Considerations while making an appointment with helathcare provider

 Factors to be considered for a physical therapy session or with any doctor apart from clinical skills.

🌟 Importance of Understanding Waiting Time, Treatment Duration, and Discipline of Appointment Time 🌟

🏥 As a physiotherapist, I would like to shed some light on an essential aspect of patient care: understanding and respecting waiting time, treatment duration, and the discipline of appointment time. Let's acknowledge the significance of this mutual respect and cooperation between patients and healthcare providers.

⏳ Waiting Time:

It's understandable that waiting for your appointment can be frustrating. However, it's crucial to comprehend that sometimes delays occur due to unexpected circumstances. As healthcare professionals, our primary goal is to provide the highest quality care to each patient, and this can sometimes lead to unforeseen waiting time. Your patience and understanding during these instances are immensely appreciated.

💪 Treatment Duration:

Rehabilitation and healing take time, dedication, and consistency. During your physiotherapy sessions, it's important to remember that progress may not always be immediate. Each individual's healing process is unique, and it's essential to trust in the treatment plan set by your physiotherapist. Staying motivated and committed to your prescribed exercises and therapies will result in the best possible outcome.

⌛ Discipline of Appointment Time:

Respecting appointment times is a collaborative effort between patients and healthcare professionals. By arriving on time, you enable us to provide you with the full duration of your scheduled session, ensuring optimal care and attention. Punctuality not only benefits you but also allows us to attend to other patients who require our expertise.

💼 Value Doctors' Time:

Behind every physiotherapy session, there are countless hours medical professionals dedicate. Our commitment to your well-being extends beyond the time spent in the clinic. Respect for a doctor's time not only ensures the smooth running of appointments but also facilitates a positive therapeutic environment.

🤝 Mutual Respect and Cooperation:

Creating a strong partnership between patients and healthcare providers is pivotal in achieving successful outcomes. By understanding the challenges medical professionals face, such as unforeseen delays, treatment duration, and appointment discipline, we foster an environment of empathy and collaboration.

🔑 Remember, your understanding and respect for waiting time, treatment duration, and appointment discipline play a pivotal role in optimizing your own health and the overall efficiency of healthcare services.

Let us work together to create an environment where patient care is prioritized and the pursuit of wellness is achieved harmoniously. Together, we can achieve your rehabilitation goals effectively and efficiently.

#Physiotherapy #Healthcare #PatientCare #MutualRespect #Teamwork

Unveiling Work-Life Balance-one day at a time

 🌟 Simplify your life, reduce stress, and find a work-life balance! Here are some tips to help you navigate a busy lifestyle and succeed without compromising your well-being. 🌸

1️⃣ Prioritize: Id

entify your most important tasks each day, focusing on what truly matters. Create a to-do list or use a planner to keep track and stay organized.

2️⃣ Delegate: Don't be afraid to ask for help or delegate tasks that can be done by others. This will free up your time and energy for more meaningful activities.

3️⃣ Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid carrying work-related stress into your leisure time. Unplug from work during breaks and use that time to relax and recharge.

4️⃣ Practice self-care: Make time for activities that promote self-care and relaxation. Exercise, engage in hobbies, read a book, or simply spend quality time with loved ones. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it helps you show up as your best self in all areas of life.

5️⃣ Limit social media: Resist the temptation to constantly check your social media accounts. It's easy to get caught up in the virtual world, which can add unnecessary pressure and consume valuable time. Allocate specific time slots for social media, allowing you to focus on more essential tasks the rest of the time.

6️⃣ Unplug regularly: Take regular breaks from technology altogether. Disconnect from emails, messages, and notifications to live in the present moment and reduce distractions. Use this time to engage in activities that bring you joy and peace.

7️⃣ Be flexible and adaptable: Life is unpredictable, and plans may not always go as expected. Embrace flexibility and learn to adapt to changing circumstances. This mindset will help reduce stress and make life more manageable.

Remember, finding balance and simplicity in a busy lifestyle is an ongoing process. Start implementing these practices gradually, being gentle with yourself along the way. You deserve a fulfilling life that encompasses both success and personal well-being! 💫💕 #WorkLifeBalance #SimplifyLife #LiveHappier

Breast cancer- Risk factors and prevention

 There are several risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer. These risk factors can be categorized into non-modifiable and modifiable factors.

Non-modifiable risk factors for breast cancer include:

1. Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over the age of 50.

2. Gender: Being a woman is the biggest risk factor for breast cancer. Although men can also develop breast cancer, it is much more common in women.

3. Family history and genetics: Having a close relative, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, who has or had breast cancer increases the risk. Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, also increase the risk.

