News from ECRC
Vitamin D & Parkinson's Disease
Jul 13, 2010 9:39 AM
- Greater levels of vitamin D have been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson's disease in a study in Finland where low sunlight leads to a chronic lack of the nutrient, researchers said Monday. Full Story
EXERCISE for CANCER SURVIVORS
Jun 29, 2010 7:53 AM
- New guidelines are urging survivors to exercise more, even — hard as it may sound — those who haven't yet finished their treatment. Full Story
New Report on Boomers
Jun 10, 2010 10:20 AM
- A recent report from the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than 40% percent of adults ages 50 to 64 experience mobility-related problems in areas such as stooping, bending, kneeling and standing for 2 hours, among many other issues. The study also found increasing numbers of baby boomers who reported having back or neck problems, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and arthritis. The number of middle-aged Americans with certain mobility-related disabilities is on the rise. Full Story
Falls Death Rates Continue to Rise
Jun 08, 2010 10:26 AM
- In 2007, 23,443 people died as the result of falls, accounting for 12.8% of all injury deaths that year, says a new report from the National Center on Health Statistics (NCHS). Fall death rates are continuing to increase. The age-adjusted death rate for falls increased over 2006 by 5.8%. The overwhelming majority of fall-related deaths (96.5%) were unintentional. Full Story
'Avoid Inactivity' per New Exercise Guidelines [CANCER]
Jun 05, 2010 10:14 AM
- New exercise guidelines for patients with cancer, which aim to make cancer exercise rehabilitation programs as common as those offered to people who have had heart attacks or undergone cardiac surgery, urge fitness professionals to enhance their capacity to serve the unique needs of this population. Full Story
EXERCISE after ANKLE SPRAIN BEST
May 31, 2010 10:05 AM
- An accelerated exercise protocol during the first week after ankle sprain improves ankle function, with the group receiving the intervention being more active during that week than the group receiving standard care, say authors of an article published May 10 in BMJ. Full Story
EXERCISE TO HELP POSTURE
May 30, 2010 10:31 AM
- An exercise intervention is successful in decreasing forward head and rounded shoulder postures in elite swimmers, say authors of a study published in the April issue (Vol 44 Issue 5) of the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study supports the theoretical basis for clinical rehabilitation of posture and the shoulder, the authors add. Full Story
Researchers Find Increase in Injuries on Crutches
May 29, 2010 10:43 AM
- Injuries to young people related to the use of crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers are on the rise - up an estimated 8% annually between 1991 and 2008, according to an article by Reuters Health based on a study published in Pediatrics. Full Story
Nintendo Wii Endorsed by American Heart Association
May 24, 2010 9:08 AM
- Help your heart. Help your body. Get active. Full Story
I WANT TO GARDEN BUT MY BODY WON'T LET ME!
May 15, 2010 9:00 AM
- Does your mind have a passion for gardening but your body doesn't want to even think about kneeling on the ground? Full Story
Comparison of Incontinence Recommendations
Apr 25, 2010 9:25 AM
- Pelvic floor muscle training is found to be very important for urinary incontinence. Full Story
APTA Recommending more Research
Apr 20, 2010 8:29 AM
- Full Story
APTA Media Corps Member Featured on DC Cable Network
Apr 18, 2010 8:24 AM
- Full Story
Primary Care Shortage: Opportunity or Challenge?
Apr 16, 2010 8:36 AM
- An Associated Press article about the possible expanding role of nurse practitioners reports that, as the country faces a shortage of primary care physicians, 28 states are considering expanding the authority of NPs to allow them to practice without the supervision of a doctor and to prescribe narcotics. Full Story
APTA Responds to JAMA Study on Spinal Surgery
Apr 09, 2010 8:57 AM
- In a statement issued April 8 by APTA in response to a study published this week in JAMA about the rise of complex and risky spinal fusion surgeries among Medicare patients with simple spinal stenosis, the association says, "The study shows that there is little evidence of benefits and a much higher risk of life-threatening medical complications. This confirms that it is vitally important to look at alternative methods to treat this condition, such as physical therapy, which may help patients avoid long-term use of medications and their side effects as well as the risks and costs associated with surgery." Full Story
PT as Lieutenant Govenor in CT?
