Prevention of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that nearly one in five American women over 50 and one in twenty American men over 50 live with. Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density and mobility which can increase the likelihood of bone breakage in everyday situations.

Although bone loss, especially in women, is partially unavoidable due to hormonal changes, there are a multitude of lifestyle changes that can help prevent this life-altering condition. One of the biggest ways you can prevent osteoporosis is by maintaining a balanced diet including leafy greens, protein, and calcium as these are critical to keeping bones healthy.

If you are unsure about how much calcium is in your regular diet, ask your doctor or utilize food tracking phone apps to monitor your macronutrients. Apps like MyFitnessPal will provide you with information on the nutrients you are getting in your current diet. If you see you are lacking in calcium, modifying your diet will be beneficial as your body absorbs calcium optimally through food. An alternative is to incorporate a calcium supplement into your diet.

Calcium absorption in the body is not effective without Vitamin D, which aids in signaling the need to store calcium. Calcium is excreted rather than stored in its absence. The best source of Vitamin D is generated in the skin when in contact with sunlight. It only takes approximately twenty minutes of SPF-protected sun contact to give your body enough Vitamin D to absorb calcium. Other sources of Vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, or mackerel, egg yolks, beef liver, cod liver oil, and Vitamin D enriched milk or orange juice.

Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol in excess is also linked to bone loss as both impede the natural process in maintaining and growing bone mass. Staying physically active throughout your life also prevents bone loss. Activities such as walking, running, and dancing keep your muscles and bones strong. Bones at maximum density are optimal as you go through the aging process.
Osteoporosis is a serious, life-threatening condition, and although some bone loss naturally occurs as you age, taking a proactive approach now will reduce your likelihood of developing the condition it in the future.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

Joint Replacement

Has a doctor recommended joint replacement surgery? You are not alone. Joint replacements have become more common as more than one million Americans have had their hips or knees replaced each year. Joints can be damaged by arthritis as well as other diseases or injuries. As you gets older, more bone and joint problems occur. A doctor may suggest joint replacement to improve quality of life as it may help you move around and relieve pain you may be pushing through. Some common knowledge may help you decide if you would like to follow through with the surgery.

Joints are where two or more bones are able to connect together. An example of a joint would be located at the knee, hip, or shoulder. Joint replacement surgery is a process in which a damaged joint is removed and a new joint is inserted. Joints become a problem when they are damaged as it can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Since bone tissues are alive, proper blood flow is needed to allow themselves to repair.

New joints are inserted in a way that your bone is able to grow into it. For the elderly, joints are cemented because they have “weak” bones. Uncemented joints are recommended for younger, more active people who have fairly good quality bones. Replaced joints last for approximately 10-15 years.

It is advised you seek medical help if you are in constant pain as only a doctor is able to tell if a joint replacement is necessary. Exams may need to be taken to identify any damage in the joints. After an examination of your joints, a doctor may recommend exercises, physical therapy, or medication dependent on the severity of the joint damage. During the joint replacement surgery, the patient will be given anesthesia to block out nerve receptors enabling them to feel pain. The damaged joint is replaced with plastic or metal and the duration of the surgery is dependent on each individual.

Physical therapy is the most effective treatment after joint surgery. Physical therapy uses a physical method as a long lasting way to relieve pain as opposed to medication that may settle the pain for a short time only to return a few hours later. Physical therapy is often followed by the joint surgery and it is used to help strengthen muscles around the new joint and assist in your ability to regain motion.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

Understanding Incontinence

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control—a symptom caused by everyday habits or an underlying medical condition. Incontinence affects over 33 million people each year and many more cases go unreported. Aging, pregnancy, and prostate problems are the most common causes of urinary incontinence. Obesity and overall poor health can also increase the risk and exacerbate underlying symptoms.

