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Posts Tagged ‘Physical’

Find Physical Therapy Education in the United States and Canada. Some of the many career paths that individuals can take once they’ve attained the appropriate level of physical therapy education include professions as of course, therapists, administrators, clinicians, consultants, educators, and researchers, among others. Depending on the direction which you take through your physical therapy education, you can expect to work in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and private homes, rehabilitation centers and other medical healthcare facilities.

There are many different types of therapists who could be called physical therapists, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, masseurs and some areas of occupational therapy. They all work to try and affect the joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments but have different philosophies and techniques to do this. However they do all have the same aim for patients with hip osteoarthritis and that is to restore function by improving mobility and so relieving pain and stiffness.

Find Physical Therapy Programs in the United States and Canada. There is a vast assortment of physical therapy programs from which to choose. For instance, if you have already attained a certain level of education from one of over 200 accredited physical therapy programs in the United States, you will find that that a number of schools and universities provide extended career training in Masters Degree in Physical Therapy, post-graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs, as well as Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs.

The three commonly used physical techniques for the relief of back pain includes traction, massage and direct applications of heat or cold. Traction uses mechanical apparatus to stretch the back muscles and ligaments in order to relieve the pressure on spinal nerves and intervertebral discs.

Currently there are over 200 accredited physical therapy programs at physical therapy universities, colleges and schools throughout the United States. Accreditation is important as graduates must attain this formal education in order to earn eligibility to take the national licensing examination. (Licensure is required by all States in the U.S.)

Massage, and heat and cold are forms of coetaneous skin stimulation that draw their rationale from the gate control theory of pain transmission. They work on the principle of blocking the passage of pain sensations to the brain and also on stimulating the production of endorphins, the chemicals that are the body’s natural pain relievers.

The idea of online physical therapy schools is to provide a convenient path for medical professionals to advance their training and education in physical therapy to the Doctorate Degree level. And, while undergraduate degrees in physical therapy are only offered at traditional, campus-based physical therapy schools, online graduate degrees in physical therapy are possible.

All of these techniques generate nerve impulses that enter the spinal cord and brain with pain relieving consequences. The gate control theory opposite proposes that psychological activities such as attention and suggestion can influence pain perception. We now know that psychological methods of pain control can decrease some kinds of pain from unbearable to more tolerable levels.

Physical therapy is the treatment of functional limitations to prevent the onset or to retard the progression of physical impairments following illness or injury. Medicare pays for physical therapy in at least two contexts:

hrough the Part A hospital insurance benefit, Medicare pays for physical therapy as a component of skilled nursing care, in either the acute care setting or in a post-hospital skilled nursing facility. In order to qualify for reimbursement, such therapy must meet the criteria for skilled nursing care under 42 U.S.C. – 1495i.

Excel Physical Therapy also provides physical therapy services to pregnant women and people who need therapy before and after surgery. Excel Physical Therapy can help patients who are recovering from burns and stroke or who are afflicted with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Dynamic Physical Therapy has a personal approach to treatment, which ensures that each patient gets undivided attention and high quality care. Dynamic Physical Therapy has a one-to-one policy wherein one patient has one dedicated physical therapist from the beginning to the end of the patient’s therapy program.

Neurological physical therapy helps those who have had spinal cord injuries or any other neurological injuries that have has a negative effect on their body. It can help with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and even cerebral palsy. The therapy can help gain some range of motion back and even get back some motor skills after suffering from a disorder or a disease. The physical stimulation can also give you more energy, which in turn is good for focusing.

Orthopedic physical therapy is a more minor form of therapy that usually occurs after a patient has a surgery. In order to get the part of the body that was operated on back into good shape, some physical exercises may need to be done to gain flexibility and mobility back. Physical therapists have the medical knowledge to make sure that no damage is done to your body. Physical therapy can also relieve any pain associated with the surgery site.

Dynamic Physical Therapy also offers vestibular therapy services to help with the treatment of balance disorders including motion sickness, vertigo, blurred vision, dizziness and others.

