Duane Said:

looking for information on aqua therapy as part of physical therapy?

We Answered:

Aquatic therapy is very beneficial for many types of injuries and conditions. The buoyancy of the water helps to support body weight - which decreases the stress on the joints. This is beneficial for those with osteoarthritis, obesity, healing fractures and post-surgery (those who cannot fully bear weight through their lower extremities).

The viscosity of the water provides good resistance while performing the exercises - allowing muscle strengthening and endurance training.

The hydrostatic pressure of the water on the joints may help decrease swelling and improve balance and coordination. It also helps to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).

If performed in warm water, it can help increase blood flow to the extremities and relax muscles.

Cardiovascular function can be improved with aerobic exercises: walking, side-stepping, jogging, treading water, jumping, swimming, kicking, etc.

Not to mention, aquatic therapy is often performed in a group setting and therefore provides recreation and socialization, increased self-esteem and awareness.

Pain is typically not experienced during or afterward. This exercise is recommended as an alternate to otherwise painful exercises and activities. Muscle soreness may occur as does with any physical activity. If you do experience any pain during or after the aquatic therapy, stop and tell your therapist or instructor immediately.

Juan Said:

Physical Therapists, Nurses and Doctors?

We Answered:

I think physica therapy will possibly be a good choice for you as since you already know what it takes to be a good therapist and you can learn more about your own condition. Unless you are experiencing weakness, loss of strength, loss of bowel or bladder fucntion, this is really a self-limiting condition. If you use proper body mechanics and you continue your regular exercises (I'm guessing you do some prone press-ups or extension in standing and retraction and extension of the neck), this can be a very manageable condition. Many, many people can lick this condition by performing their extensions and press ups just two times a day as a prophylaxis for recurrent herniations. Statistically speaking, once you have had this condition, it is likely to come back on occasion no matter what type of treatment you've had...but if you've had a good therapist you should know what exercises do to to correct it and prevent it.

Generally speaking, as a physical therapist, you must be able to lift 25-50# at least on occasion. If you want to avoid heavy lifting, stay away from hospital based PT, nursing home and rehab. yet, you will probably WILL need to complete a rotation in these during your eduction.

Probably the hardest thing about becoming a PT if you've had an HNP is the education...a LOT of sitting in the classrom for up to 8 hours a day...that's usually worse than the lifting.

I had an HNP myself...brought on by sitting in school, but once I graduated and got out into the field, it really hasn't been an issue...and I continue my prophlactic exercises (standing extension).

Laura Said:

Need to find a TOP PHYSICAL THERAPIST in N. NJ who specializes in Herniated Disc rehab (Core strengthening)?

We Answered:

If you really want to refine the McKenzie approach to the exercises you are already doing, see Todd Edelson of Montclair Physical Therapy Associates, Mark Werneke in Freehold, or Jeff Flyer in West Orange.

They all have the Diplomate level of certification...above and beyond the certificate level.

Core will be added if needed, but is rarely necessary.

Juanita Said:

Knee Dislocates during Aqua Run?

We Answered:

you should have an MRI check up, X-rays cannot detect what's inside the knee joint, i had the same problem and my doc found out i have a crucial tear of the ligament on my left knee. did you have any accident before that may have caused your knee problem? the first few doctors i had check up with also used only x-ray and told me my knee doesn't have a problem but when i got back to sports, my knee began to 'dislocate' or buckle so i had another check up with MRI, then my doctor found out about the torn ligament.

i had 2 options. to have a surgery for a replacement of the torn ligament (yes they will screw this rubbery thing on the bones to replace the lost ligament) or just therapy to make the muscles on the knee stronger. he recommended the therapy since i don't do sports for a living, and about the replacement, it also will tear out after 15 years or more.

i suggest you go for the MRI to make sure of your knee.

Shirley Said:

Working on a children's book about a handicapped dog?

We Answered:

Leave it as a mystery. Have the dog wake up one day and be confused about lack of leg movement. Then give him the determination to walk again.

Erika Said:

Help with a Doctor/Back pain question...need advise!??!?

We Answered:

I feel I can offer a decent opinion on this.

I've seen chiropractors after an accident that resulted in disc damage. And it did help...for a short while. Then I noticed that fifteen minutes after the adjustments, I was in pain again. So...not much gain.

The PT also helped...for a few minutes...then right back to pain again.

You need to see an orthopedist or neurologist, and good luck with this.

Christian Said:

Knee Dislocates during Aqua Run?

We Answered:

find a brace that is made of neoprene ( wetsuit material) that will provide satbility, but no too tight. strengthen your quads to alleviate pressure from the knee.