Expert Thinking
The team of experts at Aegis Therapies is dedicated to caring
for our patients and providing some of the best service and
outcomes in country. Their goal is to help restore
physical independence and confidence in our patients. Please take
some time to read their thoughts and insights regarding therapy and
wellness.
Occupational Therapy Month
National Occupational Therapy month is a time to bring awareness to the benefits and importance of occupational therapy. We want to take this opportunity to thank our occupational therapists for their commitment to improving the lives of thousands of individuals every day of the year.
Angela Edney | posted March 27, 2013
Fourth Annual WALK! with Aegis Event
The fourth annual WALK! with Aegis Therapies 2012 is this week, and we’re thrilled to see this year’s participants take charge and promote active aging! We’re expecting one of the largest nationwide turnouts with over 670 registered locations and thousands of participants joining the WALK! with Aegis Therapies.
Brian Boekhout | posted September 24, 2012
Occupational therapy helps those with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating illness that affects at least 5.4 million Americans. Occupational therapists offer treatments that can promote safety and enhance a patient’s quality of life, in addition to providing comfort and care for people with the disease and their families.
Barb Christensen | posted August 16, 2012
Get active and WALK! with Aegis Therapies
We’re counting the days and lacing up our sneakers as we get ready for the fourth annual WALK! with Aegis Therapies Sept. 24-28, 2012. This event celebrates Active Aging Week by motivating patients, residents and staff to become more active through the six dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, occupational, social, spiritual and intellectual.
Brian Boekhout | posted July 30, 2012
Peripheral neuropathy helped by physical therapy
Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., with almost 24 million estimated to have the disease and more being diagnosed each year. Physical therapy can help with one of the common complications of this disease, peripheral neuropathy, by helping diabetics maintain strength, mobility and function.
Susie Almon | posted July 24, 2012
Physical therapy helps Parkinson’s symptoms
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system. Physical therapy can help people with this disease compensate for the changes brought about by the condition. The goal is to improve a patient’s independence and quality of life by improving movement and function and relieving pain.
Angela Edney | posted July 11, 2012
Exercise can prevent, treat lymphedema in cancer patients
For a portion of people with cancer or in remission from cancer, lymphedema is a bothersome reality. Those who receive physical therapy tend to have fewer symptoms, like infections, pain and swelling. In fact, physical therapists can actually help reduce the risk of a patient developing lymphedema after lymph node removal or radiation through their unique approach.
Barb Christensen | posted July 05, 2012
Physical therapy helps osteoporosis after a fall
Every year in the U.S., there are about 1.5 million osteoporosis-related fractures—many people may not even know they have the disease until this happens. It can be a difficult experience, both in terms of physical recovery and emotionally coping with the fear of future movement that could cause another fracture.
Barb Christensen | posted June 19, 2012
Maintaining quality of life with visual impairment
Nearly 10 million Americans have some form of visual impairment or low vision that affects their everyday life, including 18 percent of the older population and nearly 30 percent of people age 85 and older. Occupational therapists can help them live independent, meaningful lives.
Brian Boekhout | posted June 13, 2012
Speaking up for aphasia awareness
The ability to communicate with others through language is so fundamental to most of us that we don’t even think about life without it. But for a person with aphasia, the ability to speak and understand others is impaired. Communication becomes difficult and every word can be a struggle.
Susie Almon | posted June 04, 2012
Occupational therapists can play role in improving mental health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20 percent of people 55 or older face a mental health concern. During May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to increase awareness about good mental health in older adults and show how occupational therapists can help.
Mark Besch | posted May 30, 2012
Brain tumors and the role of rehabilitation therapists
There are over 612,000 people in the U.S. living with a primary brain tumor diagnosis, and more than 66,000 people will be newly diagnosed this year. The incidence of brain tumors is on the rise for all age groups, especially older adults. This affects the speech, physical and occupational therapy community because many of the symptoms of these tumors necessitate rehabilitative help from one of these professionals.
Susie Almon | posted May 25, 2012
How your attitude can impact your recovery
After an injury, illness or surgery, not being able to do the activities you usually enjoy can be frustrating and upsetting. But as you work with a speech, physical or occupational therapist, one of the most powerful tools will be your attitude.
Barb Christensen | posted May 09, 2012
Taking therapy – and precautions – outdoors
With spring in bloom, many physical and occupation therapists are taking therapy into the great outdoors. From walking and biking to doing stretches in the sunshine, outdoor exercise and fresh air are good antidotes to the winter blahs.
Susie Almon | posted April 27, 2012
Aquatic therapy assists in recovery from injury
Aquatic therapy is a modality of care that many physical therapists employ with great success. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, from joint sprains to fibromyalgia and offers a wide range of benefits. The water itself assists in patient healing and in peak performance of the exercises needed for healing and recovery.
Barb Christensen | posted April 03, 2012
Physical therapy treatment for osteoporosis after a fracture
Each year in the U.S., there are about 1.5 million osteoporosis-related fractures. Many people may not even know they have this bone-thinning disease until a fracture happens. It can be a rather disruptive experience, in terms of physical recovery and emotionally coping with the fear that future movement could cause another fracture.
Angela Edney | posted March 21, 2012
Physical Therapy Can Improve COPD Patients’ Quality of Life
COPD, also called emphysema or chronic bronchitis, is a disease that can be helped with physical therapy through breathing training, exercise and education. The goal of physical therapy in this situation is to help people manage their illness and prevent re-hospitalizations.
Brian Boekhout | posted March 01, 2012