How Can Dementia Patients Reduce Stress?

Stress and anxiety are challenging for everyone, but living with dementia exacerbates the stress, which adds to the confusion associated with dementia, and in turn, increases the stress level even more. If you are living with dementia and find yourself agitated, lashing out, or shutting down, it could be the result of stress. The good news is that there are some simple ways to reduce stress, improve your mood, and maximize your quality of life. Take a look at these 7 ways people with dementia can reduce stress. 

1. Identify stress triggers 

Once you’ve acknowledged the signs and symptoms of stress, you can begin to identify what causes it. The stress triggers are different for everyone. They could be the 24-hour news cycle, loud restaurants, hunger, or even a specific person in your life. It may take some time to identify the exact triggers of your stress, but once you do, you can take steps to avoid them and thereby decrease your stress level. 

2. Create a soothing station

Stress is a part of everyday life. Even when you make steps to avoid major stressors, it’s likely that some stress will crop up from time to time. Whether it’s news, traffic, technology or family conflicts that trigger you, it’s important to have strategies for managing the stress. A soothing station is a place you can go in your home to soothe yourself. It can be a special corner of your bedroom where you can sit in your favorite chair, sip tea, and do crossword puzzles, or a whole room dedicated to painting, as long as it’s a place that’s just for you and that helps you feel relaxed and calm.

3. Daily structure and routine

For people with dementia, daily structure goes a long way toward reducing stress and anxiety.  If you eat your meals at regular intervals and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, you can ensure that you’re getting sufficient food and sleep, both of which will help keep your stress hormones at a healthy level. The routine will also help provide you with a sense of  familiarity, control, and independence on a daily basis. Writing down your routine will help you as well as any family members or caregivers who may want to step in and give you a hand.  

4. Healthy diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for brain function and mental wellness.  Eating a well-balanced nutritious diet helps the body work efficiently, provides energy and stamina, and may even slow the rate of cognitive decline. Additionally, eating too little or eating a diet high in sugar can raise your cortisol levels, which increases stress. 

5. Physical activity

Exercise is one of the best stress reduction strategies there are. It helps to reduce stress hormones and elevate feel-good hormones, resulting in an overall feeling of energy and wellness. Exercise has been proven to help stabilize mood, improve sleep, self-esteem, and enhance cognitive function. It provides the added bonus of helping you sleep better. An exercise program adopted in the early stages of dementia is more likely to be maintained as the condition progresses. Making it part of your regular routine can also help ensure that exercise continues for years to come. 

6. Music

The right music can be soothing, relaxing, and de-stressing, but you don’t want to have to go searching for it when you’re feeling stressed.  Whether you listen to your music digitally, on a record player, or on a favorite radio station, you can create a playlist, set aside a special stack of records, or program a station ahead of time so your music is there when you feel agitated or out-of-sorts. If you have a special “De-stressor Strategies” list attached to your refrigerator to remind you of the playlist, radio station, or selection of records, you’ll know just where to look when you need some music to help you relax. 

7. Simple household tasks

Sometimes, just folding the laundry is the perfect way to give your brain a break from everyday stressors. Folding laundry and other simple household chores like sweeping the floor or dusting the shelves can help to focus your attention without asking your brain to do anything complex. Easy chores can be quite meditative, allowing you some time to de-stress and wind down. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with dementia, you may benefit from dementia occupational therapy at Bella Vista Health Center. 

Occupational therapy for dementia in San Diego | Bella Vista 

The goals of the Occupational Therapy program for dementia at our 5-star skilled nursing facility at Bella Vista is to address the challenges that interfere with a patient’s ability to perform the tasks of daily living and to create a treatment plan designed to help overcome them. When working with dementia patients, our occupational therapists provide exercises aimed at improving function, supporting healthy habits and routines, maintaining strength, and enriching the life of the individual. The tools our therapists provide also include stress-reduction strategies, so you or your loved one can return to a safe, calm, and comfortable independent life as quickly as possible. 

