Essential Gait Training Exercises For Elderly

Falls can be extremely dangerous to older adults. Although falling is not a normal part of aging, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of falls for older people. These include deteriorating eyesight as well as illnesses and physical conditions that affect strength and balance. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), of the 36 million falls by older adults that are reported each year, 3 million result in emergency room visits, and 32,000 are fatal. These are scary statistics, but the good news is that there are things you can do to decrease your risk of falling, such as keeping your home well lit and removing throw rugs or tacking down carpet edges. Gait training also helps to prevent falls, as it strengthens muscles and improves stability.   

What is gait training?

Gait training is a type of physical therapy that aims to improve strength and balance in your lower body so you can walk normally and safely. Your gait is the mechanics of your walk. It’s the cycle of repetition involving the coordinated efforts of your feet, knees and hips. Gait training is a set of exercises used to help improve or restore function to this cycle. It also involves your ability to maintain your balance and coordination as you navigate obstacles in the environment. After a stroke, injury, or surgery in the lower extremities, a physical therapist may add gait training exercises to your treatment plan in order to redevelop muscle memory and prevent future falls. Walking itself is a type of gait training, which makes it an excellent exercise for older people, but there are other essential gait training exercises as well.  

Essential gait training exercises for the elderly

Gait training isn’t something you should do on your own, particularly if you struggle with balance. It’s best to work with a physical therapist or other healthcare professional who can create a customized set of exercises designed specifically with your needs and safety in mind. There are, however, a few essential gait training exercises that many people can easily do on their own once they've been cleared by their doctor or physical therapist. These include:

Heel raises - Start in a seated position in a chair, with your feet flat on the floor. Point your toes to raise your heels. Do this 10 times. 

Increases strength in the calf muscles, helps with balance, and improves ankle mobility.

Toe raises - Start in a seated position in a chair, with your feet flat on the floor. Raise your toes off the ground while keeping your heels connected to the floor. Do this 10 times. 

Strengthens shin and ankle muscles, helps with balance, and improves ankle mobility. 

Knee to chest (or Seated march) - Start in a seated position in a chair. Raise one knee to your chest, as though you’re marching. Put it down and raise the other knee. Be sure to keep your back straight. Continue until you have raised each knee 10 times. 

Strengthens the core, hip flexors, and quadriceps. 

One-leg stand - Stand and hold onto a table, a chair, or a wall for support.  Lift one foot off the ground and hold it for a few seconds while you balance on the other leg. Try this 10 times on each leg. 

Improves balance.

Heel-toe walk - Walk next to a wall or a bar for support. Put your right foot down and then place the left in front of it, with the heel of the left foot directly lined up with the toes of the right. Then put the right foot in front, with the heel directly lined up with the toes of the left. Continue in this way for 15 feet or so. 

Improves balance and coordination. 

Step-overs / side stepping / figure eights - Place two soft objects on the floor about 3 feet apart. Step over each object several times. Be sure they’re placed at a distance where you naturally step over them with each foot.  For side stepping, lift your foot and step sideways over each obstacle several times, leading with each foot an equal number of times. For figure eights, walk around the obstacles in figure eight movements. 

Retrains the body for proper movement and lowers the risk of tripping over obstacles.

Even if the above exercises seem simple, it’s important to run them by your doctor or physical therapist before incorporating them into your daily routine. If you have suffered from a stroke, or if you have been ill or injured and have lost some mobility and strength in your lower extremities, chances are, you’ll need gait training. And when you do, Bella Vista is here to help. 

Physical therapy and rehabilitation in San Diego

Physical therapy not only improves mobility, strength, and balance to aid independence, but it can also help prevent falls in the future. At the Bella Vista Health Center Physical Therapy Department, our therapists provide specialized gait training programs to help residents recovering from stroke, joint replacement, or other conditions restore lower-limb strength and functioning in order to maximize independence and lower the risk of future falls. If you or someone you love is in need of physical therapy or occupational therapy, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or come by to visit our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in Lemon Grove Today. 

Why Seniors Should Have Physical Therapy Before Rehab (Prehab)

Most people planning to undergo joint replacement or ligament repair surgery know they’ll need to participate in a physical therapy program as part of the recovery process. But did you know that physical therapy is also highly beneficial in the weeks leading up to orthopedic surgery? 

