#physical rehabilitation

[not-your-pussikat]

My rehab clinic. Things are going well so far.

[woodsfae]

Although my night frights* started long before I got my nerve glide exercises from my PT, I am nevertheless convinced there is a link between the exercises and my sleep scareds. The last two days that I did my nerve glides, Partner said I did a snoozin spook later that night! I think I do rattle some things loose off my nerves with the exercises, and have also noticed quite a bit of spontaneous trauma processing that feels more productive (and also qualitatively different) than a ptsd flashback. It is very weird to be doing so much nearly-effortless trauma processing. In the past I've worked so hard and exhausted myself so much in therapy to process a tiny fraction of what's been spontaneously pouring through me this last year.

*this is when Partner opens the door to come to bed and I appear to have some sort of an asleep panic attack. I go "ahhh! ahhh!" and hyperventilate. Partner talks to me like a spooked horse till I mumble something like "yeah I'm ok," and return to unshrieking sleep. I never remember more than an occasional, vague bit of conversation from after I've calmed down.

[metropolitanmedicalsupplies]

For many individuals living with mobility challenges, daily tasks can often become hurdles. Fortunately, specialized equipment like durable medical equipment in Gaithersburg, Maryland provides vital support. Orthopedic aids are designed to enhance independence and also to improve the quality of life by assisting with everyday activities. These tools are crafted with care to meet the needs of those who rely on them for mobility and comfort.

[elblogdecleo]

Music Therapy: A Symphony for Well-Being

Music therapy is a discipline that uses music and its elements (sound, rhythm, melody, and harmony) for therapeutic purposes, aiming to improve mental, emotional, and physical health. Since ancient times, music has been valued for its ability to influence emotions and mood, but it has only been in recent decades that it has been formally recognized as a valuable therapeutic tool. What is Music…

[georgiahealthcarefamilysvcsinc]

Addressing healthcare needs in Decatur, Georgia, often requires innovative solutions tailored to individual patients. One such solution that is gaining traction is home occupational therapy. Many individuals face challenges in their daily lives due to injury, illness, or disability, hindering their ability to perform routine tasks. It addresses these challenges head-on by providing personalized care in the comfort of patients’ homes, catering to their specific needs and circumstances.

[reflect-within]

Reflect Within to understand the difference between Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. While physiotherapy focuses on physical rehabilitation, occupational therapy emphasizes daily life activities, enhancing independence, and improving overall well-being.

[skyclimberstudios]

Professional Work

In addition to the various personal and side projects I've worked on over the years (some shared here, and plenty more locked away), I have also worked in industry as a professional Game Engineer. Let's take a moment to look at some of the more interesting projects and my contributions to them.

I had the opportunity to make significant contributions to a wide swath of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach (FNAF: SB) during my time at Babaroga. My work in Unreal Engine included solutions in both the 3D (most Security Office challenges, Fazer Blast, etc.), 2D (all secret arcade games), and user HUD parts of the game with additional contributions to lighting, cameras, level design, and AI. I was also lead on implementing achievements, both backend (Steamworks and PS4 Dev Net) and frontend (game triggers, additional hidden content, etc.).

After FNAF: SB, Babaroga formed a three engineer team tasked with porting Not For Broadcast (Unity) to multiple Virtual Reality platforms (PSVR, Quest 2, Index, and Vive). My work on this project included implementing the VR and input backend systems (not the frontend physical interactions) for each platform’s unique hardware and software requirements, along with completing countless gameplay improvements and fixes.

At one of my earliest industry positions, I was the lead game and UI engineer at Barrett Technology, a robotics company creating physical rehabilitation hardware and software. I built their entire Unity development framework and the vast majority of their content from scratch.  Nearly everything you can find in this blog post is something I either built myself or heavily modified. This included developing a number of tools that handled common behaviors and integration with other programs so that external developers could focus entirely on making content. I would also regularly manage interns and their creations, upgrading their initial rough concepts into something that felt “right” to play with appropriate physics, haptics, and controls.

Most recently, I have had the opportunity to work with Dartmouth College on multiple aquatic robot simulators in Unity. This fascinating work has primarily been focused on converting equations from whitepapers into code so virtual sensors in Unity can replicate real world behavior. I also provided a workflow that will allow researchers to take real world elevation data and convert it to virtual landscapes without having to use complex and expensive software. Additionally, the simulators have ROS integration, allowing researchers to test their real world control software with virtual robots and sensors and limiting the amount of wasted time, money, and potential danger that would come from doing initial testing on real hardware in real aquatic environments.