4. Personal history of breast conditions: Having certain benign breast conditions or previous breast cancer increases the risk.

5. Early menstrual periods and late menopause: Women who started menstruating early (before age 12) or went through menopause late (after age 55) have a higher risk of breast cancer.

6. Previous radiation therapy: Having received radiation therapy to the chest, particularly during childhood or young adulthood, increases the risk.

Modifiable risk factors for breast cancer include:

1. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Long-term use of combined hormone replacement therapy, which includes estrogen and progesterone, increases the risk of breast cancer.

2. Obesity: Being overweight or obese after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer, mainly due to higher estrogen levels.

3. Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle and lack of regular physical activity increases the risk of breast cancer.

4. Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol, even in moderate amounts, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

5. Smoking: Smoking is linked to a slightly higher risk of breast cancer, particularly for women who started smoking before their first pregnancy.

6. Reproductive factors: Factors such as fewer pregnancies, having the first child at an older age, or never having given birth can increase the risk of breast cancer.

It is important to note that having one or several risk factors does not mean that an individual will develop breast cancer, and some individuals without any risk factors can still develop the disease. Regular breast cancer screenings and discussions with a healthcare provider are crucial in managing and detecting breast cancer.

Exercise plays a significant role in breast cancer prevention through various mechanisms:

1️⃣ Reduces Estrogen Levels: Regular physical activity can help lower estrogen levels in the body. High levels of estrogen have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. By engaging in exercise, you can help regulate estrogen levels and decrease the risk.

2️⃣ Maintains Healthy Body Weight: Exercise contributes to weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential, as obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer, especially after menopause. Regular exercise helps burn calories, control weight, and reduce the risk.

3️⃣ Boosts Immune System: Physical activity strengthens the immune system's ability to fight against cancer cells. Regular exercise activates immune cells, enhances their function, and reduces inflammation, promoting a healthier overall immune response.

4️⃣ Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Exercise increases insulin sensitivity, preventing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance and high insulin levels have been linked to breast cancer development. By improving insulin sensitivity, exercise helps lower cancer risk.

5️⃣ Reduces Inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been associated with various cancers, including breast cancer. Regular exercise helps reduce inflammation in the body, thereby decreasing the risk of cancerous cell growth.

Remember, exercise is just one aspect of breast cancer prevention. Regular breast self-examinations and mammograms, along with a healthy lifestyle, are vital in early detection and prevention efforts.

Stay active, prioritize your health, and spread awareness about breast cancer prevention not just in October but throughout the year! 💗 #BreastCancerPrevention #StayActiveForHealth #RaiseAwareness

Vital link between chronic pain recovery and mental health

 

Mental health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, extending beyond traditional healthcare boundaries. While physical ailments often receive the lion's share of attention, it's important to shed light on the significant influence mental health has on chronic pain management and recovery. Research has repeatedly emphasized the correlation between mental health and chronic pain, underscoring the necessity of addressing both aspects for a holistic approach to healing. This article aims to raise awareness about the impact of mental health on chronic pain and provide valuable tips on managing it effectively.

The Interplay between Mental Health and Chronic Pain:

Living with chronic pain places an immense burden on individuals, affecting their quality of life, functional abilities, and emotional well-being. Surprisingly, a bidirectional relationship exists between chronic pain and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies show that chronic pain can intensify emotional distress, while pre-existing mental health issues can exacerbate the experience and perception of pain. This interplay can result in a vicious cycle, hindering recovery and prolonging discomfort.

Understanding the Role of Mental Health in Chronic Pain:

1. Heightening Pain Perception: Mental health conditions can enhance the sensitivity and perception of pain, amplifying its impact on everyday life. Depression, for example, lowers pain threshold and tolerance, making the experience of chronic pain seem more unbearable.

2. Worsening Physical Symptoms: Anxiety and stress have been linked to increased muscle tension and inflammation, intensifying chronic pain symptoms. Furthermore, mental distress may heighten the release of stress hormones, further aggravating pain conditions.

3. Reduced Pain Coping Mechanisms: Mental health challenges can undermine one's ability to cope with chronic pain effectively. Diminished motivation, reduced resilience, and difficulty adhering to pain management strategies often result from depression and anxiety, hampering the recovery process.

Managing Mental Health for Chronic Pain Relief:

1. Seek Professional Help: It is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals experienced in both mental health and pain management. Therapy sessions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can aid in developing effective coping mechanisms and strategies to manage pain perception.

2. Build a Support Network: Surrounding yourself with friends, family, and support groups can provide an invaluable foundation during the journey of chronic pain recovery. Sharing experiences, seeking advice, and having a network that understands your struggles can greatly alleviate mental distress.

