How to Tie a Theraband

 By: Terry Abrams

Most people have no idea how to tie a Theraband correctly. There are even Therapists who may not know how to tie it correctly either. In this video, we will both explain and demonstrate how to tie a Theraband so that you can exercise with it, and then untie it rapidly without any issues.

A Theraband or resistance band is a synthetic rubber band used for Physical Therapy and light strength exercises. Your PT will most likely use it to isolate strength training for specific muscles that have been affected secondary to a surgery or a non surgical injury/condition. There are several ways to tie a Theraband. Most people tie the band in a simple knot, although this isn’t the best way to tie it because then it’s time consuming to get the knot out. We like to call this simple knot “the lifetime” knot.” You’ll be spending what seems like the rest of your life trying to untie this knot.

The easiest and most useful way to ensure you get those most out of your training session is to tie the Theraband properly with either the Bow Tie or Half Bow Tie knot. For the Bow tie knot, you should have a full bow tie on both ends. To achieve the Half Bow Tie knot you are going to tie it as if you would a bow tie but the other side of the bow is going to come all the way through straight and the other end is a bow tie. When you undo either of these knots, it should be an easy release. There shouldn’t be a knot getting in the way of you untying it, and it will undo rapidly.

Check out our Youtube Video on How to Tie a Theraband below:

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

Marketplace Insurances CardioFlex Offers

 By: Terry Abrams

CardioFlex Therapy is excited to announce we are in network with three major insurances from marketplace. Ambetter, Oscar and Bright Health. We work with a wide array of insurance carriers and plan types to ensure that our community has access to the care they need to stay healthy and strong. We’ve expanded our insurance portfolio to a maximum level, while still providing the quality care that we are known for.

Ambetter from Sunshine Health is Centene Corporation‘s Health Insurance Marketplace product. Their approach is based on the core belief that quality healthcare is best delivered locally. Ambetter and Sunshine Health offers coverage with no lifetime limits, pre-existing conditions, increased coverage for kids, increased preventive care for adults and seniors, and preventive care for women.

Oscar is now the third largest for-profit national insurer in the Individual Market in the United States based on membership, and has expanded to Small Group in 2017 and Medicare Advantage in 2020. As of 2022, they have at least one health plan in 607 counties across 22 states, and expect to expand in the years ahead both geographically and with respect to insurance markets.

Bright Health gained recognition of its health plan with a prestigious URAC accreditation that is recognized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They have proved compliance with rigorous standards, proving our ability to adhere to the mandates of the Affordable Care Act and compete in insurance marketplaces nationwide. Bright Health demonstrates their quality and compliance with standards that align with state and federal expectations for a more value-based delivery of care.

Whether you need Outpatient or Home Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy, please call CardioFlex Therapy for PT & OT information on how we can best help you at our Outpatient Clinic in Davie at 954-693-9090.

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

Simply Healthcare & Wellcare Health now accepted at CardioFlex

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We at CardioFlex Therapy in Davie, Fl, 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. Keeping up with our patients’ needs we have enrolled in these two Healthcare Insurance Companies: Simply Healthcare and WellCare health insurance.

Simply Healthcare is a Florida licensed health maintenance organization (HMO), which offer health plans for people enrolled in Medicaid and/or Medicare programs. It is a managed care plan that serves recipients of Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) in Florida. 

WellCare health insurance offers excellent medical services coverage and benefit programs that make them a good choice for seniors, families, and individuals, including children in Staywell Kids. 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.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, workers’ compensation, and private insurers, pay for Physical Therapy services that are medically necessary and that are provided by or under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. CardioFlex Therapy outpatient clinic in Davie, Florida is operated by President and Director Terry Abrams, specialized in Orthopedics, Neurological Disorders, Vertigo & Vestibular Rehab, Sports Injury, Neck & Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Elbow & Wrist Pain, Hip & Knee pain, Ankle & Foot Pain, TMJ & Headaches. 

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Physical Therapy

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition of the wrist and hand that can affect the use of the whole arm. It is caused by pressure on the nerve at the base of the palm. Because of the demands that people place on their hands and wrists, CTS is a common condition affecting 1 out of 20 Americans. Surgery for this condition is commonly performed on the wrist and hand. Fortunately for most people who develop CTS, physical therapy treatment can often relieve pain and numbness and restore normal use of the hand, wrist, and arm without the need for surgery.

Physical therapists work closely with other health care professionals to accurately diagnose and treat CTS. Symptoms of CTS are typical, and it is often possible to diagnose it without extensive testing.  Physical therapists are experts in the movement and function of the body and will conduct an evaluation to determine all of the factors that may be contributing to your condition. After an evaluation, your physical therapist will prescribe your treatment plan based on your specific case.

Physical therapy treatment can be effective in reducing your symptoms and getting you back to performing normal activities. During your first visit with the physical therapist, be prepared to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible, and say what makes your symptoms worse.

Depending upon the causes of your CTS, your therapy program may include education regarding changing wrist positions, general back and neck positions, exercises to increase the strength of the muscles in your hand, fingers, and forearm—and in some cases, the trunk and postural back muscles. It may also include stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of the wrist, hand, and fingers, use of heat/cold treatments to relieve pain, use of a night splint to reduce discomfort, and more.