Affectionately known as “prehab”, pre-operative rehabilitation is the process of improving fitness, functionality, and preparedness prior to surgery. The general idea of prehab physical therapy is to strengthen the relevant muscles and maximize the range of motion so that any decline that takes place as a result of the surgery will not set you back as far as it would have otherwise. But the benefits don’t stop there. Read on for more reasons why seniors should have physical therapy before surgery. 

Why seniors should have physical therapy before rehab

Recovery after surgery is challenging. But the better prepared you are physically and mentally, the higher the likelihood you’ll have a speedy and successful recovery. Although a general exercise program is certainly beneficial, a customized physical therapy program helps target the treatment area: reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, strengthening the muscles, and restoring range of motion. Typically, six weeks of physical therapy prior to joint-replacement surgery can provide a number of wonderful benefits, including:

Mental preparation

Prehab does more than just prepare the muscles and joints for surgery. It also prepares the mind. Seniors who worry about their ability to recover often find that prehab gives them a clearer picture of what to expect after surgery as well a sense of confidence about their ability to pull through. 

Faster recovery

Surgery creates a deficit. During the recovery period, strength and range of motion are lost. Without prehab, the senior will come out of surgery with a long way to go to get “back to normal.” By building up strength ahead of time, however, the deficit created by surgery might find the individual just a few steps away from “normal.” 

Saves money

A faster recovery means a shorter hospital stay and less money spent on rehabilitation. One study found that patients who exercise prior to surgery are 73% less likely to be discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility following surgery. Prehab can help increase the likelihood of the senior being discharged directly to home.

Less pain

The targeted treatment of pre-surgical physical therapy creates strength and health in the treatment area and supports a faster recovery. The sooner the joint gets moving again, the less pain, swelling, and stiffness the senior will experience.  

Reduced atrophy

When the muscles aren’t used, they lose mass. Two weeks in bed can diminish the quadriceps by 20% in a healthy young person. The process happens even more quickly in older patients. Because prehab results in less pain and faster recovery after surgery, it allows seniors to get up and move those muscles sooner, potentially reducing the amount of muscle atrophy. 

Improves surgical outcomes

In most cases, pre-surgical preparedness improves more than just the functional capabilities of the muscles and joints. It also promotes and facilitates healthy behavior changes that often last through the postoperative period. Patients who follow through with their prehab physical therapy are more likely to follow through with their post-operative rehabilitation as well, improving the overall outcome of their treatment.

Whether you or your loved one is planning a joint-replacement or ligament repair surgery, Bella Vista physical therapists offer customized pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation programs designed to optimize strength, functionality, and independence.  

Physical therapy (Prehab) in Lemon Grove | Bella Vista Health Center

At Bella Vista, we offer short- and long-term physical therapy programs as well as essential services, social opportunities, and round-the-clock care from a compassionate staff committed to providing a nurturing environment for all residents. For more information or to schedule a tour, call us at (619) 644-1000.

Physiotherapy Vs Physical Therapy

When it comes to achieving optimal wellness, movement is key.  Physical exercise is a crucial component of maintaining both physical and mental health. When movement is difficult due to illness, injury, pain, or problems with coordination, balance, and flexibility, physical therapy can help diagnose and treat the underlying problem and get you moving again. But what exactly is physical therapy, and how does it differ from physiotherapy? Here’s what you need to know. 

Physical therapy vs physiotherapy

The terms “physical therapy” and “physiotherapy” are often used interchangeably, and for good reason—they are the same thing. You’ll hear one or the other used more frequently in certain parts of the world. In Canada, Europe, and Australia, physiotherapy is more commonly used, but in the United States, you’re more likely to hear it referred to as physical therapy.  Most people don’t make a distinction between the two, although some believe physiotherapy is more hands-on, while physical therapy is a more exercise-based treatment. The truth is that each involves a combination of both. Whether you call it physical therapy or physiotherapy, it is a movement-based treatment that helps optimize health and wellbeing. 

What is physical therapy / physiotherapy?

