION 1-888-929-7677

According to the American Physical Therapy Association , back pain is the most commonly reported pain across the nation , and one out of every four Americans has experienced back pain in the past three months. Back pain usually results from an injury or strain, however, it can sometimes be difficult to determine if the discomfort you are experiencing is general back pain or sciatica. Sciatica , a specific type of back pain caused by a nerve issue, is extremely common. Whether you are suffering from general back pain or sciatica, working with a physical therapist can help relieve the discomfort in your back and restore your health. Physical therapy may even eliminate your need for harmful painkilling drugs, such as opioids, or an invasive surgical procedure. If you are experiencing back pain, Contact Us Today at 1-888-929-7677 for help in Schuylkill or Luzerne Counties, PA . Our skilled physical therapists will create an individualized treatment regimen for you, focusing around your recovery. What’s the difference between general back pain and sciatica? Back pain “Back pain” is a term that can be caused by an array of different conditions. For example, you may experience back pain due to poor posture, a motor vehicle accident, or a lifting injury. The treatment plan that your physical therapist sets up for you, will depend on how you developed the back pain, in addition to its exact location and your past medical history. Back pain can be described as acute, meaning it is short-term, or chronic, meaning it is long-term (typically lasting for three months or longer.) The pain you experience can be rooted in your back muscles or the bones in your spine. Sciatica Sciatica is a specific type of back pain that is reported as being highly uncomfortable. However, it is also fortunately very simple to diagnose. People with sciatica experience pain along their sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in your body. The sciatic nerve begins at your lower back and then splits at the base of your spine to extend further down to your buttocks, legs, and finally to the bottom of each foot. The sciatic nerve can become “pinched,” which causes a “shooting,” “stinging,” or “burning” sensation in your lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet. How do back pain and sciatica develop? General back pain typically develops as the result of an injury. This can be due to repetitive straining motions, such as leaning down multiple times throughout the day to pick up a toddler, or a more serious, sudden trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident. Underlying conditions, such as herniated discs, can also cause immense pain and can lead to sciatica. Degenerative disc disease is a common condition resulting in back pain, which can be caused by poor posture or obesity. Those with this condition typically report dull, aching pains in their lower back. Sciatica’s technical name is “lumbar radiculopathy. ” People who develop this condition are generally between the ages of 30 and 50. Many different types of injuries can cause the development of sciatica, including arthritis, bone spurs, or any other injury that impacts the sciatic nerve. This may include a sports-related collision, a harsh fall, or something that occurs gradually over time through overuse, repetition, or general “wear and tear.” Seek help for back pain and sciatica through physical therapy: Back pain and sciatica are both completely treatable through physical therapy . Your physical therapist will create a treatment plan for you that is dependent upon your diagnosis. The early stages of your physical therapy treatments will focus on pain relief, which may include ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, light exercises, or posture improvement. And the best part is our physical therapists are ready to provide in-home physical therapy to you so that you can get back to the activities that you love. Once you begin to improve, your physical therapist will expand on your exercises and stretches, focusing on increasing your strength and range of motion. These are all improvements that will naturally bring you confidence to play with your grandchildren again, or go for walks or out to dinner with family and friends without pain. If you are suffering from sciatica, your physical therapist will implement specific leg stretches into your treatment plan to loosen the sciatic nerve. The overall goal of physical therapy for back pain and sciatica is to bring back your quality of life by alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and strengthen the body so you can get back to doing your normal daily activities without worrying about pain or discomfort. If you are experiencing back pain or sciatica, contact Achieva Rehabilitation to schedule an evaluation with one of our physical therapists. You'll be happy to know that our In-Home Physical Therapy Program is a better way to deliver PT...it's often much more valuable than going to a PT clinic. No matter how severe the pain may be, we will help you get on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. Click HERE To Speak With Our Back Pain / Sciatica Specialist on The Phone

