Pilates and You're Tummy

Pilates strengthens the psoas muscles and engages the body from the inside out, which has long been the missing link to nicely toned abs!

Pilates enthusiasts maintain that the method gives them a flat tummy like no other exercise system can. Does this sound too good to be true? And if so, how is it possible?

Pilates focuses on muscles of the intrinsic system. Many does not realize that there are muscles underneath the visible system that support our joints and bones. Imagine the muscular system as an onion with several layers. Certain layers are not evident to the eye. But they act as fundamental support for the entire body. Often, they are referred to as core muscles.

They are elusive but essential for structural reinforcement. Pilates participants must concentrate and be precise when working them.

http://www.suite101.com/content/how-pilates-flattens-tummy-a298400

Eight Pilates Principles Mind and Body Meets Core Stability

 

A Pilates workout revolves around the eight principles of: control, breath, flowing movement, precision, centering, stability, range of motion and opposition.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.suite101.com/content/eight-pilates-principles-a71119

Bobath Concept: Theory and Clinical Practice in Neurological Rehabilitation

by: Linzi Meadows, Sue Raine, Mary Lynch-Ellerington
 John Wiley & Sons, 2009 - 232 pages
Authored by members of the British Bobath Tutors Association, Bobath Concept: Theory and Clinical Practice in Neurological Rehabilitationis a practical illustrated guide that offers a detailed exploration of the theoretical underpinning and clinical interventions of the Bobath Concept.

The evolution of the Bobath concept is brilliantly captured in this volume. The recognition that the best inhibition may come from engaging the patient in normal activities is an example of the way one of the notions central to the original Bobath Concept has developed. In short, the Bobath Concept lies at the heart of an approach to neurorehabilitation that is ready to take advantage of the rapidly advancing understanding, coming from neuroscience, of brain function in, in particular, of the effects of and responses to damage, and the factors that may drive recovery. It is no coincidence that neuroplasticity figures so prominently in the pages that follow.'

Emeritus Professor Raymond Tallis BM BCh BA FRCP FMedSci LittD DLitt FRSA

This book guides the reader through general principles to more specific application of neurophysiological principles and movement re-education in the recovery of important areas, including moving between sitting and standing, locomotion and recovery of upper limb function.

Bobath Concept: Theory and Clinical Practice in Neurological Rehabilitationwill be invaluable to undergraduate and qualified physiotherapists /occupational therapists and all professionals working in neurological rehabilitation. Covers the theoretical underpinning of the Bobath Concept. Presents a holistic, 24-hour approach to functional recovery. Focuses on efficient movement and motor learning, to maximise function. Forges links between theory and clinical practice. Illustrated throughout.

What is the best age to start? - for a baby to learn how to swim

Experts have observed that the optimal age to start babies is between six months and 12 months old. At this stage the majority of infants are ripe in the water. They are comfortable, the water feels natural. These very young babies still seem to have a memory of the fluid environment in the womb. However, a window of opportunity for smooth learning still exits up to approximately 18 months old (especially for water adjustment and initial submersions). At approximately 19 months to 24 months toddlers can begin to enter the "challenging twos" phase. It is easier to teach water adjustment and breath control before this stage begins. However, it is never too late when utilizing a creative and interactive curriculum. The group class structure works miracles and motivates children to participate with their peers, at any age.

Understanding "Pusher Syndrome"

"Pusher syndrome" is a clinical disorder following left or right brain damage in which patients actively push away from the nonhemiparetic side, leading to a loss of postural balance. The mechanism underlying this disorder and its related anatomy have only recently been identified. Investigation of patients with severe pushing behavior has shown that perception of body posture in relation to gravity is altered. The patients experience their body as oriented "upright" when the body actually is tilted to the side of the brain lesion (to the ipsilesional side). In contrast, patients with pusher syndrome show no disturbed processing of visual and vestibular inputs determining visual vertical. These new insights have allowed the authors to suggest a new physical therapy approach for patients with pusher syndrome where the visual control of vertical upright orientation, which is undisturbed in these patients, is the central element of intervention.