The goals of physical therapy are to reduce your symptoms without the need for surgery, to enable you to be as active and functional as possible, and to help you resume your normal work, home, and leisure activities.

All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat a variety of conditions, including CTS. However, you may want to consider:

• A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with arm and hand musculoskeletal disorders and one who has experience in ergonomics and worksite evaluations. Ergonomics involves understanding the fit between a user (the person), the equipment, and the environment.
• A physical therapist who is a certified hand therapist (CHT).
• A physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or who has completed a residency or fellowship in orthopedic physical therapy. This therapist has advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that may apply to your condition.

CardioFlex Therapy Physical and Occupational Therapists are prepared to treat this and many other conditions. Call us for a consultation or appointment, we’ll be happy to see you.

CardioFlex Therapy’s Davie Outpatient Clinic: 954-693-9090.

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

How Physical Therapy can help Lymphedema patients?

By: Terry Abrams

http://www.cardioflextherapy.com/blog/how-physical-therapy-can-help-lymphedema-patients/

Lymphedema is swelling generally in the arms or legs due to a blockage in your lymphatic system. It’s estimated that about one-third of women who undergo axillary lymph node dissection during breast cancer treatment will develop lymphedema. Identifying and treating lymphedema early helps ensure faster and better outcomes, but even treatment later on, during the chronic stages of the disease, can still help.

To determine if you have lymphedema, check with your physician or physical therapist immediately if you have swelling in one of your limbs and you have cancer or have been treated for cancer, or you have a cardiac, kidney, or liver condition.

Your Physical Therapist will serve as an important member of your health care team and will work closely with you to design a treatment program to help control the swelling and meet your goals for returning to your activities.

In the early stages of lymphedema, when the swelling is mild, it can often be managed by compression garments, exercise, and elevation of the affected limb to encourage lymph flow. For more severe swelling, the physical therapist may use a treatment called “complete decongestive therapy.” The initial step often includes manual lymphatic drainage, which feels like a light form of massage and helps improve the flow of lymph from your arm or leg. This is followed by compression bandaging that helps to reduce the swelling. Your therapist will carefully monitor the size of the limb throughout your treatment sessions.

Once the limb has decreased to the desired size, your physical therapist will help you begin to take over your own care by:

1. Developing a safe and sensible exercise program that will increase your physical fitness without unnecessarily straining your affected arm or leg.
2. Updating your compression garments to ensure proper fitting, working with you to find the type of garment that best meets your needs.
3. Educating you about the proper diet to decrease fluid buildup in your tissues and skin care to reduce the risk of infection.

CardioFlex Physical Therapists are professionals that are well trained and will help you get back on track to recovery. We will guide you with the right exercises you will be able to do at home to keep the Lymphedema in check. Our outpatient clinic is located in the heart of Davie, by Flamingo and Griffin Roads. Call us for an appointment at 954-693-9090. Terry and his staff are looking forward to helping you with your condition.

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

CardioFlex Physical Therapists’ March Events

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CardioFlex Therapy’s Outpatient Clinic Physical Therapists will be participating in or sponsoring the fundraisers that impact our community. We see first hand so many of the conditions our patients are in when they seek our professional help, our team has carefully decided on the following events. Take a look at our March 2019 fundraisers and join us for a great time and a great cause!

The Leukemia Cup Regatta is a thrilling series of sailing events that combines the joy of boating with the important task of raising money to fight leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. Since its inception, the Leukemia Cup Regatta has raised over $66 million for research and patient services at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Join us at The Leukemia Cup Regatta, hosted by Isles Yacht Club, March 23, 2019. Registration is now open and available online via Regatta Network.
When: Saturday, March 23rd.
Where: 1780 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950
Info: Niki Miranda-Dubay at 813-261-3166 or 727-645-2147 or niki.mirandadubay@lls.org.

4th Annual Palm Beach Songwriters in the Round, a unique event in Jupiter, Fl, which brings guests into the inner-circle of some of Nashville’s best singer/songwriters, to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The songwriters will take stage at 8:00 pm. For those who want to do a little “boot-scoot-boogie,” they will have dancing to a live band until 10:00 pm. Save the date for this intimate evening under the stars and of course, another full moon, at the beautiful Lucky Old Sun Ranch.

When: Saturday, March 30th. 

Where: Lucky Old Sun Ranch. 18918 131st Trail North, Jupiter, FL 33478.
Info: Colette Beland at 561-683-9965 or email at cbeland@cff.org.

Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. CardioFlex Therapy in Davie, Fl, is well prepared for any type of condition that may require physical therapy.

For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com

What can Occupational Therapy do for you?

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Occupational Performance is defined as the individual’s ability to accomplish the tasks required by his or her role and related to his or her developmental stage. Occupational performance includes self-care, work, and play or leisure time performance. This leads us to what Occupational Therapy is: a profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. 

Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services typically include:

• + an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals,
• + customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals, and
• + an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan. 

Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science. 

The profession of Occupational Therapy makes valuable contributions in helping people “Live Life to Its Fullest” despite their condition or surrounding environment.

Occupational therapy services typically include:

1. Customized treatment programs to improve one’s ability to perform daily activities
2. Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
3. Performance skills assessments and treatment
4. Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training
5. Guidance to family members and caregivers.

We encourage you to view our video from The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) describing how Occupational Therapy helps people of every age, every day.