Devoted Health & MMM of Florida now at CardioFlex Therapy in Davie

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”
– World Health Organization

https://www.cardioflextherapy.com/blog/devoted-health-mmm-of-florida-now-at-cardioflex/

The constant changes in health insurance affect us all, either by choice or because of job changes. CardioFlex Therapy is always looking for ways to improve its service to our surrounding community. It is with this in mind that our Physical Therapy Clinic is now accepting Devoted Health Insurance and MMM (Medicare and Much More) of South Florida.

Choosing the plan that is right for you is hard — there’s no right answer for everybody. So the first step is to figure out the kind of care and the kind of plan you need. We work diligently with insurance companies to ensure we are considered a priority for many circumstances, to be within network, to have the lowest deductibles possible offered to you, our patients. You will be surprised to hear many insurance companies and insurance plans do not require a referral to visit a Physical Therapist, or will have low deductibles or copays when you want to see your physical therapist. So contact your insurance company or give us a call at our office, we are always happy to give you any information we can provide you with.

Both insurance companies offer Medicare; the federal health insurance program for people 65+, people with disabilities and end-stage renal disease. MMM of Florida, Inc. is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract, and so is Devoted Health Insurance. Devoted Health Insurance offers Medicare Advantage plans only, serving those on Medicare with a well-coordinated, more attentive healthcare.  

CardioFlex Therapy offers in-home visits for Physical and Occupational Therapy for those patients who are not able to find transportation or have movement limitations. Call our outpatient clinic in Davie Florida for detailed information at 954.693.9090, or visit our In-Home Services page, we serve Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

Importance of Physical Therapy in Cancer Recovery

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By: Terry Abrams

Cancer rehabilitation is a growing area in medicine due to the increase in cancer survivorship. More and more individuals are beating cancer because of advances in medical technology, treatment and early detection. According to recent research from the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate of all cancers that were diagnosed between 2003 and 2009 is 68 percent. This is a 20 percent increase from 1975 to 1977. It is also estimated that over 13 million Americans have a history of cancer, and in 2014 there were an expected 1.6 million new cases. This means that the number of cancer survivors will continue to increase in the U.S. With more cancer survivors, there will need to be more recovery strategies.

Cancer treatment is a grueling course, leaving many people exhausted, weak and with a compromised immune system. Just getting out of bed can be a huge and daunting task, let alone exercising in a gymnasium or playing at the park with grandchildren. This is where a physical therapist comes in. Despite advances in medical treatments, individuals that receive cancer treatments typically experience extensive physical limitations during and after treatments. These limitations include and are not limited to cancer-related fatigue (CRF), pain, nerve damage, lymphedema, deconditioning, as well as incontinence.

There is strong evidence to support conservative management of these impairments through physical therapy. As each individual experiences different impairments during and after cancer treatment, it is important to have an individualized evaluation to focus your rehabilitation. Physical therapy can address common cancer related impairments including:

Lymphedema: Effective lymphedema management is accomplished through manual lymph drainage, range of motion exercises, aerobic exercise, and lymphatic bandaging.

CRF: Individualized aerobic training, strength training and functional management training is known to reduce effects of cancer related fatigue both during and after medical cancer treatments.

Pain: There are many pain relief strategies that can reduce the intensity and frequency of pain after cancer treatment. Specifically, treatment strategies including soft tissue mobilization, therapeutic massage, modalities, therapeutic stretching and strengthening.

Peripheral neuropathy: Often times, cancer survivors experience peripheral neuropathy, which is abnormal nerve function that can be experienced as pain, numbness and tingling. Physical therapy can help to improve nerve function or compensate for nerve dysfunction.

Deconditioning: Rebuilding endurance for activities and cardiovascular function can be difficult during and after cancer treatment. A skilled physical therapist is able to educate and monitor cardiovascular endurance training.

Genitourinary complications: For men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and women undergoing treatment for bladder or ovarian cancer, incontinence and sexual dysfunction are common. A skilled physical therapist can help to rebuild the strength of the pelvic floor in order to improve urinary continence and reduce pain related to sexual function.

In a recent study published April 2015 in Physical Therapy Journal, researchers found that physical therapy services are more commonly sought out for individuals surviving breast and genitourinary cancers. Researchers sought to find the characteristics of patients with cancer that were referred for outpatient physical therapy and common clinical findings. Over the course of two years, data from 418 patients were analyzed. Genitourinary and breast cancers were the most common types of cancer in their sample. The most common impairments were strength loss and soft tissue dysfunction. Lymphedema was the most common issue for people with breast cancer and incontinence was the most common complaint for people that had genitourinary cancers. They also noted that pain and high fatigue levels were prevalent in individuals that had undergone radiation therapy. This study shows that therapy services are being utilized for individuals that have survived cancer, particularly breast and genitourinary cancer. However, this study also suggests that a large portion of cancer survivors are not seeking out rehabilitation services, even though they would likely find it highly beneficial.