[helthcareproducts]

Balmorex: A Respite for Back & Joint Pain

[fyzicaltherapyplainfield]

Physical Rehabilitation Plainfield |FYZICAL

Physical rehabilitation, often referred to simply as rehab, is a multidisciplinary approach to restoring and improving a person's physical function, mobility, and quality of life after injury, surgery, illness, or disability.

[labsportstherapy]

Why Athletes Should Prioritize Therapy Over Doctor Visits for Body Pain?

What if I told you that prioritizing therapy over immediate doctor visits could be the key to not only managing pain but also preventing future injuries and optimizing performance? Let's delve into why athletes should consider therapy as their first line of defense against body pain.

[ataleoftwopitties]

How to Enhance Your Dog's Joint Health

Arthritis refers to the inflammation of one or more joints. In a healthy joint capsule, cartilage protects bones where they meet by providing cushion, while synovial fluid acts as a lubricant to reduce friction when the bones glide against each other.

However, after strenuous activity and repeated motion of the joints, or any trauma to the area, the cartilage and synovial fluid tends to thin over time, allowing the bones to rub against each other and cause pain. Inflammation and swelling builds within the joint capsule, leading to stiffness and issues with mobility. As the inflammation persists, certain chemicals and enzymes may be released that begin to further eat away at the cartilage and sometimes the bone. 

A snowball effect can tend to follow as a dog becomes less active or more reluctant to move due to arthritic pain, leading to weight gain and putting even more pressure on the joints. While arthritis can’t be cured and is almost inevitable with any active aging dog, there are many ways pet owners can try to prevent its progression, including over-the-counter joint supplements and healthy weight management through nutrition. 

A recent study by NC State University reported that 40% of 123 healthy dogs between the ages of 8 months and 4 years had radiographic evidence of arthritis on at least one joint - and from that, 24% showed associated pain. More interestingly, 57% of those dogs who had exhibited any arthritis-associated pain had owners who claimed they were aware something was wrong with their pet, yet only 13% of them were receiving any form of pain management or joint support.

Perhaps this is due to a common misconception that arthritis is only a problem found in older dogs. Despite many senior pets suffering from arthritis, it is a degenerative - not age-related - disease. Other risk factors that may contribute to joint deterioration, including genetics, heavier body weight, activity level/exercise, neuter status, as well as diet. Arthritis may typically develop secondary to a musculoskeletal disorder - like hip or elbow dysplasia, or luxating patella - but may also be caused by trauma or infection.

Symptoms of Arthritis:

Lameness or limping

Decreased activity

Inability or reluctance to jump

Stiffness

Difficult climbing stairs

Changes in behavior (less social)

Compulsive licking of the joint(s)

While these symptoms might seem like an obvious indicator of pain or discomfort, recall that not every dog may exhibit these signs. An x-ray, however, may confirm arthritis by displaying the presence swelling of tissue around the joint, increased fluid within the joint, or even changes to the bone such as thickening or spurs.

More advanced imaging like CT scan or MRI may help to diagnose an underlying cause of the arthritis by assessing the bone structure and surrounding tissues. A joint tap can also be used to assess the fluid if an infection or autoimmune disease is suspected.

Today, there are many products available on the market that are geared towards supporting our dogs’ joints - many of which will claim to cure or even prevent arthritis altogether. On the contrary, most nutraceuticals will usually take several weeks to months before reaching therapeutic levels. Due to the lack of regulation on pet products, it can be easy for owners to fall for such marketing and have difficulty determining which product is best for their pets.

Here is a useful podcast that reviews tips on choosing quality pet supplements:

Vetfolio - “Advancing Gracefully with Joint Supplementation”

“Dr. Leilani Alvarez joins Vet Folio Voice to explain the importance of using a canine joint supplement at any stage of life, when needed. She offers insight into the role of evidence-based ingredients, how they can work together to support hip and joint health, and why the quality seal from the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) can signal the best products for your practice.”

Aside from having an NASC seal on its label, it would be even more credible if the pet product company has been in business for at least 10 years - assuming the company has had great success and testimonials thus far, along with the financial stability and willingness to recall products voluntarily, if and when a fault was found. 

