Physical Decline
The ability to function physically – including simply walking around with normal speed, getting in and out of cars, climbing stairs, getting up out of a chair – naturally declines with age and is associated with chronic pain and cognitive decline. However, research suggests that improvements in physical function are possible well into older adulthood. Because we’re geared towards mature adults, Clear Choice Physical Therapy is specially equipped to combat this condition for our patients. No other physical therapists in Fort Lauderdale caters to the mature adult population like we do, especially considering our convenient location within The Fitness Clinic. The majority of The Fitness Clinic members are adults over 50 and longtime members of the community. There’s nothing to be scared of or intimidated by when practicing your exercises— in fact, many of our patients choose to become members of the gym after completing their therapy.
Lymphedema Treatment
Lymphedema is chronic swelling, generally in the arms or legs, due to a blockage in the lymphatic system. An estimated 3 to 5 million Americans suffer from Lymphedema – that is more than ALS, Cystic Fibrosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy and Parkinson’s combined.
In the United States, the most common cause of Lymphedema is the treatment of breast cancer by lumpectomy which can involve the removal of some (or all) of the lymph nodes. It’s estimated that about one third of women who undergo this surgery during breast cancer treatment will develop lymphedema.
Although there’s no cure for Lymphedema, treatment performed by a physical therapist can improve movement and reduce pain and swelling. Initial treatment often includes manual lymphatic drainage, which feels like a light form of massage. This is followed by compression bandaging that helps to reduce the swelling. While most physicians in the United States are taught about the lymphatic system for 1 hour or less during their 4 years of medical training, Erik Bleeker at Clear Choice Physical Therapy completed more than 130 hours of specialized training. Certified by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), Erik is committed to helping these underserved patients.
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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (or BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, which is a false sensation of spinning. Each word of this diagnosis can be used to help better describe the condition.
- Benign – it is not life-threatening, but the symptoms may be frightening
- Paroxysmal – it comes in sudden, brief spells
- Positional – it gets triggered by certain head positions or movements
- Vertigo – a false sense of rotational movement
BPPV is a common problem, impacting about half of adults over the age of 60. But most cases of BPPV occur for no apparent reason. Many people describe that they simply get out of bed one morning and the room starts to spin. This spinning sensation occurs when small crystals that are normally embedded in one part of the inner ear get dislodged and roll into another part of the inner ear.
The vestibular rehabilitation therapists are certified by the American Institute of Balance, the world’s largest center for the evaluation and treatment of dizziness and balance disorders. At Clear Choice Physical Therapy we have the knowledge to take you through specific treatment maneuvers proven to resolve 90% of BPPV cases. These maneuvers make use of gravity to guide the “misplaced” crystals back to the chamber where they are supposed to be via a very specific series of head movements. Initially disheartened by guidance from other health care professionals that they should learn to “live with it” or that it will “eventually go away,” patients are pleased that their problem can be easily corrected so their world can stop spinning.
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Parkinson’s
As the 2nd most common degenerative brain disorder affecting adults, Parkinson’s disease can make daily activities seem frustrating and time-consuming. However, multiple studies have shown physical therapy to improve motor function and independence as well as reduce falls.
In particular, physical therapy can help patients be able to exercise – which is known to be one of the most effective ways to reverse the course of Parkinson’s. Often times, as symptoms begin to surface, patients worry that they will fall if they try to exercise on their own. At Clear Choice Physical Therapy your physical therapist becomes your partner throughout the duration, adjusting your treatment program and exercise regime as your condition progresses. What’s more, patients have the option to maintain their exercise routine in between treatments within the comfort and safety of our facility.
Starting early makes a difference. In the past, insurance may have been a barrier to seeking early treatment. However, recent Medicare reform (removing the old “therapy caps”) has ensured many victims of this disease can get the treatment they need. Beginning treatment with a physical therapist who is experienced at working with Parkinson’s patients can help you stay as independent and as active as possible.
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Clear Choice Physical Therapy does not operate like typical PT practices and hospital practices. We are not a “mill,” where the main goal is to get through a high volume of patients in a short period of time. There is no setting you up on equipment and walking away to treat other patients. Instead, 100% of your time is spent one-on-one with a therapist. Our team is highly trained and certified with a great love of seeing our patients succeed. Make an appointment with us today to see how advanced physical therapy at Clear Choice is really, truly, the only clear choice.
Graston Technique is an advanced form of manual therapy that breaks down scar tissue and reduces inflammation. Using unique instruments, the technique irons out the tangled tissue that’s causing pain, loss of motion or stiffness.
