Check out Melissa’s article on maintaining balance as we age in Desert Health News:  https://deserthealthnews.com/story/maintaining-balance-as-we-age/

Maintaining Balance as We Age

By Melissa Flores, DPT

Maintaining balance as we age is crucial for overall health, independence and quality of life. Some of the many benefits of working to maintain balance include fall prevention, aging at home and maintaining cognitive and neurological health.

Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, often resulting in fractures, head trauma and even long-term disability. Balance is key for performing daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, bending and getting into and out of chairs or beds; maintaining balance reduces the risk of tripping during these everyday activities. 

Research shows that older adults with better balance are more confident in their movements, reducing the fear of falling, which can be a common barrier to staying active. This allows individuals to continue participating in social activities, preventing isolation and supporting emotional health. 

Three body systems are involved in helping to maintain balance: vision, which most people primarily rely on, vestibular (inner ear) and proprioception (body awareness). All three of these systems can decline with age and a reduction in activity. Inactivity causes muscles, especially those in the legs, hips and core, to weaken, reducing your ability to control movement and react to instability. As we become less active, the brain also becomes less efficient at sending and receiving signals to and from the balance systems. This can result in difficulty making quick or flexible adjustments to maintain balance. 

Here are some simple tips to maintain or improve balance:

• Practice balance exercises such as standing on one foot, Tai Chi or yoga.
• Stay physically active by walking, swimming or dancing.
• Strengthen core and leg muscles through simple movements and exercises.
• Ensure proper vision and hearing.
• Remove home hazards such as loose rugs or poor lighting.

Melissa Flores is a doctor of physical therapy with Dynamic Physical Therapy in Palm Desert and can be reached at (760) 501.6655. Visit www.dynamicptpalmdesert.com for more. 

Sources: 1) Laughton, Carrie A., et al. “Aging, Muscle Activity, and Balance Control: Physiologic Changes Associated with Balance Impairment.” Gait & Posture, vol. 18, no. 2, Oct. 2003, pp. 101–108; 2) Piirainen, J. M., J. Avela, N. Sippola, and V. Linnamo. “Age Dependency of Neuromuscular Function and Dynamic Balance Control.” European Journal of Sport Science, vol. 10, no. 1, 2009, pp. 69–79; 3) Boyé, N. D., E. M. Van Lieshout, E. F. Van Beeck, K. A. Hartholt, T. J. Van der Cammen, and P. Patka. “The Impact of Falls in the Elderly.” Trauma, vol. 15, no. 1, 2012, pp. 29–35.

If you’ve noticed changes in your balance or stability, the team at Dynamic PT is here to help. Our therapists are highly trained in balance training to improve your overall safety, confidence, and daily function. Request an appointment here: https://www.dynamicptpalmdesert.com/schedule.html

Physical Therapy for Positional Vertigo

Have you been feeling dizzy with head movements? 

Does the room spin when you turn over or get in/out of bed? 

Does bending over or looking up make you dizzy? 

You may be experiencing something called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV. BPPV is a disorder of the vestibular system where crystals in the inner ear break free from their intended location, get into the semicircular canals, and cause an increase in sensitivity to head movement/position changes. 

BPPV often occurs spontaneously, but it can also occur following a fall, car accident, or other head trauma. This type of dizziness can be very debilitating. However, BPPV is very treatable and we provide that treatment at Dynamic Physical Therapy! Symptoms can typically be diminished in 1-2 visits. 

 If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and would like a Physical Therapist to evaluate and determine appropriate treatment for you, please call Dynamic Physical Therapy at (760) 501-6655 or request an appointment here:

https://www.dynamicptpalmdesert.com/schedule.html

New Treatments for Spinal Pain Did you know your stomach or liver could be creating low back, mid back, or neck pain? The internal organs are all attached to the rib cage and spinal bones via thin pieces of connective tissue called fascia or visceral ligaments. This is what helps to keep your internal organs in the right place while you go about your day. Injuries to the body from falls, accidents, or trauma can create a tightness or strain in this fascia and over time that tightness will pull on the spine and can create persistent pain. Things like infections, abdominal surgery, and cesarean sections can also create adhesions which have the same pull on the organs and spinal structures. Visceral manipulation is a very gentle manual therapy technique that can be applied in order to restore mobility in the visceral fascia, which can create less pull on the spine and reduce neck, mid back, and lower back pain. Read more here: https://www.dynamicptpalmdesert.com/visceral-manipulation.html Dynamic Physical Therapy is pleased to announce that Melissa Mercogliano, PT, DPT will be offering Visceral Manipulation services at the clinic this year. She has been a PT for 38 years, but has spent the last 10 years focusing on visceral manipulation training and is now a teacher assistant for several of the class levels. Request an appointment here: https://www.dynamicptpalmdesert.com/schedule.html

