Southwest Rehab

Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) for the treatment of pain and movement impairments. The technique uses a "dry" needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle. Other terms commonly used to describe dry needling, include trigger point dry needling, and intramuscular manual therapy. Dry needling is not acupuncture, a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and performed by ac

Physical therapy helps people of all ages who have medical conditions, illnesses or injuries that limit their regular ability to move and function. A customized physical therapy program can help individuals return to their prior level of functioning, and encourage activities and lifestyle changes that can help prevent further injury and improve overall health and well being. Primary care doctors often refer patients to physical therapy at the first sign of a problem, since it

Physical Therapy Guide to Vertigo What Is Vertigo? How Is It Diagnosed? How Can a Physical Therapist Help? What Kind of Physical Therapist Do I Need? Further Reading Vertigo usually is described as a spinning sensation, whereas dizziness usually is described as "lightheadedness." Often, they have different causes and different treatments. If you have vertigo accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms, immediately call 911 or emergency medical services (EMS) so that

Falling down can sound harmless. But for older adults it can result in serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls, and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries as well as the number one cause of harm and resulting deaths among older Americans. And treating injuries caused by falls is costly, totaling more than $50 billion in 2015. Falls are not a normal part of aging, and they are preventable. If you f

Your Mental Health and Well-being The coronavirus (COVID-19) is presenting new and unique challenges. We are navigating unchartered waters with this virus, making it important to find new ways to work and interact while also taking care of our mental health and well-being. Many are teleworking full-time for the first time, isolated from co-workers, friends and family. Our daily living routines are disrupted causing added anxiety, stress and strain—physically, mentally, and fi

Sleep is an essential part of our well-being. It plays an important role in healing, muscle recovery, and memory. Adults should get seven or more hours of sleep a night. School-aged children and teenagers need eight to 11 hours. Regardless of age, everyone should get a minimum of seven or more hours of sleep each night. Managing your sleep is key to your overall health. Not getting enough sleep can be a problem, and can contribute to the development of chronic pain. It also

Our SWRA @ YRCC Outpatient Lymphedema/ Speech Team Helping Raise Awareness! WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA? Lymphedema is an incurable but treatable medical condition caused by injury, trauma or congenital defects in the lymphatic system. When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, swelling results as an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area. Two types of lymphedema exist: primary and

Low back pain is the most common condition in older adults that leads to pain and disability. It’s experienced by both sedentary people and athletes. It can be caused by numerous different factors, which for older adults can include arthritis or disc degeneration. However, a large proportion of low back pain is muscle-related. If you’re currently experiencing low back pain from excessively tight muscles (see your doctor or physical therapist to be sure), these three lower bac

Here’s a quick primer on skin and wrinkles. There’s a tissue in the tough inner layer of the human dermis — collagen — that tightens the skin, making it look young and healthy. As your skin ages, it loses collagen and elasticity, making it more slack, which in turn causes wrinkles. Even though wrinkles are a natural part of aging, most of us want to avoid them any way possible. So, how can you keep the collagen in your skin? The good news is that, in addition to topical cream

Q Which foods or nutrients can help strengthen my immune system this winter and make me more resistant to whatever bugs are going around? A It’s as inevitable as the return of the pumpkin-spice latte. As the weather turns cooler, stories on “immune-boosting foods” start popping up in magazines and on the internet. Unfortunately, the evidence that specific foods can lower your susceptibility to infection and strengthen your immune system is a lot flimsier than these articles m