Moving Better

A New Addition to the Team Allows Stoke Patients to Receive Treatment.
We welcome,Garret Wong, PT, DPT to our practice.

The brain is an amazing muscle. As a physical therapist, I have the upmost respect to how the brain works and communicates with our muscles through nerves. Recently, we have seen an increase in the need to treat stroke patients and we added a new physical therapist to our team. According to scientists, nearly 800,000 people suffer “brain attacks” each year. If you suffered a stroke and have limited movement to or are not 100 percent, Garret Wong, PT, DPT, can help assess your issues and guide you through rehabilitation.

It is very scary to have blocked artery or broken blood vessel and not even know it, and then suddenly you are feeling weird or off. High blood pressure is the typical cause of a stroke, along with dietary habits. Although strokes vary from intensity, duration and long lasting effects, anyone who suffers one is hit with a ‘wake-up call’ to become more aware and change their habit to ensure they Move Better.

At our practice we have seen many patients who need physical therapy to re-learn skills because of a stroke. When a stroke occurs it cuts off oxygen and paralyzes or limits nerves that allow muscles, motor function and second nature movement. When we first see a stoke patient, our first job is to completely assess their function and ability and pin point where the “disconnect” is occurring.

In a hour long assessment, we talk to the patient listen and have them show us their ability to stand, balance on one foot, walk a straight line, stand with eyes close, hold their hand and arms upright along with many other. These evaluations help the therapist build a plan for each patient to address their issues. The only way to help the brain and muscles relearn a skill is to do it. Our goal is to provide a safe environment where patients can practice the skills and challenge their muscles. A repetitive and consistent program may improve the well-being of a stroke patient.

I tell patients, to be ready to fall and experience soreness from the challenge. Every improvement is a step toward a better life and moving better.

If you have suffered a stroke of know someone who has, there is hope. Davis and DeRosa cares about having America Move Better. Ask your doctor about physical therapy, it can help.

Move Better today,
Chris

Great USA Today article, published May 6, 2010
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/painter/2010-05-03-yourhealth03_ST_N.htm