The number of people who will develop back pain at some point in their lives that is debiliating is about 80%. When people begin with back pain or it is prolonged for months or in a lot of cases, years, they just want to move on, move forward and get rid of it. One of the biggest problems we see with people with back pain is that they move forward too much. You see..humans bend over in a forward direction over 3,000 times each day. That puts a great deal of stress on the structures of the spine in very small increments so often that the statistic above is no longer surprising. If you are one of the 4 out of 5 people with debilitating back pain, there are some things you can do. The secret to most of them is that we need to do them consistently and daily AND if it's not too late, we need to start thinking of preventing back pain by taking care of ourselves. All too often, we wait for something to go wrong before we try to address it...and that's the biggest flaw in healthcare today. Here are 3 things you can do on a daily basis to foster a healthy back. 1. Lean back (extend) instead of bend. Our spines need a steady balance of all the different movements that we have available but as noted above, things like brushing teeth, yard work, sitting slumped in a chair or car all involve bending in a forward direction. So, let's think about what makes logical sense. As long as it doesn't cause pain, stand with your hands places at your low back and lean backward comfortably. Hold it for ten seconds and repeat ten times. It may feel tense or tight and that is ok but we don't want it to be painful. Hopefully after a few days it will start to loosen up for you. If leaning backward causes your pain to get worse, you may be one of the few whose spine prefers bending forward, but consult with a specialist PT to assess you and educate and guide those decisions. 2. Always be aware of your posture. When you stand with good posture, you are supporting the natural curves in your spine which are there naturally. As you get older if you don't use your muscles to support good posture, eventually your spine will adapt and you may even get hunchbacked or another version of a postural abnormality. When you are sitting, try to keep a space between your low back and the chair. You can use a small towel roll to assist. When sitting or standing, keep your shoulder back so that you can feel the muscles between your shoulder blades working...they are your best postural muscles. Stand tall like you are resting a book on your head preparing to walk down the runway! 3. Stop sitting for long periods of time. This is my number one rule for everything. Gravity is never off and when you sit, you just invite gravity to pull your spine into a bent over flexed posture and your muscles, which support your skeletal system get weaker and weaker with every passing hour. We were designed to move. Get up and take a walk or do an exercise that feels good every 30 minutes. It's one of the easiest ways to keep your body engaged and fit and helps prevent forces on your spine that over the long run can be damaging. In the end, taking care of your body is just way more important than you think. We see people with back pain every day that just completely robs the joy from their existence. Prevention is easier than you think and way easier than dealing with a back problem when it starts or gets worse. For more FREE information, please consider downloading our FREE guide to sciatica and back paine here: Click HERE Be Well and Do Good!! www.achievarehab.com 1-888-929-7677 "With Our IN-HOME PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM , We Help Older Adults Improve Balance, Strength, and Mobility So That They Can Enjoy A Safe and Active Life at Home and in the Community "

As we age, the risk of falling increases significantly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults. There are many factors that can contribute to the risk of falling as an older adult, including physical and medical conditions, medications, and environmental hazards. Some common physical and medical conditions that can increase the risk of falling include muscle weakness, poor balance and coordination, vision problems, and certain chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. Medications can also contribute to the risk of falling, especially if they cause dizziness or impair balance and coordination. Environmental hazards, such as cluttered living spaces, slippery surfaces, and lack of handrails, can also increase the risk of falling. The consequences of falling as an older adult can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Falls can result in broken bones, head injuries, and other serious injuries, and can lead to hospitalization and long-term disability. In severe cases, falls can even be fatal. