Adult Special Patient Population
Down Syndrome
What is it?
Down Syndrome is a congenital condition where one is born with extra chromosomes. This brings developmental challenges and physical features differences. This also comes with other possible health challenges such as hearing loss, sleep apnea, ear infections, eye disease and heart defects(present at birth). However, persons with Down Syndrome are now living longer lives and that comes with more health challenges. Challenges like heart problems, obesity, and musculoskeletal disorders. This is where physical therapy comes in!
How can we help?
Treatment for persons with Down Syndrome needs a focus on keeping them active. Improving strength, balance and coordination. This will continue to work on their hypotonia and endurance to support health heart function and improve overall health.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmhuuCAswbc
Fibromyalgia
What is it?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that consists of multiple tender points throughout the body. Fibromyalgia also comes with fatigue and trouble sleeping. Fibromyalgia can occur post surgery, physical trauma or stress. Symptoms can come from a trigger or can be a gradual build up of pain.
How can we help?
Physical therapy for Fibromyalgia has to be very gentle and consist of a lot of patient education. Educating the patient on health diet, sleep schedule, stress management and the use of heat for pain management to reduce. Keeping the patient active with breathing exercises, light stretching, ROM and a walking program is going to be important to promote healing and reduce trigger points.
Amputation
What is it?
Amputation is the removal of a patient's extremity due to disease or trauma. When discussing the lower extremity is different levels of amputation two of common levels are transfemoral known as above the knee and transtibial known as below the knee. There is also symes amputation known as an amputation at the ankle and hemipelvectomy known as amputation of part of the pelvis.
How can we help?
Physical therapy for Amputees post-surgery it is important to use shrinker socks and wrap the residual limb appropality as the goal is to control swelling and form the limb to insure a proper fit of a prosthetic. When positioning you want to position the patient prone as often as possible to promote hip extension with placement of a rolled towel above the knee for transtibial amputees will also promote knee extension. Positioning is important to prevent muscle contractures. This will also help in the process of getting a prosthetic limb. Also watching for skin break down, and proper fit and gait.