Pediatric and geriatric physical therapy helps babies and older people to be able to live life to the fullest. It helps older people who have bone diseases and osteoporosis, as well as children who need help with walking or any other motor skills. If children are developing slower than others physically, therapy can help them to catch up. Like other kinds of physical therapy, it helps to build up muscle and increase the range of motion.

          Physical spousal abuse towards pregnant women cuts across societies and classes in developed and developing countries of the world. It is a gross violation of human rights and has many far-reaching consequences for a woman and her fetus including serious social and health problems (Neuberger, 1992; Gazmararian, 1996; Valladares, 2002; American Medical Association, 1992).

          Although the literature on this issue has grown in recent years, studies in developing countries and those using population-based data are scarce. In addition, previous studies vary greatly with respect to the definition of physical spousal abuse, sample size and composition, and reference periods (Vallandares, 2002; and Gazmararian, 1995).

          It is clear from the research that physical spousal abuse toward women during pregnancy is an issue that cuts across countries; however, prevalence varies from country to country, and even within countries. According to the majority of clinic-based studies in the United States of America, prevalence of spousal abuse during pregnancy ranges from 4% to 8% (Gazmararian, 1996; Gazmararian, 1995; Muhajarine & D’Arcy, 1999 and Stewart & Cecutti, 1993). An analysis of 1996-1998 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from sixteen U.S. states estimated that the overall prevalence of physical spousal abuse during pregnancy was 5% (Saltzman, 2003); the highest prevalence was in Oklahoma (7%) and the lowest in Maine (4%). Separate studies in North and South Carolina found the prevalence in those states to be 6% and 11%, respectively (Martin, 2001; and Cokkindes, 1999).

          According to a review of six studies from India, China, Pakistan and Ethiopia, the prevalence of physical spousal abuse during pregnancy ranged from 4% to 28% (Nasir and Hyder, 2003). Four of these studies were hospital-based and found prevalence of 4-22% (Leung, Leung and Lam, 1999; Purmar, 1999; Fikree & Bhatti, 1999; and Faruqi, 1996); the other two were population-based, covering both urban and rural areas, and reported prevalence of 10-28% (Nasir & Hyder, 2003; Deyessa, 1998; and International Clinical Epidemiologists Network, 2000). A multi country, population-based study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) from which the data for the current study are drawn, shows that the rate of physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy in ten developing countries ranged from 3% to 28% (Garcia-Moreno, 2005).

          Eighteen percent of economically disadvantaged currently married women living with their husbands in six villages in Bangladesh experienced physical spousal abuse during at least one pregnancy; for 3%, the abuse got worse during pregnancy (Bates, 2004).

          Although, some abused women first experience physical abuse during pregnancy, most do not.   A Brisbane study of antenatal patients found that 18% of ever abused women were first abused during a pregnancy (Taft, 2001). According to studies in Turkey (Karaoglu, 2006) and Canada, (Stewart & Cecutt, 1993), however, about 86% of ever-abused women were abused for the first time when they were not pregnant. In addition, an analysis of nationally representative longitudinal U.S. data suggests that pregnant women are not at greater risk of victimization than non pregnant women (Jasinki, 2001). Furthermore, the WHO multi country study found that in most of the developing countries studied, the onset of physical abuse did not overlap with pregnancy (Garcia-Moreno, 2005).

          The research results vary on whether abuse toward women increases, decreases, or remains the same during pregnancy. There is evidence that pregnancy can be a time of respite for some previously abused women (Jasinki, 2001; Bermon, 1991; Campbell, 1998; Campbell, 1995; Castro, Peek-Asa & Ruiz, 2003; Martin, 1996; and Hedin, 2000), perhaps because of stigma associated with physically injuring a pregnant women, (Karaoglu, 2006;  Jasinki, 2001; Borenson, 1991 and Campbell, 1998). If this is the case, partners abuse, only to replace it with emotional abuse, such as insults, threats and humiliation (Karaoglu, 2006 and Martin, 2004). The WHO multi-country study reports that the majority of women who suffered from abuse before and during pregnancy in all sites reported that during the last pregnancy in which they were abused, the abuse was the same or somewhat less severe or frequent than before the pregnancy (Stewart & Cecutte, 1993; Borenson, 1991; Campbell, 1992 and Taggart, 1996). In constrast, other studies have found an escalation of abuse during pregnancy (Garcia-Moreno, 2005). For example, 64% of Canadian women who were abused during pregnancy reported that their abuse increased during pregnancy (Stewart & Cecutti, 1993).