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults aged 65 and older. In fact, falls are responsible for over 95% of all hip fractures in this age group. The cost of falls among older adults is significant. According to the CDC, the total cost of fall injuries among older adults in the United States was $50 billion in 2015. This includes the cost of medical care, long-term care, and lost productivity due to disability. Older adults who have fallen once are at increased risk of falling again in the future. In fact, those who have fallen once are two to three times more likely to fall again compared to those who have not fallen. Falls are preventable . By taking steps to address physical and medical conditions and manage medications safely, and by making your living environment safer, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling. There are several physical factors that can increase the risk of falling in the human body. These include: Muscle weakness: As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and strength, which can impair our ability to balance and maintain our posture. This can increase the risk of falls. Poor balance and coordination: Balance and coordination can be impaired by a variety of factors, including muscle weakness, vision problems, and certain medical conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Vision problems: Poor vision can make it more difficult to see hazards and navigate your environment, increasing the risk of falls. Chronic conditions: Certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, can increase the risk of falls by impairing balance, coordination, and mobility. Medications: Some medications, particularly those that cause dizziness or drowsiness, can impair balance and coordination and increase the risk of falls. Vestibular conditions, which are disorders of the inner ear and balance system, can increase the risk of falls in seniors. These conditions can cause dizziness, vertigo, and impaired balance and coordination, which can make it more difficult to navigate your environment and increase the risk of falls. Central nervous system conditions, such as stroke and Parkinson's disease, can also increase the risk of falls in seniors. These conditions can affect balance, coordination, and mobility, making it more difficult to maintain your posture and navigate your environment. To reduce the risk of falls in seniors with vestibular or central nervous system conditions, it is important to address any underlying medical issues and manage them effectively. Physical therapy and exercises to improve balance and coordination can also be helpful in reducing the risk of falls. In addition, it is important to make your living environment as safe as possible by removing tripping hazards and installing handrails and non-slip mats, if needed. The bottom line is that I will continue to repeat all of this super-important information over and over again for you to hopefully read so that you don't repeat a fall or encounter your first fall. This information is worth repeating!! Achieva Rehab specializes in helping people regain (yes! regain) their balance so that they can live a happy life without worry! www.achievarehab.com #balancetherapy #physicaltherapy #vertigo #dizzinesstherapy #physicalrehabilitation #homephysicaltherapy #physicaltherapyworks

"What is your favorite pizza?" Everyone has their favorite pizza. Now, let's say you order that pizza on Monday and "Clarence" delivers it to you in a Cadillac. Then, let's say you order that pizza on Wednesday and "Clarence" delivers it to you in a Ford Pinto. Disclaimer: "Clarence" is the delivery guy. And a Ford Pinto (an old entry model vehicle from the 80s) is probably aging me quite a bit right now. 👴🏻 But, I digress..the pizza is equally as delicious no matter how it was "delivered". It's still your favorite pizza, same quality, same consistency, same efforts by the pizza maker, so, it's the outcome that matters ...a delicious meal that you enjoy immensely, regardless of how it was "delivered!" 🚗 What's my point? Achieva Rehab's In-Home PT Program has been so effective for so many people over the last five years. We changed the way some people think of the "delivery" of Physical Therapy. We have a legion of past patients who are proof that our brand of PT works amazingly well..dare I say, better than with brick and mortar PT. Then comes the coronavirus. Ugh!! 😟 Many of you still struggle with pain, dizziness, poor balance, or mobility challenges even more now that you are all jailed in your own homes. You need a solution to those issues now more than ever. But, how do you get help if you can't even open your front door without the worry of being a statistic in this pandemic? As always, Achieva Rehab is finding ways to help! Introducing our "Online PT" service. As you watch the news, you constantly see two, three, maybe even four boxes with reporters and guests in those boxes communicating in real time with each other. That is what our "Online PT" program is like. If you can click on a link in your phone or tablet or computer, you and I can be in one of those boxes on your screen and we can communicate about your problem and find the solution to ease it or make it go away. Worried that you may be losing your independence? Struggling to get up the stairs? Has it become a challenge to even take care of your home or yourself because you are getting dizzy and it's scary? Maybe you've fallen and are now sitting most of your day because you don't want it to happen again fearing you may need to go to a hospital during the pandemic? The way we "deliver" PT doesn't matter..our brand of PT is built around education, training, assessment, monitoring, and using