Physical therapy is the process of improving or restoring gross motor strength, functionality and the ability to make basic movements. Patients recovering from surgeries such as joint replacement, orthopedic or neurological procedures often benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapy is also utilized to treat various health conditions where the patient gains from improved motion and movement. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, neck and back pain, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy can often be managed through physical therapy.
Specific physical therapy techniques often include stretching, strengthening, ultrasound, and ice and heat therapy.
- Stretching: Stretching your muscles is vital in maintaining strong motion around a joint.
- Strengthening: Strengthening is a procedure performed to help you improve the function of your muscles.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a technique that uses high frequency sound waves to stimulate the deep tissue within your muscles and body.
- Ice and heat therapy: Ice and heat therapy is used to warm up or cool down your muscles.
Functional Capacity Evaluations
Often before therapy can begin, the staff at Cortland Regional will perform functional capacity evaluations. A functional capacity evaluation is a systematic process of evaluating your physical capacity and functional abilities.Lymphedema and Wound Care at Cortland Regional
Physical Therapy can stretch beyond injuries and post-surgical care. Cortland Regional Medical Center has the area’s only lymphedema and wound care specialist.Lymphedema is a condition of fluid retention caused by a compressed lymphatic system. It may be caused or inherited by injury to the lymphatic vessels, sometimes after a traumatic episode to the body like surgery or cancer. It can be a genetic affliction as well. Common symptoms may include severe fatigue, a swollen limb, discoloration of your skin in that area, and eventually deformity. Lymphedema can affect anyone at any age, although is more prevalent in women than men. For further information, please visit: www.lymphnet.org and www.advancedtissue.net.
When lymphedema impairs your everyday function, it’s time to seek treatment at Cortland Regional Medical Center. In our private treatment area, we use the latest techniques for the most advanced evaluations and treatments of this condition. Our interventions may include serial compression wraps, massage, therapeutic exercises, or manual drainage. Often we use these therapy modalities in conjunction with other physical therapies. Education for the patient and their families is part of our treatment plan at every step.
We recently had a chance to talk with physical therapist Terri DelaCuadra about the hospital’s Lymphedema Treatment program. Here’s what we learned:
HF: What is lymphedema?
Terri: Lymphatic fluid, or lymph, is a clear fluid that travels all through the body. It removes waste products from our tissues and transports fat, protein, and water. Lymph edema occurs when the normal drainage of fluid is disrupted. This can cause a pooling of lymph, which can then cause swelling in the arms or legs.
HF: Who are the typical lymphedema patients?
Terri: Lymphedema occurs most often in women who have had a mastectomy, but it can also occur after a traumatic injury or an infection, or as a result of other types of cancer. It can affect both men and women.
HF: What are the symptoms that may indicate lymphedema?
Terri: The affected limb feels heavy, stiff and swollen. It can also be red and warm to the touch. This condition is not always recognized immediately, but diagnosis is important. Early intervention shortens the treatment time.
HF: What does the treatment involve?
Terri: Treatment starts with a hands-on, specialized massage. Then we educate the patient in an exercise program designed to increase the lymph flow. We also train the patient and his/her support team in the use of a compression wrap. The wrap applies pressure to reduce the swelling. Consistently using it at home is critical to the treatment. It takes time and patience because you have to wear this wrap for about six months. Our goal is to make the patients independent. We reduce the lymphedema as much as possible, and then train them to manage it on their own.
HF: Do you have special training to provide this type of therapy?
Terri: I’ve taken a continuing education course. I actually have patients who come from both Ithaca and Auburn because we’re the nearest facility that offers this therapy.
HF: How have your patients responded to the treatment?
Terri: Most of my patients are thrilled to find a treatment that will help them. It’s easier for them to do things because their limbs aren’t so heavy. They have better mobility and flexibility, which allows them to be more independent.
For more information on Lymphedema Evaluation & Treatment Program please call Terri DelaCuadra @ (607) 756-3606.
Wound Care
Wound care at Cortland Regional is for individuals with wounds that are not healing properly on their own. Often these wounds occur post-surgery, from a traumatic incident or as a result of venus-stasius ulcers, diabetic ulcers or arterial insufficiency wounds. Our rehabilitation therapists utilize a wide range of techniques including whirlpool tub therapy, wound dressings, dull debridement, serial compression wraps and pump, and therapeutic exercise. Therapists look at the whole individual to address issues in nutrition, education and smoking cessation to ensure the quickest recovery possible!< Back