Apr 07, 2010 8:41 AM
- PT Announces Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor Full Story
Exercise & Manual PT for Vertebral Fractures
Apr 02, 2010 9:13 AM
- Results of a trial published in the February issue of BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders support the benefits of exercise and manual therapy in the clinical management of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Full Story
Rheumatoid Arthritis on the Rise in White Women
Apr 01, 2010 9:18 AM
- After decades of decline, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is on the rise among white women in the US, according to a Reuters Health article based on study by researchers at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. Full Story
WOMEN: Get Ready to Exercise
Mar 23, 2010 8:36 AM
- At least an hour of moderate activity a day is needed for older women at a healthy weight who aren't dieting. Full Story
HEALTHCARE REFORM BILL PASSES - AWAITS SIGNATURE BY OBAMA
Mar 21, 2010 10:30 AM
- Full Story
LINK BETWEEN TENDON INJURIES & ANTIBIOTICS
Mar 16, 2010 10:47 AM
- A year-and-a-half after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified healthcare professionals about tendon dangers posed by certain antibiotics, few physical therapists are aware of the issue. At the time of the warning, the FDA also required manufacturers of systemic fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs to include a boxed warning on product labeling about the association between these medications and the increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. Full Story
Indivdualized Exercise Program May Improve Adherence
Mar 12, 2010 9:25 AM
- Interventions such as supervised or individualized exercise therapy and self-management techniques may enhance exercise adherence, say authors of a systematic review that assessed the effects of interventions to improve exercise adherence for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). However, the authors add, high-quality, randomized trials with long-term follow up that explicitly address adherence to exercises and physical activity are needed and a standard validated measure of exercise adherence should be used consistently in future studies. The review was published January 20 in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2010, Issue 2). Full Story
Water-Based Exercise Works
Mar 05, 2010 9:30 AM
- Water-based exercises produce better improvement in disability and quality of life of the patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) than land-based exercise, say authors of an article published in the June 15 (Vol 34 issue 14) issue of Spine. Full Story
Link Between Leg-length Inequality & Osteoarthritis
Mar 02, 2010 1:55 AM
- Leg-length inequality is a potentially modifiable risk factor for knee osteoarthritis, say authors of a study that found that radiographic leg-length inequality was associated with prevalent, incident symptomatic, and progressive knee osteoarthritis. Full Story
Copays for Patients 'Out of Control,' Say NY PTs
Feb 28, 2010 2:04 AM
- Full Story
Know the Symtoms of a Heart Attack for MEN & WOMEN
Feb 14, 2010 1:30 AM
- As we see hearts as decorations for today, please remember to care for your own heart and those of loved ones.
Know that symptoms that men & women experience when having a heart attack [myocardial infarct] differ. Full Story
Decreased Strength Predicts Difficulty in Activities
Feb 10, 2010 6:45 AM
- Full Story
PROUD SPONSOR OF ECC
Feb 05, 2010 9:50 AM
- ECRC PHYSICAL THERAPY IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE ECC [EASTERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE] WINTER SPORTS Full Story
Prevention of Falls
Feb 03, 2010 7:30 AM
- APTA-endorsed Guidelines Emphasize Strength, Balance Training for Falls Prevention Full Story
Screening for Obesity in Children
Feb 01, 2010 7:45 AM
- New recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force call for clinicians to screen children ages 6 to 18 years for obesity and refer them to programs to improve their weight status. Full Story
Current War Injuries
Jan 27, 2010 12:00 PM
- The most common reasons for medical evacuation of military personnel from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years have been fractures, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, not combat injuries, according to an article by Newswise based on the results of a Johns Hopkins study published January 23 in The Lancet. Full Story
Surgery or Exercise for Shoulder Impingement
Jan 25, 2010 10:00 AM
- Arthroscopic acromioplasty provides no clinically important effects in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome over a structured and supervised exercise program alone in terms of subjective outcome or cost-effectiveness when measured at 24 months, say authors of a study published in the October 2009 issue (Vol 91, Issue 10) of Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Full Story
Physical Therapy or Surgery for shoulder: You Decide
Jan 20, 2010 1:22 AM
- Physical therapist-led exercises show equal effectiveness compared with surgery in the long term in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome, say authors of a systematic review published in the October 2009 issue (Vol 41 Issue 11) of the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. Full Story
PT for Lymphedema - new research
Jan 12, 2010 9:45 AM
- Early physical therapy could be an effective intervention in the prevention of secondary lymphedema in women for at least 1 year after surgery for breast cancer involving dissection of auxiliary lymph nodes, say authors of an article published online January12 in BMJ. Full Story
TRY CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Jan 04, 2010 10:15 AM
- Full Story
WEIGHT LOSS: New Year's Resolution
Jan 01, 2010 9:00 AM
- HAVE YOU MADE A RESOLUTION TO LOSE WEIGHT IN 2010? STICK WITH IT! Full Story
PREVENTING HOLIDAY PAIN
Dec 20, 2009 9:55 AM
- Full Story
Companies Look to Clinics, Wellness to SAVE
Dec 18, 2009 8:22 AM
- As lawmakers in Washington continue with plans to overhaul the health care system, companies are striking out on their own - employing on-site clinicians or implementing wellness program - to fight soaring health care costs, says an article by Reuters.