techniques and exercises that don't often require us to be in the same room. For that reason, our "Online PT" Program is doing very well with people with dizziness, movement disorders, pain, or generalized weakness for other reasons. We are even setting up folks for after their elective surgeries get scheduled again...it's very exciting. Remember "Clarence?" If "Clarence" takes a wrong turn and goes in the wrong direction when "delivering" your pizza, it takes much longer to get there and the outcome is that the pizza is not as warm and delicious. The same is true right now for the issues that you are dealing with...the longer you wait to address them, the longer it takes for you to reach the outcome you desire. We would not choose a "delivery" method that wasn't proven to be effective to help you get to your outcome. So, I encourage you to reach out to us, check out our "Online PT" page for more information and answers to your questions. We are offering the first visit FREE to make sure that we can make it work with you and to give you the confidence to learn for yourself that it's the Achieva Rehab brand that matters most...not how it is "delivered." For more information, don't hesitate to call or text: 1-888-929-7677 or visit www.achievarehab.com/online-pt Be well! Joel J. Digris, Owner Achieva Rehabilitation

In honor of Fall Prevention Month, I wanted to share this information with you hoping to reach as many people as possible on my personal and professional campaign to stop falling in the senior population and prevent unnecessary suffering and loss of quality of life. Disclaimer: It is not officially “Fall Prevention Month” but at Achieva Rehab, EVERY month is “Fall Prevention Month!” One out of every four older adults (65+) will suffer a fall each year. Every second of EVERY day, an older adult suffers a fall in the United States. In June of 2022, Congress actually started to take action and fund grants to support fall reduction causes across the United States. I’m sure that budget is far less than other department or foreign money allocations but it is something. I see older adults as treasures and they need education to really understand that they don’t have to just give up and live with feeling wobbly and scared that they will fall. They don’t have to live with being afraid to go outside or in the community with their family or friends to dinner or grocery shopping. Too many older adults have been told that poor balance is a natural part of aging. That is completely false…there is nothing natural about failing balance. Click HERE to watch my Balance and Falls Workshop for FREE! It's filled with education about your balance and what you can do about it. And YES! Balance can improve no matter how "old" you are!! Balance is quite complicated but there are generally some really simple reasons why older people have balance problems versus their younger counterparts. Since I believe heavily in education, I hope you will take a deeper look at all that we have to offer on our webpage that will help you understand more about balance problems. In the end, if we can reduce the number of falls each year by just 1%, we can stop 30,000 falls a year in older adults. If we can reduce the number of falls by just 10%, we can stop 300,000 of our dear older citizens from experiencing the pain and suffering and quality of life diminishment from a fall. Education is where that starts. The smartest people on earth can always get smarter. So, whether you are a person who is concerned about poor balance or you are a caregiver or family member of someone losing their balance or even a doctor who deals with older people, I invite you to learn why I think we can make a dent in those horrific numbers if we just started educating and working on exercises the minute there is a change in stability with increased fall risk. info@achievarehab.com www.achievarehab.com 1-888-929-7677 #inhomephysicaltherapy #physicaltherapyworks #balancephysicaltherapy #oneononephysicaltherapy

When you hear physical therapy, you are probably like the vast majority of the population who have never had PT, the 93% of the population that don’t have a physical therapist on their healthcare team. You may think of someone in a gym with exercise equipment who is recovering from a sports-related injury. Or perhaps you think of someone in a hospital who is recovering from a stroke or a joint replacement in order to get back home. If Physical Therapy as a profession was in a beauty pageant, we would be “Miss Misunderstood” because what people think about physical therapy and physical therapists is literally a mere fraction of what we are and what we do. It’s like thinking that math is limited to 2 + 2 = 4. This limited perception of physical therapy is driven partly by a broken healthcare system that favors reactivity versus proactivity. Did you know that 37% of all complaints at a primary care doctor visit can be inexpensively and effectively addressed by a physical therapist? But, only 7% of the population engages in PT. Again, the math is wrong here. Many more patients should be seeing a physical therapist. We also live in a society that greatly prefers easy solutions and searches for instant gratification. You see, although