          In recent research, women who were abused during pregnancy had a history of abuse (Glander, 1998; Horrigan, Schroeder, & Schaffer, 2000; and Jasinki, 2004). Five studies found that a past history of abuse (i.e. abuse before pregnancy) is one of the strongest predictors of abuse during pregnancy (Stewart & Cecutti, 1993; Castro, Peek-Asa & Ruiz, 2003; Martin, 2004; McFarlance, 1992 and Su-fang, 2004). In addition, multiple social, economic, cultural biological, and environmental factors contribute to abuse toward women during pregnancy.

          Low socio-economic status has consistently been identified as a risk factor for violence during pregnancy (Gazmararian, 1995; Purmar, 1999; Karuoglu, 2006; Su-fang, 2004; and Goodwin, 2000). Economically, disadvantaged women, both in the United States and in developing countries, have the highest rates of reported abuse during pregnancy (Campbell, 2004); although women from higher income groups experience abuse, they may be less likely than others to disclose their abuse (International Clinical Epidemiologists Network, 2000). Urban residence is a predictor of violence during pregnancy (Karaoglu, 2006; and Su-fang, 2004). In both developing and developed countries, women’s low level of education is associated with physical abuse during pregnancy, (Muhajarin, 1999; Purmar, 1999; Farugi, 1996; Karaoglu, 2006 and Bohn, 2004), male partners’ low level of education is also a contributing factor (Leung, Leung & Lam, 1999; Faruqi, 1996 and International Clinical Epidemiologists Network, 2000). Finally, young pregnant women are more likely than those who are older to be abused (Muhajarine, 1999; Stewart & Cecutti, 1993; Hedin, 1999 and O’Camp, 1994).

          Poor spousal communication is one of the factors associated with marital violence (Berns, Jacobson & Gottman, 1999 and Gordis, Margolin & Vickerman, 2005). Studies exploring the relationship between couple communication or interaction and physical violence during pregnancy are not numerous; however, according to at least two studies, poor couple communication is related to violence during pregnancy in India and China (Purmar, 1999; Sun-fang, 2004).

          In Nigeria, most research work on physical spousal abuse has been based on prevalence and patterns; scarcely do we have studies linking physical spousal abuse to women during pregnancy. It is against this background that this study becomes relevant in filling such missing gaps in our knowledge in the issue of physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy in Lagos metropolis area of Lagos State, Nigeria.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of the factors positively associated with physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria.

          To achieve the purpose of this study, the following research questions were answered:

1.           To what extent would factors positively associated with physical spousal abuse influence women during pregnancy?

2.           What is the relative contribution of each of these factors (dowry demand, involvement spousal communication, past history of abuse religion, husband’s level of education and age at marriage) to the prediction of physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy?

3.           There is no significant relationship between the determinants factors and physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy.

This study employed an ex-post-facto design. This design does not involve the manipulation of any variable. The event has already occurred and the researcher only investigated what was already there.

          The participants for this study consists of all married women in Lagos metropolis whose ages ranged between 21 years – 49 years, and are currently pregnant. A total of two hundred and fifty were randomly drawn from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos Maternity Hospital and Ikoyi Specialist Hospital, all in Lagos Metropolis. The choice of Lagos area for the study was chosen because it is an area where support services for abused women are currently available or could be established, the populations are broadly representative of socio-economic strata and not perceived as having high levels of domestic violence.

          All the participants involved in the study can read, write and respond to questions.

Two major instruments were used in the study:

1.           Self-Reporting Questionnaire factors positively associated with physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy. Women answered questions about the age at marriage, dowry demand at marriage, past history, of abuse, couples religion, husband’s level of education, and spousal level of communication. It has 30 items rated on a 4 point Likert-type scale. The respondents indicated their degree of agreement with each item by ticking Strongly Agreed (4); Agreed (3); Disagreed (2) and Strongly Disagreed (1). It has 0.67 and 0.73 as the internal consistency and revalidation reliability respectively.