7 Important Caregiver Tips During COVID-19

In the past year, many people have resumed their social lives, started traveling again, and hosted large celebratory gatherings, but for those in frequent contact with seniors, it remains crucial to take precautions in order to help keep their loved ones safe and healthy. Omicron and all the other coronavirus variants that cause COVID-19 are particularly dangerous to older people. If you’re caring for a senior, take a look below at these 7 important caregiver tips during COVID-19.  

1. Prioritize your health 

It’s important to practice healthy habits to prevent picking up the virus and passing it on to your loved one. These habits include washing your hands frequently, avoiding large gatherings, wearing your mask in public places, and keeping the surfaces of your home and car disinfected. 

2. Practice social distancing 

Even when taking all of the above precautions to keep yourself healthy, it’s still best to maintain a healthy social distance when in the company of your loved one. Whether you’re in their home to help clean or just stopping by to drop off groceries, try to stay 6 feet away. 

3. Wear your mask 

We all miss seeing the faces of our friends and family members, but our masks are helping to keep us safe. When visiting your loved one, or driving them to doctor’s appointments, your mask adds another layer of precaution that helps to ensure their health and safety. If your senior has a large enough yard where you can maintain a 6-foot distance from one another, you can use your own discretion about wearing a mask in those circumstances.

4. Supply everything needed to prepare nutritious meals

It’s important to ensure that your loved one has everything they need to prepare healthy meals. Although some stores do offer special hours for health compromised individuals, they’re not always convenient. Get fresh groceries and drop them off regularly or do the cooking yourself. Maybe rotate with other family members. If your loved one likes to cook, you can order a meal kit delivery box, which comes with all the ingredients needed for delicious meals. Prepared meal delivery service is another option. 

5. Keep the toiletries stocked

Ask your loved one what toiletries they use on a daily basis. Then make a list, and go shopping. Toilet paper, soap, lotion, q-tips, toothpaste, paper towels, laundry soap, etc. Purchase enough that they can replenish from their own supply at least once if they run out. Keep the list and restock regularly.

6. Check in often

Social isolation during the pandemic has led to emotional and mental issues all over the world. Even if your loved one is active and independent, the stresses of a global pandemic with no end in sight can sneak up on them and result in depression or other mental health problems. Checking in often can help you notice subtle changes before they become bigger issues. Ask neighbors and other family members to check in as well. 

7. Provide technology support

During stay-at-home orders, technology has helped us carry on with our work, our friendships, and our fitness routines.  But for a lot of elderly people, computers are a new language, and email is about as far as they’ve gotten in learning that language. If you can take the time to help your senior with FaceTime or Zoom or any other platform that allows them face-to-face contact with their friends and family, it can help them to see more smiles and feel more connected. 

5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego | Bella Vista Health Center

If your favorite senior is in need of rehabilitation following a joint-replacement surgery, stroke, injury or illness, Bella Vista is here to help. Our team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and support staff is committed to the overall health and wellbeing of every resident. We are a COVID-free facility, and we offer physical, speech, occupational, and respiratory therapy up to 7 days a week. We have a registered dietitian on staff 7 days a week who prepares nutritious meals to accommodate allergies, medical conditions, dietary preferences, and religious needs. We also offer a variety of social and creative activities to help keep your loved one connected, healthy, and happy. For more information on our services or COVID protocols, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today. 

These 10 Signs May Indicate Mental Illness in the Elderly

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20% of adults over the age of 50 experience issues with their mental health. The most common concerns include anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, and severe cognitive impairment. Mental health issues not only cause mental and emotional suffering, but they can also make it difficult to manage physical health conditions. Effective treatment is available for mental health disorders, and it can improve the symptoms as well as the person’s overall health and quality of life.

Unfortunately, mental illness is underdiagnosed in seniors, and many mental health problems go untreated. What’s more, mental illness increases the risk of suicide, which older adults are already vulnerable to. You may be surprised to hear that although seniors account for 12% of the population, they make up 18% of suicides.

It’s important for all of us to know how to spot signs of mental illness in the elderly so we can help them get the support they need to relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Take a look at the following 10 signs that may point to mental health problems in seniors.

1. Social isolation

Withdrawal from social activities may be a sign of depression or other mental health issues.

2. Appetite changes

Increased or decreased appetite or sudden weight loss or gain may point to an underlying mental health problem.

