The presence of dizziness or vertigo in the elderly is a strong predictor of falls which is the leading cause of accidental death in adults 65 and older and account for 40% of nursing home admissions.

Falls are particularly prevalent above age 75 and in the elderly often result in injury, such as wrist and hip fractures, and can lead to declining independence and a progressively sedentary lifestyle.

At Excel Therapy, we are no stranger to treating patients who have experienced injury due to falls. Through experience, we have believe it’s important to keep moving safely to maintain health and independence, resulting in an overall decrease in demand on the medical system.

Caregivers know it can be a daunting task to protect a loved one from the many risks associated with physical decline. It’s important to identify the possible risks and have a plan in place to minimize those risks as much as possible.

The American Geriatric Society has identified many factors that contribute to an increased risk for falling including:

• Polypharmacy (more than 4 daily medications)
• Gait and balance changes
• Decreased visual acuity
• Neurological impairments
• Decreased muscle strength
• Changes in heart rate and rhythm
• Postural hypotension
• Foot deformity and poor foot wear
• Environmental hazards

While our physical therapists at Excel Therapy may not able to address all issues, we can evaluate and address deficits related to many of them. Our highly skilled physical therapy team can evaluate a patient’s risk for falls based on functional tests, such as the Berg Balance Scale, and then implement a rehabilitation program based on the evaluation findings. A typical rehab program may include:

• Strengthening activities primarily of the lower extremities
• Core stabilization
• Proprioception
• Static and dynamic balance activities
• Stretching to obtain adequate LE and trunk mobility
• Balance correction strategies
• Assess need for assistive device
• Transfer training
• Footwear assessment and recommendation
• Vestibular assessment
• Discussion of environmental hazards and recommendations for correction

Falling doesn’t have to be a natural part of the aging process. Fight back and contact your an Excel Therapy location near you to learn more about all the ways to minimize the risk of harm for you or your loved one.

FMS identifies seven fundamental movement patterns BEFORE the onset of pain or injury. Excel Therapy physical therapists are FMS certified and able to identify areas of weakness, imbalances, decreased flexibility and motor control deficits for your individual areas of need. Now, you can develop a greater sense of awareness of the way your body moves, make a conscious effort to correct your imbalances and improve benefits from your training. Should you become injured, FMS is a great tool for assessing readiness to return to a sport or activity. You have nothing to lose, yet everything to gain. Call now to schedule your Functional Movement Screening!

— Matthew Hathaway, MPT

It’s a start of a new year and school is back in session! This means the kids are all stuck in a warm classrooms, locker rooms, and on the court. Unfortunately, while sharing ideas and activities, they are also sharing the germs they have collected from all of the holiday gatherings and travel. As an Athletic Trainer working with high school students I get asked all the time, “should my son/daughter go to school”? Symptom by symptom, here are some guidelines to help you decide whether your child should stay home from school:

Fever: If your child’s temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher, keep them at home. While at home, encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids. Your child should be fever-free for 24 hours (without medicine) before returning to school.

Mild Cough/Runny Nose: If there’s no fever, and the child feels fairly good, school is fine.

Bad Cough/Cold Symptoms: Children with bad coughs need to stay home, and possibly see a doctor. It could be a severe cold or possibly bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia. But when the cough improves, and the child is feeling better, then it’s back to school. Don’t wait for the cough to disappear entirely — that could take a week or longer!

Diarrhea Or Vomiting: Keep your child home until the illness is over, and for 24 hours after the last episode (without medicine). Hydration is key to recovery!

Sore Throat: A minor sore throat is usually not a problem, but a severe sore throat could be strep throat even if there is no fever. Other symptoms of strep throat in children are headache and stomach upset. Keep your child home from school, and contact a doctor. Your child needs a special test to determine if it is strep throat. He or she can return to school 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.

Earache: The child needs to see a doctor.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Keep the child home until a doctor has given the OK to return to school. Pink eye is highly contagious and most cases are caused by a virus, which will not respond to an antibiotic. Bacterial conjunctivitis will require an antibiotic; your doctor will be able to determine if this is the case.

Rash: Children with a skin rash should see a doctor, as this could be one of several infectious diseases. One possibility is impetigo, a bacterial skin infection that is very contagious and requires antibiotic treatment. Also, fifth disease is a contagious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes; it’s no longer contagious by the time rash appears.

But when in doubt, you should always call your physician for advice

— Dennis Thompson, ATC, Founding partner of Excel Therapy Ardmore

How many of us experience little aches and pains from time to time and seek treatment for them right away? More often than not, we don’t. We make excuses, or chalk it up to having had a few too many birthdays, elevated levels of stress, or a lack of physical fitness. Sound familiar?

What many fail to realize is just how effective physical therapy can be for alleviating discomfort associated with common aches and pains. Sometimes a simple stretching or strengthening regimen that can be done out of the comfort of your own home can make a world of difference!

DON’T WAIT until your minor aches and pains—like headaches, backaches, and knee pain—turn into debilitating problems. Your body is trying to tell you something! By ignoring your symptoms and hoping they resolve on their own, you may very likely end up at your physicians office with a prescription in hand for pain medication.

Physical therapists have a wide range of treatment options to help relieve your pain WITHOUT medication. Techniques such as ASTYM therapy, trigger point release, soft tissue mobilization, dry needling, muscle energy, as well as the ultrasound (US) & E-stim combination have proven to be highly effective in restoring muscle and joint function, which means patients are able to return to the activities they enjoy much more quickly.

No matter your age or fitness level, please consider physical therapy for your common aches and pains. You won’t be disappointed!

— Christy Willman, PT, Excel Therapy Durant, OK

Okay, it’s time to come clean. Who fell off the wagon over the holidays? So maybe you didn’t fall off entirely. Perhaps it was more like your wagon had a broken wheel and the entire month of December felt like one insanely bumpy ride.

We get it! It’s easy for the hustle and bustle of the holidays to catch up with us by the time the new year rolls around. Our back and shoulders are sore from lugging the shopping bags, our jeans fit a bit more snug after sampling the various cheese logs and homemade treats at holiday parties, and let’s face it—all motivation to do anything productive has flown out the window (those of you who still have your holiday decorations up can probably relate).

But the new year is here and it’s time to begin writing a new chapter in this book we call life. What’s it going to be…the same old story? Or will it be filled with excitement and adventure? Thinking of taking up a new hobby or trying a new sport? Or maybe starting an exercise program, perhaps? Whatever your goals happen to be for 2017, Excel Therapy can help you get off to the right start.

Physical therapy is so much more than simply treating injuries after they occur. Our goal is to address your current aches and pains while simultaneously identifying areas that may need strengthening. Addressing these issues prior to a new sport or activity is crutial to reduce your risk of injury in the future. Don’t make the mistake of doing too much, too soon, with too little information. Make Excel Therapy part of YOUR New Year’s resolution. Our highly trained physical therapists are just a phone call away.

And the best part? There’s no physician referral required!