Physical Therapy Blog

Grip strength is an often overlooked but crucial indicator of overall health and longevity. Whether it’s opening a jar, carrying groceries, or engaging in fitness activities, our grip strength plays a vital role in daily tasks. But beyond its functional benefits, studies show that grip strength is a reliable predictor of health outcomes as we age. Maintaining good grip strength can reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve quality of life, and even contribute to longer lifespans. In this article, we’ll explore why grip strength matters, the negative effects of decreased grip strength, ways to improve it, and how physical therapy can help.

Neuropathy is a condition that affects millions of people, especially as they age. While it is often associated with discomfort or pain in the hands and feet, one of the most profound and often overlooked effects of neuropathy is how it can impact balance. As our bodies rely heavily on the nervous system for coordination and stability, damage to the nerves can disrupt these essential functions, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a standard procedure for individuals suffering from severe knee pain and mobility issues, often due to arthritis or injury. While the surgery aims to restore function and reduce pain, it's not uncommon for patients to experience a decline in balance during the recovery process. We love walking alongside our patients at EW Motion Therapy through every stage of a knee replacement, from preparing for the procedure to every aspect of recovery. Even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, it’s still important to understand why this balance decline occurs, the safety considerations during recovery, and how physical therapy can help. This information is crucial for a smooth rehabilitation journey.

Balance is crucial to overall fitness, affecting everything from daily movements to athletic performance. Finding an effective and safe way to improve stability can be life-changing for individuals struggling with balance issues, whether due to injury, aging, or neurological conditions. The Pilates reformer and CoreAlign machine offer innovative and adaptable ways to enhance balance through targeted exercises that strengthen the core, improve posture, and increase body awareness. This article explores the benefits of these Pilates machines for balance, how Pilates can be modified for those with balance challenges, and why this approach can be a game-changer in the journey to improved stability.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and often includes motor and non-motor symptoms. Identifying early warning signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention, which can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected. While Parkinson’s can feel scary, the condition can be managed with a healthy lifestyle, physical therapy being an important part of any treatment plan. We have many LSVT Big-certified physical therapists at EW Motion Therapy, and they love helping our Parkinson’s patients improve their balance so they can move independently and safely. Even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, it’s important to be aware of the motor and neurological symptoms of Parkinson's, the benefits of early diagnosis, and the steps caregivers should take if they suspect a loved one might have the disease.

Walking is a fundamental activity that we often take for granted. However, the speed at which we walk, known as gait speed, can provide valuable insights into your overall health. Especially as we age and fall risk becomes more of a problem, a consistent gait speed is vital to independence and healthy movement. At EW Motion Therapy, our balance specialists can create a personalized treatment plan to address your mobility concerns and help you move independently. Even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, you can still read on as we delve into the importance of gait speed, its correlation with health, methods to improve it at home, and the role of physical therapy in enhancing gait speed.

As we age, maintaining our physical health becomes increasingly crucial. Two key components that often get overlooked are strength and power. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent distinct aspects of our physical capabilities. Understanding the differences between strength and power, recognizing their importance, and knowing how to preserve and enhance them can significantly improve quality of life. Physical therapy is often a valuable asset in safely improving strength and power in older adults - we love helping our older patients do this every day at EW Motion Therapy through an individualized care plan. Even if you decide that our physical therapy doesn’t fit your needs, you can still read on to learn about the importance of strength and power as you age.

Parkinson's disease presents various challenges that can affect a person’s mobility and quality of life. Assistive devices are crucial for helping patients maintain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities. Physical therapists can often help patients choose the best assistive device for their needs - we love helping our Parkinson’s patients do this at EW Motion Therapy. You may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, but you can still read on as we explore various assistive devices suited for Parkinson's patients. We discuss their costs, benefits, and how to select the right one for your needs. Additionally, we delve into the role of physical therapy in choosing the right device and enhancing the effectiveness of these devices.

Living with a limp can pose unique challenges to staying active, but it doesn't mean you have to give up on leading a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Understanding the underlying causes of a limp, how to adapt your exercise routine, and the crucial role of physical therapy can empower you to stay active and maintain your well-being. This guide aims to provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of staying active with a limp, ensuring that you make well-informed decisions for your health.

Living with Parkinson's disease means managing a complex and ever-changing array of symptoms. Optimal care involves a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together professionals from various medical fields to address the wide-ranging impacts of the condition. We love our clients with Parkinson’s at EW Motion Therapy, and we always consider it a privilege to be a part of their care team. Many of our physical therapists are LSVT Big-certified and are ready to create custom treatment plans to address the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. You may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, but understanding the roles of these professionals and knowing how to find the right ones for your unique needs can make a significant difference in managing Parkinson's disease effectively.