Physical therapy is a type of healthcare that aims to manage pain, prevent injury, maximize mobility, and improve fitness.  Licensed physical therapists are considered “movement experts,” because they are skilled and trained in the study human anatomy, the principles of exercise, physiology of exercise, kinesiology (scientific study of human body movement), and other topics that enable them to identify, diagnose, and treat problems with movement.  Physical therapy involves the use of therapeutic exercises and physical agents such as heat, ice, or electric stimulation. 

What are the goals of physical therapy / physiotherapy?

The specific goals of physical therapy vary from person to person, depending on the treatment plan, which is designed by the physical therapist after evaluating the needs of the individual. Some common goals include:

• Pain relief

Ice, heat, stretching, strengthening, and massage may all be part of a physical therapy treatment plan designed to relieve or eliminate pain. 

• Avoid surgery

Through strategic physical therapy, pain management techniques, and the improvement of movement problems, many patients are able to avoid the need for certain types of surgery.

• Recovery from surgery

Physical therapy is an important part of rehabilitation following joint replacement and other surgeries. It is used to help restore strength, mobility, and joint function. 

• Recovery from injury

Musculoskeletal injuries from sports or accidents benefit from physical therapy, not only for healing and recovery from the injury itself but also for prevention of further injury. 

• Stroke rehabilitation

Physical therapists use movement and physical interventions to help stroke survivors regain balance and restore strength, function, and coordination. 

• Pulmonary rehabilitation

Aerobic and anaerobic exercises to help build endurance and increase lung capacity are important parts of a physical therapy treatment plan for pulmonary rehabilitation. 

Each person’s treatment plan is created specifically for their individual needs. If you or someone you love is recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery that’s making movement difficult or painful, a customized physical therapy treatment plan can help get you on the road to recovery so you can keep doing the things you love. 

Physical therapy rehabilitation in San Diego at Bella Vista Health Center

At the Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we provide evidence-based, outcome-driven physical therapy programs in our 5-Star skilled nursing facility. Our highly experienced and exceptionally compassionate physical therapists provide each patient with customized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore function, and enhance health. Our rehab patients benefit from an individual, patient-centered approach that truly focuses on each person’s needs. For more information on our physical therapy rehab programs, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today. 

Can Arthritis Be Treated With Physical Therapy?

Arthritis is a painful condition that can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks or participate in pleasurable activities. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are things you can do to reduce your pain and improve your functioning. Physical therapy, in particular, can be used to treat arthritis, improving mobility, increasing strength, and maximizing quality of life.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. There are dozens of different types of arthritis, but the most common include:

• Osteoarthritis - wear and tear causes cartilage to thin and bones to rub together
  Rheumatoid arthritis - immune system attacks healthy joint tissue

Arthritis can affect the ankles, hips, hands, fingers, neck, knees, wrists, or any joint in the body. The pain associated with arthritis can be sudden, sharp, dull, intermittent, or chronic.

Arthritis treatment

There is no cure for arthritis, but there are several different options for treating the symptoms, depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the condition. Medications, acupuncture and massage, and surgery are often used to help manage pain, reduce inflammation and swelling, and maximize range of motion. Certain lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Regular exercise (low-impact)

• Healthy diet

• Meditation and relaxation techniques to manage stress

Although certain healthy lifestyle choices may feel impossible when you suffer from joint pain and stiffness, physical therapy can have a significant impact on your ability to manage your pain and maintain your fitness levels.

Arthritis physical therapy exercises

A physical therapy treatment plan is customized to the individual patient, and the exercises are designed to treat their specific symptoms. In general, whether your physical therapist gives you hip arthritis exercises or knee arthritis exercises, the goal is to improve mobility, increase strength and range of motion, and maintain fitness levels. Here’s how:

Range of motion exercises for arthritis

Simple exercises can improve mobility and flexibility in your joints. Knee arthritis exercises for range of motion may include sitting in a chair and straightening and bending one leg at a time. Shoulder range of motion exercise may include lifting and raising your arms. You’ll typically be instructed to move as far as you can until you feel a light stretch. Your physical therapist will help teach you the proper mechanics and postures.