There are four types of incontinence: urge incontinence, stress incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence.
Urge incontinence, also known as an overactive bladder (OAB), is the frequent need to urinate throughout the entire day, and becomes more common with advancing age. The cause of OAB is unclear but it can be managed through exercises and a change of lifestyle.
Stress incontinence occurs due to insufficient strength of the closure of the bladder. The changes women experience from pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause are the leading causes of stress incontinence. The lower estrogen levels from menopause can lead to lower muscle pressure around the urethra and increase the chances of incontinence. Some remedies for stress incontinence include losing weight, performing kegel and pelvic floor exercises, and by drinking less caffeine and carbonated beverages.

Overflow incontinence occurs when a person has blockage of the bladder outlet or when the detrusor urinary muscle cannot empty the bladder normally. An enlarged prostate in men is the most common cause of overflow incontinence, but other causes may include a blocked urethra (e.g.: kidney stones), nerve damage, and certain medications. Treatment may be difficult and may require surgery.
The final type is functional incontinence, which is when a person is aware they must urinate but cannot due to physical or degenerative conditions such as dementia. Functional incontinence is common in elderly people as these conditions develop as one ages.

Enuresis refers to incontinence in children and includes nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting), diurnal enuresis (daytime wetting), and mixed enuresis, the combination of wetting both during the day and at night. The causes of enuresis include slower physical development, anxiety, and sleep apnea.
There are many treatments for incontinence, including behavioral changes, medication, surgery, and pelvic exercises. A physical therapist can assist you with an anti-incontinence exercise routine in order to strengthen the pelvic muscles, using biofeedback, or through electrical stimulation.
We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia

Did you know that fibromyalgia affects approximately 4.5 million Americans? Fibromyalgia does not have a known specific cause or cure. Symptoms include chronic widespread pain throughout multiple areas of the body over a long period of time, including headaches as well as general fatigue and attention focusing issues.

Causes are linked to physical trauma, infection, and/or genetics, however no clear connection has been made. The actual pain is caused by an abnormal increase of the neurotransmitters that signal pain as well as the increased sensitivity in the brain’s pain receptors.

There is no cure for this disorder but there are activities that can increase comfort. Pain medication can take the edge off vastly but often a change in lifestyle factors will have the greatest effect. A healthy diet and good sleep habits will help ease issues with fatigue. Maintaining a good sleep schedule will reduce the “fibro-fog” you may feel and eating well will keep your mind as sharp as possible.
One of the best ways to see results is through exercise. Although sometimes painful, exercise can help ease your pain over time due to the release of endorphins, combating the increase in neurotransmitters and causing less pain. Depending on your condition, certain exercises might be more beneficial than others. There are many different methods to ease pain but patients find walking and swimming to be the most helpful.

Because of the nature of this disorder, it is important to enlist the help of a professional before embarking on a daily fitness routine. A physical therapist can examine your body conditions in order to determine the best course of treatment for you. A safe and effective treatment is crucial to a long term coping plan for this disorder.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

Cross Country Injuries

Cross Country Injuries

Cross country running is a rewarding but strenuous sport that can often lead to a number of injuries. The extremely long distances covered and the variety of running surfaces are just some of the factors that can wreck havoc on a cross country runner’s body. The sport is well loved by people all over the world so it is important to stay safe by taking certain precautions in order to decrease the likelihood of a running related injury.

There are many common injuries linked to cross country running, including shin splints, ankle sprains, blisters, runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, side stitches, chafing, and pulled muscles. These injuries can be devastating to those who have a love for both cross country and running in general. The easiest way to prevent injury is to make sure you never push yourself too hard and also to know and respect your limits when it comes to running.

A good warm up is always a good idea before you start a serious run. Stretching and cardio exercises will prepare your body for what is about to come and will help to prevent serious injury. Getting your muscles active will decrease the chance of strains and pulls while running. A cool down is also effective as it is not advised to completely stop your body after strenuous activity.