2.           Physical Spousal Abuse Inventory: Women answered questions on experience of physical assault perpetrated by one’s partner during any pregnancy was the dependent variable in the analyses. The questions on violence during pregnancy were modified versions of questions used by Campbell (1998) and those developed by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the PRAMS model in the United States (1999). Psychometric analysis was performed on the violence questions to ascertain the appropriateness of the behavioural items included. The items had good internal consistency, indicating that the instrument provided a reliable and valid measure of violence during pregnancy.

The participants for the study were administered the two questionnaires with the assistance of two research assistants and the hospital attendants in the three hospitals involved in the study. The collected questionnaires were scored and the data obtained from them were analysed to answer the research questions. On the whole, 250 copies of the questionnaires were distributed and returned fully filled, giving a return rate of 100%.

          The data collected were analysed using multiple regression analysis and chi-square (x2) statistics to establish the relationship of the factors tested and physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy.

1.      Using a combination of the independent variables to predict physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy.

Multiple R            =        0. 462

Multiple R-Square        =        0.213

Adjusted R-Square       =        0.197

Standard Error of Estimate = 3.06

Analysis of Variance

Sources of Variation

df

SS

Ms

F-ratio

Regression

4

617.444

123.48886

13.229*

Residual

245

2277.5997

9.3344

Total

249

-

-

* Significant at 0.05 level of confidence 

          Table I shows that the combination of the six independent variables (dowry demand involvement, spousal communication, past history of abuse, religion, husband’s level of education and age at marriage) in predicting physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy gave a co-efficient of multiple regression (R) of 0.462 and a multiple R-Square (R2) of 0.213. The result shows that 21.3% of the variance in the prediction of physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy is accounted for by the independent variables. The table also indicates that, the analysis of variance of the multiple regression data gave an F-ratio of 13.229 significant at 0.05 level of confidence.

2. Relative Contribution of Independent Variables to the Prediction of Physical Spousal Abuse of Women during pregnancy       

Variables

B

SEB

Beta

T-ratio

Sign. – T

Remark

1

Dowry Demand Involvement

0.103

0.045

0.146

2.284

0.0162

Sig.

2

Spousal Communication

-0.811

0.378

-0.135

-2.146

0.0146

Sig.

3

Past History of Abuse

-.0979

0.404

0.143

-2.425

0.0161

Sig.

4

Religion

-0.113

0.399

0.017

-0.283

0.7771

NS

5

Husband’s level of Education

0.194

0.401

0.028

0.484

0.6287

NS

6

Age at Marriage

-1.014

0.411

0.142

-2.461

0.0145

Sig.

7

Constant

40.904

7.634

-

5.358

-

0.000

          Table 2 shows for each independent variable, the standardised regression weight (B), the Standard Error Estimate (SEB), the Beta, the T-ratio, and the level at which the T-ratio, and the level at which the T-ratio is significant. As indicated in the table the T-ratio is associated with four variables (dowry demand involvement, spousal communication, past history of abuse, and age at marriage) were significant at 0.05 level of confidence while religion and husband’s level of education were not significantly associated with the dependent variable.   

3.      There is no significant relationship between the determinant factors and physical           spousal abuse of women during pregnancy.

Determinant Factors

Response of determinant factors

Total

X2 Cal.

X2 Crit.

df

Sig. Level

Remark

SD

D

A

SA

1

Dowry Demand Involvement

15

(7.5)

5

(2.5)

25

(12.5)

12

(6.0)

57

36.7

3.33

9

0.05

Sig.

