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Add a Physical Therapist to Your Healthcare Team to Fight Diabetes

November 3, 2022 | Tips & Trends
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated 34.2 million Americans have diabetes. Millions of those do not even know they have the disease where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body does not react normally to insulin, to regulate glucose (sugar) in the blood. When someone has diabetes, the level of glucose in the blood becomes too high which can cause several health problems.

Diabetes can affect people of all ages and cause problems like weakness, loss of endurance, obesity, and balance problems. As a result, many people with diabetes become sedentary and don’t get enough exercise. Physical activity can lower high-blood sugar levels and Physical Therapists, who are movement experts, can train people to safely add physical activity to their lives in effective ways.

According to the American Diabetes Foundation, these signs may be present in those with diabetes:

  • Slow-healing sores
  • High blood pressure
  • Frequent infections of the gums, skin, vagina, or bladder
  • Unexplained weight loss

 

Diabetes symptoms include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Constant or extreme hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Tingling, burning, or numbness in feet and hands
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain in joints or muscles
  • Cramping or pain in the legs, or limping while walking
  • Weakness
  • Chronic pain

 

When you have diabetes, adding a Physical Therapist to your healthcare team can help with your:

Strength and Movement: PTs are movement experts who can help you move your joints safely to build strength.

Flexibility: If your muscles are tight, your PT can help stretch them and teach you stretches to do at home, by yourself.

Pain Levels: A PT can help reduce pain with targeted exercises and technology. They can also teach you how to manage your pain at home, without the need for medication.

Balance: Physical Therapists are experts at restoring your sense of balance, enabling you to get back to your daily activities. They can also help find obstacles that may be inhibiting your stability.

Endurance: PTs can restore your energy levels by working to combat any weaknesses you may have from lack of physical activity. They work with you to create a plan that fits your current fitness level and goals.

Working with a PT when you have diabetes can make you healthier overall, which ultimately helps you control the disease and get back to living the life you deserve.

Taken, in part from: https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-diabetes

 

 

 

 

The entire Phoenix Physical Therapy Team is committed to providing our patients with quality physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in a safe and healthy clinic environment. We continue to follow the guidance provided by the CDC, WHO and public health officials to update you as new information becomes available. Let’s work together to keep each other safe and healthy.

The safety of our patients, communities and team members remains our top priority. We know you have a choice in your care providers and appreciate your commitment to Phoenix and our qualified clinicians.

Here are the actions we have taken to keep our patients, communities and team healthy & safe:

  • Flexible scheduling allows for social distancing
  • Regular cleaning and sanitation of all clinic surfaces
  • Facemasks must be worn by all Phoenix staff and are recommended for all patients
  • Screening questionnaire and temperature checks prior to entering clinics
  • 6 feet of social distancing throughout the clinics

Keeping Our Clinics Safe

Here are some tips on how we can keep each other safe:

  • Handwashing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. When soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or are experiencing shortness of breath. If a patient shows up with symptoms, the clinic team will work with them to reschedule.
  • Be vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance from the CDC website and our Travel Guidelines.

Here are actions we are taking to keep our clinics clean and safe:

  • Equipment will be wiped down after EVERY use with antibacterial wipes/sprays
  • All surfaces that patients or staff may touch including door handles, countertops, seating, pens at sign-in, bathroom and all other common areas will be disinfected regularly
  • Treatment tables will be 6 feet apart
  • Team members will wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezin
  • Clinics will have hand sanitizer available at the front desk and in the treatment areas
  • Any Phoenix team members who are ill will be asked to stay home
  • We will maintain social distancing between patients in the clinic
  • Caregivers that are bringing a patient to the clinic should wait in their car or come back when the appointment has ended unless necessary (i.e. minor requiring a guardian or for assistance needs)
  • When possible, we will treat patients in private rooms to increase social distancing
  • Any patients that have underlying health issues (i.e. diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.) will be given the option to be seen during special clinic hours or can opt to be treated in a private room away from other clinicians and patients
  • All patients should be self-screening before entering the clinic. Our PCCs will perform a secondary screening during the check-in process and before patients enter the clinic including a screening questionnaire and temperature check.
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