Full Story
NIH TO DEVELOP APPROACHES TO COMBAT OBESITY
Dec 15, 2009 10:00 AM
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently launched a $37 million program to develop more effective interventions to reduce obesity in diverse populations at high risk of being overweight or obese, including Latino and African-American adults, African-American adolescents, low-income populations, pregnant women, and women in menopausal transition. Full Story
Disability Trends ‘Sobering’ for Aging Americans
Dec 12, 2009 9:40 AM
- Researchers who investigated trends in disability among older Americans from 1988 through 2004 say their results have "significant and sobering implications" as older Americans face increased disability and society faces increased costs to meet the health care needs of Americans with disabilities. Full Story
Snow shoveling is good exercise, but take precautions
Dec 09, 2009 4:30 AM
- Full Story
TREADMILL DESK IMPROVES HEALTH
Dec 04, 2009 10:04 AM
- Why sit at your desk when you could walk??? Full Story
Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dec 03, 2009 9:00 AM
- The United Nations recently launched its theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Making the Millennium Development Goals Inclusive: empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world. Full Story
Tips to keep the weight off during the holidays
Nov 23, 2009 1:00 AM
- People tend to think the holidays are a time when people put on weight, but it can happen any time of the year, whether its summer barbecues or spring graduation parties. Full Story
Physical Activity, Weight Reduction Linked With Reduced T2DM
Nov 10, 2009 9:30 AM
- In a 10-year study, intensive lifestyle changes aimed at modest weight loss reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] by 34% compared with a placebo in people at high risk for the disease, according researchers at the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Full Story
PT for Cervical Radiculopathy
Nov 07, 2009 9:00 AM
- A semi-hard cervical collar and rest for 3 to 6 weeks or physical therapy accompanied by home exercises for 6 weeks reduced neck and arm pain substantially compared with a wait-and-see policy in the early phase of cervical radiculopathy, say authors of an article published October 7 in BMJ. Full Story
APTA Screens 500-Plus Attendees at AARP
Nov 03, 2009 9:00 AM
- More than 560 attendees at the 2009 AARP Vegas @50+ Expo, held October 22-24 in Las Vegas, were screened for balance and falls by physical therapists from the Nevada Chapter and the Section on Geriatrics. In total, 44 APTA volunteers manned APTA's booth for the 3-day event. Full Story
Endorsing Patient Self-Referral for All Health Systems
Oct 30, 2009 8:30 AM
- At the International Summit on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice, held October 22-24 in National Harbor, Maryland, physical therapists from around the world heard that direct access and patient self-referral to a physical therapist is proven to be safe and results in improved health outcomes, more timely care, higher patient satisfaction, and lower costs. Full Story
Researchers Link Supply of MRIs to Use, Subsequent Surgeries
Oct 25, 2009 7:15 AM
- Patients with low back pain have a greater chance of undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgery if they live in an area that has more MRI machines, say authors of a study that appears online in Health Affairs. Full Story
APTA Makes Rounds on Morning Shows
Oct 24, 2009 7:00 AM
- Full Story
Tune In to NY Morning Show Blitz in Honor of Natl PT Month
Oct 20, 2009 8:10 AM
- Tune in to the national morning shows on October 21 to see your fellow colleagues and New York University physical therapy students promoting National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM) in front of live television audiences at Good Morning America, The Early Show, and the TODAY show. Full Story
APTA Media Initiative Targets PT Role in Treating Lymphedema
Oct 17, 2009 7:15 AM
- During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, APTA is spotlighting groundbreaking research about the physical therapist's role in diagnosing, treating, and reducing both the risks and side effects of lymphedema. Full Story
PTs Call for Vestibular Rehab for Service Members With BITBI
Oct 14, 2009 8:30 AM
- Physical therapists are calling for definitive vestibular screenings and assessment measures for US military service members with blast-induced traumatic brain injuries (BITBI). Full Story
BMJ Study Looks at Course and Markers of Chronicity of LBP
Oct 10, 2009 7:30 AM
- More than 1/3 of patients with recent onset chronic low back pain [without leg pain] recover within 12 months, say authors of a study aimed at describing the course of chronic low back pain and identifying prognostic markers at the onset of chronicity. However, the prognosis is less favorable for patients who have taken previous sick leave for low back pain, have high disability levels or high pain intensity at onset of chronic low back pain, have lower education, perceive themselves as having a high risk of persistent pain, and were born outside Australia. Full Story
APTA SUBMITS STATEMENT ON POPTS
Oct 09, 2009 7:20 AM
- APTA Submits Statement to MedPAC on Physician Owned Physical Therapy Services
Full Story
New Web Site Aims to Give Consumers Control of Health
Oct 05, 2009 7:45 AM
- A start-up company led by the former head of the Google Health team this week became the newest entrant to the online consumer health business. Full Story
APTA SUPPORTS VETERANS
Oct 02, 2009 8:00 AM
- APTA Submits Statement on Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act Full Story
Patients With Wrist Fractures & Osteoporosis
Oct 02, 2009 7:45 AM
- Patients With Wrist Fractures Less Likely to be Screened for Osteoporosis Full Story
Happy National Falls Prevention Awareness Day
Sep 22, 2009 6:00 AM
- On September 9, a bipartisan resolution was drafted by Sen Herb Kohl (D-WI) that would designate September 22 as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Full Story
Stay in School for Better Health
Sep 18, 2009 9:30 AM
- People with more education are likely to live longer, experience better health outcomes, and practice health-promoting behaviors such as exercising regularly, refraining from smoking, and obtaining timely health care check-ups and screenings, says a new issue brief from the Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Foundation that explores how educational attainment influences health. Full Story
Professional Athletes Using Wii Fit - So Can You!