3. Confusion or disorientation

Although most people assume confusion or disorientation in the elderly is a sign of dementia, it can also be a sign of major depression or psychosis.

4. Unexplained physical symptoms

Muscle tension and pain, sweating and shaking, digestive upsets, and changes in bowel habits could be physical manifestations of mental health problems.

5. Depressed mood that lasts longer than 2 weeks

Sadness, low mood, lethargy, or other depressive symptoms that last 2 weeks or more could point to a serious mood disorder.

6. Changes in personal hygiene

People with mental health issues sometimes lose the energy to bathe, change their clothes or brush their teeth. Others may suddenly become obsessive about staying clean, and may tend to these personal hygiene tasks excessively.

7. Loss of interest in activities

When a person begins to lose interest in activities they once found pleasurable, it may be a sign of depression or other mental health issues.

8. Substance misuse

Often, people with mental health problems increase their consumption of alcohol or other substances, including unhealthy foods, in order to cope with their symptoms.

9. Sleep changes

Sudden sleep changes, such as excessive sleeping or difficulty sleeping, may be a sign of a mental health disorder.

10. Feelings of despair, worthlessness, or inappropriate guilt

Depression and other mood disorders often lead to feelings of despair, worthlessness, sorrow, emptiness, or inappropriate guilt.

Many people mistakenly believe that depression is a normal part of aging. Although it’s not true, older adults are susceptible to depression and other mental health disorders for a number of reasons, including: the grief and loss of loved ones, chronic health conditions, or limited functioning that often accompany aging. The right diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make all the difference in a senior’s life. If you or someone you love is showing signs of mental health problems, contact a mental health provider and ask for help today.

We’re committed to the mental and physical health of our patients

At Bella Vista Health Center, we take mental health seriously. Our team is committed to the overall wellbeing of everyone who comes through our doors. If you’re looking for a 5-Star skilled nursing facility that provides exceptional rehabilitative care in a compassionate environment, we’re here for you. Give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today.

6 Brain Exercises to Help Keep You Mentally Sharp

When you think of brain exercise, do you think of hard work and intense concentration or do you think of creative play? While there are plenty of intense ways to exercise your brain, there are also countless fun, sociable, meditative, and pleasant activities that can help keep you mentally sharp. Take a look below at the following 6 brain exercises that you’re likely to enjoy so much you forget they’re exercises at all. 

1. The Alphabet Game

Choose a theme, such as dog breeds, vegetables, or songs. Name one that begins with the letter A, then move on to the letter B, then C, and so on.  This can be done alone or alternating with another player. This game improves not only memory capacity but also other brain functions such as attention and concentration. 

2. Spot it!

Each of the 55 cards in this round deck contains 8 images of varying size and color.  Every card has at least one match to every other card.  All variations of the games played with this deck involve quickly searching for matching images before any of your opponents get to them first. Spot It! improves processing speed, reaction time, and visual recognition skills. It is best played in groups of three or more. 

3. Crossword puzzles

Crossword puzzles improve memory, focus, and executive functioning. They also help delay the onset of dementia by 2.5 years or more and slow the build-up of amyloid plaque, which causes Alzheimer’s symptoms. When your crosswords puzzles become too easy, they don’t help the brain as much, but increasing the difficulty level will help provide the needed boost your brain needs to stay sharp. 

4. Word search puzzles

Although they seem simple, word search puzzles provide a great brain exercise. The player holds in their mind the individual word’s length and spelling while also searching for the letter clues that lead to its hidden location in the puzzle. Word search puzzles help sharpen reasoning skills, retain and enhance cognitive skills, hone visual and spatial acuity, and help delay the onset of neurological disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. They also help to boost dopamine, the feel-good hormone. As with crossword puzzles, it’s important to level up when the word searches become easy in order to receive the maximum brain boosting benefits. 

5. Jigsaw puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a fun way to unwind and let go of the day’s stresses. As meditative as they are, however, they are also a wonderful exercise for the brain. Jigsaw puzzles engage both the logical and the creative sides of the brain. They improve problem-solving skills, attention span, visual-spatial reasoning, mental speed, and short-term memory. Jigsaw puzzles allow for quiet contemplation when done alone or social connection when done collaboratively with others. 