 

for more information on this clinical disorder, please visit:

http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/83/12/1119.full

what not to do for a soft tissue injury

Many of the problems resulting from sprains are due to blood and edema in and around the ankle. Minimizing swelling helps the ankle heal faster.

The RICE regimen facilitates this.:

• Rest - no weight bearing for the first 24 hours after the injury Possibly longer, depending upon severity)
• Ice - apply ice packs using a towel over a plastic bag to the area that is painful. Be careful to avoid frostbite. Ice should be intermittantly applied for the first 24 hours.
• Compression - an ACE bandage or other soft elastic material should be applied to the ankle to help prevent the accumulaton of edema.
• Elevation - elevating the ankle helps in removing edema. By having the foot higher than the hip (or heart), gravity is used to pull edema out of the ankle.

In the initial 24 hours, it is very important to avoid things which might increase swelling.

Avoid H.A.R.M:

• HEATING - hot showers, heat rubs (methylsalicylate counterirritants), hot packs
• ALCOHOL - include drinking alcohol

aspirin - prolongs the clotting time of blood and may cause more bleeding into the ankle. (Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be taken to help with pain, but will not speed up the healing process)

Heat and alcohol cause the blood vessels to dilate (open up) and increase the bleeding in the injured area. Exercising the body part or massaging the area also increases the blood-flow to the area. This is detrimental to the repair process as there is increased swelling in the area to be resolved.

• RUNNING/EXERCISE - Running/Exercising the injured area
• MASSAGE

baby swimming

For those of you who have babies, maybe this article will help you. Don’t be afraid that your baby will be drowning. Because there are certain steps that you must follow.

The benefits of "baby-friendly", infant/toddler swimming are unique, uplifting and contribute to the positive development of the whole child. Through the soothing medium of water, we are able to tap into the child's potential, both within and without.

Researchers have documented that the stimulating effect of child-paced infant/toddler swimming lessons has the potential to increase intelligence, concentration, alertness, and perceptual abilities. Improvement in social, emotional and physical development has also been published. Of course, the manifestation of such  inspired cognitive, personal and motor development takes time, patience and repetition.

Here some pictures about baby swimming (courtesy from Google search engine)

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Schmidt's Schema Theory

Schmidt's theory (1975) was based on the view that actions are not stored rather we refer to abstract relationships or rules about movement. Schmidt's schema is based on the theory that that every time a movement is conducted four pieces of information are gathered:
- the initial conditions - starting point
- certain aspects of the motor action - how fast, how high
- the results of the action - success or failure
- the sensory consequences of the action - how it felt

Relationships between these items of information are used to construct a recall schema and a recognition schema. The Recall schema is based on initial conditions and the results and is used to generate a motor program to address a new goal. The recognition schema is based on sensory actions and the outcome.

what is “Core Stability”?

The aim of core stability training is to effectively recruit the trunk musculature and then learn to control the position of the lumbar spine during dynamic movements.

The Muscles

The deep trunk muscles, Transversus Abdominis (TA), multifidus (MF), Internal Oblique (IO), paraspinal, pelvic floor, are key to the active support of the lumbar spine. The co-contraction of these muscles produce forces via the "theracolumbar fascia" (TLF) and the "intra-abdominal pressure" (IAP) mechanism which stabilise the lumbar spine, and the paraspinal and MF muscles act directly to resist the forces acting on the lumbar spine.

It is not just the recruitment of these deep-trunk muscles, but how they are recruited that is important. Research [Hodges and Richardson, 1997] showed that the co-contraction of the TA and MF muscles occurred prior to any movement of the limbs. This suggests that these muscles anticipate dynamic forces that may act on the lumbar spine and stabilise the area prior to any movement. Hodges and Richardson showed that the timing of co-ordination of these muscles was very significant.

