Physical Therapy and Postnatal Depression
March 25, 2010
Emily Norman, Margaret Sherburn, Richard H. Osborne and Mary P. Galea
“Postnatal depression (PND) is a major health issue affecting up to 13% of all new mothers throughout the world, with most cases beginning in the first 3 months of the postnatal period.
A physical therapy exercise and health education program is effective in improving postnatal well-being and reducing the risk for postnatal depression (PND), according to a randomized controlled trial published in the March issue of Physical Therapy, (PTJ) the scientific journal of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).”
For more information: http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Media&CONTENTID=70366&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm
Physical therapy can help men with prostate cancer maintain good quality of life
March 2, 2010
Regardless of treatment approach, physical therapy can help men with prostate cancer maintain good quality of life.
“Physical therapists can play an integral role in the rehabilitation of men following prostate cancer by implementing techniques aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor and trunk musculature while incorporating cardiovascular training to restore overall fitness and maximize the body’s own resources to battle the effects of cancer treatment,” says Lisa Johnson. “Trained in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions, a physical therapist can identify imbalances of the pelvic floor muscles through manual and biofeedback-assisted assessment. These muscles can then be strengthened and retrained to restore urinary voiding control. Once a patient is able to perform PFM exercises correctly, these contractions can be incorporated into functional activities throughout the day.”
Studies suggest that pelvic floor muscles may contract more efficiently with a coordinated contraction of the lower abdominal muscles, which provide support to the anterior aspect of the pelvic girdle.“Patients can be progressed through a lower abdominal strengthening series, with coordinated PFM contractions,” Johnson says. “To maintain normal pelvic floor function, patients should be educated in these strengthening techniques, along with body mechanics, lifting techniques, and behavioral modifications to optimize pelvic girdle health.”Patients experiencing generalized weakness and fatigue should start with a fitness program geared toward exercising in a deconditioned state, Johnson observes.“Therapists can monitor the patient’s current physical status throughout treatment by reviewing the results of lab work to safely prescribe exercise intensity and duration without overtaxing the system,” she says. “They should also design an exercise program suited to a patient’s physical needs, lifestyle, and prior activity level.”
For more information: http://news.todayinpt.com/article/20090928/TODAYINPT0301/90927001
Now until 01/31/12
Lisa Johnson, Owner of Body In Balance, has earned the distinction of Board Certified Specialist in Women’s Health by the 