the effects of physical therapy are much longer lasting, PT takes some work and time so it naturally takes a back seat to things like pills, injections, multiple doctor visits and everything that is commercialized as an easy fix to your problem. Look at big pharma..they are better at marketing than they are at developing medicines. You simply take their pill and you’ll be hopping around, smiling in the fields with your loved ones in no time. Wear this simple brace to take your pain away. Use this cane and you’ll be as steady as you were when you were a kid. Rub this on your knees and you’ll feel like Jesse Owens instantly. These things have changed our brains to gravitate toward the easy route when in reality, the root cause of problems is never addressed by these quick fixes. Did you know that physical therapists can work with cardiovascular and pulmonary patients, provide wound care, manage lymphedema, provide pelvic therapy for post-partum moms, help people get rid of dizziness and vertigo, help people improve their balance so they don’t fall, work with patients with Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis live well and fight their disease at all stages. We work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, emergency departments, and your home. We have advanced degrees and every therapist who graduates now is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Because of Direct Access Legislation, many PTs also don’t even need a prescription from a doctor to provide you with excellent care right when you need it and we are educated enough to know when your problem might need a set of extra eyes to take a deeper look. We are MOVEMENT SPECIALISTS and people that move their best are also their healthiest. You don’t see flashy commercials for physical therapy but maybe you should. We can prove that physical therapy will help you find the way back to enjoying life the way you want to enjoy life. When your life is disrupted by pain, weakness, dizziness, falls, or movement challenges, think of physical therapy first despite our lack of television spots. You, the reader or viewer don’t see our commercials because they are in medical journals or in the reviews from patients who have had their lives changed by a physical therapist. We have proof, not actors. Physical Therapy is the best profession for you if you are physically struggling to enjoy life the way you want to enjoy life, no matter what your age or problem. Choose PT first. We are much, much more thank you think!! Be good and do good in 2022!

### The Broken Healthcare Industry: A Look at Reimbursement and Value in Medical Treatments In recent years, the healthcare industry has faced significant scrutiny due to the disparity between the costs of treatments and their actual value to patients. This issue is particularly evident in the reimbursement rates and charges for injections, medications, and orthotics compared to physical therapy. By examining these differences, we can better understand why the current system is flawed and how physical therapy offers a more sustainable and beneficial approach to healthcare. #### The High Cost of Injections and Medications Injections and medications are commonly used to manage pain and treat various conditions. However, their costs often far exceed their value. According to the American Journal of Managed Care, the average cost of a single corticosteroid injection can range from $100 to $300, and the price for more advanced injections, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, can exceed $1,000 per shot . Despite these high costs, studies have shown that the long-term benefits of these injections are limited. For instance, a 2017 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that corticosteroid injections provided only short-term relief for osteoarthritis of the knee and were associated with cartilage loss over time . #### The Burden of High-Priced Orthotics Orthotics, which are used to correct biomechanical issues and alleviate pain, also present a significant cost burden. Custom orthotics can cost anywhere from $200 to $800, yet their effectiveness is often no greater than over-the-counter alternatives that are a fraction of the price . Furthermore, the reimbursement rates for orthotics vary widely, leading to inconsistent coverage for patients and out-of-pocket expenses that can be prohibitive. #### Physical Therapy: A Cost-Effective and Life-Changing Solution In contrast to injections and orthotics, physical therapy offers a more cost-effective and beneficial approach to treatment. Physical therapy focuses on addressing the root cause of pain and dysfunction through exercise, manual therapy, and patient education. The cost of physical therapy sessions ranges from $50 to $150 per visit, with an average course of treatment typically requiring 6-12 sessions . Importantly, physical therapy is often reimbursed at a much lower rate compared to injections and medications. According to a 2020 report from the American Physical Therapy Association, the average reimbursement rate for physical therapy is approximately $70 per session . Despite this lower reimbursement, physical therapy has been shown to provide significant long-term benefits. For example, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that physical therapy was more effective than corticosteroid injections in treating shoulder impingement syndrome over a one-year period . #### The Long-Term Impact of Physical Therapy Unlike injections, which can cause damage over time, physical therapy emphasizes sustainable, long-term improvements in function and pain management. By strengthening muscles, improving mobility, and teaching patients how to manage their conditions, physical therapy can prevent the need for more invasive and costly treatments. This holistic approach not only reduces healthcare costs but also enhances patients' quality of life. #### Conclusion The healthcare industry's current reimbursement structure favors high-cost, short-term treatments like injections and medications over more effective, long-term solutions like physical therapy. This disparity highlights the need for a shift in focus towards treatments that provide real value to patients. By investing in physical therapy, we can reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes, ultimately leading to a more effective and equitable healthcare system. Physical therapy offers a powerful, life-changing alternative to the expensive and often short-lived benefits of injections and medications. It's time for the healthcare industry to recognize the true value of physical therapy and adjust reimbursement practices accordingly to prioritize patient health and well-being. --- **Sources:** 1. American Journal of Managed Care: Cost of Corticosteroid Injections 2. Average Costs of PRP Injections 3. Annals of Internal Medicine: Corticosteroid Injections and Cartilage Loss 4. Cost and Effectiveness of Custom Orthotics 5. Average Cost of Physical Therapy Sessions 6. American Physical Therapy Association: Reimbursement Rates for Physical Therapy 7. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy: Effectiveness of Physical Therapy vs. Corticosteroid Injections

If you lived through the time when man first walked on the moon, you are also likely at an age where you would prefer the amount of gravity that exists on the moon versus here on earth. What I mean is that gravity may be causing you to lose your balance or even fall regularly. If this is the case, you certainly have a fear of those things occurring as you are very familiar with stories of tragedy after a loved one or friend has fallen. Broken bones, head trauma, hospitalizations and maybe nursing home placement...or worse. Yes, you can perish if you fall. The gravity on the moon is 5 to 6 times weaker than here on earth. So, that means that if you were walking on the moon, you almost float and the risk of gravity actually pulling you down to the ground with significant force is not present. Here on earth however, gravity is pulling you down every split second of every single day and if your body is not ready for it at all times, you will fall. So, how do we make sure your body is prepared to fight the constant effects of gravity? Well, let me tell you that it's much, much easier than trying to float in mid-air. But in all reality, when people improve their balance, and YES! you can improve your balance by a great degree, it feels much like the accomplishment of being able to float. My recommendation to you is that you act early, very early. The first time you start to feel that your balance systems might be imperfect, you need to get physical therapy . It's the only thing that helps people improve their balance. Don't wait for a fall or several falls or close calls or your doctor to make a decision. Too many times in America, we wait until we are broken to get care that actually helps. Be proactive and figure out how to get yourself help. And did I mention that physical therapy is the only thing that can actually help people improve their balance and prevent falls? You may never float in mid-air but if you can keep yourself on your feet and off of the floor or ground, it may feel just as good. And that's what we do...we are in the feel good business! Get physical therapy as soon as possible. Be proactive instead of reactive. Struggling with Pain, Poor Balance, Weakness? Don't wait for something to happen to get help. Physical Therapy is freakin' AWESOME! Take advantage of it... We've proven to reduce need for meds, surgeries, injections, hospital stays. We help you stay in your home safe and mobile. C'mon people!!! #physicaltherapyworks #inhomephysicaltherapy #wellness #parkinsonsdisease #backpain #sciaticapain #healthcareshouldbeyourchoice www.achievarehab.com info@achievarehab.com