3. Incorporate Stress Reduction Techniques: Incorporating stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques can help calm the mind and relieve tension, reducing pain levels.

4. Engage in Physical Activity: Participating in regular, low-impact physical activities under professional guidance plays a crucial role in managing both mental health and chronic pain. Exercise releases endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers and mood boosters.

5. Prioritize Self-care: Practicing self-care by engaging in activities you enjoy, maintaining a balanced diet, prioritizing quality sleep, and setting boundaries can significantly improve mental well-being and chronic pain management.

Conclusion:

Addressing mental health in the context of chronic pain recovery is vital for a holistic and comprehensive approach to healthcare. By acknowledging the close relationship between mental and physical well-being, healthcare professionals and individuals can develop effective strategies to not only manage pain but also promote overall mental health. By prioritizing mental health, we can unlock new avenues for pain relief, enhancing the potential for a more fulfilling and faster recovery journey.

Cerebral palsy awareness

 🌍 Today, we celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day! This globally recognized day aims to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and promote the empowerment of individuals living with this condition. Let's dive into why this day is so important and explore ways in which society can become more inclusive for those with cerebral palsy.

🤝 Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect body movement and muscle coordination. It is a lifelong condition that begins in early childhood, but individuals with cerebral palsy can lead fulfilling lives with the right support and opportunities.

❤️ World Cerebral Palsy Day is celebrated to:

1️⃣ Increase awareness: Many people still have limited knowledge about cerebral palsy and may hold misconceptions about the abilities of those living with it. 

2️⃣ Foster inclusivity: Inclusion is the key to empowering individuals with cerebral palsy. It means providing equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and recreational activities. 

3️⃣ Challenge stereotypes: Let's shift the focus from their disability to their abilities, highlighting their strengths and talents.

💡 How can society become more inclusive for individuals with cerebral palsy?

1️⃣ Education: Schools and educational institutions should work towards creating an inclusive environment that supports the learning needs of students with cerebral palsy. Providing accessible resources, adaptive technologies, and fostering understanding among peers are crucial steps in creating an inclusive education system.

2️⃣ Employment: Companies need to embrace diversity and create opportunities for individuals with cerebral palsy to thrive in the workforce. This can be accomplished through workplace accommodations, promoting inclusive hiring process.

3️⃣ Accessibility: Society should strive to improve accessibility in public spaces, transportation, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas. Ensuring ramps, elevators, accessible bathrooms, and other accommodations can greatly enhance the independence and quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy.

4️⃣ Advocacy and support: Advocacy organizations play a crucial role in championing the rights of individuals with cerebral palsy. 

Let's use this World Cerebral Palsy Day as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, educate ourselves and others, and champion the empowerment and inclusion of individuals with cerebral palsy. Together, we can create a world that celebrates diversity and provides equal opportunities for all. 💚 #WorldCerebralPalsyDay #InclusionMatters #Empowerment #ChallengeStereotypes #CPAwareness

Physiotherapy in cardiovascular health

 World Heart Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of September every year. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and their prevention. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. The role of physiotherapy in heart health is crucial, as it plays a significant role in preventing and managing heart diseases.

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that contributes to the management and treatment of heart diseases. Physiotherapy is a drug-free treatment that can help patients recover from heart diseases and improve their quality of life.

The role of physiotherapy in heart health includes:

1. Exercise prescription: Exercise is essential for maintaining and improving heart health. A physiotherapist can prescribe exercise programs for patients that are tailored to their needs. These exercises help to strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure.

2. Cardiovascular rehabilitation: Physiotherapy can also help patients recover from a heart attack or surgery. Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs are designed to help patients regain their strength, endurance, and balance.

3. Education: Physiotherapists educate patients on heart health and how to manage their condition. They can also provide patients with advice on lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

4. Stress management: Physiotherapists can help patients manage stress, which can contribute to heart disease. They teach techniques such as breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.

5. Monitoring progress: Physiotherapists monitor patients' progress and adjust treatment as needed. They work closely with other healthcare professionals such as cardiologists and dieticians to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care.

In conclusion, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in heart health. Physiotherapists can help prevent and manage heart diseases through exercise prescription, cardiovascular rehabilitation, education, stress management, and monitoring progress. On World Heart Day, it is essential to raise awareness about the importance of heart health and the role of physiotherapy in achieving it.