Strength exercises for arthritis

Evidence shows that building strength in the muscles that help stabilize and support the affected joints can help to prevent or slow the process of arthritis. It’s important to perform the exercises slowly and only make gradual increases in order to keep the body in alignment and maintain healthy postures. Examples of knee arthritis exercises for strength include squats, leg presses, and leg curls. Your physical therapist will give you any necessary modifications to ensure that you stay safe.

Functional movement exercises

Physical therapists are skilled and trained in helping patients to manage pain and maximize functioning, and they do this in a number of ways. While strength and flexibility are important in managing symptoms of arthritis, a physical therapist can also train patients in the use of equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs and walkers. Physical therapists are equipped with the training and knowledge to help all patients maximize their mobility and maintain healthy fitness levels.

Physical therapy can be used in combination with any other arthritis treatment for maximum benefits and maximum quality of life.

Physical therapy for arthritis at Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, CA

At Bella Vista Health Center, our physical therapists are highly trained and experienced in the treatment of arthritis. If you or someone you love is in need of physical therapy for arthritis, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 to schedule a visit to our 5-Star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove. We’d love to show you around and introduce you to our dedicated team of physical therapists and other skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury

Most of us know that the spinal cord is part of the back. But did you know that it’s actually column of nerves?

Most of us think of the spinal cord as a set of bones, but the bones are the spinal column, which is a set of 33 vertebrae stacked on top of one another to provide support for your body and allow you to move without harming the column of nerves known as the spinal cord.

Unfortunately, despite the protection of all those bones, spinal cord injuries happen all the time. They range from mild to severe, and can even be fatal. Some causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Car accidents
• Sports injuries
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Cancer
• Congenital medical issues

Types of spinal cord injuries

Incomplete spinal cord injuries refer to the partial severing of the spinal cord. These account for nearly two thirds of all spinal cord injuries and result in the injured person retaining some function. Complete spinal cord injuries, on the other hand, refer to the complete severing of the spinal cord. 

spinal cord injury recovery is determined by the location and severity of the injury. The spinal cord has four distinct regions, each consisting of a different number of vertebrae.

The cervical spinal cord (neck) has 8 vertebrae. The thoracic spinal cord (mid back) has 12 vertebrae. The lumbar spinal cord (lower back) consists of 5 vertebrae.

And the sacral spine (connecting spine to the hip bones) contains 5 vertebrae fused together.  The coccyx, or tailbone, consists of a single vertebra.

Cervical spinal cord injuries are potentially the most severe. They can result in:

• Quadriplegia/tetriplegia
• Difficulty breathing
• Impaired ability to speak
• Inability to control bowel movements
• The need for 24-hour care and assistance with bathing, dressing, and eating

Thoracic spinal cord injuries affect the lower body, but even at their worst, they leave patients with the use of their arms, chest, and upper back.

Thoracic spinal cord injuries can result in:

• Paraplegia
• Inability to control bladder and bowel
• The need for mobility assistance

Lumbar spinal cord injuries

Lumbar spinal cord injuries affect the lower portion of the body and can impede hip bending, knee-straightening, and toe extension. They can result in:  

• Loss of function in the hips and legs
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• The need for mobility assistance

Sacral spinal cord injuries also affect the lower portion of the body, including the hips, groin, buttocks, and backs of thighs. They can result in:

• Loss of function in leg and hips
• Inability to control bowels and bladder

Rehabilitation treatments for spinal cord injuries

At present, there are no known ways to reverse spinal cord damage. But health care providers may use surgery, medication, steroids, and rehabilitative therapies to treat patients suffering from spinal cord injuries. In some cases, these treatments can even help patients regain lost functioning.  

Physical and occupational therapies can be particularly helpful in recovery from spinal cord damage. Physical therapy can help patients regain or maintain muscle strength, coordination, and mobility.

Occupational therapy can help patients learn to adapt with the use of assistive devices and environmental modifications.

For patients whose speech and communication have been impaired by a spinal cord injury, speech therapy can also provide a rehabilitative effect. Recreational therapies can help patients stay engaged with life and maintain a positive outlook and a high quality of life. 