The Learning Phases - Fitts & Posner

Fitts and Posner (1967) suggested that the learning process is sequential and that we move through specific phases as we learn. There are three stages to learning a new skill:
- Cognitive phase - Identification and development of the component parts of the skill - involves formation of a mental picture of the skill
- Associative phase - Linking the component parts into a smooth action - involves practicing the skill and using feedback to perfect the skill
- Autonomous phase - Developing the learned skill so that it becomes automatic - involves little or no conscious thought or attention whilst performing the skill - not all performers reach this stage

The leaning of physical skills requires the relevant movements to be assembled, component by component, using feedback to shape and polish them into a smooth action. Rehearsal of the skill must be done regularly and correctly.

Adam's Closed Loop Theory

Adam's theory (1971) has two elements:
- Perceptual trace - a reference model acquired through practice
- Memory trace - responsible for initiating the movement

The key feature of this theory is the role of feedback.
- Analyse the reference model actions, the result of those actions and the desired goals.
- Refine the reference model to produce the required actions to achieve the desired goals.

Physiotherapy and Yoga

Physiotherapy Treatment is based upon the latest physiotherapy principles with an understanding that everyone is unique and therefore treatment must be tailored to suit each individual.
Yoga Physio: Physiotherapy involves gaining a full understanding of your condition by taking a full case history and carrying out an assessment to establish what the cause of the problem is.

Many poses in Yoga can be used as treatment to certain case such as: Backache, Premenstrual Tension, Constipation and etc.

As a physiotherapist, i agree that we should combine treatment so we can help our patients.  Case such as Arthritis can be very tricky because it depend on patient age and other factors. After physiotherapy treatment we could give a gentle yoga exercise. Yoga’s gentle exercises designed to provide relief to needed joints had been found to be very effective in relieving arthritis.

"Exercise is very important to try to reestablish a complete range of motion. Of course, that doesn't mean you should induce a long continual strain. We encourage a moderate amount of non-strenuous, non-weight-bearing exercises tailored to the individual's needs. Some yoga postures are not tolerated well, particularly by those past 50."

 http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yoga-and-health/yoga-for-arthritis.asp

What is physiotherapy???

Physical therapy or physiotherapy, often abbreviated PT, Physical therapists provide services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy.

Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximising quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social well being. Physical therapy involves the interaction between physical therapist, patients/clients, other health professionals, families, care givers, and communities in a process where movement potential is assessed and goals are agreed upon, using knowledge and skills unique to physical therapists. [1] Physical therapy is performed by a physical therapist (PT) or physiotherapist (physio), and sometimes services are provided by an assistant (PTA) acting under their direction.[2]

It involves the interaction between a physical therapist (PT) or physiotherapist (physio), patients/clients, other health professionals, families, care givers, and communities in a process where movement potential is assessed and goals are agreed upon, using knowledge and skills unique to physical therapists.[1]

PTs use an individual's history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan and, when necessary, incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies. Electrodiagnostic testing (e.g., electromyograms and nerve conduction velocity testing) may also be of assistance.[3] PT management commonly includes prescription of or assistance with specific exercises, manual therapy, education and other interventions.

Physical therapy has many specialties including cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurologic, orthopaedic and pediatrics, to name some of the more common areas. PTs practice in many settings, such as outpatient clinics or offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, education and research centers, schools, hospices, industrial workplaces or other occupational environments, fitness centers and sports training facilities.[4]

Physical therapists also practice in non-patient care roles such as health policy,[5][6][7][8] health insurance, health care administration and as health care executives.[9][10] Physical therapists are involved in the medical-legal field serving as experts, performing peer review and independent medical examinations.[11]

Education qualifications vary greatly by country. The span of education ranges from some countries having little formal education to others requiring masters or doctoral degrees.

the pictures below describe what PT do to therapy the patients: (the photos here are not mine) 

welcome to my blog

this blog will give anything you want to know about physiotherapy. if you need articles or questions, just feel free to ask me.
i might still have weakness, so if you want to share your knowledge, then you’re very welcome. i think nobody is perfect. and knowledge should be shared.
i hope my blog will broaden your knowledge about the world of physiotherapy.