Cardiac rehabilitation exercises are an integral part of the recovery process for individuals who have experienced a heart event or undergone cardiac surgery. These exercises are designed to help improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and overall well-being. Here are some common types of exercises that are often included in cardiac rehabilitation programs:

1. Aerobic exercises: These exercises aim to improve cardiovascular endurance and promote heart health. Examples include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and using elliptical machines. The intensity and duration of aerobic exercises will vary depending on an individual's fitness level and their specific cardiac rehabilitation program.

2. Strength training exercises: Strength training helps improve muscle strength, which in turn supports cardiac function and enhances physical endurance. The use of resistance bands, dumbbells, or weight machines may be incorporated in strength training exercises. It is important to start with lighter weights and gradually increase intensity under the guidance of a qualified professional.

3. Flexibility exercises: Stretching exercises are critical for maintaining or improving flexibility, joint mobility, and muscle balance. These exercises typically involve slow and controlled movements that target major muscle groups. Stretching helps improve posture and reduces the risk of injury during other exercises.

4. Balance and stability exercises: These exercises are particularly important for older adults or individuals at increased risk of falls. Balance exercises can include standing on one leg, heel-to-toe walking, or using balance boards or stability balls. These exercises help improve overall balance and coordination.

5. Breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises and diaphragmatic breathing promote relaxation and help manage stress. They can also provide relief for individuals with breathing difficulties or lung conditions.

It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified exercise physiologist before starting any cardiac rehabilitation exercise program. They can provide individualized recommendations based on the person's specific condition, fitness level, and goals. Regular monitoring throughout the cardiac rehabilitation program is important to ensure safety and effectiveness of the exercises.

Health is an asset

 Health is an asset, building a

fairer and healthier world should be our prime responsibility

7th of April is celebrated as the World Health Day which also marks the anniversary of World Health Organisation (WHO) – a department of United Nations.

This year 2023, World Health Day theme is “Health For All”, which encompasses the equal access for a good quality health services both physical and mental health across all regions with limited or no financial risk.

We currently live in an unequal world.  While some people are living healthier lives, they have more access to quality health care and work-living opportunities than others.

On the other hand, most people around the world are fighting for daily income, the housing crisis is glaring and limited access to good education, lack of opportunities in employment, wide gender inequality, a safe environment, clean water-clean air, and safe food shortage, and critical health services.

Sciatica is crippling

 Twenty year old and slipped disc; she could not believe it! She had suffered severe back pain since her teens. She had continuous back and leg pain along with burning sensatiovn in leg. The sciatica pain was ruining her everyday life. She was in so much pain that it was ruining her mental health as well. Her family was depressed and she used to wake up every morning in tears . Even her innocent activities like patting the dog, picking up the pen from the floor, eating food on dinning table with the loved ones had become impossible. The feeling was incredibely miserable and her loneliness looking for help was like as if it was the first day at school. She described her leg pain as if she is standing in freezing water, calf pain like a throbbing toothache, discomfort in her buttocks like pins and needles, weakness in her leg was like as if she was in a ship for several hours and just stepped on dry land. She used to stand through out her college lectures and had a tough time preparing for her exam. She could hardly sit for 5 minutes without a tingling pain radiating through her left foot. She just used to stand throughout her classes. During the course of treatment she had been to many renowned doctors of govt. as well as private hospitals without any significant results. In fact a very renowned doctor from a very prestigious private hospital advised her learn to live with pain. From a stage where the thought of sitting for 10 minutes was unbearable and she was thinking of quitting her studies to today when she can move with ease, active rehab has been like a life saver. Within two weeks she could feel the improvement and could sit fearlessly upto 30 minutes. Life and work related stressors had led to weak muscle and high pressure on the disc resulting into compression of nerve roots and things did not look very promising. There was a doubt in her mind about recovery from treatment as she has been advised surgery as the only cure for her crippling .Two months later, she is no longer house bound or thinking of quitting studies. Two hours of exercise everyday was agony, but gradually things changed. Today she can sit, walk and drive with ease. The biggest gift she has got is Painfree life. Now she feel optimistic about travelling alone. During this phase she came across the complete failure of various treatment options to the the succesful treatment tools. Most of the treatment options failed as they work upon the symptoms instead of cause of pain. She says, do not be one of those people who learn to live with pain and says they have tried every treatment. Hence, She describes directional preference rehab as the knowledge therapy which helped her to understand the cause of her sciatica pain and how to overcome it with the help of medical movements and following good ergonomics. She now appreciates the joy of sitting, and helping the people suffering from the sciatica pain has become her misson in life .

Living with Ankylosing spondylitis

 Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of arthiritis of the spine, causing inflammation and gradual fusing of the vertebrae. Early symptoms include pain and morning stiffness in the lower back and hips.

