1. PARKINSON'S DISEASE
2. HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE
A genetic disorder that breaks down nerve cells in the brain, the Huntington's Disease Society of America has described symptoms of the disease as "having ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s—simultaneously." It causes involuntary movements and spasms, impaired judgment, unsteady gait, slurred speech, and rapid weight loss. One of the main focuses of treatment is improving core strength and stability to control chorea (abnormal involuntary movement). Physical therapy can also help with functional mobility, everyday tasks like getting in and out of bed, cognition improvement with dual tasking, and balance.“A fall on the stairs is one of the first balance symptoms of the disease,” Ulanowski says. “Therefore, a physical therapist should be involved early and consulted with to ensure safety and train the patient in balance strategies.”
3. PELVIC PAIN AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Many issues associated with pelvic floor dysfunction and pain can be treated with targeted exercises and stretches. In women, pelvic floor dysfunction often starts with pregnancy and childbirth, but men often struggle with the condition as well. PTs also work with patients on correcting posture and teaching better ways of lifting and carrying children and getting up from a sitting position properly to alleviate pain. Hot or cold packs, massages, manipulations, and electrical stimulation are often used in treatment as well.Incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunctions in men and women can also be remedied by physical therapists [PDF]. Treatment can involve myofascial release (or, applied sustained pressure on your body's fascia, the tissue that connects and separates your muscles, organs, and other soft structures), nerve and tissue mobilization, manual therapy, piroformis stretches, electrical stimulation, and yoga exercises, like the happy baby pose.
4. CEREBRAL PALSY
A blanket term that refers to loss of motor function in children, cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage, infection, or abnormal development of the brain before, during, or immediately following birth. PTs work with patients during three different developmental stages and shift treatment accordingly. Before age 4, the focus is on play activities to improve strength and movement; when a child matures to school-age, the treatment involves care in walking, transfers, and school-based activities, as well as maintaining exercise programs and participating in adaptive sports like swimming, bowling, or cycling; upon reaching adulthood, PTs help develop programs to maintain strength, minimize joint problems, and manage pain.5. CANCER
Along with the surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and medication, cancer patients can seek relief from physical therapists in acute, outpatient, and skilled nursing settings. PTs can help patients suffering from lung, bone, colon, brain, and other cancers with handling the side effect of their treatments, including reducing fatigue and regaining or maintaining strength. The American College of Sports Medicine’s recommendations for cancer survivors includes aerobic, flexibility, and resistance exercise at least 150 minutes per week.“Management of the consequences of the cancer and its treatment have become quality of life issues,” says physical therapist Mary Fisher, a cancer and lymphedema specialist and assistant professor at the University of Dayton. “Physical therapists are essential in preventing, identifying, and treating impairments that are a result of the cancer experience in order to help individuals reach their fullest potential for activities and participation in life.”
6. LYMPHEDEMA
The lymphatic system gathers excess fluids (lymph) and moves them through the body and the bloodstream. When swelling (edema) occurs, often following infection, cancer, or radiation (which causes scar tissue), therapists use compression garments or complete decongestive therapy to reduce the swelling and slow future fluid buildup.7. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
A disabling central nervous system disorder, multiple sclerosis (MS) has no known cause, is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, and strikes women more than twice as often as men. Because of muscle weakening, spasticity, and numbness, therapists work with patients on gait training, mobility, and balance as well as help with assistive devices like canes and scooters.8. DIZZINESS
Lightheadedness, vertigo, and general unsteadiness is a frequent complaint of people over the age of 65 and can lead to dangerous falls. Dizziness and balance disorders can be alleviated by working on balance exercises and vestibular rehabilitation, a type of therapy that teaches patients to compensate for their balance issues by improving vision and body sense.9. MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
More than 30 genetic diseases comprise the neuromuscular condition commonly referred to as muscular dystrophy. To combat the progressive weakening and degenerative skeletal problems associated with the various disorders, therapists can prescribe mobility aids like braces and splints, and work with children and adults with exercises as simple as walking up stairs and kicking a ball or using standing frames for support.10. BURNS
Severe burns and wounds are tended to immediately in acute care settings, where PTs, in collaboration with a health care team, initiate treatments and exercises to manage scarring and stave off the loss of range of motion. Electrical stimulation, compression garments, and continuous passive-motion machines help mobilize joints and slow contracting and stiffening. Splinting can also help eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
source; http://mentalfloss.com/us/go/78002
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