Addressing chronic diseases such as Physical Therapist - Part 4

Addressing chronic diseases such as Physical Therapist - Part 4 -

Given that chronic disease is a major problem causing a financial burden on our economic health system is the first step. Recognizing the underlying causes of chronic disease is the second step. The implementation of a program, the fight against chronic disease in your practice of physical therapy, with patients is mandatory if we are to have an impact on the prevention of these diseases and help our patients improve function and quality of life.

A 48 year old patient who comes to us with osteoarthritis of the knee, which is 80 pounds overweight, can make stationary bike, straight leg raises, quad games, and closed chain activities kinetic, but until they significantly decrease their body weight unwanted effects from cumulative forces on the knee will continue.

Presentation of your patients to the idea that their lack of proper exercise, food choices and body weight are important contributors to their problem will open the door to address the causes of their condition. Inform your patients about the benefits of a change to healthier lifestyle, including weight loss increase exercise / activity and providing your patients with the following information.

Inform your patients than just a 5-10% reduction in their current weight will significantly improve health parameters, including:

• pressure reduction 5 mmHg blood
• HDL Increase 5 mg / dL
• 40 mg / dL reduction in triglycerides
• .5% reduction of HbA1c

Let your patient knows that there is evidence that physical activity may be associated with a lower risk of several common cancers, including colon and breast cancer.

Tell your patient that regular exercise reduces blood pressure in about 75% of hypertensive people with an average decrease of 11 and 8 mm Hg for systolic and diastolic blood pressure respectively.

Tell your strong evidence of patient randomized controlled studies that moderate physical activity combined with weight loss and improved diet can confer a 50-60% reduction in risk of developing diabetes in people already at high risk.

also let your patients know that studies show an inverse association with consumption of fruits and vegetables and the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.

Finally, offer to help your patient set goals of realistic weight loss, 5-10% initial weight demonstrated health parameters improvements. Provide your patient with a wellness package that helps them track their exercise and provides information about healthy food choices. Offer to help your patient to monitor their weight loss and lifestyle changes involving exercise and food choices as they progress with their physical therapy program.

This type of intervention is on the person "whole" and has the potential to have both an immediate positive impact on your future and patient. As physical therapists, we really become an instrument to heal our patients when we treat chronic diseases

The impact of chronic diseases -. Part 1

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Jeff Gilliam, PT, PhD, OCS

Jeff Gilliam PT PhD: is a specialist in weight loss, who studied in detail in the areas of health behavior, exercise physiology and nutritional biochemistry at the University of Florida. Jeff taught a course at the University of Florida called "Search Applications to obesity and weight loss." He also taught for UF DPT program to promote health and well-being "and" Evidence Based Practice III '. His doctoral research was in the area of ​​effective behavioral interventions for obesity and its associated diseases. He is the founder of choice of doctors for weight loss Loss a program of life / Successful weight, which can be found in more than 40 clinics in the US Southeast. He is currently clinical director of ReQuest Physical Therapy (Gainesville, Florida) and integrates the loss of life program / weight in physical therapy for his patients to help them achieve their healthy body weight.

Jeff Gilliam is an orthopedic specialist certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

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