Vertigo is often misunderstood, even within the healthcare community. By definition, vertigo is the false sensation of movement, where an individual feels as though they or their surroundings are moving when, in reality, they are stationary. This sensation is commonly accompanied by involuntary eye movements known as nystagmus, characterized by the eyes shifting rapidly from side to side. A relatable example is the dizziness experienced after spinning around rapidly and then suddenly stopping—the environment seems to continue spinning, which mirrors the experience of vertigo. Common Causes of Vertigo One prevalent cause of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals, known as canaliths, become dislodged and migrate into the semicircular canals of the inner ear. This displacement disrupts normal fluid movement within the canals, sending false signals to the brain about your body's position and leading to the sensation of spinning or dizziness. BPPV is notably the most common vestibular disorder across all age groups. Effective Treatment Options The good news is that BPPV can be effectively treated, often with rapid results, through specific physical therapy maneuvers. One such technique is the Epley maneuver, a series of head and body movements designed to guide the dislodged crystals back to their proper location in the inner ear, thereby alleviating symptoms. Physical therapists trained in vestibular rehabilitation can perform these maneuvers safely and teach patients how to manage their symptoms. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these physical therapy exercises are highly effective in treating BPPV. The Role of Physical Therapy Physical therapists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating vertigo, particularly BPPV. They conduct thorough evaluations to confirm the presence of BPPV and then implement appropriate repositioning maneuvers. Additionally, they may provide vestibular rehabilitation exercises aimed at improving balance and reducing dizziness. These exercises help train the brain to compensate for inner ear issues, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of falls. Take the Next Step If you're experiencing symptoms of vertigo, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Physical therapy offers effective solutions that can significantly improve your quality of life. For more personalized advice and resources, visit our website at www.achievarehab.com . Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you achieve your rehabilitation goals and enhance your well-being. Additionally, explore our blog at https://www.achievarehab.com/blog  for further insights into maintaining stability and preventing falls and vertigo. https://youtube.com/shorts/cnaBccaGtTs?si=wrgJQNiW3gv4gt7T

I'm here to tell you that there's nothing normal and nothing natural about having poor balance or falls as you get older. There's nothing normal, there's nothing natural about a guaranteed level of weakness just because you're 70 or 80 years old. There's nothing normal or natural about saying that pain is automatic as an older adult. Those things are simply false. When older adults are told those things and they are already struggling with balance problems or movement issues, how do you think that makes them feel? Hopeless? 😞 In our youth, we play! When we're younger, our bodies are constantly in motion. We're jumping, we're running, we're tumbling, we're rolling, we're turning quickly, we're at high speeds. We're doing all these things that you see children do. As you get older and older, your 20s and your 30s are probably still involving a lot of movement, a lot of work activity that involves physical motion. Your body during those times is in a high level of practice. 🏃‍♂️💨🤸‍♀️ But essentially what I'm trying to say to you is that when our bodies are younger, our activity level keeps us in shape. It keeps our balance systems calibrated correctly so that we don't lose our balance and fall. It keeps our muscles in great shape so that we have the strength and endurance to do what we need to do. As we get older, our activity level is moved more towards the requirements of adulthood, which sometimes aren't that fun. But if you think about how your life has changed over time, your movement patterns have changed drastically. That change is often the reason that people end up having struggles when they get older. 🔄👴🏽🔄 So let's think about the balance system. Let's think about this group of systems in your body that the whole design for that system is to make sure that you don't fall. When you're a young person and you're running and tumbling and rolling and twisting and turning, that balance system is constantly practicing, just like anybody who goes to a soccer practice, a basketball practice, piano lesson, anybody that practices drawing or painting or singing. All of those things keep those particular systems in tiptop shape so they're prepared for anything. 🧠💡🔧 But the balance system, as we get older, is not tested or challenged, and there's not as much practice. We typically walk in a forward pattern, we don't move quickly. There's rarely a need as an older adult to move quickly. We're not turning quickly, we're not rolling, we're not tumbling. So the balance system naturally calibrates at a much lower level. When that system does not practice high-level responses and activities on a regular basis, it's not prepared for when a high-level response is needed. 🚶‍♂️🔄🧘‍♀️ So even though as adults we reduce our activity quite a bit, if we're not exercising a lot and we're not walking at high speeds or running or jumping and things like that as we did in our younger years, there are still circumstances where that high-level balance is required and it's not available to you as it was when you were younger. For instance, if your normal life consists of spending a lot of time sitting, and you're an older adult and you don't go out often and you move slowly, and then all of a sudden you have to go out and step down a curb outside, that's a higher-level balance activity that your system may not be ready for. Or let's say you're walking on grass because you have to get from point A to point B outside. That's a high-level balance activity that your system may not be ready for. 