Question 1

if an elderly,  co-morbid pt has pneumonia then is it the standard practise to use physical chest therapy or is generally not worthwhile in such cases?

Accepted Answer

Important: Elderly patients with pneumonia may be too weak to expectorate and raise secretions and inability to do so makes it difficult to clear the infection. Chest physical therapy helps them raise the secretions. The mortality rate is high in elderly people with pneumonia and pooling of secretions is one of the reasons.

Question 2

what physical therapy should i do for a torn chest muscle?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy: Ice, rest are the first measures to take in case of a pulled (torn) chest muscle. Taking an antiinflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen/naproxen may be helpful to alleviated pain/discomfort. Physical therapy should be delayed until it is tolerable. The physical therapist will decide on the techniques to be used. It could be heat/cold applications, ultrasound stimulation, tens unit etc.

Question 3

how can i cure pins and needles in chest ive had for a year ive had physical therapy and trigger point injections?

Accepted Answer

Tried acupuncture?: Understand that you have had trigger point injections and  physical therapy.  Acupuncture can quite often be successful with this.

Question 4

this has been ongoing for 2.5 years. there is a burning session (newer) within my joints (knees, elbows, fingers, toes). physical therapy, rest, and more have not relieved the chest/sternum pain.

Accepted Answer

Reflux possibly : One possible condition associated with these symptoms is reflux. You may try an over the counter ant reflux medication for one week, to see if it relieves your symptoms. Please see your PCP. They will review possible allergic responses.

Question 5

fractured ribs 2-4 in back. will i need physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not typically: In general, therapy in a patient with healing fractures of the ribs can be painful and not particularly helpful; other than in the initial mobilization to get a person out of bed.  Once the fractures are healed, most patients do well and so therapy not terribly useful at that time either.  Deep breathing and even using an incentive spirometer to avoid an associated pneumonia can be helpful.

Question 6

does physical therapy work on scar tissue even after breast reconstruction?

Accepted Answer

Yes!: Physical therapy, massage therapy and exercise can break up scar tissue after breast reconstruction. Scarring is a natural part of the recovery after any surgery or injury. Breaking up scar tissue by stretching it or massaging it will improve your mobility and should decrease pain.

Question 7

ive read intercostal neuralgia can be caused by stress/anxiety is this accurate? 
numb/tingling comes and goes starts in upper ab/ribs, sometimes spread to back, mostly stays in front. 
ive been to dr, had ultrasound/bloodwork. physical therapy rec?

Accepted Answer

Need to examine: It is not feasible to provide a meaningful opinion without taking additional history, physical examination and may be some tests. It would be prudent to see your doctor and discuss if you may be depressed. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, exercise may help. Start with low intensity exercise such as walking and gradually increase the intensity as tolerated. Drink more water. Wish you good health!

Question 8

will physical therapy hurt?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: It is designed to help and regain normal motion and position.
After surgery or an injury there may be some pain as you start your therapy

Question 9

how exactly does physical therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Improve function: The goal of physical therapy is to restore function of affected parts of the body. It requires passive or active mobilization of groups of muscles or soft tissue ( tendons, ligaments )and treatment of the inflammation with different exercises, movements, technics or machines. They use heat or cold, electrical stimulation, ultrasound waves, weights, massage or others.

Question 10

what does wbat mean on a physical therapy script?

Accepted Answer

Below: I would have to see the entire report to be sure but think
“Weight bearing as tolerated”

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Doctor answers about:

Chest physical therapy

A member asked:

If an elderly, co-morbid pt has pneumonia then is it the standard practise to use physical chest therapy or is generally not worthwhile in such cases?

A member asked:

What physical therapy should i do for a torn chest muscle?

A member asked:

How can i cure pins and needles in chest ive had for a year ive had physical therapy and trigger point injections?

A member asked:

This has been ongoing for 2.5 years. there is a burning session (newer) within my joints (knees, elbows, fingers, toes). physical therapy, rest, and more have not relieved the chest/sternum pain.

A member asked:

Fractured ribs 2-4 in back. will i need physical therapy?

A member asked:

Does physical therapy work on scar tissue even after breast reconstruction?

A member asked:

Ive read intercostal neuralgia can be caused by stress/anxiety is this accurate? numb/tingling comes and goes starts in upper ab/ribs, sometimes spread to back, mostly stays in front. ive been to dr, had ultrasound/bloodwork. physical therapy rec?

A member asked:

Will physical therapy hurt?

A member asked:

How exactly does physical therapy work?

A member asked:

What does wbat mean on a physical therapy script?

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