August 26, 2010 – 12:21 pm
The goal of most rehabilitation programs is to help patients regain mobility as soon as possible. A new piece of rehab equipment is poised to do just that. The Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill uses technology developed at NASA to provide patients with safe, partial weight-bearing physical therapy. This week’s podcast features Jacon Chun, MPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS, Clinical Specialist for Alter G shares some of the benefits this revolutionary rehab equipment can provide patients.
The Alter G Anti-Gravity treadmill differs from traditional lift harness devices and other forms of partial-weight therapy. It utilizes air pressure technology to provide patients with precise unweighting while promoting normal gait patterns. Patients can walk on the treadmill at full body weight or reduce the impact of their body weight in one percent increments all the way down to 20 percent. This precision gives patients and physical therapists the ability to set the treadmill at a point where exercise becomes pain free.
The anti-gravity treadmill is FDA-approved for functional rehabilitation of the hip, knee, ankle or foot, gait training in neurologic patients and strengthening and conditioning. An Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill runs around $29,900 shipped and installed. To learn more about this equipment and ways it can benefit your practice, listen now.
August 20, 2010 – 12:20 pm
In the second of a two-part podcast, Kathryn H. Schmitz PhD, MPH, FACSM of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine shares the discoveries made during a recent PAL (Physical Activity and Lymphedema) trial. The original purpose of the trial was to determine if weight training was safe for breast cancer survivors who have or are at risk for lymphedema. The study actually found patients who participated in weight training were less likely to experience worsening of lymphedema related flare ups.
Participants in the PAL trial began a weight training program after being evaluated and cleared by a physical therapist. The weight training protocol started with a low level of weight and progressed very slowly. Participants were carefully instructed on the correct technique and biomechanics to avoid overusing any muscle.
In addition to the PAL trial, Dr. Schmitz participated in an American College of Sports Medicine roundtable that developed a set of guidelines for working with patients during and after cancer treatment. To obtain a copy of the PAL weight training protocol or the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines, email Dr. Schmitz at Schmitz@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Listen now to learn more about the study and why Dr. Schmitz believes physical therapists are the ideal starting place for cancer survivors in their survivorship, rehabilitation and wellness programs.
August 13, 2010 – 2:55 pm
Thank you to everyone that reported the problem with the opening segment of yesterday’s show. The problem has been corrected and I hope you enjoy listening to the helpful information from Dr. Schmitz, PhD about her research justifying physical therapy for cancer survivors. Make sure the Oncology Physician around the corner from your office is your next marketing call. Thanks to all of our listeners.
Jeff Worrell
August 12, 2010 – 8:31 am
Oncologists are unlikely to be one of the top sources that come to mind for physical therapy patient referrals. However, some new research by Kathryn H. Schmitz PhD, MPH, FACSM of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine may make a visit to your local oncologist a higher priority. Today’s podcast shares the results of her study and how oncologists and physical therapists can work together to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.
The PAL (Physical Activity and Lymphedema) Trial found women with breast cancer related lymphedema benefited from working with a physical therapist to complete a series of specific strength training exercises. In the trial, physical therapists evaluated patients, provided exercise instruction and guidance. As a result of the study, Dr. Schmitz is recommending oncologists refer patients to a physical therapist at their last follow-up appointment. Listen now to learn more.