6. The Suitcase Game

Another fun game done with a group of people, the Suitcase Game begins with one person naming an item they’re going to pack in their suitcase for a fantasy vacation. For example, “I’m going to pack socks.” The next person repeats what the first person said and then adds their own item. “I’m going to pack socks and a swimsuit.” The next person and the next repeat what’s been said before and then add their own items.  The Suitcase Game is a great game that involves active listening, short-term memory retention, and quick creative decision-making. It’s also a great way to connect socially with others. 

Dementia Care at Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, CA

If you or someone you love is showing signs of dementia, they may benefit from a stay in our dementia care center, where occupational therapists help address the challenges that interfere with a patient’s ability to perform daily tasks and provide a treatment plan to overcome them. They’ll provide exercises and adaptive equipment aimed at maximizing functional independence and quality of life. Our goal is to provide patients with a safe, nurturing environment and customized rehabilitation programs that help patients return to independent living as soon as possible. For more information on our 5-Star skilled nursing facility and the rehabilitative services we offer, please give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today. 

What Are The Signs Of Needing A Hip Replacement?

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone loss can all result in hip pain that won’t go away. Chronic hip pain makes it difficult to move around and enjoy the activities of daily life. If you’ve tried a number of different pain reduction strategies and therapies but still haven’t found sufficient relief, your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery. A hip replacement can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life, but how do you know if you need one? These 5 signs may indicate that you need a hip replacement:

1. Chronic hip pain

Recurrent hip pain or constant hip pain that’s severe enough to require medication and interfere with your ability to walk, sleep, or stand or sit comfortably may be a sign of joint damage that can only be resolved with a hip replacement. 

2. Difficulty with routine tasks

If hip pain or a limited range of motion is making it difficult to perform routine activities such as standing up from a chair, tying your shoes, or other activities that require bending, walking or lifting your leg, you may need a hip replacement to eliminate the pain and stiffness and restore hip function. 

3. You’ve tried everything else

Before recommending hip replacement surgery, most doctors will refer you to less invasive treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and steroid injections.  In many cases, these interventions help minimize pain, but when they no longer work to provide relief, surgery may be indicated. 

4. Hip pain is affecting your mood

Living with constant pain is stressful and can take a toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Maintaining high levels of stress hormones can cause a whole host of additional problems, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, decreased appetite, and mood changes, ultimately leading to anxiety and depression. If persistent hip pain is affecting your mood, self-esteem, or enjoyment of life, hip replacement surgery may bring welcome relief.  

5. Unwanted side effects from pain medication

Some people are able to control their hip pain with medications, but when those medications come with unwanted side effects, it puts the individual in the difficult position of choosing between the two. If your hip pain medications are causing you digestive problems, headaches, drowsiness, loss of appetite or other uncomfortable side effects, hip replacement surgery may be a better solution.

Hip replacement surgery can provide wonderful and much-needed relief from hip pain. But it does require significant recovery time. Not everyone is ready to return home after they’ve been discharged from the hospital following hip replacement surgery. If you live alone or for any other reason need daily assistance after hip replacement, Bella Vista is here for you. 

Looking for hip replacement rehab? Visit Bella Vista today

At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer inpatient rehabilitation in our 5-star skilled nursing facility, providing a safe transition between hospital and home. Every patient receives a customized rehab therapy plan designed to help them recover quickly and return to all their favorite activities as soon as possible. For more information on hip replacement rehab, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today. 

What Not To Do After Knee Replacement

A knee replacement can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life.  But even if you’ve chosen a top-notch surgeon for your procedure, a successful outcome requires your active participation as well. In the days immediately following the surgery, the pain serves as a reminder to take it easy, but when the pain subsides, it’s easy to forget you’re still healing. Even when you’re feeling better, there are some things you’ll need to remember not to do after knee replacement surgery. 

What not to do after knee replacement

Recovery from knee replacement is a gradual process. A full recovery can take 6 months to a year or more. In addition to the skin and deeper soft tissues that are cut during surgery, bone and cartilage tissue are cut as well. The healing process takes time, and it’s important not to rush back into intense activity. Although it may seem contradictory, it’s equally as important to start rehabilitation immediately after surgery. Your doctor and physical therapist will give you a list of postoperative do’s and don'ts to help facilitate recovery and avoid injury, and it’s important to follow them closely. In the meantime, here's an idea of the things you’ll want to avoid after knee replacement surgery. 

