Seniors & Disabled

According to the VA, which is at the forefront of diabetes research, nearly 25% of Veterans who receive VA care have diabetes. This guide explores the types of diabetes, common symptoms, the heightened risk among Veterans, and practical tools and tips to help protect their health.

Lymphedema, a progressive and chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, often goes unrecognized and untreated. Therapists regularly encounter patients with lymphatic system injuries, such as post-surgical swelling or trauma-related edema.

Maintaining mobility and ensuring proper foot care are important for at-risk populations, particularly individuals with diabetes, limited flexibility, or mobility restrictions due to injury or surgery. Clinicians help guide patients toward effective strategies that preserve mobility and prevent complications. This article outlines evidence-based recommendations for adaptive aids and techniques, emphasizing mobility and health.

This is the first study in the world to use an innovative elastic band training method based on accentuated eccentric actions. Additionally, both this cutting-edge method and the more traditional maximal strength training approach were conducted exclusively using CLX elastic bands.

Early mobilization is fundamental to improving patient outcomes, reducing length of stay, and preventing hospital-induced complications. However, patients, particularly those on ventilators or continuous monitoring, face significant mobility barriers.

Medication management is a cornerstone of effective healthcare, ensuring patients adhere to prescribed regimens for optimal outcomes. For many, however, managing medications can pose significant challenges—especially when pills are large, difficult to swallow, or need precise splitting or crushing. This is where durable and user-friendly tools, like the pill splitter and crusher combo, play a critical role in promoting patient compliance and reducing medication-related errors.

Adaptive devices like sock aids, reachers, and elastic shoelaces enable patients to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) with greater ease, allowing them to focus on living life to the fullest. For individuals recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions that affect physical mobility, these tools provide a sense of empowerment and control that is valuable for maintaining a positive outlook. Join us as we explore three examples of small tools that have made a big impact on our featured client, Annie.

For many individuals, mealtime is more than just an opportunity to nourish the body; it is a deeply social and emotional experience. Sitting at the table, sharing a meal, and engaging in conversation fosters a sense of connection and community. However, for clients living with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and other movement impairments, the act of eating can be fraught with frustration, embarrassment, and even isolation.

As a physical therapist, you play a pivotal role in protecting your patients from falls—the leading cause of injury among older adults. With over 36 million falls annually in the United States resulting in more than 32,000 deaths, addressing this issue is both a professional responsibility and an opportunity to improve patient outcomes. This guide offers actionable insights into prevention strategies, patient care tips, and tools to empower your practice.