Bella Vista offers rehabilitative therapies for spinal cord injuries

If you or someone you love is in need of rehabilitative therapies following a spinal cord injury, you’ve come to the right place.

At Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, our team includes compassionate medical professionals and health practitioners who are skilled and experienced in a range of therapeutic modalities.

All patients at Bella Vista receive a customized treatment plan designed to help them recover and return to their lives as quickly as possible.

For more information on our programs and services, call us at (619) 644-1000 or come see us in Lemon Grove today. 

6 Early Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system. The nervous system is so complex and involved in so much of what we do and how we feel. Disrupted nerve signals show up in many different ways, making multiple sclerosis both unpredictable and tricky to diagnose. Currently, there is no single test or symptom that definitively determines that a person has the disease.  Doctors must use a number of tests to rule out other possible conditions that cause similar symptoms and find evidence of damage in two separate areas of the brain, spinal cord, or optic nerve. Additionally, they have to find evidence that the two instances of damage happened at two separate times. 

In other words, it is not possible to test for MS at home. And because of the complexity of our nervous system and the countless neural pathways susceptible to damage, multiple sclerosis shows up in many different ways.  Below, we describe a small handful of the early signs of MS. This brief list of illustrates the complex affect that the disease can have on a person’s daily life.

6 Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

If you suffer from any combination of these symptoms, it’s important to discuss them with a doctor. 

1. Visual problems

For many people who suffer from multiple sclerosis, visual impairment is the first sign that something is not right. Inflammation or damage to the optic nerve may result in: blurred vision, uncontrolled eye movement, blindness in one eye, and double vision. 

2. Numbness and tingling

Facial numbness and tingling in the arms and legs are both common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It may be mild enough to tolerate or so severe that it impairs the use of the affected body part and impedes the activities of daily life. Extreme numbness can also increase the risk of burn injuries around fire and hot water, or bite injuries to the cheeks and tongue. 

3. Vertigo 

Damage to certain parts of the neural pathways can affect visual and spatial coordination, leading to vertigo. Vertigo in turn often results in lightheadedness, nausea and problems with balance.  

4. Bladder dysfunction

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 80% of people with MS have bladder problems due to the faulty transmission of nerve signals. Symptoms include frequent urination and incontinence. 

5. Cognitive issues

For some people, cognitive difficulties are one of the first signs of multiple sclerosis. These may include trouble with: concentration, memory, information processing, and visual perception.  

6. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in multiple sclerosis, and the cause varies from person to person. For some, it is the result of deterioration of nerves in the spinal column. Others may develop fatigue from insufficient sleep due to bladder dysfunction or nighttime muscle spasms. And sometimes, the fatigue is caused by the effort and exertion required to manage the range of MS symptoms. 

Rehabilitation Therapies for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Unfortunately, there is no cure for MS. There are, however, ways to slow disease progression, manage symptoms, optimize quality of life, and maintain independence. Multiple sclerosis treatment varies from patient to patient. 

Any comprehensive MS care plan will include rehabilitation strategies to promote wellness and help patients to live their best possible life. Every patient’s needs are different, but rehabilitative therapies a skilled nursing facility may offer patients with MS include: 

Physical therapy – PT exercises for mobility, balance, and strength will promote safety and optimal functioning. Physical therapy treatment for Multiple Sclerosis can also help prevent deconditioning of the muscles and address bladder issues.  

Occupational therapy – OTs help patients with MS learn to use assistive devices to maintain independence in the activities of daily living, and to evaluate and treat problems with thinking and memory. 

Speech therapy – When damage to the central nervous system affects speech and/or swallowing, speech therapists use voice training, oral exercises, breath control and other techniques to help patients communicate clearly and swallow safely. 

Looking for a skilled nursing facility for MS rehab therapy? Visit Bella Vista!

Bella Vista Health Center offers all a range of therapies and medical services for those who suffer from multiple sclerosis and other conditions. From the moment a patient walks into our 5-star skilled nursing facility, our team of medical specialists and health professionals begins to customize a care plan designed to maximize patient independence and a quick discharge. For more information on our rehabilitation programs and services, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or come see us in Lemon Grove today.   