Another important to detail to look out for in determining the efficacy of a joint supplement is to see if the product has actually been tested on live animals with naturally-occurring arthritis (i.e. not induced arthritis, or on samples in a Petri dish). It is also worth considering if experiments were done on the same species as the one it is intended for use - just because a study showed efficacy on arthritis found in humans, may not mean it will have the same efficacy with dogs.

Effective Ingredients/Nutraceuticals:

Fish oil - preferably sourced from wild-caught cold water fish - contains high concentrations of EPA/DHA, and is currently the nutraceutical with the most supporting evidence in literature towards managing canine arthritis. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are major components of the anti-inflammatory process within the joint capsule. These polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential to dogs - they cannot be synthesized in the body, so must be provided in the diet. A 2010 study suggested that OFA supplementation may allow for reduction in NSAID use for treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.

Green lipped mussel is a shellfish from New Zealand that obtains its nutrients from phytoplankton minerals in sea water. It is another natural source for OFA - specifically eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), which can’t be found in other common oily fish. Unlike EPA and DHA, ETA not only has anti-inflammatory properties, but has also been shown to block certain pathways for short-term pain. 

Egg shell membrane, normally a protective layer over a growing embryo, contains high levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. These are utilized to support connective tissue repair, helping to improve function muscular function and diminish soft tissue pain that may be a source of overcompensating for a joint injury. 

Boswellia serata, also known as “Indian frankincense” is a plant native to India, Africa, and the Arabian peninsula. In 2004, a group of dogs with confirmed joint disease in Switzerland received Boswellia extracts at a dose of 40mg/kg once daily for 6 weeks. After two weeks, 71% showed significant reduction in severity of lameness and stiff gaits - dogs had less difficulty while moving, as well as when getting up after a long rest.

Astaxanthin is a red pigment that can be found in salmon and red marine algae. It is an antioxidant which protects cells from damage and inflammation, helping to boost overall immunity and energy. There have been previous studies which showed that astaxanthin contributes to restoration of bone homeostasis, showing potential for counteracting joint injuries.

Vitamin D3 is important for supporting healthy bone structure, including the subchondral bone. Dogs cannot absorb Vitamin D3 from the sun the way humans do, so is typically absorbed from dietary sources.

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, although extracted from the hemp plant, should not be confused with hemp oil. Further, it cannot legally cannot contain more than 0.3% THC, or otherwise make your dog high. Depending where you live, you may not even be able to find or purchase such products for your pet. Although it is still a very controversial ingredient in some areas, it may still work as an anti-inflammatory by interacting with pain receptors through the endocannabinoid system. A study done in 2018 showed that CBD oil administered at 2mg/kg twice daily can help reduce pain and increase activity in dogs with arthritis. However, owners should make sure to avoid purchasing CBD pet products that do not have the NASC seal - those that have not been stamped may contain heavy metals like lead or not be appropriately labeled to display its proper dose.

Dr. Sarah Wooten, veterinarian and certified canine rehabilitation and pain practitioner, reviews a few more commonly suggested ingredients for joint health in this article -

“Joint Supplements for Dogs: The Helpful vs. The Hype” https://www.dvm360.com/view/joint-supplements-dogs-helpful-vs-hype 

***For further reading on up-to-date studies on canine nutraceuticals for arthritis, visit: https://www.vin.com/apputil/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pid=22915&catid=&id=8896849&meta=&authorid=

Favorite/Recommended Products:

Virbac “Movoflex Advanced” —- contains all the ingredients listed above and what I currently offer my own dog (Blanca just turned 8 and still has the energy and mobility of a puppy)

Dechra “Phycox HA Max” —- made with hydrolyzed protein, good for dogs with IBD or sensitive stomachs; contains phycocyanin, an antioxidant found in blue spiraling, which they have patented (no other product has this ingredient)

Nordic Naturals “Omega-3 Pet” — probably the most popular fish oil for dogs; affordable, comes in either oil or gel capsules, FOS (Friend of the Sea)-certified product

VRS “Omega Benefits” —- high-quality fish oil used in two of the largest, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies for both joint and skin health; also has a hydrolyzed protein formula as well as a formula for puppies

Standard Process “Canine Musculoskeletal Support” —- popular product recommended by my holistic vet; main ingredients are boswellia and green lipped mussel, but also contains some organic beet (astaxanthin), bovine offal including trachea (collagen), and shiitake and reishi mushroom for immunity

