What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex and debilitating disease whose cause is unknown, although it is thought to be associated with various viral infections. What we do know is that CFS is often linked to various viral infections. If you’re dealing with CFS, you’re not just dealing with […]
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, incurable disorder caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the part of the brain that affects movement, muscle control and balance. Most often appearing after age 60, symptoms include tremors, slow movement, difficulty initiating and continuing movement and postural instability. Parkinson’s disease treatment aims to maintain the individual’s quality […]
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms, such as muscle weakness and fatigue, often make sufferers struggle to move around. Further limitations in daily movement and difficulty functioning at work can result as symptoms progress. Several studies, however, have suggested that engaging in exercise such as strength training can significantly improve MS […]
Strokes, or cerebral vascular accidents, exist in varying degrees of severity, depending upon which part of the brain is affected, how much of the brain is affected and the level of exercise the person performs. Other factors that affect stroke severity include advanced age, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, minimal variety in the types of […]
By creating a pathway from the brain to the limbs, nerves make muscles move and allow skin to feel sensations, including pain, temperature and pressure. A blocked, or “trapped,” pathway can impede the nerves’ normal processes, resulting in pain or reduced mobility. Nerves get trapped for a number of reasons, each of which creates its […]
The treadmill used by a person after experiencing a stroke is not your average gym model. It is specially designed to help the rehabilitation process, walking in particular. In locomotor treadmill training, a harness secures the patient and helps support some of his or her body weight. As the patient gains strength and the skills […]
No permanent damage results from a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke. It is caused by a short-term blockage of a blood vessel supplying blood and oxygen to the brain. Although its effects—which can include trouble speaking, dizziness, blurred vision and weakness on one side of the body, among other signs—last less than […]
Dry needling is a technique physical therapists can use to treat myofascial pain. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle, known as trigger points. It helps to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and restore normalized movement when combined with corrective exercises. In addition, […]
Multiple sclerosis (MS)—a chronic, often progressive neurological disease caused by the loss of myelin, the protective material that sheaths nerves—has no known cure, but stabilizing and improving a wide variety of movements through physical therapy can help control MS symptoms and enhance quality of life. In fact, it is important to consult us as soon […]