Conditions Treated With Physical Therapy

For people who struggle with persistent pain or who have recently experienced an acute injury, such as a broken bone or a pulled muscle, physical therapy is often a primary method of treatment. Through evaluation, exercises, and education, physical therapists help patients restore their mobility and alleviate discomfort. However, physical therapy is also an extremely effective component of treatment regimens for a wide range of other chronic health conditions.

What do physical therapists treat?

Specialized physical therapy for chronic illnesses can help improve quality of life for patients struggling with the following:

• Arthritis

According to the CDC, over 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis, a painful disorder that causes significant inflammation and stiffness in the joints. About 43% of those with arthritis experience limited range of motion and restricted activity due to joint pain. Physical therapy exercises can help arthritis sufferers ease stiffness and reduce strain, while simultaneously learning how to modify their movements to avoid joint irritation.

• Alzheimer’s disease

Research has shown that physical therapy can benefit patients at every stage of Alzheimer’s disease in a variety of ways. In the early stages, physical therapists work to help patients maintain their existing functions, with the goal of staying independent for as long as possible. As the disease progresses, physical therapists can instruct caregivers on how to provide a safe environment for their loved ones, as well as how to manage their needs.

• Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes decreased bone density and bone weakness in over half of all Americans aged 50 and older. Weak bones break easily, sometimes from something as seemingly innocuous as a sneeze. Physical therapy treatments can help those who suffer from osteoporosis prevent fractures and improve bone health through resistance training, weight-bearing exercises, and balance practice.

• Heart & lung disease

Cardiopulmonary physical therapy can improve cardiac and respiratory function for people with conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or asthma. In conjunction with respiratory therapists and cardiologists, physical therapists can help to improve your breathing and increase your ability to be physically active, enhancing your quality of life and overall health.

• Cancer

Not only does cancer itself cause pain, swelling, and discomfort, but the treatments for it create their own set of debilitating side effects as well. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, or who’ve undergone cancer surgery, often struggle with weakness, numbness, and loss of mobility. A physical therapist can assist with wound care, massage, aerobic exercise, and strength training to help cancer patients stay active and comfortable both during and after their treatment.

• Lymphedema

The lymphatic system helps keep the body free of toxins by transporting excess fluid from body tissues to the bloodstream. When a blockage occurs in the lymphatic system, excess fluid builds up in the extremities in a condition known as lymphedema. Characterized by extreme swelling in arms, legs, hands, and feet, the condition cannot always be avoided. But physical therapists can fit you with compression garments to help reduce swelling, as well as prescribe moderate exercise and healthy dietary guidelines to increase physical fitness and reduce the risk of an infection.

Bella Vista offers physical therapy in San Diego

If you’re struggling with pain or discomfort from a chronic illness, Bella Vista Health Center may be able to help. We have some of the best physical therapy San Diego can provide, with in-house physical therapists who customize programs to fit the specific needs of each individual patient. Whether you’re seeking short-term care or a long-term solution, we offer an attentive and supportive environment for your recovery.

Our ultimate goal is to help you live comfortably and independently. Call us at (619) 644-1000 to find out how our physical therapy team can improve your quality of life.

Why Physical Therapy is Beneficial After a Fall

If you’ve ever sat in the park and watched your grandchildren play, you’ve probably noticed how resilient they are. They fall and then get back up on their feet immediately. Unfortunately, as we advance in age, we lose some of that resilience. Even a minor fall can have dire consequences that significantly impact our health and our quality of life. But if you do fall, all is not lost. Although you may not bounce back up immediately after you take a tumble, physical therapy can help you heal and resume a healthy, active lifestyle.  Take a look below at some of the ways physical therapy is beneficial after a fall. 

Physical therapy helps increase mobility

After a fall, exercise may be the last thing anyone wants to do. But in many cases, movement is precisely what’s needed in order to keep joints nimble and avoid re-injury. Physical therapy after a fall helps to decrease stiffness in the joints and muscles, leading to increased mobility and range of motion.

Physical therapy can help reduce pain after a fall

After taking a tumble, pain can cause a person to stiffen up, leading to even more pain and discomfort. One of the first goals of physical therapy is to reduce pain and swelling. Sometimes this may mean massage, hot or cold therapy, or gentle slow movements that help loosen tight joints and increase flexibility. A skilled and experienced physical therapist will be able to create a treatment plan that relieves pain and restores optimal function after a fall. 