InClover "Connectin" --- best quality joint supplement found at one of our local favorite pet stores (Pet Food Express); main ingredients are glucosamine, choindritin, and Hyaluronic Acid, along with some other interesting herbs, available in chewables/tablets and powder form; clinically proven to work (https://inclover.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Connectin-White-Paper.pdf)

Nutramax “Cosequin”—- affordable, widely available (I’ve even seen these at Walmart); also clinically proven to work (https://www.nutramaxlabs.com/downloads/Cosequin-Studies.pdf)

VetriScience “Glycoflex” —- clinically proven (http://glycoflex.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/VSD57-ClinicalResearchSt.pdf), multiple versions available for different stages of joint disease and comes in bacon, duck, or peanut butter flavors

Vetoquinol “Flexadin Advanced w/ UC-II” —- clinically proven to be 50% more effective than glucosamine-chondroitin and actually works similar to an Onsior, which is an injectable NSAID (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8956235/)

Myos “Muscle & Joint Formula” —- contains their patented Fortetropin, derived from fertilized chicken egg yolks that is packed with nutrients; some dogs might also find this smelly powder enticing and be good for those with poor appetite; clinically proven to work, and also prevent muscle wasting after a TPLO/knee surgery (https://myospet.com/pages/clinical-studies)

“Antinol” - contains PCSO-524, a patented lipid extract isolated from green lipped mussel; clinically proven not only to be effective in dogs, but humans as well (https://antinolstudies.com/antinol-pcso-524-executive-summary/)

ThorneVet “CurcuVET” —- more research needs to be done on curcumin’s effect on arthritis in dogs, yet this product has still been shown to work nonetheless (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8162585/)

ElleVet Hemp CBD + CBDA Chews - studies conducted by Cornell University - the first ever successful clinical trial on canines with arthritis, the first pharmacokinetic study, as well as the first safety study (https://www.ellevetsciences.com/cbd-science/); chews have a 98% acceptance rate for palatability; and also big kudos to their non-profit organization they developed to provide free veterinary care to homeless pets

Some dogs, unfortunately, may not be able to tolerate some of these supplements that add higher levels of fat to their diet (i.e. those prone to pancreatitis, or that have trouble with weight gain). Instead, they might benefit from a prescription diet that contains higher levels of OFA, yet still lower levels of fat within the complete formula.

Prescription Diets:

JustFoodForDogs Joint and Skin Support

Royal Canin Advanced Mobility

Hill’s j/d Joint Care

Hill’s j/d Mobility 

Hill’s Metabolic + Mobility

Purina JM Joint Mobility

Ask your veterinarian if any of these pet foods or supplements are appropriate for your dog. In the meantime, here’s a video of how to give proper massages to your dog to help alleviate their joint pain :)

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"McGill Plans New Course," Montreal Star. July 30, 1943. Page 3. --- Physico-Therapy Study Will Be Feature --- McGill University proposes to establish a course in Physio-Therapy beginning October 1, it was announced this afternoon.

Due to the increased demand for physio-therapy technicians in both civilian and military requirements, and also post-war rehabilitation, the authorities are contemplating the inauguration of a course which will consist of two years of academic training and six months of hospital internship.

The purpose of the course is to furnish such a training that graduates may be qualified to act as physio-therapists in hospitals, institutions and private homes.

The work of a duly qualified physio-therapist consists in using, under the direction of a physician or surgeon, natural forces such as light, heat, electricity and water with muscle re-education, in the treatment of disease and injury. The course is designed primarily, to study more thoroughly the human organism, dealing with health and disease of the body.

Throughout the course, practical hospital instruction will be conducted in the various hospitals in the city. The course is expected to draw many students throughout the Dominion as the one only other school is being conducted at the University of Toronto, for a capacity attendance.

On completion of the course, graduates will receive a certificate in physical therapy from McGill.

[stepnstonehomehealthcare]

When it comes to home health care in Kokomo Indiana, finding the right support can make all the difference in your journey to recovery. We understand the importance of in-home care, and we’re here to shed light on how therapy at home in Indiana can be a game-changer, especially when it comes to post-surgical care.

[mlleshopping]

Serious Reasons Why Completing Physical Rehabilitation is Crucial to Fitness and Longevity

Physical rehabilitation isn’t a luxury, but rather it’s a necessity for sustaining our overall fitness and promoting longevity. Its importance goes beyond mere recovery from injury or illness. To explain why in more detail, let’s consider eight compelling reasons why completing your physical rehab journey plays an essential role in fostering optimal fitness levels, and also extends the span of…