According to the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, most-mastectomy physical therapy ‘widely improves’ a patient’s quality of life. After mastectomy surgery, patients may experience tightness around the surgical site caused by scar tissue formation. The result can be very dense tissue under the incision, which is painful and can restrict range of motion. The restricted range of motion puts women at risk for a painful condition known as Frozen Shoulder. Early treatment by a physical therapist can help reduce the pain and help regain functional range of motion and strength.

The good news is that it is never too late to utilize rehabilitation services for cancer recovery. If you find that you are having trouble accomplishing daily tasks or functioning at your prior level of independence, seek out a rehabilitation expert and regain your vitality.

Article credits to CUREToday.com and Susan G. Komen.

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

Fix Your Posture To Improve Your Strength

http://www.cardioflextherapy.com/blog/fix-your-posture-to-improve-your-strength/

Most of us who work in an office setting are most likely sitting slouched over our desk chair and staring at a computer screen creating bad posture in our bodies. Having poor posture can result in tremendous structural damage to the spine, shoulders, hips, and knees. It can lead to things such as joint pain throughout your body, reduced flexibility, and compromised muscles which can limit your body’s ability to burn fat and build strength.

Over time, your poor posture takes a tremendous toll on your spine, shoulders, hips, and knees. In fact, it can cause a cascade of structural flaws that result in acute problems, such as joint pain throughout your body, reduced flexibility, and compromised muscles, all of which can limit your ability to burn fat and build strength. But don’t worry—all these problems can be corrected. Are you ready to straighten yourself out? Use this head-to-toe guide to make sure your posture is picture-perfect.

A treatment approach that has been clinically effective involves stretching of over active/tight muscles, strengthening of under active/weak muscles, and utilization of exercises that incorporate functional movement patterns last. Article credits to BodyStructure.

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

CardioFlex, Make A Wish

CardioFlex Therapy Davie is excited to support the Make A Wish Foundation on its next event in South Florida, making wishes come true one step at a time at the Walk For Wishes® 5K Walk/Run at Zoo Miami. More than $115,000 was raised last year to grant the heartfelt wishes of 23 children facing life-threatening medical conditions in Southern Florida.

There are four steps to granting a wish. Each step builds on the next and creates amazing experiences that delight wish kids and their families. Make a Wish creates an unforgettable experience driven by the child’s creativity. In that spirit CardioFlex physical and occupational therapists get together to help make wishes come true.

Participate as an individual or get together with family, friends and colleagues to form a team.

Granting wishes takes hundreds of individuals and entities that are committed to making a difference. Help make wishes come true one step at a time at the Walk For Wishes® 5K Walk/Run at Zoo Miami on Saturday, April 14, 2018.

Zoo Miami 12400 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33177

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com & our BLOG

CardioFlex participates in Special Olympics

Special Olympics transforms lives through the joy of sport, every day, everywhere. They are the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities and CardioFlex Therapy is there for them at two different dates and venues.

Join the ultimate tug of war challenge and a great team-building event. All you have to do is gather your strongest friends, family or co-workers and join in on the fun of the 2018 Fire Truck Pull to benefit Special Olympics Florida. Grab a group of friends (12 people maximum per group) to see who can pull a fire truck the fastest! Invite all of your biggest fans out to Markham Park on April 12th – the Fire Truck Pull is a great time for all ages!

Markham Park in Sunrise. April 12th at 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

School Roster Basketball Field Days, in which approx 60 schools from around Broward county will be coming out to NSU campus to participate in a day filled with basketball skills and fun. Many ways to participate.
Nova Southeastern University. April 17th at 9:00 am – 1:pm

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com & our BLOG

CardioFlex uses latest tools in Sports Rehab & Physical Therapy

CardioFlex is excited to introduce what we all call the coolest tool for Sports Rehab & Physical Therapy performance training; The Recoil 360°. “Resistance and assistance training is key to maximizing power, speed and vertical jump”. This Bungee Resistance Trainer helps us to train athletes in every direction, with or without a partner. We can train patients for any sport: baseball, soccer, football, basketball, tennis, rugby, lacrosse, swimming, martial arts, hockey, volleyball, softball, track & field, rowing, golf, bowling, and more.

At CardioFlex, we will use this device for specific resisted agility and plyometric rehabilitation exercises to build explosive muscle strength and power in our patient’s core and lower body. The Recoil 360° allows patients to maximize motions that are sport specific with resistance and assistance training. The cord stretches against movements to build strength, or pulls patients along to increase speed and improve the body’s efficiency during direction changes.

