National Arthritis Month

While often referred to as if it were a single disease, arthritis is actually an umbrella term used for a group of more than 100 medical conditions that collectively affect nearly 46 million adults and 300,000 children in America alone. While the most common form of arthritis - osteoarthritis (OA) - is most prevalent in people over 60, arthritis in its various forms can start as early as infancy. Some forms affect people in their young-adult years as they are beginning careers and families and still others start during the peak career and child-rearing years.The common thread among these 100-plus conditions is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints - where two or more bones meet. Arthritis-related joint problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures. Such damage can lead to joint weakness, instability and visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, using a computer keyboard, cutting your food or brushing your teeth.For many people with arthritis, however, joint involvement is not the extent of the problem. Many forms of arthritis are classified as systemic, meaning they can affect the whole body. In these diseases, arthritis can cause damage to virtually any bodily organ or system, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and skin. Arthritis-related conditions primarily affect the muscles and the bones.Together, arthritis and related conditions are a major cause of disability in the United States, costing the U.S. economy more than $124 billion per year in medical care and indirect expenses such as lost wages and production - and costing millions of individuals their health, their physical abilities and, in many cases, their independence. And unless something changes, the picture is going to get worse. As the population ages, the number of people with arthritis is growing.

Rehab Success Story Contest Winner

Larry Hursh shares his inspiring rehabilitation story after going through several steps of chemotherapy. "I had to follow a three step chemotherapy program as a preventative measure. Step one went very well with no discomfort or noticeable side effects. During the second step, I experienced increasing pain in my legs and some neuropathy in my hands and feet. Shortly after completing this stage of treatment, the pain was very high and I had trouble standing by myself. My wife agreed to take me to emergency room for help and evaluation. They found a combination of pain killers that corrected the pain problem. However, the neuropathy and muscle weakness were significant and they recommended that I be discharged to a rehabilitation center for therapy to address these problems." Read the rest of the story here!

National Occupational Therapy Month

Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent—or live better with—illness, injury or disability.

National Nutrition Month

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you. Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can improve your health by boosting your energy, sharpening your memory and stabilizing your mood. Expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet. If you click the title above you will be directed to the new and improved food pyramid. Please post any questions or general comments below we look forward to hearing the success stories and keeping you motivated to live a long, healthy, and happy life!!!

Record your Exercises

Remember to track your progress daily. These objective measurements will show your daily progress and be a motivational factor to keep exercise a lifelong commitment! The above link will be an extreme asset to your routine. If you have any questions/ comments please post them below, we would love to hear from you!

Total Knee Replacement

Surgery represents one of the greatest advances in the management of arthritis in the last 40 years. However not everyone is an ideal candidate for surgery. The primary indications for surgery are; pain, loss of function, and progression of deformity. Surgical outcomes are greatly affected by the personal characteristics of the individual patient, such as motivation and the quality of postoperative rehabilitation. Post-operative rehabilitation goals are to restore mobility to the affected joint, promote stability within the joint, regain active control of joint motion, and decrease pain. Just think after your knee replacement you will no longer be held back by arthritis!!! If you have any questions regarding any phase of a knee replacement please post them below.

Total Hip Replacement

Surgery represents one of the greatest advances in the management of arthritis in the last 40 years. However not everyone is an ideal candidate for surgery. The primary indications for surgery are; pain, loss of function, and progression of deformity. Surgical outcomes are greatly affected by the personal characteristics of the individual patient, such as motivation and the quality of postoperative rehabilitation. Post-operative rehabilitation goals are to restore mobility to the affected joint, promote stability within the joint, regain active control of joint motion, and decrease pain. A great way to look at your experience following a hip replacement is to say to yourself, "I no longer have to suffer from arthritic pain in that hip!"

Falls

Injuries from falls may be more likely among older adults. A quote I recently heard is so true, "If you don't think it can happen to you, don't fall for that one!" The best way to prevent falls is to stay active! If you lie sedentary you put yourself at a much higher risk of falling. Another famous quote, "If you don't use it you lose it." The Link above has some great insight from Dr. Stephen Kates from Highland Hospital... And of course if you ever have comments or concerns we are here to help and we look forward to hearing from you.

Hip Resurfacing Vs. Hip replacement (HOT TOPIC)

Although it's becoming a more popular treatment option, hip resurfacing is not appropriate for all patients with hip arthritis, according to experts. Conventional total hip replacement is still a better choice for some. Hip resurfacing and Hip replacement are almost identical the only true difference is that with hip resurfacing you preserve the head of the femur. If you have questions regarding either please feel free to contact us by posting below.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive heart failure (CHF), or heart failure, is a condition in which the heart can no longer pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. It is extremely beneficial to exercise when you have this condition to maximize your endurance, stamina, and strength. Keep your body at it's best and this will allow a much easier, more enjoyable lifestyle.

Stroke (CVA)

Stroke rehabilitation is a critical part of a successful recovery. Early rehabilitation, begun as soon as possible after the stroke, helps to reduce dependence on others. Most recovery occurs during the first 3 months after a stroke but may continue slowly over the next few years.

Welcome

Welcome to The Center for Rehabilitation's Wellness Resources! Our resources are updated frequently for a convenient way to interact with our rehabilitation team and stay up to date on topics of interest. Be sure to check back regularly for important articles and the latest discussions from rehab experts. If you're thinking about having a surgical procedure such as a knee or hip replacement, be sure to keep in mind that exercise before the surgery is just as important as rehabilitation after the surgery! Conditioning through therapeutic exercises at the direction of your doctor can decrease the amount of time it takes to recover and help prevent possible complications.