Pilates has been around for years and traditionally, not a technique taught in Physical Therapy programs. However, Dawn-Marie Ickes, MPT is a certified Pilates Instructor that is now teaching Pilates as part of the PT program at California State University Northridge. She also is co-owner of Core Conditioning Physical Therpy in Studio City, Ca and a big believer in the value of gentle exercise. This week, Dawn-Marie takes listeners on a 2 part journey exploring Pilates and its use in Physical Therapy. In Episode #1, she talks about how therapists are finding the value of Pilates and applying the exercises and techniques to help injured patients. Specifically, she will teach you the grounding posture and proper breathing methods associated with Pilates. Next week she will discuss the value of Pilates for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Download the Grounding document for picture and description. For more information respond to feedback@pttalker.com.
Margo VanEck, PT offers her insights about Whole Body Vibration in this weeks episode. Maybe you have heard about using vibration as a new therapy technique when treating certain types of patients in physical therapy. I saw the technology in Germany at a trade show long before it became popular in the United States. Now in the US there are over 10 companies offering a vibration platform, where just 5 years ago there was basically one company.
Margo does a good job giving an introduction to the newest tool in the therapist’s arsenal. Check it out and see if you have a patient that can benefit from the latest rehabiliation tool. For more information send an email to feedback@pttalker.com.
I know, I know. You have always had a treadmill in your clinic and not one problem related to safety. But did you know there are a significant number of people injured on treadmills each year? Unfortunatley, this week brought terribly sad news about the daughter of Mike Tyson and her death involving a home treadmill. We decided that it might be a good idea to find an expert and ask them to refresh our memory about common mistakes made using treadmills in Physical Therapy clinics. This week, we bring you John Hulit of SportsArt America. SportsArt manufacturers cardio equipment commonly found in many physical therapy clinics across America. John shares his thoughts about how you can watch out for your patients when they are in your care, using any brand of treadmill. Don’t assume you know it all until you listen to John and put his sage advice to use.
Author and Researcher Peter Levine of the University of Cincinnati tackles the topic of stroke and how Physical Therapists manage stroke survivors. During the interview with Jeff Worrell, he lists the 4 key components of rehab that must be present in order to achieve neuroplastic change. Rehab for brain injured patients must contain:
- Repetition
- Task Specificity
- Mass Practice
- Challenge
Tune in to learn more about these key components and how you can apply constraint induced therapy to your patients. Should a stroke patient use an AFO? Check out Stronger After Stroke at Amazon to learn more about these concepts and much more. For more information or to send a message to Peter Levine, send an email to feedback@pttalker.com.
