How to Use Physical Therapy to Recover From a Knee Arthroscopy

How to Use Physical Therapy to Recover From a Knee Arthroscopy



Arthroscopy is commonly-used as a tool for surgeons to look inside knee and shoulder regions. Arthroscopy of the knee is performed as a routine outpatient procedure. A small camera is positioned on the end of a surgical tool that offers a unique inside picture of the knee. Physical therapy is essential after arthroscopy. It can usually be started immediately to reduce long term effects of the procedure. Costs for this form of treatment can vary from moderate to expensive depending on your health insurance and the length of treatment needed. Follow these steps to learn how to recover from this treatment with physical therapy.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Plan Proper Exercises to Rehabilitate Your Knee




1


Find a comfortable flat place and lay on your back. Extend one leg straight out and bend the opposite leg at the knee at a 90 degree angle.





2


Slowly lift the straight leg 6 inches off the floor using thigh muscles. Hold it in place for 5 seconds.





3


Lower your leg towards the floor and relax. Repeat the series 10 times.





4


Consult a physical therapist for a detailed plan of exercises you can do at home. Movement and exercise that strengthen the knee will deter scar tissue and promote a quicker recovery.



Relieve Pain Caused by Arthroscopy




1


Expect administered anesthesia to wear off as you return from outpatient surgery. It will take time to recover and have function again. Begin icing the knee before the pain intensifies.





2


Elevate your knee to reduce swelling after surgery. Your surgeon may provide you with specific therapy directions and information to use upon discharge.





3


Use crutches to limit the amount of weight to the repaired knee after surgery. Expect to use crutches as you recover or until your doctor says it's all right to place full weight on your knee.





4


Visit the "American Physical Therapy Association" Web site to learn more about physical therapy for knee arthroscopy (see Resources below).



Consider Causes of Knee Pain




1


Make exercise a part of your lifestyle. Remaining active may prevent injuries from occurring.





2


Understand that knee pain may be caused by acute injury to the knee but other causes aren't always as evident.





3


Focus on dropping unwanted pounds. As little as 10 lbs. of extra weight may cause additional strain to your injured joints. The additional weight may also make it harder to recover.








Tips & Warnings










Set small goals for rehabilitation at first. Increase them as your knee becomes more mobile








Know that the first attempts at activity will be tiring, especially if you're using crutches.








Consult your doctor or get emergency care if you experience an increase in pain, dizziness or elevated blood pressure after beginning physical therapy.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033110_use-physical-therapy.html

How to Use Physical Therapy as a Rehabilitation Tool

How to Use Physical Therapy as a Rehabilitation Tool



Injury, surgery and disease may all require physical therapy for effective rehabilitation. Depending on the severity and type of injury, certain types of rehabilitation may not be an available or preferred method of treatment. Seek a licensed physical therapist who's concerned with decreasing overall pain and increasing mobility. Follow these steps to consider using physical therapy as a tool for rehabilitation.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Find a Physical Therapist to Help With Rehabilitation After Injury




1


Learn about alternatives to standard physical therapy. Some injuries are best treated using non-weight-bearing methods like Pilates and yoga.





2


Follow the treatment plan set forth by your physical therapist. Practitioners take into account many individual factors that contribute to your injury. Look for the most beneficial plan.





3


Consider changing your habits. Add exercise and proper diet to assist the therapeutic methods in the healing of your injury.





4


Tell your practitioner if you are experiencing an increase in pain. Small modifications can be made to eliminate additional pain.



Create a Positive Rehabilitation Plan for Stroke Suffers




1


Encourage stroke sufferers to start physical therapy as early as possible to regain mobility. Patients can learn to regain simple muscle control with exercise.





2


Seek speech therapy as a tool for stroke suffers who may have difficulty speaking clearly. A stroke often impairs motor skills as a result of the blockage in the pathway that transports protein rich blood to the brain.



Contemplate Purchasing Equipment for Continued Recovery




1


Talk to your therapist about easy to use products that can be bought at area sporting goods stores. It may be possible to use an item like an inversion table, as a tool to assist recovery.





2


Look at online retailers for better prices on hand or ankle weights. Increasing strength slowly is imperative to preventing additional discomfort.





3


Find a therapy ball to help stretch and strengthen the lower back. The primary benefit of the therapy ball is its gentle approach to controlled stretching. Balls can be purchased inexpensively.








Tips & Warnings










Call the state medical board to check your practitioner's certifications.








Seek referrals from other physicians to find a reputable therapist.








Use caution to prevent further injury when performing at-home exercises.








Don't begin rehabilitation programs until your doctor has assessed your injury and approved exercise.








If you feel acute pressure in your chest during treatment, go to the nearest emergency care facility.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033111_use-physical-therapy.html

How to Use Personal Care Products for Non-Toxic Living

How to Use Personal Care Products for Non-Toxic Living



Choosing to live a non-toxic lifestyle means eliminating any products with potentially harmful chemicals and artificial ingredients from your home. Everyone uses a wide variety of personal care products in order to keep themselves healthy throughout the day, like toothpastes and soap. These items need to be "green," like everything else, to limit Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and any allergic reactions. Follow these steps to learn how to use non-toxic personal care products.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet capability







Utilize Natural Products Around the House




1


Use organic toothpaste instead of traditional brand-name pastes. Organic toothpaste eliminates fluorides and flavoring that detract from regular paste's cleaning power. Natural toothpastes feature oils like citrus, which are effective cleaners and breath fresheners.





