Restoring Your Health

Rehabilitation can help you get back to enjoying life

When you hear the word “rehab,” what comes to mind? Most people think of someone recovering from a stroke or hip fracture, but rehabilitation therapy can benefit people in more ways than you might have realized.

“All forms of rehabilitation services have the same goal in mind: to help you recover as close as possible to your level of functioning before the illness or injury,” says physical therapist Jennifer Roeder.

Sadly, many people don’t take advantage of rehabilitation because they’re not aware these services are available—and often covered by insurance. Here are a few examples of the kinds of programs that might help you or someone you care about.

If You Silently Suffer From Pelvic Problems

Flowers from a grateful patient— Physical therapist Lauren Garges received roses from a couple who appre ated her treatment the wife’s pelvic discomfort.

Pain during intercourse, bladder-related pain or urinary incontinence affect 10-20 percent of women, mostly during the childbearing years or postmenopause. These problems can stem from childbirth-related trauma, surgical scarring, bladder spasms or postural issues. “Many women feel alone, but help is available,” says Lauren Garges, a physical therapist specially educated in women’s issues.

Goals of therapy: A stronger pelvic floor to control leakage, reduce pain and improve sexual pleasure.

How therapy works: The therapist teaches you how to properly perform Kegel exercises to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor. Therapy also may include relaxation training, deep breathing exercises, massage techniques and postural education.

How long for results: Usually within eight to 10 visits over two to three months.

If Your Head Won’t Stop Pounding

Everyone has them from time to time, but for some, headaches and migraines are so severe and frequent they interfere with daily life. “You needn’t suffer chronic pain or feel that medication is your only option,” says physical therapist Stephanie Marshall, who works with the Headache Center of Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Goals of therapy: Reduction in frequency and/or intensity of headaches or migraines. Therapy addresses contributing factors such as stress, nutrition, sleep patterns and work tasks.

How therapy works: “I use computerized biofeedback to see how the muscles in the shoulders and neck are working,” Marshall says. “By figuring out what’s contributing to the headaches, we can suggest techniques to quiet them.” Treatment may involve exercises, postural changes, techniques for correcting muscle imbalance, stretching and breathing exercises.

How long for results: Usually within two to 10 weeks of twiceweekly sessions.

If Your Child Has an Adversity to Overcome

Whether it’s Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD or another developmental condition, specialized pediatric rehab can play an important role in helping children reach their full potential.

Goals of therapy: Improved speech, hearing, motor and/or cognitive skills.

How therapy works: Therapists work with parents and child to identify and correct deficits— for example, helping a child with Down syndrome who has low muscle tone walk by himself.

How long for results: Individual results depend on the underlying condition.

If Your Hands Need a Helping Hand

You probably take for granted all your hands do for you. But if you ever suffer an injury to one, or develop a condition like carpal tunnel, you’ll quickly realize how important it is to have fully functioning hands.

Goals of therapy: Return to normal activities.

How therapy works: Hand therapists use heat or cold packs, treatments to manage scars and swelling, and range of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce pain and/or improve functional use.

How long for results: Varies depending on diagnosis, but typically two to three times per week for one month.

If You’re Coming Back From Heart Problems

Only about 1 in 5 heart attack or heart surgery patients takes advantage of cardiac rehabilitation. That’s a shame, says exercise physiologist Darlene Garon. “Rehab is more than walking on a treadmill,” she says. “After identifying each patient’s coronary risk factors, our program provides assistance to effectively address the need for risk reduction. One example is establishing exercise routines and maintaining a therapeutic training range.”

Goals of therapy: Restoration of heart health, improved blood pressure.

How therapy works: A comprehensive cardiac rehab program includes cardiovascular, flexibility and strengthtraining exercise under close monitoring. Patients gradually become more independent until they can exercise safely on their own.

How long for results: Outpatient rehab is typically three times a week for eight to 12 weeks.

If You Feel Dizzy or Out of Balance

Balance therapy—Fred Hyre Jr., of Bethlehem does a step exercise to improve his balance, under the guidance of physical therapist Jolene Hammer.

Ever lost your balance when turning quickly, had a hard time walking on uneven surfaces, or suffered bouts of feeling like the room is spinning? These problems can stem from inner ear infections, migraines, or simply a decline in functioning due to inactivity as you get older. Physical therapy can help.

Goals of therapy: Return to normal daily living, including walking and going up and down stairs without trouble.

How therapy works: Individualized treatment can include eye and balance exercises and simple manipulation of the head to correct inner-ear issues.

How long for results: Within four weeks, and sometimes immediately.

If You Have a Wound That Won’t Heal

Wound therapy—Physical therapist Michael Zerbe uses therapeutic electrical stimulation to promote blood flow and speed healing.

When most of us get a cut or open wound, it heals by itself. If a traumatic injury or surgical wound doesn’t heal within an appropriate time—especially if you have diabetes—it’s time for expert care. First, see your primary physician for evaluation. Depending on the wound, you may be referred to a wound healing center where specially educated wound care experts, including physical therapists, can help.

Goal of therapy: Complete healing of the wound.

How therapy works: Specific physical therapy modalities are used to increase blood flow to the wound, decrease pain and swelling, and facilitate healing.

How long for results (outpatient): Usually within two weeks of three-times-weekly therapy.

If You’re Dealing With Cancer’s Aftermath

Gentle relief— Occupational therapist Nancy Kinzli massages a patient’s arm to help reduce the swelling of lymphedema.

Two potential side effects of cancer are fatigue (caused by chemotherapy or radiation) and lymphedema (swelling from excess fluid in the arms, legs, torso, or head and neck after radiation and/or removal of lymph nodes). But those at risk don’t always get the help they need, says occupational therapist Nancy Kinzli. It pays to be aware of symptoms and talk to your doctor about rehab. “Early signs of lymphedema in a limb include a feeling of heaviness or tightness. Lymphedema will worsen over time if left untreated,” Kinzli says.

Goals of therapy: For fatigue, to increase energy and physical activity. For lymphedema, to reduce swelling and infection risk, and teach self-management.

How therapy works: For fatigue management, therapy begins with gentle aerobic and light weight exercises that gradually increase in intensity. For lymphedema, you may receive light massage to manually drain the lymphatic system, compression bandages, education and exercise.

How long for results: Usually within four to six weeks.

If You’re the Victim of a Serious Burn

From thermal (fire or scald) to chemical to electrical burns, rehab therapy plays a major part in restoring seriously burned people to their regular routine.

Goals of therapy: Independence, scar management, skin restoration.

How therapy works: Therapists apply splints to keep skin grafts in place, work on range of motion, and provide treatments to maximize the patient’s independence and quality of life.

How long for results: Depends on severity of injury and other factors.

Want to Know More about the health problems mentioned here? Call 610-402-CARE.

All the professionals in these pages are with Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Thanks also to physical therapist Sharon Manifold and occupational therapists Danette Missmer and Ryan Vetter.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, January-February 2008

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