Sep 15, 2009 9:00 AM
- Don't wait until January 1 to make a commitment to yourself to get in shape. Full Story
THE MODERN PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Sep 13, 2009 12:00 PM
- Article about how physical therapy can help. Hint: Forget about 'No pain, no gain'. Full Story
APTA Applauds Obama's Call for Elimination of Limits
Sep 11, 2009 8:30 AM
- Full Story
Exercise Helps Knee Osteoarthritis
Sep 05, 2009 9:00 AM
- Research published in the June issue (Vol 36 Issue 6) of the Journal of Rheumatology reports that there is evidence that land-based therapeutic exercise has at least short-term benefit in terms of reduced knee pain and physical disability for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The magnitude of the treatment effect was significantly associated with the number of direct supervision occasions provided and study methodology. Full Story
PT to RUN for US CONGRESS
Aug 30, 2009 9:31 AM
- If she wins the seat, Coulson will be the first physical therapist to serve in the US Congress. Full Story
Disability-Related Information and Resources
Aug 28, 2009 9:40 AM
- In conjunction with the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the US Department of Labor last week re-named and re-launched DisabilityInfo.gov as Disability.gov. Full Story
APTA Featured in AMA News Reports on
Aug 25, 2009 9:30 AM
- APTA is featured in the American Medical Association's (AMA) August 24 radio segment and news article on the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) recent report on physician "incident to" services. Full Story
EXERCISE 1 - 4 YEARS AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT
Aug 20, 2009 9:50 AM
- An increase in muscle size and strength and an improvement in levels of mobility can occur after 12 weeks of resistance exercise in older individuals 1 to 4 years after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), say authors of study published in the June issue (Vol 467 Issue 6) of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. APTA members Paul C. LaStayo, PT, PhD, CHT, Whitney Meier, PT, DPT, OCS, Robin L. Marcus, PT, PhD, OCS, Ryan Mizner, PT, MPT, PhD, and Lee Dibble, PT, PhD, ATC, coauthored the article. Full Story
APTA Touts Benefits of Physical Activity to TIME
Aug 17, 2009 9:20 AM
- The cover story of the August 17 issue of TIME magazine made statements that suggest exercise is not an effective health tool, particularly as it pertains to weight loss. To help educate the readers of TIME, APTA joined a group of organizations to respond to the piece and tout the benefits of physical activity, underscoring the importance of exercise not only to weight loss, but also to overall health. Full Story
PTs Swim the English Channel
Aug 15, 2009 9:40 AM
- A 6-person relay team from the physical therapy department at the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences in St Augustine, Florida, successfully swam the English Channel on August 14. Full Story
Breast Cancer & Weight Training
Aug 13, 2009 9:30 AM
- In breast cancer survivors with lymphedema, slowly progressive weight lifting had no significant effect on limb swelling and resulted in a decreased flare-ups of lymphedema, reduced symptoms, and increased strength, say authors of a study published in the August 13 (Vol 361 Number 7) issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Full Story
Exercise Decreases Fatigue in Leukemia Patients
Aug 09, 2009 9:55 AM
- Physical activity can significantly improve symptoms of fatigue and depression, increase cardiovascular endurance, and maintain quality of life in adult patients undergoing treatment for leukemia, say researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Department of Exercise and Sport Science and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Full Story
Training the Brain May Help Prevent ACL Injuries
Aug 07, 2009 10:15 AM
- New research shows that training the brain may be just as effective as training muscles in preventing ACL knee injuries, and suggests a shift from performance-based to prevention-based athletic training programs, say researchers at the University of Michigan. Full Story
Increase in student injuries in gym class
Aug 04, 2009 9:15 AM
- Study finds rise in student injuries in gym class Full Story
EXERCISE AFTER LOW BACK SURGERY
Aug 01, 2009 10:00 AM
- Exercise programs starting 4 to 6 weeks postsurgery in adults after first-time lumbar disc surgery seem to lead to a faster decrease in pain and disability than no treatment, and high-intensity exercise programs seem to lead to a faster decrease in pain and disability than low-intensity programs, say authors of a systematic review published in the August 1 issue of Spine (Vol 34, Issue 17). Full Story
More Gym Classes to Fight Obesity
Jul 31, 2009 8:30 AM
- CDC Calls for Increased PE Classes, Enhanced Recreational Facilities to Combat Obesity Full Story
Progressive resistance strength training
Jul 24, 2009 8:30 AM
- Progressive resistance strength training (PRT) is an effective intervention for improving physical functioning in older people, including improving strength and the performance of some activities, according to authors of a systematic review published July 8 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Full Story
PRESIDENT SPEAKS ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM
Jul 23, 2009 8:00 AM
- President Obama had a prime time press conference on July 22, focused on health insurance reform. Full Story
MA Moves to Drop Legal Immigrants From State Coverage
Jul 17, 2009 9:45 AM
- As lawmakers look to the Massachusetts model for universal health care coverage, the state is preparing to eliminate coverage for about 30,000 legal immigrants insured under Commonwealth Care, a subsidized program for low-income residents as part of the state's health care law enacted in 2006, says an article in the New York Times. Full Story