2


Purchase natural soaps for the bathroom and kitchen. Naturally-produced soaps feature non-toxic ingredients like coconut and olive oil. These natural elements effectively clean your body and leave no toxins in the shower or sink.





3


Switch to natural lip balms. Name-brand balms are made from petroleum products, which harm the environment during production. There are plenty of lip balms made from beeswax and aloe vera.





4


Use natural skin care products for non-toxic living. Natural skin care items feature plant extracts and oils to moisturize and protect skin from aging.





5


Look for deodorants that use baking soda as a main ingredient. Baking soda is a strong natural agent used to fight perspiration.





6


Find deodorants that include natural ingredients like lemon or sage. Lemon juice is an effective deodorizer and sage is a mild cleaning ingredient.





7


Look over the label of products that claim to be made from all-natural ingredients. Companies trying to enter the growing organic product field will mix traditional chemicals with natural ingredients to make their labeling more legitimate. Locate all-natural personal care products through the "Health Goods" Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Use natural personal care products in small doses. Organic toothpastes, soaps, and shampoos come in smaller containers than their name-brand competitors. They're also more expensive, which makes rationing a good option.








Consult with your family physician before switching to natural products. The largest concern with using natural products are allergic reactions like stomach pains and cramps. If these symptoms occur, visit your doctor or the emergency room (depending on severity).



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033088_use-personal-care.html

How to Treat Hypoglycemia With Acupressure

How to Treat Hypoglycemia With Acupressure



Acupressure takes the techniques of Chinese acupuncture and eliminates the needles. Instead, pressure is used on certain points in the body to influence organs and affect health. Use the pressure points described below to work on hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.









1


Learn the technique of applying pressure. Use the ball of the thumb or middle finger for seven seconds on the pressure point, circling in a clockwise direction to stimulate the point. The amount of pressure should be what you could withstand while pressing your eye.





2


Go to a different location, if pressure on the original point causes pain to appear in a different spot. That second spot is an area crying out for treatment.





3


Apply pressure to the ball of the middle finger to relax the upper stomach.





4


Use pressure on a spot about 3 inches above your ankle on the inside of your leg or on a point behind your knee, on the outside edge where a slight depression exists, to improve digestion.





5


Stimulate the spot on the outside of the crease made when you fold your arm.





6


Switch to the fleshy part between the first and second toes and press.





7


Use pressure on a spot on your neck about four finger widths from the Adam's apple.








Tips & Warnings










While treatment can be done at any time, it's best one hour after meals.








Give the acupressure treatments about a week to work to see if there is a difference in your hypoglycemia.








Do not discontinue any medication without consulting with your doctor.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2122694_treat-hypoglycemia-acupressure.html

How to Relieve Heel Pain With Homeopathy

How to Relieve Heel Pain With Homeopathy



Heel pain is usually caused by plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects the heel to the toes and may become painful if it becomes swollen or inflamed. Plantar fasciitis becomes common during middle age but also occurs in runners and others who are on their feet a lot. The following steps will show how to relieve heel pain with homeopathy.









1


Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the heel for 10 minutes, then remove it for 10 minutes. Repeat this step as needed but do not leave the pack on for more than 20 minutes continuously.





2


Increase your intake of calcium and magnesium to reduce pain from future heel spurs. One gram of each should be taken daily at the first sign of a heel spur.





3


Run on a softer surface such as grass. Supportive footwear with good arch supports and cushioning in the heel may help. Orthotics also may reduce the stress on the plantar fascia.





4


Take a complete break from the activity that is causing the pain. Many heel injuries simply require prolonged rest to heal.





5


Use natural herbal supplements to relieve heel pain. Tumeric can help reduce the pain and stiffness in the heel and boswellia can reduce pain and swelling. Rhus toxicodendron and valerian may help if your heel is stiff in the morning but loosens up during the day. All of these medications should be taken as directed.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2122695_relieve-heel-pain-homeopathy.html

How to Wear the Sexy Librarian Look

How to Wear the Sexy Librarian Look



You know that alluring academic look---the one that is so ladylike and poised and yet somehow so wild and adventurous. The sexy librarian's simple style is the envy of nearly every woman and the fantasy of nearly every man. It's paradoxically classic yet modern, demure yet flirty. You've longed to work cardigans and pencil skirts with that kind of finesse, but never knew how to slip them on without appearing frumpy. Worry no more. Bookish glamor can be yours. Here's how to wear the sexy librarian look. Glasses are purely optional:









Step
1



*Go for the perfect color palette: Navy, black, white, ivory,
lavender
, khaki, camel, beige, fire engine red, forest green---these are just a few of the colors a sexy librarian can pull off. In fact, pastels, neutrals, blacks, and jewel tones are all safe. Stay away from traditionally tropical colors, like fuchsia, magenta, or lime green, and anything neon or fluorescent. Remember never to pair pastels and blacks or wear head-to-toe of any color without a splash of another.




