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The Long Road To Hip Fracture Recovery

The hips don’t get much credit. Without the joint, movement is nearly impossible. So when a hip fracture happens, one can be out of commission for months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 300,000 persons have hip fractures, particularly seniors. Patients need to regain range of motion, strength, and stability through physical therapy. Inpatient rehabilitation can be a difference-maker to get back on track.

Taking care of all recovery needs

Many hip fractures require a total hip replacement. The surgeon will replace the ball-and-socket joint with a prosthetic. Inpatient rehabilitation provides the patient with the facilities to stay at the center for the sole purpose of recovery. The center is not limited to a hip replacement but helps other ailments like stroke, COPD, heart attack, and serious injuries. The inpatient center has doctors, nurses, and therapists skilled in different forms of rehabilitation. There are a few ways the facility can help instead of the traditional outpatient process.

A more efficient recovery process

With outpatient therapy, the patient must schedule treatment, then travel to and from the center. Treatment usually lasts for 30-60 minutes. If the patient needs multiple forms of treatment, the process starts again. An inpatient rehabilitation means the patient stays at the facility for a short period. The team then has a personalized plan that can be rolled out for more in-depth care. Inpatient rehab removes the stress of travel and different therapists. This service makes a recovery a smooth, efficient process.

Safer for single patients

Some patients live alone and are accustomed to being independent. However, recovery from a hip fracture needs support, especially in the initial stages. Inpatient recovery ensures there is 24/7 support. Full-time recovery reduces the possibility of accidents from doing what was once a simple task. Some inpatient services help with those tasks like cleaning, food, and general care. Since the stay is short, usually between 1-3 months, patients will be back home soon, but fully recovered.

Full access to services

The inpatient rehabilitation can be either a part of the hospital or a stand-alone facility. Whatever the circumstance, each has a range of services in one space. The patient gets assigned therapy and other available, non-scheduled treatment. That means more gym time, pool time, massages, and other procedures to speed things up.

It’s time to consider inpatient rehab

Inpatient rehabilitation is an excellent alternative to outpatient therapy or at-home rehab. The sole purpose is to get patients back to normal. These facilities can keep patients as long as needed to tend to the recovery. Hip fracture recovery needs a gradual, specialized plan to manage pain and movement. With the high quality of care from inpatient services, recovery is detailed, safe, and efficient. For more information about recovery from a hip fracture, speak with a healthcare provider.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.