Most children learn to sit without support as an infant. The limited muscle control, sensation and coordination experienced by children with severe cerebral palsy make this developmental milestone more difficult to reach. A study currently underway at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) is examining a possible intervention to help children with cerebral palsy learn to sit independently. Regina Harbourne,PT, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical therapy at MMI is conducting the study and shares some of the early findings with PT Talker.
The study participants are children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy. The control group receives physical therapy twice a week. The other group receives the same physical therapy while sitting on top of a vibrating mat. The mat utilizes subtle, random vibrations at different frequencies. The vibrations help enhance the ability to sense where one’s body is in space which can improve postural control. To find out more about this study, listen now.
Physical therapy can take place in a variety of settings, including a patient’s home, office or even hotel room. This week’s podcast features a physical therapist that specializes in bringing physical therapy direct to her patients. Based in Park City, Utah, Joanna Kahn, MPT, and owner of Personal PT works with patients in the environment where they spend most of their time. By traveling to work with patients in their home or office, Kahn is able to review everyday routines and tailor physical therapy to meet the needs of her patients and their location.
The mobile physical therapy model utilized by Kahn requires minimal overhead which allows her to operate as a cash-based clinic. To work with patients, Kahn brings along a backpack loaded with mobile physical therapy equipment including an ultrasound electrical simulation machine, hot and cold packs, physical therapy table, exercise balls, resistance bands and other equipment as needed. Discover more by listening now.
The understanding and use of evidence-based physical therapy continues to grow. A new resource is now available to help physical therapists integrate evidence into their practice and overcome some of the challenges associated with using evidence-based physical therapy. Author of the Guide to Evidence-Based Physical Therapist Practice, Second Edition, Dianne Jewell, PT, DPT, PhD, CCS and Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University shares some of the benefits of practicing evidence-based physical therapy in this week’s podcast.
Evidence-based physical therapy provides information about treatment options that work and those that don’t. It also gives therapists a bigger view of the environment and provides justification behind the methods of treatment used. Whether you’re looking for a way to utilize the best available evidence in your practice or find the best approach to produce a positive outcome for your patients, listen now to learn more.
Does the general public really understand what physical therapy is? A new website, The PT Project was created to help individuals gain a greater understanding of physical therapy, serve as a professional resource for physical therapists and enhance the future of the profession. Today’s podcast features Luke Bongiorno, PT, MCMT, one of the founders of the PT Project website and co-owner of NYSportsMed & Physical Therapy.
The mission of the PT Project is to protect, promote and expand the practice of ethical physical therapy. The website provides information consumers can use to learn more about a diagnosis received from their doctor or discover new clinical research findings. A section of the website also serves as a place where physical therapists can share information, post questions and gain feedback from other physical therapists. Listen now to find out more about this new physical therapy resource and how you can contribute to the website.
Vibration Successful Helping Kids with Cerebral Palsey [ 14:26 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download