Physical therapists often see people with several problems. The prime concern becomes sorting out top priorities.  We need to think multi-dimensionally, rather than in a linear fashion. No more simply, "Do this exercise and your ankle will feel better." Our priority becomes determining which techniques give the most benefits in the least amount of time.

In addition to problems with muscles and joints, more and more patients have systemic problems, ultimately slowing the healing process and/or progress with their rehabilitation program. Some have digestive disorders preventing proper nutrient absorption. Others cannot sleep, and some have chronic systemic problems zapping their energy, making it difficult to add muscle-strengthening exercises to their daily routine, since even doing normal living activities exhausts them.

In these days of managed care emphasizing quick results, we need more efficient and effective treatment methods. Sometimes this includes helping people sleep better or improving their nutrition to maximize the healing process. Looking at a person in a simple one-dimensional manner just isn’t enough.

The healthcare system 20 years ago separated the various systems and established "specialists," such as lung, heart and liver. Today insurance companies have made "generalists" more important as the front line managers of health care. Now we see a person as a whole integrated system rather than a collection of pieces.

Likewise, in physical therapy, changes have taken place. Physical therapists who previously screened only the muscle and joint systems have broadened their approach to include examining the connective tissue system as it relates to the organs, and the muscular system as it relates to the vascular system and the lymphatic system. They now understand how the supportive tissues influence the immune system, which is critical for the health of the individual.  Many techniques stimulate the person’s own healing process in a gentle manner, so as to cause no further damage to the system.

Unfortunately, many medical procedures and treatments do cause unintentional damage while attempting to promote healing. For example, numerous side effects from medicines indicate destructive versus helpful effects. An unwanted side effect from surgery is scar tissue. A detrimental result from exercise can be increased pain.

Solutions for health problems should contain a multi-dimensional approach including all of the various systems for an overall maximum effect. Unfortunately, taking one magic pill just doesn’t exist today.  Perhaps it never did, and we finally see the situation more realistically.

At Friendship Heights Rehabilitation Center treatment is individualized and is designed to maximize functional outcomes.

If you have any questions, please contact Friendship Heights Rehabilitation Center.

Therese Rodda, P.T.
Friendship Heights Rehabilitation Center
5530 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Ph: 301-656-6977  F: 301-656-6977

10801 Lockwood Drive, Suite 280
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Ph: 301-576-6474

Links:
http://fhrehab.com/index.html - Friendship Heights Rehabilitation Center - Maryland Physical Therapy
http://fhrehab.com/ptServices.html - Physical Therapy Programs
http://media.fhrehab.com/tips_index.php - Friendship Heights Health Tips

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