Apart from clinical diagnosis it requires lab test and imaging. With the help of certain treatments and lifestyle modification it can be managed but there is no magic cure. The exact cause for ankylosing spondylitis is not known. A genetic mutation could be a factor. Symptoms include:-

1.Inflammation at pelvis and spine that usually causes inflammatory back pain.

2.Pain and/or swelling of any other joint in the body (hips, knees, ankles, feet, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, etc.)

3.Uveitis/iritis , the rapid onset of marked pain and redness in one eye at a time.

4.Psoriasis skin rash.

5.Inflammation in the intestine which can cause Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, undifferentiated colitis).

6.Dactylitis, the inflammation along the tendons of the finger or toes.

7.Enthesitis, inflammation where tendons and ligaments meet the bone, this commonly occurs at the back

 

Ank spond patient has to deal a lot in a day to day basis. But illness makes the patient eventually change the outlook towards life and the way person look for the better days. Diagnosis of AS is like a wake up call to the body, a painful one that calls for lot of challenges and complete transition of lifestyle.

 

Morning routine with AS is most difficult, not only person wake up stiff, but  wakes up in pain and fatigue.  Along with mornings ,nights are also difficult to deal for an AS patient. It creats panisomnia (unable to sleep due to pain).

 

AS patients are recommended to move as much as they can whenever they can, because it will help in the long run.

Ank spond brings the phase of good days and bad days. During the painful or bad days an individual feels lack of will and energy for self care, lack of strength to socialise, feeling agitated and unwell. But on the good days individual is more energetic and hopeful and rejects all the unhelpful beliefs, person tries to do more physical activities, going out, taking initiatives and focuses on self care.

Ank spond sometimes lands up the person in the state of disability in which they become their own worst enemy. During this phase best solution is to focus on selfcare and become own best friend. But to regain this state and reclaim to be happy love and compassion is required from family and friends. So on the rough roads of ank spond the show must go on with hope and proper treatment.

Treatment mainly involves active rehab under a physiotherapoist, pharmacological management under a GP or  rheumatologist and lifestyle modification.

 

Diabetes and back pain

 Diabetes mellitus is one of the major non-communicable diseases. It is metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycemia which may further lead to peripheral vascular disease, hypertriglyceridemia and neuropathy. Diabetes has been associated with the incidence of back pain because 

1. The chain of events during high blood sugar leads to free plasma fatty acids and pro-inflammatory state, therefore promoting calcification of blood vessels, which may block the blood supply to vertebral disc degeneration which could lead to non specific back pain.

2. Further diabetes also increases risk of obesity due to disturbed metabolism, so increase in weight also increases the chances of back pain.

3. Metabolic disturbance during diabetes can lead to collagen accumulation in skin and periarticular structures which results in changes in connective tissue which affects collagen rich tissues like tendons and bones and there ability to perform normal function is compromised that can further lead to back pain.

4. Bone and joint alteration associated with DM include OA, hypertostosis, osteoarthropathy which may further lead to back pain due to biomechanical abnormality associated with OA knees etc.

5. In one of the study conducted on rat it was found that hyperglycemia promotes disc autophagy and accelerate the rate of stress-induced senescence in nucleus pulposus cells, both of which may contribute to disc prolapse and the onset of mechanical back pain.

Management

1. Maintaining sugar levels

2. Regular Excercise

3. Timely medication if required

4. Diabetic diet

5. Weight management

6. Adequate sleep

7.Stress management

Pandemic and back pain

 The pandemic has changed the individual behavior both due to lifestyle changes and due to physiologival effects of covid-19 on human body which has resulted in enhanced cases of backpain.

Back pain is the commonest musculoskeletal complain across the world resulting in maximum  sick leaves.  Back pain due to covid has increased the burden on economy and healthcare sector and deteriorated the quality of life.

Covid related causes of back pain

A. Altered Lifestyle

1-Work from home culture resulted in decreased mobility.

2.Reduced physical activity

3.Altered food habits

4.Binge watching

5.Binge eating

6.Disturbed sleep cycle

B.Physiological effects 

Coronavirus disease is a respiratory illness caused by SARS-COV-2, back pain is one of the most common symptom.

Covid-19 infection stimulate the release of cytokines like interlukin by body’s immune system, it further stimulates the formation of prostaglandin E2 molecule that acts on nerves and sends pain message to our brain. 

C. Covid medicine induced back pain

In few moderate to severe covd cases there has been long term administration of steroids which has resulted in osteopenia, osteoporosis, AVN which results in back pain.

Management

1.Active Rehabilitation

2.Active lifestyle

3. Adequate Hydration

4.Healthy eating habits

5.Proper Sleep hygeine