Possessing good running form helps to avoid injuries such as shin splints and backaches and will also help in injury prevention as many running injuries are developed over time. If you would like to improve your running abilities, a visit to a trained physical therapist can be your solution as they are often able to identify and correct any biomechanical flaws in your form. In order to be the best runner you can be, remember to never push yourself too hard and give yourself time to recover as injury prevention is essential to keeping your body in shape.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a common disorder of the endocrine system caused when the body is unable to produce or respond to the effects of insulin. Diabetes, as it is commonly shortened to, affects an estimated 387 million people worldwide and over 25 million people each year in the United States alone. Insulin is one of the main hormones regulating blood sugar levels and is used to convert glucose into energy for the body. The three types of diabetes, type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, all involve the bodies ability to produce insulin as well as its ability to properly regulate blood-sugar levels.

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, occurs because the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system. The onset of type 1 diabetes is sudden and mostly occurs in children under the age of 20. A person diagnosed with type 1 diabetes must take a daily insulin shot and make sure they take good care of their feet. Type 1 diabetes can be accompanied by unpredictable blood-sugar levels as well as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and is due primarily to genetics and lifestyle factors. The body is able to produce insulin, but it may decrease over time as the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or the body fails to recognize it. Type 2 diabetes is caused by obesity, not getting enough physical exercise, using tobacco, and having an unhealthy diet. If diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it can be controlled through exercise and a healthy diet or through medication, and doctors may be able to detect high sugar levels before it turns into diabetes.

Gestational diabetes occurs in about 4% of all pregnancies and is due to hormonal changes affecting insulin’s ability to function properly. Pregnant women at risk of developing gestational diabetes can be due to genetics, race, age, and body weight. While blood-sugar levels tend to go down within six weeks of childbirth, untreated gestational diabetes can cause issues in the mother and child during pregnancies.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include increased thirst hunger and thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, and frequent urination. These symptoms can appear quickly and be debilitating. Type 2 diabetes can show the above symptoms or none at all. Diabetes cannot be cured but it can be controlled through exercise and a proper diet as well as maintaining cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels at normal.

A doctor or physical therapist can help you control your diabetes as well as prescribe you a proper exercise routine to keep your diabetes under control.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Understanding-Diabetes~1768.html#sthash.s0XNmUY7.dpuf

Physical Therapy in Chester, New York

Have you been to our location in Chester? Access Physical Therapy & Wellness in Chester is conveniently located on Brookside Avenue in the Shoprite Plaza. Our duo of physical therapists, owner/director Jessica Bach-O’Shea P.T., D.P.T., and Jonathan Huntziker P.T., D.P.T., have been changing the lives of their patients since opening as Access Physical Therapy & Wellness in March 2014.

Jessica is an Orange County local who grew up in Slate Hill and graduated from Minisink High School. An athlete at heart, Jessica was a record holding volleyball player at the University of Scranton where she received a Masters of Physical Therapy as well as a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Specializing in orthopedics, sports injuries, and the needs of the geriatric population, Jessica has successfully served the Chester community for years. She also does Functional Capacity Evaluation for Occupational Therapy at Access Physical Therapy and Wellness in Monroe.

Jonathan Huntziker is a born and bred New Yorker. Growing up in Baldwin, New York, located on Long Island, he received his Masters of Physical Therapy and was one of the first nineteen students to receive a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University. Jonathan is known for his passion and expertise of manual physical therapy, including the Mulligan technique, as he aspires to be a certified Mulligan therapist.

In the twenty months since Jessica and Jonathan have been at Access Physical Therapy & Wellness in Chester, their practice has built a great following where they use their talents to help patients in need. If you are experiencing issues with pain and reduced mobility, it may be in your best interest to seek professional help. A trained physical therapist will show you proper movements and provide you with a personalized exercise routine helping to reduce pain and increase motion.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Physical-Therapy-in-Chester-New-York~1756.html#sthash.iB7OHXx5.dpuf