Dr. Melissa Mercogliano PT, DPT, OCS Visceral manipulation can be an integral part of treatment for the following conditions: Lower back pain Sciatica Neck pain Rib cage pain ​Shoulder pain Hip pain Frozen shoulder​ GERD Acid reflux Stomach pain Nausea Bloating Dizziness Gastroparesis Headaches Fatty liver disease Abdominal pain Constipation Pelvic pain Endometriosis pain Menstrual cramps

Call : 760-501-6655 Visit : 44651 Village Court Suite 120               Palm Desert, CA 92260 Email : physicaltherapy@dynamicptpalmdesert.com Website : www.dynamicptpalmdesert.com

Visceral Manipulation at Dynamic Physical Therapy

Visceral Manipulation at Dynamic Physical Therapy

We are pleased to offer Visceral Manipulation to patients starting November 4th. Our Physical Therapist Melissa Mercogliano PT, DPT, OCS is a teaching assistant for Visceral Manipulation courses and will be offering this treatment at our facility.

Visceral manipulation is a gentle hands-on osteopathic therapy that focuses on improving mobility of the organs in your abdomen.

She was recently featured in the latest issue of Desert Health Magazine! Find more information in the article here: https://deserthealthnews.com/story/visceral-manipulation/ In order to schedule a visit with Melissa, request an appointment here: https://www.dynamicptpalmdesert.com/schedule.html

Pre-Op and Post-Op Treatment for Total Knee Replacements at Dynamic PT

Chronic knee pain is a leading cause of musculoskeletal disability in the United States. This condition often leads to TKA (also known as total knee replacement), which is the most commonly performed orthopedic surgery in the lower extremity. Physical Therapists play a huge role in helping patients before and after surgery.

Prior to the surgery, PT’s help patients design a preoperative exercise program including strengthening, balance, and flexibility to improve outcomes post surgery. Post surgery, PT’s help patients walk with a normal gait pattern, regain full range of motion of the operative knee, improve balance and proprioception, and improve lower extremity strength to help patients return to their normal life activities without any limitations. Dynamic PT offers both pre and post op treatment for all joint replacements. Scheduling an evaluation with a PT allows for the PT to review your medical history, current limitations, and goals and make appropriate recommendations. Call

760-501-6655

to schedule an appointment or request an appointment here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCo89SVHV0xNjXYPSO4R63AK_lsE3f77lgQHzmtYnxOLAnkQ/viewform

 

Rotator Cuff Tears and Physical Therapy by Melissa Flores PT, DPT

The rotator cuff consists of 4 individual muscles which all work together to keep the head of the upper arm stabilized within the center of the joint during movements. Rotator cuff injuries are common and the risk of an injury increases with aging. Rotator cuff tears are typically diagnosed with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Several studies have shown that depending on the severity of the tear and needs of the patient, physical therapy exercises can help to improve flexibility, strength, and stability of the shoulder. For many patients physical therapy can help patients learn to manage their symptoms and return to the activities they enjoy with minimal, manageable pain. Should a rotator cuff tear require surgery, physical therapy can help to regain range of motion, strength, and allow patients to return to the activities they enjoy. Call : 760-501-6655

or request an appointment here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCo89SVHV0xNjXYPSO4R63AK_lsE3f77lgQHzmtYnxOLAnkQ/viewform

Frozen Shoulder by Dr. Zainab Kothari PT, DPT, MS

 

Frozen shoulder, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff and painful. This condition may develop after a minor injury, but a lot of times it appears without any cause. It is commonly seen in people between the ages of 40-65 years, in females, and can be linked to health problems such as diabetes and thyroid issues.

Frozen shoulder is characterized by progressive increases in pain and limitations in shoulder movements that can limit a person’s ability to perform simple daily tasks including reaching, carrying, showering, sleeping, etc. Individuals who have frozen shoulder on one side are at a risk of developing it on the other side. Both shoulders can get affected at the same time 14% of the time. The condition can last anywhere from 1-2 years and some minor deficits in motion may persist beyond two years due to fibrosis of the shoulder capsule and ligaments.

If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned signs/symptoms, we can develop a treatment plan for you based on your impairments. An individualized treatment plan can help with symptom management and potentially faster recovery of your shoulder motion and function.

Call 760-501-6655 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCo89SVHV0xNjXYPSO4R63AK_lsE3f77lgQHzmtYnxOLAnkQ/viewform

Dynamic Physical Therapy is an outpatient orthopedic PT facility in Palm Desert, CA serving the communities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Bermuda Dunes, Indio, Coachella, and Desert Hot Springs.