Step
2



*Go for feminine tops: Wear fitted cardigans over lacy camisoles in reflective fabrics, like silk or velvet. You might also try rib tees, sweaters, baby doll tops, and even peasant tops. Just keep the cuts classic---steer clear of anything too faddish---and the colors sophisticated. The neckline should be low enough to reveal your collarbone (unless you're in a turtleneck), but high enough to conceal cleavage. If you decide to wear a turtleneck, make sure that the fabric skims your body, but doesn't cling to it. Bunches and wrinkles are never appealing, gals.




Step
3



*Go for the right pants: Tailored jeans and khakis with back pockets are your trademark pants. You can also try corduroy (with thin cords.) Keep in mind that boot cut and skinny jeans are versatile cuts that will work well with your wardrobe. The seat should hug your bum without creating an unsightly wedgie and the fabrics around your thighs should be close to your skin. Anything baggy will end up looking slouchy. Avoid shorts at all costs. If you don't consider yourself a 'pants person,' read the next tip.




Step
4



*Go for stylish skirts: Keep the hemline relatively conservative but never stuffy. Never choose a skirt that falls more than two inches above the knee. Long skirts are fine as long as they don't appear matronly. Mid-calf length is unflattering for nearly everyone, so unless you know for sure that it works with your figure, select a different length. In terms of color, you can select either a solid skirt or a patterned one. If you choose the latter, make it plaid, houndstooth, paisley, or floral. Pass up anything too delicate. The sexy librarian is confident in her fashion decisions, not meek like her boring colleague.




Step
5



*Go for cute shoes: Instead of the traditional preppy loafers, choose bohemian moccasins---nothing too elaborate, but interesting enough to get noticed, perhaps with beads or embroidery. Ballet flats are another great option. Tall boots---whether Uggs or equestrian style---pulled over your pants to show their full length go brilliantly with skinny jeans. Giant wedge sandals, mega-platforms, sneakers (tennis shoes are fine), and hooker boots (tall black boots with ultra-pointy toes and itty-bitty heels) have no place in your wardrobe.




Step
6



*Go for antique and ethnic jewelry: Boring librarians wear predictable matching necklace and earring sets with a plain watch. Sexy librarians are modern and let current jewelry trends inspire them. The two styles of jewelry that work best with the sexy librarian look are antique and ethnic (certain pieces actually fit into both categories!). Cameos, wooden beads, turquoise rings, and bangles, for instance, are all winners. Be very careful with pearls because they can easily spoil an outfit by looking too stodgy. Giant pearls and simply too many pearls (like layers of pearl necklaces) can automatically ruin an outfit. Stick to pearl studs, pearl drop earrings, or a single strand of small to medium sized pearls.




Step
7



*Go for other chic accessories: Scarves and belts can add that extra flair to any outfit. With this style, it's best to wear scarves around your neck---tying one in your hair or using one as a sash will probably end up seeming too 'art school'. But don't feel limited; there are many ways to wear a scarf around your neck. Be creative (within reason, of course.) You can also make bold statements with smart belts. Thick or skinny, the choice is yours. If you want, you can place the belt over your waist to cinch up a dress, cardigan, or sweater sort of like a mini corset. Just remember not to over-accessorize!




Step
8



*Go for subtle hair and make-up: Neutral eye shadow, brown eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss, and a little bit of concealer are all that a sexy librarian needs to be pretty and polished. Wear your hair down, not pin-straight but instead wavy and slightly tousled, or in a loose bun. You don't want the hair to look like it was perfectly coiffed by a machine, but you also don't want to seem like you just lost a rodeo, either.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2182489_wear-sexy-librarian-look.html

How to Wear the Same Suit All Week

How to Wear the Same Suit All Week



Whether you're on a business trip or just trying to conserve funds, making one suit last all week is a plus. By varying your accessories and attending to maintenance, you can easily get five outfits out of one classic business suit, and no one will know the difference. To save time and money, you can wear the same suit to work all week and still look good.









Step
1



Buy classic suits. The quality and cut of the suit are important. Choose a good quality suit with classic lines. A trendy fit draws attention and makes your suit memorable any day you wear it. Classic lines make you look professional without bringing attention to the suit itself.




Step
2



Hang it up. What you do with the suit when you're not wearing it is as important as what you do when you have the suit on. At the end of the day, spot clean the suit if necessary. Properly hang the suit on a suit hanger to reshape it and avoid extra wrinkles. The next morning, 5 minutes with a steam iron can make any suit look fresh from the cleaners.




Step
3



Coordinate colors. Your suit should be a basic neutral to avoid drawing attention. If you wear a red suit, everyone is going to recognize it the next day, but navy suits all tend to look alike. Instead, draw attention to your accessories and vary them every day. Go with a bright blue shirt one day and a yellow one the next. People will notice your shirts, but not the suit.




Step
4



Skip the jacket. Choose a day when you can look a little more business casual. On that day, replace the suit jacket with a

sweater


. Coordinate your sweater color with your shirt, so the sweater stands out.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2081886_wear-same-suit-all-week.html