APTA Attends National Conference on Physical Activity
Jul 17, 2009 9:30 AM
- Steve Tepper, PT, PhD, recently represented the American Physical Therapy Association [APTA] at the National Physical Activity Plan conference in Washington, DC. The National Activity Plan is a group of organizations and individuals dedicated to developing a plan to empower all Americans to be physically active every day. APTA member Margaret (Maggie) O'Neil, PT, PhD, MPH, also attended the conference. Full Story
Obama Nominates New Surgeon General
Jul 14, 2009 9:50 AM
- On Monday, President Obama nominated Regina M. Benjamin, MD, to be the next Surgeon General of the United States. Full Story
Direct Access to PT Less Expensive
Jul 09, 2009 9:30 AM
- This study was conducted to determine whether direct access to services by a PT is cost effective, versus obtaining a referral from an MD. Full Story
2009 H1N1 Flu Update
Jul 09, 2009 4:15 AM
- The following is a copy of an email sent from the White House by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, who are leading the efforts to prepare our Nation for the coming flu season. Full Story
47,000 ELDERLY FALLS in US TIED TO CANES, WALKERS
Jun 29, 2009 9:30 AM
- Health officials say more than 47,000 elderly Americans end up in emergency rooms each year from falls involving walkers and canes. Full Story
Online Tool Compares Health Care Proposals
Jun 28, 2009 7:50 AM
- The Kaiser Family Foundation's side-by-side comparison tool details summaries of comprehensive health reform legislation proposed by the three key House committees (the "tri-committee" bill) and from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Full Story
Preparing for Hurricane Season
Jun 26, 2009 7:00 AM
- June 1-November 30 is hurricane season. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality offers tools and resources to help plan for emergency response and provide needed health care during a hurricane or other natural disasters. The tools address patient evacuation, standards of care, and the unique needs of nursing homes. Full Story
Former CIGNA Exec Has Stinging Words For Health Insurers
Jun 25, 2009 8:15 AM
- A former media relations executive from CIGNA turned dramatically against health insurers at a Senate committee hearing Wednesday, June 24, calling the industry an "untrustworthy" partner for its customers and "duplicitous" in blocking meaningful health care reform. Full Story
Cast or Airsplint Best for Quicker Recovery?
Jun 22, 2009 6:50 AM
- BELOW-KNEE CAST or AIRCAST BEST for FASTER RECOVERY from SEVERE ANKLE SPRAIN? Full Story
Knight takes continuing education Wiihab
Jun 19, 2009 9:00 AM
- Cindy Knight, PTMSOCS takes a continuing education course utilizing the Nintendo Wii gaming system to help people rehabilitate in a safe, fun environment. Full Story
FDA Consumer Alert: Warning Consumers of Tainted Sanitizer
Jun 17, 2009 7:00 AM
- Following an announcement by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning consumers of a tainted skin sanitizer, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is advising health care providers and consumers not to use skin products made by Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory. Clarcon is voluntarily recalling some skin sanitizers and skin protectants marketed under several different brand names because of high levels of disease-causing bacteria found in the product during a recent inspection. Full Story
Identifying Barriers to Being Active
Jun 15, 2009 8:00 AM
- WHY AREN'T YOU MORE ACTIVE?
Full Story
KEEP THAT THUMB SPLINT ON
Jun 14, 2009 8:15 AM
- For patients with osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb, wearing a splint had no effect on pain at 1 month but improved pain and disability at 12 months, says an article published in the May issue (Vol 150 Issue 10) of the Annals of Internal Medicine. Full Story
Medicare Beneficiaries Receive Imaging for LBP
Jun 12, 2009 8:45 AM
- One in Three Medicare Beneficiaries Receives Imaging for LBP Outside of Guidelines, Says HSC Full Story
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR YOUTHS
Jun 09, 2009 8:00 AM
- Evidence exists that physical activity is beneficial for youths with developmental disabilities, says an article in the January/February issue (Vol 23 Issue 3) of the American Journal of Health Promotion. Full Story
Health Care Reform Podcast Now Available
Jun 05, 2009 8:40 AM
- Full Story
CELL PHONE ELBOW
Jun 05, 2009 8:30 AM
- Is your ear ringing and your arm tingling? If so, put the cell phone down! Full Story
Inner Ear Dysfunctions Linked to Balance Issues and Falls
Jun 02, 2009 9:41 AM
- About 69 million Americans over age 40 have some form of inner ear dysfunction that causes dizziness and makes them up to 12 times more likely to have a serious fall, says a HealthDay article based on a new survey by Johns Hopkins researchers. Full Story
Too Many Abbreviations?
Jun 01, 2009 9:35 AM
- Making Sense of CMS Acronyms and Abbreviations Full Story
Moffat Discusses Back Pain in AARP Magazine
May 30, 2009 9:30 AM
- Marilyn Moffat, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, is featured in "The Back Story", an article in the July/August issue of AARP's magazine, now available online. Full Story
The Massachusetts Model: Opportunities or Challenges for PTs
May 29, 2009 9:00 AM
- Full Story
HEALTH CARE REFORM - STAY CURRENT WITH THE NEWS
May 23, 2009 9:30 AM
- "Health care reform is no longer just a moral imperative, it is a fiscal imperative. If we want to create jobs and rebuild our economy, then we must address the crushing cost of health care this year, in this Administration."