Don’t skip your exercises

Physical therapists are trained in guiding patients safely through the recovery process. Following the knee replacement rehab exercises provided by your therapist will can help keep you moving enough to promote healing, but not so much that you risk injury. 

Don’t discard your assistive device too early

If you’re given a walker, crutch, brace, or other assistive device, it’s important to use it as instructed by your doctor until you’re cleared to let it go. Discarding it too early can increase the risk of reinjury of the operated leg as well as compensation injuries in other parts of your body. 

Don’t sit on soft or low chairs 

Low chairs, soft couches, stools, rocking chairs, and low car seats all require that you put significant stress on your legs when getting up. In the first few months after knee replacement surgery, try to use only upright straight-back chairs and use your walker or cane to hold some of your weight when standing up.  Placing a pillow on chairs or in car seats can help make it easier to stand up when you’re ready. 

Don’t lift heavy objects

Heavy lifting puts pressure on your joints. It’s best to avoid lifting anything heavier than a coffee cup for several weeks after surgery. If you like to lift weights at the gym, your physical therapist will let you know when it’s safe to do, and can help you find alternatives in the meantime. 

Don’t wear flip flops

Flip flops and other unsteady footwear can cause you to slip, twist, or pivot your leg in ways that your newly operated knee cannot handle. In order to decrease your risk of injury, wear sturdy footwear with good grip. Be sure to wear grip socks indoors as well. 

Don’t run or jog 

Running and jogging place repeated stress on the knee, and are best avoided after knee replacement. If you are serious about a return to running after knee replacement, you’ll need months of intense fitness training to get your muscles strong enough to protect your knee. A physical therapist can help with this, but this kind of rehabilitation goes far beyond what’s typically expected for knee replacement recovery. 

Don’t downhill ski 

Similar to running, downhill skiing can be very hard on the knees, particularly if you’re new at the sport.  Even experienced skiers will need to wait at least three months before hitting the slopes after knee replacement, and during that time, a strong emphasis will need to be placed on rehabilitation. A return to skiing should be gradual and only in ideal, powdery conditions. 

Don’t participate in high impact sports

High intensity, high impact sports such as hockey, soccer, football, handball, basketball, and tennis put stress on the knees and increase the risk of injury. It’s best to stick with low-impact sports that minimize pressure on your new knee, including swimming, cycling, golfing, kayaking, or scuba diving. 

Don’t hike on uneven trails

While hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise, uneven terrain can cause you to trip, twist, pivot, or fall, injuring your operated leg. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring your assistive device, and stick to flat trails without too much incline until your physical therapist clears you for more intense hiking conditions.  

Don’t forget to eat healthy and get plenty of rest

All your bodily systems work together to help you heal. A healthy diet and sufficient sleep will go a long way toward promoting healing after knee replacement surgery.  The more you prioritize your overall health, the sooner you’ll recover and get back to doing the things you love. 

Looking for knee replacement rehab? Visit Bella Vista today

Not everyone is ready to return home after they’ve been discharged from the hospital following knee replacement surgery.  At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer inpatient rehabilitation in our 5-star skilled nursing facility, providing a safe transition between hospital and home. Every knee replacement patient receives a customized rehabilitation therapy plan designed to help them recover quickly and return to all their favorite activities as soon as possible.

Give us a call at (619) 644-1000 to schedule a tour today. 

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. 

The Difference Between Arthroplasty & Joint Replacement

When chronic knee pain, hip pain, or other joint pain interferes with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, and non-surgical methods no longer work to relieve the pain, surgery may be the best option.  Not everyone wants to hear that they need surgery, but it may help to know that joint replacement is one of the most advanced and successful surgeries in modern medicine. Whether you’re in need of a hip replacement, knee replacement, or other joint replacement, the procedure can provide life-changing pain relief, restore your joint function, and significantly improve your quality of life. If you’ve heard the same thing about arthroplasty and you’re curious about how the two procedures compare, you may be surprised by what you learn.  