We will help our patients to improve their overall athleticism with increased power, explosiveness, and strength, with this bungee cord and all of our other equipment. We can either train patients at our Davie Facility or have one of our Physical Therapists visit them at their home. We offer In-Home Therapy to all of the following counties: Broward, Miami-Dade, & Palm Beach.

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

About the Author

Terry Abrams is the President & Director of Physical Therapy for CardioFlex Therapy, a start-up company founded in 2005 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Delivering both Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy, CardioFlex Therapy’s Outpatient Clinic is centrally located in Davie, FL serving the towns of Cooper City, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, Hollywood, Miramar, Sunrise, & Fort Lauderdale. For Home Physical Therapy, CardioFlex sends its therapists to homes located in Broward, Dade, & Palm Beach counties. Google+

Therapeutic Exercises for Increasing Ankle & Calf Flexibility

At CardioFlex Therapy, we often treat patients who need to increase the range of motion in their ankles. Commonly, patients have tightness when raising their feet upwards into Dorsiflexion, which affects their bio-mechanics and how effectively that they can run, and even walk. By stretching out their ankles, calves, and feet with two great stretches, we assist our patients in accomplishing their functional goals. These exercises are called the Gastrocnemius Stretch (a straight-knee stretch) and the Soleus Stretch (a bent-knee stretch).

Treatment at our Outpatient Clinic in Davie, FL 

The Gastrocnemius is the larger, posterior muscle within the leg. It originates at the back of the femur and patella and is attached to the Achilles tendon, along with the Soleus. The Gastrocnemius is responsible for providing the propelling force for actions like running and jumping.

Lying just beneath the Gastrocnemius is the Soleus. The Soleus originates from the upper portions of the tibia and fibula, the bones of the lower leg, and joins the Gastrocnemius to attach to the Achilles tendon. The Soleus is responsible for flexion of the ankle joint, especially when the knee is bent, therefore extending the foot downward.

Our professionals at CardioFlex Therapy recommend that you take a few minutes each day to stretch these essential muscles. Not only does this consistent practice release tension, but also will prevent future injury. Follow these easy directions to properly execute these exercises at home:


Soleus Stretch:

Soleus Stretch

Standing - Press the ball of the foot against a wall. Extend your other leg behind you with a slight bend to the knee. Your front foot should feel the stretch. Alternatively, use an angled platform with the knee bent and other foot slightly behind you and bent (see below).


Seated - With legs extended in front of you, place an object like a foam roller or pillow under your knees. Use a strap or your hands to pull one toe toward you into dorsiflexion.





Gastrocnemius Stretch:

Gastrocnemius Stretch

Standing 2 -3 feet in front of a wall, extend your hands to press against the wall and lean slightly in.  With one foot, take a step forward and bend the knee. The back foot should remain straight with the heel to the ground and toes pointed to the wall. Alternatively, you may also use an angled platform to perform this exercise, as shown below.


For information on how we can help you with your lower body mobility find us in our website: www.cardioflextherapy.com or visit our BLOG

South Florida Race for the Cure

CardioFlex is proud to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 2018 South Florida Race for the Cure. This event takes place on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Meyer Amphitheater. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series is the world’s largest, most successful fundraising and education event for breast cancer. The race series includes more than 140 events on four continents, with over one million participants coming together every year to take part in the fight against breast cancer.

This important annual event raises significant funds for the breast cancer movement, thanks to supporters and survivors around the world who step up and take action by fundraising for the cause.

A Global Impact

Race for the Cure® truly makes an impact, with 100 percent of the net proceeds allocated to our mission:

• 75 percent of the net income stays in our community to help fund local programs offering breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment.
• The remaining 25 percent goes toward Susan G. Komen® Research and Training Grants program.

In addition to raising funds for the breast cancer movement, Race for the Cure® also increases awareness, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.

Racing for the Cure is More Than Pink™

Every year, in cities around the globe, our allies Race for the Cure® and prove they are More Than Pink™.

These passionate supporters and survivors are not content to simply say they support the breast cancer cause, or wear a pink ribbon. They turn their support into action. They recognize the need to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer, and they get to work.

Race Day Schedule:

5:30 AM    Race Day Registration opens at Post Park
7:30 AM    Women’s 5K USATF Run (3.1 miles)
8:15 AM    Men’s 5K USATF Run (3.1 miles)
9:00 AM    Team 5K Walk (3.1 miles)
9:15 AM    5K Walk (3.1 miles)
9:30 AM    Kids Run (ages 6-12)
9:45 AM    Tots Run (ages 5 and under)
10:00 AM  Runner’s & Awards Ceremony / Entertainment at Meyer Amphitheatre
10:30 AM  Survivor Recognition Ceremony at Meyer Amphitheatre

Where: Meyer Amphitheater, 105 Evernia Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

When: Saturday, January 27, 2018

For more info, visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

Bad Santa Bus Loop

CardioFlex is proud to support the Bad Santa Bus Loop benefiting many local charities including the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation. This event takes place on December 15, 2017 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Bus Loop continues to spread fun throughout South Florida! The Bus Loop is serving our local community by raising funds for the designated charities in their respective cities while giving the area’s young professionals a Bus Loop experience of a lifetime!