- President Barack Obama
White House Forum on Health Reform, 3/5/09 Full Story
PATIENTS COMFORTABLE with ROLE of COMPUTERS in HEALTH CARE
May 22, 2009 10:30 AM
- Patients say that they not only want computers to bring them customized medical information, they fully expect that in the future they will be able to rely on electronic technology for many routine medical issues, says a research team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). Full Story
Policy Options for Expanding Health Insurance Coverage
May 22, 2009 9:30 AM
- APTA submitted comments today in response to the Senate Finance Committee's May 14 policy options document titled "Expanding Health Care Coverage: Proposals to Provide Affordable Coverage to All Americans." Full Story
May is EXERCISE IS MEDICINE Month
May 19, 2009 8:56 AM
- Exercise is Medicine™ is an initiative launched by the American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM) and the American Medical Association (AMA) in November 2007, calling
on patients to talk to their doctor about including physical activity in their treatment
and encouraging Americans to incorporate physical activity and exercise into their daily routine. Full Story
Study Identifies Pain as Top Condition that Affects Workers
May 08, 2009 9:00 AM
- Poor health among workers, including back and neck pain, is far costlier to US employers than they realize, affecting their profitability and undercutting the nation's overall productivity, according to a Newswise article based on a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Full Story
Exercise Programs and Tai Chi Effective in Fall Prevention
May 05, 2009 8:45 AM
- Exercise programs that lend strength, flexibility, and balance might be one of the best ways to prevent falls among people age 65 and older, according to an article by Newswise based on a Cochrane review of more than 100 studies. Full Story
RISE to the PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE
May 04, 2009 8:30 AM
- BE A PART OF A HEALTHIER AMERICA! Full Story
SKATE PARK OPENS ACROSS FROM KILLINGLY OFFICE
May 01, 2009 8:30 AM
- NEW SKATE PARK OPEN IN KILLINGLY. Full Story
SWINE FLU UPDATE
May 01, 2009 7:30 AM
- Remember, the swine flu is still a flu, not the Bubonic plague. Full Story
METHOT & KNIGHT VOLUNTEER AT 2009 BOSTON MARATHON
Apr 20, 2009 8:00 AM
- Kerry Methot, LMT and Cindy Knight, PTMSOCS both spent the day in downtown Boston on Patriot's Day, April 20, 2009 volunteering at the Boston Marathon. Full Story
WELLNESS and FITNESS
Apr 18, 2009 11:30 AM
- In April 2009 The Washington Post featured 2 articles on fitness and wellness that included interviews with APTA members. Full Story
HOME-BASED PT CAN INCREASE LIFE SPAN in ELDERLY
Apr 18, 2009 11:00 AM
- A home-based program for seniors that includes occupational and physical therapy, as well as some minor home modifications, can help people live longer, says a HealthDay News article based on a study recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Full Story
ACTIGRAPHY - WHAT IS IT?
Apr 17, 2009 10:00 AM
- In patients with hip fracture, actigraphy provides an objective measure of physical activity that can predict future functional outcomes, says an article in the April 2009 issue (Vol 90, Issue 4) of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. APTA members Chris Harrison, PT, NCS, and Jennifer S Brach, PT, PhD, GCS, were coauthors.
Full Story
APTA COMMENTS on IMPORTANCE of INCLUDING REHAB RESEARCH
Apr 17, 2009 5:00 AM
- In comments this week to the Federal Coordinating Council on Comparative Effectiveness Research, APTA outlined its rationale for the importance of including rehabilitation interventions in the scope of research. Full Story
RUTH AMBROZAITIS COMPLETES 1/2 MARATHON with HELP of ECRC
Apr 13, 2009 8:00 AM
- Ruth Ambrozaitis tells her story of her experience with ECRC Physical Therapy: Full Story
CONSUMER REPORTS SURVEY shows HIGH SATISFACTION for PT
Apr 11, 2009 9:00 AM
- Physical therapy ranks among the top treatment choices of their readers with back pain, according to a new Consumer Reports survey of more than 14,000 Americans who experience the condition. Full Story
WEIGHT-LOSS DIETS COMPARED
Apr 11, 2009 1:00 AM
- Does percent fat, protein, & carbohydrates matter? Full Story
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE for CHRONIC NECK PAIN
Apr 06, 2009 8:15 AM
- Little is known about the effectiveness of therapeutic massage, one of the most popular complementary medical treatments for neck pain. Research was conducted to evaluate whether therapeutic massage is more beneficial than a self-care book for patients with chronic neck pain. Full Story
MASSAGE FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Apr 06, 2009 3:00 AM
- Positive Systemic Effects Using Therapeutic Massage as a Conjunctive Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, by Robin Anderson, 2007 Student Case Report Contest Bronze Award Winner at AMTA National Convention, Cincinnati, OH
Full Story
PT UNDERUTILIZED in PATIENTS With BACK PAIN
Apr 04, 2009 3:15 AM
- People with back pain use many types of medical interventions, but often not those with the strongest evidence of effectiveness, such as therapeutic exercise, according to a Newswise article based on a study in the April 1 issue of Spine. Full Story
Times Article Examines Challenges of Challenging Patients
Apr 04, 2009 3:15 AM
- Patients with multiple health problems are largely overlooked both in medical research and in the nation's clinics and hospitals, with the default position to "treat complicated patients as collections of malfunctioning body parts rather than as whole human beings," says an article published Tuesday in the New York Times. Full Story
PT for CHRONIC NECK PAIN
Apr 04, 2009 3:00 AM
- Patients with chronic neck pain who receive physical therapy that includes general neck advice and/or an exercise program have similar reductions in pain when neck stabilization exercises are added to their PT program, says an article published in the February 1 issue (Vol 36, Issue 2) of Journal of Rheumatology. Full Story
Medicare Direct Access Bill Introduced in US House
Apr 04, 2009 2:15 AM
- Direct Access possible for those on Medicare? Full Story
Blog Explores the Struggle Between Ideology and Evidence in
Apr 03, 2009 2:00 AM
- Full Story
NIH & SUBWAY PARTNER to HELP PREVENT CHILDHOOD OBESITY
Mar 29, 2009 10:00 AM
- Full Story
ARTICLE on INCIDENCE of STROKE
Mar 29, 2009 9:00 AM
- Modifiable lifestyle behaviors including not smoking, physically not inactive [being active], moderate consumption of alcohol (1-14 units/week), and eating at least 5 portions of fruit & vegetables a day are associated with a substantially lower risk of subsequent stroke. YOU HAVE CONTROL OF ALL OF THESE! Full Story
Insurers' Out-Of-Network Practices Questioned
Mar 28, 2009 3:00 AM
- Ever wonder how that bill was calculated if you had to pay to see a doctor outside your insurance network?