What is the difference between arthroplasty and joint replacement?

Short answer: Nothing at all.  The terms “arthroplasty” and “joint replacement” are two ways of referring to the same procedure in which part or all of a damaged joint is removed and replaced with artificial components.  Hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty are the most common, but the procedure can be done on most joints in the body, including elbows, wrists, and ankles.  Arthroplasty is used to treat joint damage from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, disease, and traumatic injury. Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended only after physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief and restore mobility. Recovering from arthroplasty is a lengthy process, but a commitment to a post-op rehabilitation program can help ensure a full recovery in the shortest time possible. 

What is joint replacement rehab?

Whether you call it arthroplasty or joint replacement, the particulars of your postoperative rehab will, of course, depend on the type of joint replacement you’ve had.  In general, rehab after arthroplasty involves physical therapy and sometimes occupational therapy as well. The goals of arthroplasty rehabilitation include:

• Pain management

• Safety and injury prevention

• Scar-tissue management

• Optimization of:

  • Range of motion

  • Muscle strength

  • Flexibility

  • Joint function

A strong arthroplasty rehab program involves a treatment plan created by a team of medical providers committed to helping you achieve a successful recovery and regain your independence as quickly as possible. Rehab programs can be inpatient or outpatient. Patients who have been discharged from the hospital following a joint replacement but who are not ready to return home to independent living can recuperate in a short- or long-term rehab facility. 

What to look for in a rehab facility

Bella Vista Health Center and other 5-Star skilled nursing facilities provide patients with a comfortable, nurturing environment as well as the care and therapies they need to recover. If you or a loved one is planning to undergo joint replacement surgery and think you could benefit from additional care after hospital discharge, here are some things to look for in a rehab facility:

• Therapists who specialize in joint replacement rehab

• Treatment plans developed by a team of medical professionals 

• A high staff-to-patient ratio

• Frequent one-on-one therapy sessions

• Nutritious, culturally diverse meals

• Coordination with family members when necessary

• Supplemental services and amenities

When you’re recovering from arthroplasty, Bella Vista’s total joint rehab program will provide you with everything you need in our 5-Star skilled nursing facility so you can focus on healing, optimizing joint function, and getting back to doing the things you love.

Seek joint replacement rehab in San Diego at 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. If you or someone you love is in need of rehabilitation after arthroplasty, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 to schedule a tour today

Can Too Much Exercise Cause Joint Pain?

“No pain no gain,” is a common saying many people use to motivate themselves in the gym or on the field.  And while it’s true that pushing physical boundaries is a part of the process of building strength and endurance, overdoing it causes damage to our bodies. High impact exercise in particular can damage the cartilage in the knee joints and increase the risk of developing arthritis. To complicate matters slightly, it is also true that exercise can help minimize or alleviate joint pain. The key to exercise and healthy joints lies in what you do and how you do it. Read on for more information about exercise and joint pain.   

Exercise and joint pain

If your joints hurt during exercise, it’s important to ease up on the intensity or focus your exercise on a different part of the body for a couple of days. Some stiffness may be expected before your joints and muscles get warmed up, but if the pain does not subside after a few minutes of warming up, do not try to push through it, as you could risk serious damage to your cartilage and potential problems with osteoarthritis in the future. 

Most people think joint pain automatically signals arthritis, but joint pain can be caused by a number of different factors, including: 

• Arthritis - Inflammation of the joints

• Injury - to the joint or the muscles around the joint

• Tendonitis - inflammation of the tendons (tissues that connect the bones and joints) 

• Excess weight - puts stress and strain on the joints

• Intense, high-impact exercises - can damage cartilage

• Repetitive movements at work - overuse can wear away cartilage

• Aging - cartilage becomes thinner and fluid in joints decreases, increasing the risk of painful bone-on-bone friction

• Inactivity - promotes weight gain and weakens muscles that protect the joint

Joint pain during exercise is a sign that something is wrong. Your doctor can help determine the cause and guide you toward a solution. It may be recommended that you work with a physical therapist who can help design a quality workout that’s good for your joints. Your current exercise program may need to be modified to decrease the intensity and impact or strengthen the muscles around the joint in order to protect your joints from additional pain. 