All proceeds directly benefit the charities. Thanks to the efforts of the volunteers, the Bus Loops continue to operate throughout South Florida. If you have not yet tried the Bus Loop, try it! You’ll get hooked!  

The Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation provides financial assistance for underprivileged children fighting cancer. As advocates, the Foundation helps raise additional funds through media partnerships to ensure ill children maintain access to basic human necessities during times of crisis.   Often these children and their families fall into the Federal Poverty Level which qualifies them to receive government assistance such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income; however, there remains a large gap for financial need.  A child diagnosed with cancer requires a full time caregiver in order to increase his/her chances for survival.  Children can’t go back to school for a long period of time because of the intense treatment, and the number of days spent in the hospital.  Families under these circumstances often lose income because one parent usually resigns from work.  For a single parent the only source of income is often lost. As a result, the Foundation is dedicated to providing temporary financial relief to help families pay for everyday needs such as medical, utility, rent, mortgage, car, and groceries.  This direct and tangible assistance for access to basic necessities becomes vital to the survival of these children while they receive cancer treatment. CardioFlex offers specific cancer rehab treatments, visit our Services page for detailed information on how we can help you.

Where: Fort Lauderdale, FL

When: December 15, 2017

Time: 6:00 PM

Contact: 954-574-6000 / 954-260-6194 / johnjhaley@comcast.net

For more info, visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com & our BLOG for detailed information on this event.

Buen Provecho Miami

CardioFlex is proud to support Buen Provecho Miami benefiting the United Community Options of South Florida on February 8, 2018. This is an exclusive dinner with various chefs preparing a course, collaborating to create a fantastic meal and a fantastic experience. Each course will be paired with wine, a high end silent auction will be available, and an opportunity to meet and greet with the chefs will be part of the fun once all courses have been served. All proceeds benefit United Community Options of South Florida.

The United Community Options of South Florida, formerly United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida, serves more than 1,600 infants, children and adults at over 60 locations in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach & Mid-Coast Counties.

United Community Options serves children and adults with a wide range of needs and abilities including physical, intellectual, and neurological disabilities, as well as developmental delays and developmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, Prader-Willi syndrome, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and those who are technology dependent or medically fragile. In addition, we serve typically developing children and adolescents in many of our programs.

When: February 8, 2018

Where:  The Colonnade Hotel of Coral Gables, FL

Contact: Grace – (305) 325 – 9093

For more info, visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

Davie PT & OT - Specialized Programs

CardioFlex Therapy is a leader in PT & OT (Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy).  Located in Davie FL (Florida), next to Weston, Cooper City, Plantation, Sunrise, Pembroke Pines, Southwest Ranches, Miramar, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale, CardioFlex has many specialized programs that demonstrate our level of expertise in treating a wide variety of patient injuries and conditions.

Our specialty programs include Knee Therapy, Wrist & Hand Therapy, Arm Therapy, Carpal Tunnel Therapy, Elbow Treatment, Ankle & Foot Therapy, TMJ Treatment, Herniated Disc Treatment, Neurological Rehab, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Vertigo Therapy, Headache & Migraine Treatment, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, Stroke Rehab, Shoulder Therapy, Hip Therapy, Spine Treatment, Neck & Back treatment, & Lymphedema Management.

CardioFlex delivers all of these specialized services either in our 2300 Sq. Ft. Outpatient Rehab Clinic, or in the homes of our patients.  Because of our highly flexible approach and our extensive experience in the rehabilitation process, CardioFlex is the leading Physical Rehab Provider in the South Florida healthcare marketplace.  Since we conveniently travel to homes located in Broward County, Dade County, & Palm Beach County, we can cover all patients located on the eastern side of South Florida.

In order to get the most complete and rapid Rehabilitation for patients coming to our Davie PT & OT Clinic, CardioFlex has acquired the highest end of Cardiovascular Machines, Free Weights, Resistance Equipment, Body Weight Equipment, Balance Devices, Modalities, Ultrasound, Cold Laser, Traction (Cervical & Lumbar), Iontophoresis, Lymphedema Pump, and Kinesiotape.  Because of all of the equipment that we have and continue to accumulate, CardioFlex is well prepared to guide our patients from any point in the injury rehab process to full recovery at their prior levels of function.

For more info, visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

Original blog post: http://www.cardioflextherapy.com/blog/davie-pt-ot-specialized-programs/