Physical Therapy, Strokes, and Depression

By: Lauradonna Manno, DPT

About 600,000 American men and women experience a first or recurrent stroke each year. Major depression is seen in about 10 to 27 percent of them. Unfortunately when depression occurs following a stroke it is frequently undiagnosed and untreated. Up to 40 percent of stroke survivors will experience symptoms of depression within the first two months.

Depression can occur in anyone, of any age; however, people who had a stroke are at a greater risk of feeling depressed. This should not go untreated and each diagnosis should be treated separately.

Treating depression will help the patient who has had a stroke improve their medical status, enhance their quality of life, reduce pain, shorten the rehabilitation process, and lead to an earlier community integration. Treatment for depression in stroke patients should be directed by a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker who works closely with the physician providing the post-stroke rehabilitation and treatment.

Persons with stroke related depression, especially those with major depressive disorder, may be less compliant with rehabilitation, more irritable, and may experience personality change.

Although signs or symptoms of depression may overlap with post-stroke symptoms, skilled health professionals at AgeWell will:

• Recognize the symptoms of depression
• Inquire about their duration and severity
• Refer to the appropriate health care professional

Aging with Multiple sclerosis

By: Lauradonna D'Antoni, DPT

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease where myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, causing demyelination and scarring as well as a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms. MS is more commonly found in young adult women approximately 75 per 100,000 people. Multiple Sclerosis is highly affected by temperature.

Those who have MS need to be cautions of their environmental temperatures.

Many people with MS experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms when the weather is very hot or humid, they run a fever, sunbathe, get overheated from exercise, or take very hot showers or baths. Some people with MS report temporary blurred vision when they get overheated. These temporary changes can result from even a very slight elevation in core body temperature. A change in temperature by one-quarter to one-half of a degree higher can impair the ability of the demyelinated nerve to conduct electrical impulses. Many years ago a “Hot Bath” test was used to diagnose MS and see if the patients symptoms would be exacerbated.

Some things to keep in mind during hot and humid temperatures:

1. You should stay in air-conditioned rooms during times of extreme heat and humidity.
2. You should use cold compresses, bandanas or hats for cooling methods.
3. It is important to wear lightweight, loose, breathable clothing.
4. It is also advised to always have cold water or an icy drink available in hot temperatures.
5. Exercise should be done in a cool environment, such as pool of less than 85 degrees.

Some MS patients notice symptoms in very cold weather, usually spasticity. At AgeWell Physical Therapy, MS is a treated diagnosis. We allow for MS patient’s to exercise in a cool controlled climate under the supervision of our professional staff to help control symptoms.

CrossFit Shared at AgeWell

By Caitlin DellaValle, MS, OTR/L

I have been training with the CrossFit program for over a year. After being introduced to the exercise regiment it has quickly become an integral part of my life. CrossFit (CF) is a principal strength and conditioning program. It delivers fitness that is by design broad, general and inclusive. CF programs are designed for universal ability, making it the perfect application for any individual regardless of experience.

Using what I was doing in my own workouts, I transferred some of the CF activities to the daily treatments I was providing at AgeWell. Clients at AgeWell were able to participate in CF derived therapeutic exercise. Using combined movements like an overhead reach with a squat, my clients received the benefit of weight training integrated with cardiovascular exercise. The movements are also functional! Think of all the times we stand up from a chair to lift an item overhead, or retrieve an object from a high shelf.

CF also taught me about new eating habits, particularly the Paelo Diet. I shared this diet guideline with some clients at AgeWell and 2 people decided to try the diet. After checking with their doctor they started eating the Paleo way. A diet high in protein, fruits, veggies and natural fats like olive oil and nuts. They reported weight loss, decreased blood sugar levels and improved energy.

I am happy to be involved in CF. I feel physically fit and full of energy. I am very proud to have had AgeWell clients participate in the CF experience!