It’s important not to give up on exercise altogether or even postpone it indefinitely because exercise is an important factor in maintaining healthy joints.  Research shows that regular exercise helps decrease the inflammation associated with joint pain. It can also help reduce the stress of having excess weight on your joints. Physical therapists are a wonderful resource for creating exercise programs designed for minimum joint pain and maximum joint health.  

Best exercises for joint pain

The best exercises for joint pain are determined by the cause of your joint pain and other factors including the strength of the muscles around your joint. Your doctor and physical therapist will work together to create a customized exercise prescription just for you. But in general, low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, strength training, cycling, yoga, and pilates can help keep your joints lubricated.  While high-impact exercises typically aren’t recommended for people with joint pain, one study found that selective and strategically implemented high-impact exercises actually increased knee cartilage quality in participants.  This further emphasizes the importance of working closely with a physical therapist who can help develop a safe and effective customized exercise program designed to keep you fit and your joints healthy. 

Physical therapy for joint pain at Bella Vista Health Center

Whether you have joint pain from injury, arthritis, or surgery, physical therapy can help provide you with relief as well as protection from further injury or joint damage. At Bella Vista Health Center, our physical therapists work closely with doctors and other members of the treatment team to create customized treatment plans designed to help patients regain their strength, optimize their joint health, and improve their quality of life. If joint pain is keeping you from participating in the activities you love, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or come visit our 5-Star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove today.  

What Is The Best Exercise For Joint Health?

Our joints play an important role in our mobility, flexibility, and our quality of life. Exercise is crucial for keeping our joints healthy, but unfortunately, most of us don’t pay much attention to our joints until they begin to wear down, cause pain and discomfort, or stop working correctly. The good news is that even if you already have osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint disease), exercise can decrease your pain and stiffness and improve your overall joint health. When it comes to your joints, however, not all exercise is created equal. High-impact activities that put stress on weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, ankles) can exacerbate joint problems.  So what is the best exercise for joint health? Read on to find out. 

The best exercise for joint health

If you have pain, swelling, or stiffness in your joints; or if your joints are tender or warm to the touch, it’s important that you discuss your symptoms with your doctor so you get the medical care you need. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, or you may be referred to another doctor for specialized care. Whether you’re diagnosed with arthritis or not, chances are, your doctor will recommend that you exercise regularly in order to maximize your joint health. Here are some exercises that support joint health. 

1. Range of motion exercises

Range of motion exercises help to reduce stiffness and keep your joints flexible. Examples include:

• Knee straightening stretches

• Ankle pumps

• Shoulder shrugs

• Wrist extensor stretch

2. Strengthening exercises

Strengthening exercises help you build up the muscles that support and protect your joints. Examples include:

• Mini wall squats (for hip support)

• Standing leg lifts (for knee support)

• Putty grip and squeeze (for hands)

• Calf raises (for ankle support)

3. Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercise helps increase blood circulation, providing a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen to your joints. Examples of healthy aerobic exercise for joints include:

• Walking

• Swimming

• Elliptical machines

• Stationary bicycle 

Exercise doesn’t always feel great on stiff joints, but in the long run it does support your joint health. It’s important not to overdo it or to push yourself beyond your limits, though.  The best way to ensure that you’re getting the right type of exercise, and the right amount of it, is to work with a physical therapist who can help design a customized exercise program that supports your joint health. And if you’ve recently undergone (or plan to undergo) joint replacement surgery, your commitment to physical therapy will have a significant impact on the success of your recovery. 

Post-surgery rehabilitation for knee or hip replacement at Bella Vista Health Center

Sometimes an exercise program and other lifestyle changes are not enough to eliminate joint pain. When joint replacement is called for, physical therapy is crucial for a successful recovery. If you or someone you love needs additional support in the transition from hospital to home following a hip replacement or knee replacement surgery, Bella Vista Health Center can help. We provide high quality hip and knee rehabilitation programs that aim to support the healing process and maximize functioning so patients can return home as soon as possible.

For more information on our programs and services, please give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or stop by and visit our 5-Star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove today.