Might be a scam, says a senator investigating the issue. Full Story
RESEARCHERS WORK TO IMPROVE POSTURE IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Mar 26, 2009 9:05 AM
- RESEARCHERS DEMONSTRATE THAT EXTERNAL ATTENTIONAL FOCUS IMPROVES POSTURAL STABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON DISEASE Full Story
TODAY SHOW SEGMENT ON LOW BACK PAIN
Mar 23, 2009 11:00 AM
- PT is Ideal Treatment (Over Surgery) for Back Pain Full Story
Knight Attended Pharmacology Update March 2009
Mar 22, 2009 4:40 AM
- Knight attends course. Full Story
ALL TYPES of EXERCISE MAY BE SAFE, EFFECTIVE After Recent MI
Mar 20, 2009 12:20 PM
- All types of exercise (aerobic, resistance, and their combination) are safe and effective strategies patients after a recent myocardial infarction [heart attack], according to the results of research reported in the March 16 Online First issue of Circulation. Full Story
Meniscus Tears Increase Knee Osteoarthritis risk
Mar 19, 2009 5:00 AM
- Damage to the meniscus in the knee joint may lead to osteoarthritis in middle-age and elderly patients. Full Story
PT COST EFFECTIVE - GOOD FOR ECONOMY
Mar 19, 2009 1:30 AM
- With health care reform on the horizon - and media coverage of health policy and consumer health trends continuing to increase - physical therapists have an excellent opportunity to spread the word about the cost-effectiveness of our treatment. This is especially true as the economy continues to falter. Full Story
DIRECT ACCESS TO PT FOR PATIENTS
Mar 15, 2009 8:00 AM
- In Connecticut, a person can see a physical therapist without a referral from an MD [except for Medicare and Worker's Compensation]. Full Story
2009 New England Regional Conference of AMTA
Mar 15, 2009 4:35 AM
- Full Story
What Happens When We Sleep?
Mar 13, 2009 8:15 AM
- While many of us think of sleep as a largely forgotten stretch of time when nothing happens, sleep is, neurologically speaking at least, a busy time indeed. Although sleep's importance is inarguable, scientists do not know exactly why it is so important to our survival. What happens when we sleep? Full Story
WEIGHT LOSS May Take 250 Minutes of Exercise
Mar 13, 2009 8:00 AM
- Recommendations Call for 250 Minutes of Physical Activity a Week for Significant Weight Loss, 150 Minutes a Week to Maintain Weight Full Story
FALL PREVENTION
Mar 12, 2009 10:00 AM
- Falls put you at risk of serious injury. Prevent falls with these fall-prevention measures. Full Story
Atlas of Human Body
Mar 12, 2009 9:00 AM
- From the American Medical Association. Learn more about your body and / or your injury. Full Story
New US Government Website Regarding Health Care Reform
Mar 05, 2009 6:00 AM
- Sky-rocketing health care costs for families, businesses, and government are unsustainable. Reform is imperative to help America’s families struggling with rising costs and those who are losing their insurance. At the same time, real health care reform is crucial to keeping American businesses competitive in the world economy and for the country’s long-term economic viability. President Obama believes we can no longer afford to put health care reform on hold. As he said in his address to congress last month. “Health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year.” Full Story
PT PLAYS ROLE IN TIGER WOODS' RETURN
Feb 27, 2009 11:00 AM
- The world watched Wednesday as Tiger Woods made his much anticipated comeback to professional golf after undergoing ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstructive surgery. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), rehabilitation with a physical therapist played a large role in Woods' return to the golf stage. Full Story
PT EFFECTIVE FOR MANAGEMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN
Feb 27, 2009 9:00 AM
- Physical Therapy reported as 'cornerstone' of non-surgical treatment, as reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Full Story
Health Care Benefits Cost Employers $623 Billion in 2007
Feb 27, 2009 8:00 AM
- Employer spending on health benefits is beginning to approach the amount spent on retirement benefits, according the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Full Story
NUTRIMIRROR HELPS YOU CONTROL WEIGHT
Feb 22, 2009 8:00 AM
- NutriMirror is a free Internet-based system that gives you the power to successfully control your weight and nutritional balance. Full Story
Bigger MRI machine may be less claustrophobic
Feb 20, 2009 9:00 AM
- Swiss researchers who swapped out some of the parts of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner said on 18 Feb 2009 they not only made it more efficient, but also less claustrophobic. Full Story
AQUATIC PT HELPFUL
Feb 20, 2009 8:30 AM
- Compared with no intervention, a 6-week program of aquatic physical therapy resulted in significantly less pain and improved physical function, strength, and quality of life. Full Story
Physical Therapy Effective vs. Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Feb 19, 2009 9:00 AM
- A new study questioning the usefulness of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee should encourage patients to consider physical therapy as an effective non-surgical option, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Full Story
2009 ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE & PT
Feb 17, 2009 5:00 AM
- Stimulus Bill Includes Many Provisions for PTs Full Story
Physical Therapy and the Camaraderie of Healing
Feb 16, 2009 9:00 AM
- An article in Monday's New York Times, titled "Physical Therapy and the Camaraderie of Healing," captures the essence of the special relationship a physical therapist develops with his or her patient. Full Story
Heart Attack Signs & Action Plan
Feb 14, 2009 3:30 AM
- Heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women. Full Story
What Are the Risk Factors for Heart Disease?
