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Newsletters Newsletter - November 2007 | Newsletter - November 2007 |
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Asthma, Diabetes and Managing Lymphoedema through Physiotherapy.................. 1. AsthmaWhat is Asthma? Asthma is Australia's most widespread chronic (long-term and persistent) health problem. It is a disorder affecting the airways of the lungs. People with asthma have very sensitive airways that narrow in response to certain triggers, leading to difficulty in breathing. While there is presently no cure for asthma, correct diagnosis and adequate management of the condition will allow the majority of people with asthma lead to a full and active lifestyle. Common Symptoms Difficulty in breathing,wheezing, tiredness, chest tightness, coughing, difficulty speaking Major Trigger Factors
The role of the physiotherapist. What we can do! Physiotherapists encounter patients with asthma in a variety of health-care settings and have the knowledge and skills to facilitate best-practice asthma care. We are health professionals concerned with maximising mobility and quality of life by using clinical reasoning to select and apply the appropriate treatments. Physiotherapy interventions are provided on the basis of scientific evidence and clinical expert opinion through assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing evaluation. Physiotherapy can be used to improve the health outcomes of patients with asthma. This is achieved by drawing upon a range of non-pharmacological modalities, including exercise training, self-management and education. Self- management and education. The best-practice management of asthma involves a multidisciplinary team which includes a physiotherapist - an expert in prescribing exercise and supporting patients in self management. Self-management is considered to be an important element to achieving good asthma control. Particular elements of the Asthma Management Plan improve patient self management through monitoring asthma symptoms, seeking regular medical review, and using a written asthma action plan. The National Asthma Council's Six Step Asthma Management Plan provides an evidence-based framework to maintain the best quality of life for people with asthma, and to reduce mortality and morbidity. The Six Steps are:
Treatment A variety of interventions are commonly used to treat patients with asthma, including:
There is evidence describing considerable benefits for patients with asthma when treated with breathing interventions. Asthmatics benefit from fitness programs provided by physiotherapists, lessening reliance on PBS-subsidised medications. Treatments are appropriate for both acute and chronic stages of asthma. The role of physiotherapists in asthma self-management includes educating patients about monitoring their asthma symptoms, reviewing and instructing correct inhaled medications delivery techniques, and ensuring that a written asthma management plan is in place. See your physio for guidance about basic knowledge of asthma pathology and how to react when an asthma attack is triggered. Exercise and your asthma Although many people with asthma find that exercise can trigger their symptoms, this does not mean that you should avoid exercise. On the contrary, exercise has benefits for people with asthma, as it does for most other people. If you are suffering from asthma, speak to your physiotherapist today about prescribing an exercise program to best suit your needs and to cater for your asthma management! The treatment of asthma is a function of physiotherapy practice. If you are suffering, don't delay - come visit us today! 2. Diabetes and Physiotherapy What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to automatically regulate blood glucose levels, resulting in too much glucose (a sugar) in the blood. Type 1 Diabetes Occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin because the cells that actually make the insulin have been destroyed by the body's own immune system. This type of diabetes was formerly known as insulin dependant diabetes (or juvenile diabetes). Type 2 Diabetes Unlike those with Type 1, people with Type 2 diabetes are always insulin resistant. This means that their pancreas is making insulin but the insulin is not working as well as it should, so it must make more. This type of diabetes was formerly known as non-insulin dependent diabetes (or mature-age onset diabetes). Diabetes is a chronic condition-affecting people of all ages and walks of life. It imposes a significant burden on the Australian community. The disease can cause a number of long term complications, resulting in disability, reduced quality of life, and premature death. Exercise plays an important role in diabetes and physiotherapists are experts in exercise prescription for people with chronic illnesses, and are therefore able to provide advice on physical activity and promote self-management practices. Physiotherapists also assist with the self-management practices. Physiotherapists also assist with the management of complications associated with diabetes. Exercise and diabetes Everybody benefits from regular exercise. In diabetes it plays an important role in keeping you healthy. The use of exercise in managing diabetes is well documented. How exercise can help:
Role of Physiotherapy Physiotherapists have an essential role in all aspects of diabetes management, from prevention to rehabilitation following complications. Increasingly, physiotherapists are becoming involved in diabetes prevention programs and providing services to at risk individuals also. The physiotherapists in the practice are well placed to advise you on exercise strategies that will work for you. Let us also assist with management of the consequences of diabetes including foot disorders, balance difficulties and protective strategies to prevent further damage. Through safe exercise programs, physiotherapy interventions can also assist in balancing cholesterol levels and improving insulin regulation, in some patients. Speak to your physio today about making life with diabetes easier! 3. Managing lymphoedema through physiotherapy Lymphoedema: The condition Lymphoedema is characterised by swelling of certain parts of the body, caused by problems with the lymphatic system. Normally, fluid and proteins leak into the body tissues regularly from the blood. This tissue fluid bathes the cells; supplies their nutritional needs and receives back the products of their metabolism. The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body that drains the fluid (called lymph) from tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream. When this system is not working properly, lymphoedema can occur. Any part of the body can be affected by lymphoedema, but it tends to target the arms and legs. Around 300,000 Australians will experience lymphoedema at any given time. Women who have undergone mastectomy and radiotherapy for treatment of breast cancer are particularly susceptible to lymphoedema of the arm and, sometimes, the adjacent chest wall on the affected side. Signs and symptoms Lymphoedema usually starts as a painless slow swelling of an arm or leg. As the swelling increases, the limb may become heavy and uncomfortable and more difficult to move. Sometimes infection can occur. With further swelling the limb may become painful and hard and it may be resistant to pressure when pressed. Treatment Unfortunately, there is no cure for lymphoedema. The condition can usually be managed by a combination of techniques, which can include:
Speak to the Physiotherapist in this practice about the treatment options that are available to you. We can help! Physiotherapy is beneficial in the treatment of lymphatic conditions. The Physiotherapists in this practice assist patients with pain management, recovery following treatment for cancer and in the management of lymphoedema. Also, why not speak to your physiotherapist about an exercise routine - physiotherapists are well placed to advise you on exercise strategies that will work for you in the treatment of lymphoedema. In terms of cancer control, treatment can reduce complications and therefore length of stay in hospital and reliance on other health services. Physiotherapists are trained to assess the underlying causes of your injury or condition and provide effective treatment so you can resume your normal lifestyle as soon as possible. Don't put up with pain - if you are suffering from lymphoedema, or with pain following cancer treatment, speak to us today! 4. Massage Gift Vouchers Available! Why not treat that special person in your life to a Remedial/Sports Massage for Christmas. 30 Minute Massage - $55.00 60 Minute Massage - $77.00 90 Minute Massage - $115.00 Quote: "The only way to discover the limits of the possible, is to go beyond them, to the impossible." Arthur C. Clarke |
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