🚶‍♀️🌿🏞 The same happens with weakness. Our strength and our endurance are maintained through that play and that high-level activity as a younger person. Older people have a natural tendency for their muscles to get weaker, but their weakness that affects their daily life and their mobility does not come only because of old age-related changes in the muscle. It comes from reduced activity. So if an older adult has to walk further than their average daily walk, they're going to struggle. If they have to go up and down the stairs more often than they normally would, there's going to be a big struggle. 🏋️‍♀️💪🚶‍♂️ So when people tell you as an older adult that the reason you're struggling is because you're older, 70, 80, 90, it's absolutely false. There's always something. And most people that I see as a licensed physical therapist have problems more associated with the fact that they don't move the way they did as they were younger and their body is not practicing doing things at a high level like they want to. And then people tell you that it's natural and normal and you just have to take it easy. 😡🛑😤 So what are you supposed to do? You're stuck. You're feeling bad with your balance. You may be falling. You may have weakness that is very frustrating. You're afraid to go out with friends and family. And then on top of that, people tell you that, "Well, it's natural and you just have to take it easy." That can only make things worse because you're just going to reduce your activity level even further. 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♀️ My experience guarantees number one, that the reason you're struggling is not always because you're older. Number two, the reason you're struggling can be reversed in many, many cases, and we're going to teach you how to do that on this channel. So if you've made it to the end of this channel, my hope, honestly, is to spread these videos like wildfire to reach anybody who can benefit from it. There's going to be more content so that you understand as an older adult what you can achieve. And there's going to be more content to actually how to do that through strategies and exercise and education on your lifestyle to reverse some of the struggles that you're having. 📈💡🎓 www.achievarehab.com info@achievarehab.com 888-929-7677

As we age, maintaining balance becomes increasingly crucial for preserving independence and preventing falls. Identifying early signs of balance deterioration allows for timely intervention and improved quality of life. Subtle Indicators of Balance Decline One key indicator is a newfound hesitation or caution during daily activities that previously posed no challenge. For instance, if you begin to feel uneasy while walking on grass, navigating inclines or declines, or climbing stairs—tasks that were once routine—it may signal a decline in balance. Such apprehension suggests that your body's stability mechanisms are not functioning optimally. Understanding the Causes It's important to note that balance issues are not an inevitable part of aging but often result from changes in activity levels. A more sedentary lifestyle can lead to muscle weakness and decreased coordination, contributing to balance problems. According to the National Institute on Aging, symptoms of balance disorders include dizziness, vertigo, and a feeling of unsteadiness. National Institute on Aging Proactive Steps to Improve Balance The encouraging news is that early intervention can prevent and even reverse balance issues. Engaging in regular physical activity, particularly exercises focusing on strength and balance, is highly beneficial. The Mayo Clinic suggests that balance retraining exercises, also known as vestibular rehabilitation, can help individuals adapt and maintain physical activity levels. Mayo Clinic Incorporating practices like tai chi and yoga can also enhance balance and coordination. A recent article highlights that these ancient practices not only reduce lower back pain but also improve posture and flexibility, contributing to better balance. The Times & The Sunday Times Take Action Today If you notice any signs of balance decline, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Early assessment and intervention can help identify underlying causes and tailor a program to address specific needs. Physical therapists can design personalized exercises to strengthen muscles and improve stability, reducing the risk of falls. For more personalized advice and resources, visit our website at www.achievarehab.com . Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you achieve your rehabilitation goals and enhance your well-being. Additionally, explore our blog on Balance and Fall Prevention https://www.achievarehab.com/blog  for further insights into maintaining stability and preventing falls. 888-929-7677 https://youtube.com/shorts/IwfEeH8poqI?si=0I96oDgTSGp7U44F