Feb 14, 2009 3:00 AM
- Risk factors are conditions or habits that make a person more likely to develop a disease. They can also increase the chances that an existing disease will get worse. Full Story
Immediate Imaging for Low Back Pain Doesn't Improve Outcome
Feb 13, 2009 1:30 AM
- Using medical imaging on people who have low back pain that has no apparent underlying cause doesn't improve clinical outcomes, says an article by US News & World Report based on a recent study in the Lancet. Full Story
Best Care for Patients with Lumbar Fusion
Feb 12, 2009 10:35 AM
- For patients who undergo spine surgery, an integrated program of preoperative lifestyle intervention and early rehabilitation is more cost-effective than a standard care program alone, says an article published in October 2008 on BMC Health Services Research. Full Story
MOVE FORWARD
Feb 10, 2009 10:00 AM
- You’ve heard about physical therapists, but what can they bring to your life? Full Story
Exercise for Rotator Cuff Impingement
Feb 07, 2009 8:30 AM
- Exercise for rotator cuff impingement can help reduce pain and improve function but it may not improve motion and strength. Manual therapy [having the PT perform techniques, such as joint mobilizations or soft tissue release techniques] helps as well.
ECRC CAN HELP WITH EXERCISE PROGRAMS and MANUAL THERAPY. Full Story
Exercises Improve Function
Feb 07, 2009 7:00 AM
- Sedentary, obese older adults appear to improve their functional abilities and reduce insulin resistance through a combination of resistance and aerobic exercises, says a Newswise article based on a study in the January 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.
Full Story
Sense of balance predicts hip fracture risk
Feb 06, 2009 3:26 AM
- Results of a new study have found that impaired balance increases the risk of hip fracture.
Reported by Anne Harding, Reuters Health.
AN ECRC PHYSICAL THERAPIST CAN HELP YOU WITH BALANCE EXERCISES Full Story
EXERCISE BETTER FOR LOW BACK PAIN THAN WALKS ALONE
Feb 01, 2009 1:00 AM
- A graded exercise intervention, emphasizing stabilizing exercises, for patients with recurrent LBP still at work seems more effective in improving disability and health parameters than daily walks do. Full Story
NATIONAL INSTITUTES of HEALTH RESEARCH PROFILE
Jan 15, 2009 1:00 AM
- Estimates of Funding for Various Research, Condition, and Disease Categories Full Story
Lose weight one step at a time
Jan 01, 2009 12:00 PM
- When it comes to making changes to lose weight, sometimes the smallest steps are the most important. Full Story
Are You Dizzy? Maybe We can Help!
Oct 02, 2008 1:05 AM
- Feeling dizzy is not something you have to live with. Full Story
Improving Your Running Performance with Gait Analysis
Sep 19, 2008 10:26 AM
- Full Story
Tips for Baby Boomers to Deal with Aches and Pains
Sep 12, 2008 9:00 AM
- Full Story
Women's Health & Physical Therapy
Aug 22, 2008 2:16 AM
- Most physicians and patients are aware that Physical Therapy can help a patient resume their life after an injury or surgery. But few know that physical therapy can have a major impact on a woman’s quality of life and health. A PT can teach you exercises, if appropriate, so you don't have to get up every night to go to the bathroom.
Full Story
Exercising in hot weather
Aug 15, 2008 9:45 AM
- During these sultry summer days, the intensity and amount of exercise outdoors does need to be reduced. Full Story
20 tips for men to live longer, healthier lives
Aug 01, 2008 9:59 AM
- 20 tips to help prioritize preventative health measures. Full Story
Exercise tips you can use anywhere, anytime
Jun 12, 2008 6:00 AM
- Often doing repetitive daily activities can cause pain, so one of the latest trends in exercise is improving core strength for lifting and stretching. Full Story
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