Physical therapy can help heal and restore function after a fall

For seniors, is not uncommon for a bad fall to result in hip fracture. Even after the fracture is fixed with surgery, many people lose a significant amount of the daily functioning required for independent living, such as standing up from a chair, climbing stairs, or getting dressed. Physical therapy can make all the difference, and the sooner it begins after the fall, the sooner the patient can heal and return to a healthy, independent life. 

Physical therapy aids in fall prevention

Statistics say that 87% of seniors who fall will do so again within 6 months. Physical therapy is an important part of fall recovery, and a physical therapist can create a specialized treatment plan that includes exercises specifically designed to aid in fall prevention. These may include exercises to improve balance, build strength, and enhance coordination, all of which can help reduce the risk of another fall. 

Physical therapy can minimize fear after a fall

Falling is scary, and fear of falling again can make it difficult to resume an active lifestyle. A physical therapist provides critical support during the healing process, allowing the patient to work through their fear while still taking the actions that aid them in recovery. Anyone who has taken a bad fall can benefit from the compassionate support of a qualified professional while they face their fears and gather the courage to get back up on their feet. 

Bella Vista Health Center offers physical therapy in San Diego

At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer physical therapy programs designed to relieve pain, promote recovery from injury, and help patients to achieve optimal health.  Our compassionate and highly qualified physical therapists are dedicated to helping each patient return to independent living as quickly as possible. For more information on our programs and services, please give us a call at 619-644-1000 or come visit us in Lemon Grove today. 
 

10 Stroke Rehabilitation Exercises

Exercise is a key component of stroke rehabilitation.  Not only does exercise help to keep a person fit and healthy, thereby reducing the risk of a second stroke, but it also aids in stroke recovery. Stroke rehabilitation exercises strengthen the signals between the brain and the body, resulting in restoration of function and coordination.  

It’s crucial to begin exercising early in the rehabilitation process in order have the best chance of repairing damage, regaining movement, and reinforcing the brain-body connection.  But because each person is affected differently by stroke, it’s important to work with stroke rehabilitation specialists who can determine which stroke rehab techniques will best meet your particular needs. To get an idea of some simple techniques that stroke rehabilitation specialists might use to help improve balance, coordination, and strength during post-stroke recovery, take a look below.  

10 Exercises for stroke rehabilitation

• #1. Hip adduction/abduction - Lie on your back with your legs straight and flat on the ground. Slide one leg out to the side and then bring it back to center. 
• #2. Knee extension – Sit in a chair with both legs bent and both feet on the ground. Slowly lift one foot until the leg is straight and then bring it back down slowly. This can be done standing as well, though be sure to hold onto a table or other surface so you can remain balanced while you slowly bend and kick one leg out. 
• #3. Ankle rotation – Sit in a chair with both feet on the ground. Lift one foot off the floor just high enough to rotate the foot in a circle. Be sure to rotate in both directions. 
• #4. Elbow stretch – Sit or stand with your arms at your sides. Slowly lift both forearms arms to bend your elbows and then slowly straighten them again. 
• #5. Wrist rotation – Sit or stand. Lift one arm and rotate the hand slowly a circle.  Then rotate it in the other direction. 
• #6. Shoulder stabilizer – Lie on your back with your arms at your sides. Raise one arm up to shoulder level so that your hand is pointing to the ceiling. Now lift your shoulder blade off the floor by reaching your hand to the ceiling. Hold and repeat. 
• #7. Weight shift and balance control – Start on your hands and knees with your weight distributed evenly.  Rock slowly and shift your weight back toward your right leg, then forward to your left hand, over to your right hand, and back toward your left leg. 
• #8. Hip and knee control – Lie down on your back with your knees bent and pointed to the ceiling. Slowly slide one heel away from your buttocks until the leg straightens. Then slowly slide the heel back toward the buttocks.  The heel should remain in contact with the ground throughout the exercise. 
• #9. Hip and pelvis strengthener – Stand facing a table or countertop with both feet flat on the ground. Hold onto the table while you shift your weight to one side, keeping your knee straight.  Lift the opposite leg to the side while keeping a straight knee and maintaining a straight forward-facing posture. Slowly return to starting position, and then repeat on the other side. 
• #10. Lower leg strength and coordination – Lie down on your side with bent knees stacked on top of each other. While keeping your feet together, lift the upper knee slowly. Hold for a couple of beats and the slowly lower it again. 

