Physical Therapy Products News

PTs Unite to Support the Uninsured

5/9/2008

The American Physical Therapy Association urged residents across the country to contact their legislators and demand solutions to the problem of the nation's uninsured during "Cover the Uninsured Week," April 27-May 3, 2008.

CMS Proposes More Accurate Payments for Inpatient Rehabilitation Services

5/7/2008

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed a rule that will improve the accuracy of payment for services furnished to people with Medicare who need the intensive rehabilitation services provided by Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities.

Inventor of Ossur's Flex-Foot Nominated for European Inventor of the Year

5/6/2008

Ossur, a global orthopedics corporation and the developer of scientifically advanced prosthetic innovations, announced that the inventor of its Flex-Foot, Van L. Phillips, has been nominated for the European Patent Office's Inventor of the Year 2008 award.

Study Examines Prevalence of Work Disability Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

5/5/2008

In previous studies of patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 10 years in duration, the prevalence of work disability has been estimated at as high as 50%. However, most studies examining this costly effect of RA are well over a decade old. Since then, much has changed about the disease and the nature of work. New research aims to present the latest figures.

Hip And Knee Replacements Rise in the United States

5/2/2008

With the graying of America's Baby Boomer generation, arthritis is a growing health concern. Traditionally associated with the elderly, this common joint disease currently afflicts over 20 million men and women in the United States.

Study Examines Effectiveness Lumbar Support for Low Back Pain

5/1/2008

Although many people use lumbar supports to bolster the back muscles, they are no more effective than lifting education—or no treatment—in preventing related pain or reducing disability in those who suffer from the condition, according to a new systematic review.

New Minnesota Law Improves Patient Access to Physical Therapist Services

4/30/2008

Minnesota residents will find it easier to obtain services from a licensed PT under legislation signed into law April 17, which expands the time frame in which patients may visit PTs without a physician referral.

Companies Spend Approximately $45 Billion Annually on Obesity Costs

4/29/2008

The rate of obesity in the United States has doubled in the last 30 years, and those extra pounds weigh on companies' bottom lines, according to a new report from The Conference Board.

Physical Activity May Be a Natural Pain Reliever for Arthritis

4/24/2008

It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when suffering with joint pain, but physical activity is actually a natural pain reliever for most people suffering from arthritis, according to a recent study published in Arthritis Care and Research journal.

Study Finds Biological Link Between Chronic Pain and Fatigue

4/23/2008

A recent University of Iowa study reveals a biological link between pain and fatigue, and may help explain why more women than men are diagnosed with chronic pain and fatigue conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Exercise Helps Teenagers Feel Confident

4/22/2008

Researchers have discovered a link between unconfident teenagers and a lack of exercise. Results were revealed at the recent British Psychological Society Annual Conference.

Tai Chi Can Help Control Type 2 Diabetes

4/21/2008

The martial art of Tai Chi, which combines deep diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation with gentle movement, can improve Type 2 diabetes control, say researchers in Taiwan.

Lack of Exercise When Young May Lead to Heart Disease

4/18/2008

A lack of physical activity and fitness as a child can lead to an increased risk of heart disease according to research published in the open access journal Dynamic Medicine.

Basic Yoga Exercises Could Help Prevent Falls in Elderly Women

4/17/2008

A specific type of yoga can help improve stability and balance in women over age 65, which could help to prevent falls, finds a preliminary study out of Temple University's Gait Study Center.

Walden Receives APTA Public Service Award

4/16/2008

The American Physical Therapy Association presented Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) with the 2008 APTA Public Service Award, recognizing his commitment to the profession of physical therapy.

Pitching Mound Height Affects Risk of Baseball Injuries

4/15/2008

A study involving several Major League Baseball pitchers indicates that the height of the pitcher's mound can affect the athlete's throwing arm motion, which may lead to potential injuries because of stress on the shoulder and elbow.

Tackling Obesity By Boosting Calcium and Exercise

4/14/2008

Researchers at the University of Colorado at Denver demonstrated the effectiveness of changing behaviors at a community level, suggesting that community-based interventions could be a viable option to address the nation's obesity epidemic.

Robots Help Patients Who Need Assistance

4/11/2008

While scientists are making slow, incremental progress in their quest to create a robot that responds to speech, gestures and body language, a more straightforward method of communication may help robots find their way into homes sooner to help patients who need assistance.

Cortisol Could Alleviate Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia

4/10/2008

Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are serious and debilitating diseases with no confirmed cause and limited treatment options. However, results of a new comprehensive literature study propose a simplified treatment process that could help alleviate symptoms for patients suffering from these diseases.

Breaking Away From Osteoporosis

4/9/2008

Although osteoporosis contributes to an estimated 1.5 million bone fractures yearly, the correlation may not be as significant as we think, according to a study published in the February 2008 issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.