It’s important to note that the above exercises are meant as general examples only, not as a prescription for someone who has suffered from a stroke.  Please contact an educated professional who has been trained in stroke rehab techniques for a customized post-stroke treatment plan. 

Inpatient stroke rehabilitation in San Diego 

At Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, our inpatient stroke rehabilitation specialists employ a combination of passive and active exercises, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other proven therapies and techniques to help support each patient’s unique post-stroke recovery. If you are looking for a skilled nursing facility where you or a loved one can recover in a safe nurturing environment under the care of specialists trained in stroke recovery techniques, please call or drop by and see us in Lemon Grove today.  

How to Recover From a Back Injury

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Remember when you were a child and could twist and turn and reach and pull and lift without giving it a second thought? Well, if you’re like most of us, then those days are long gone, and every twist and reach seems to result in a tweak or strain of the back. While some back injuries happen as the result of an accident or a sudden jolt, many of them come from everyday activities such as gardening or unloading the dishwasher. Sprains and strains, herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae are common back injuries that cause pain and limit your mobility. If you’ve suffered a back injury, or have recently had back surgery, here a few things you can do to help yourself recover: 

Take it easy

Sleep and rest are crucial when it comes to healing any type of injury.  Sleep slows your breathing, drops your blood pressure, and relaxes your muscles, allowing the blood flow to repair tissues and accelerate the healing process. Limiting your activities while you recover also decreases your risk of reinjury. If the lower activity level makes it more difficult to sleep, it may be a good idea to cut back on caffeine and other stimulants.  

Eat nutritiously

The food you eat can have a significant impact on your recovery from a back injury. Feeding your body high-quality nutrients will help promote its healing process. Foods rich in protein, vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids will go a long way toward helping to reduce inflammation, repair injured tissue, and fight off infection. A nutritious diet can even help decrease your pain. 

Seek alternative therapies for pain management

Speaking of pain…there is often a good deal of pain involved with a back injury. And though it may be tempting to medicate yourself with narcotics and muscle relaxants, if you’re not careful, these strong medications can lead to addiction and depression. Not only that, but they may also create additional side effects such as constipation, nausea, and muscle weakness. Alternative therapies like massage therapy, acupuncture, and heat/cold therapy may be able to help you manage your pain without the uncomfortable side effects. Ask your doctor for recommendations. 

Work with a physical therapist

Time, nutrition, and rest all promote healing from a back injury, but exercise is also an important part of rehabilitation. Doing the right exercise in the right way is key, however, as taking on too much too fast or exercising with poor form can increase the likelihood of re-injury.  Physical therapists are trained professionals who can provide you with safe, effective exercises that will help you regain your strength, balance, and mobility and get back to optimal health.

Do your homework

The back therapy treatment plan your physical therapist creates for you will likely include exercises to do at home.  Doing these exercises as your practitioner instructs will help accelerate your healing and give you a sense of empowerment by taking an active role in your own recovery. 

Try short-term rehab

If you’ve undergone back surgery or had an extensive back injury, a short-term rehabilitation facility may be a great option to get the extra care and recovery time you need to recuperate. A top-notch skilled nursing facility in particular will be staffed with medical professionals who will provide you with quality services and amenities such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritious meals, and a nurturing environment—all designed to support you back to health and independence. 

Recovering from a back injury? Our short-term rehab facility can help. 

At Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, we’re committed to providing the short-term residents in our care with a comfortable and therapeutic environment that allows them to heal and recover from injury and illness. Our dedicated and compassionate practitioners work to help each patient achieve optimal health so they can get back to the pleasures of independent living. Feel free to give us a call at (619) 644-1000. Come visit our 5-star facility in Lemon Grove today!