2

Spousal Communication

14

(7.0)

3

(1.5)

40

(20.0)

32

(16.0)

89

3

Past History of Abuse

4

(2.0)

2

(1.0)

7

(3.5)

22

(11.0)

35

4

Religion

4

(2.0)

2

(1.0)

3

(1.5)

6

(3.0)

15

5

Husband’s level of Education

4

(2.0)

5

(2.5)

4

(2.0)

6

(3.0)

19

6

Age at Marriage

12

(6.0)

5

(2.5)

8

(4.0)

10

(5.0)

35

7

Total

53

22

87

88

250

X2 = 36.7, DF = 9, P <0.05 = Significant

          Table 3 above shows the cross-tabulation of the determinant factors and physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy. From the table above, the X2 calculated value (36.7) at 0.05 level of significance is greater than X2 critical value of 3.33. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected and the alternative hypothesis, that state that there is a significant relationship between the detrimental factors and physical spousal abuse was accepted. By implication, this means that the determinant factors has it consequences, and has an association with spousal physical abuse of women during pregnancy.

The results obtained showed that a combination of dowry demand, spousal communication, past history of abuse, religion, husband’s level of education and age at marriage when taken together seemed to be effective in predicting physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy. The observed F-ratio of 13.229, significant at 0.05 level is an evidence that the effectiveness of a combination of the independent variables in the prediction of physical spousal abuse could not have occurred by chance. Furthermore, the coefficient of multiple correlation of 0.462 and a multiple R + square of 0.213 showed the magnitude of the relationship between physical spousal abuse and the combination of the independent variables. The results indicated that a relationship of the independent variables accounted for only 21.3% of the total variance in spousal physical abuse among pregnant women.

          The results in Table 2 revealed the contribution made by each independent variable to the prediction of spousal physical abuse of women during pregnancy. The t-ratio values associated with each independent variables showed that dowry demand, past history of abuse, age at marriage, spousal communication contributed significantly to the prediction whereas religion and husband’s level of education did not.

          Based on the above, dowry demand involvement, age at marriage, past history of abuse and spousal communication are the most important predictors of physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy. This results agree with the findings reported by Bern, Jacobson and Gottman (1999); Gordise, Margolin and Vickerman (2005); that poor couple communication is related to violence during pregnancy in India and China Su-fang (2004); and Purmar (1999). Martins (2001); Wiemann (2000) and Dunn (2000) focuses their report on abuse by past or current intimate partners. In contrasts, other studies have found an escalation of violence during pregnancy – Stewart & Cecutti (1993); Berenson (1991); Campbell (1992) and Taggart & Mattson (1996).

          In the view of Stewart and Cecutti (1993); Castor, Peek and Ruiz (2003), Martin (2004); McFarlance (1992) and Su-fang (2004) found that a past history of abuse (i.e. abuse before pregnancy) is one of the strongest predictors of abuse during pregnancy.

          Another finding from this study was that religion and the husband’s level of education was not a major predictor of spousal physical abuse was however, at variance of the work of Leung, Leung and Lam (1999); Faruqi (1990); and International Clinical Epidemiologists Network (2000) that, male partners’ low level of education is also a contributing factor. In addition, multiple social, economic, cultural, biological and environmental factors also contribute to violence toward women during pregnancy.

          Although religion was not found to significantly predict physical spousal abuse of women during pregnancy in the sample involved in this study, attention of social workers and counselling psychologists should be directed to religious teaching among couples as it could check violence among family members and the individuals in the society.

In view of the fact that family history of spousal violence increases a daughter’s risk of such abuse and other factors as dowry demand, poor couple communication, and age at marriage have been found to be positively correlated to abuse, these factors should be widely communicated.

          Further research is needed to determine whether increased couple communication reduces the likelihood of violence or whether absence of violence can lead to increased couple communication.                                                                                                      

Bates LM. Socioeconomic factors and processes associated with domestic violence in rural Bangladesh, International Family Planning Perspectives, 2004, 30(4): 190-199.

Berenson AB. Drug abuse and other risk factors for physical abuse in pregnancy among white non-Hispanic, black, and Hispanic women, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1991, 164(6 Pt. 1):1491-1499.

Berns, SB. Jacobson NS and Gottman, JM. Demand-withdraw interaction in couples with a violent husband, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1999, 67(5): 666-674.

Bohn DK, Tebben JG and Campbell JC, Influences of income, education, age, and ethnicity on /    physical abuse before and during pregnancy, Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatal Nursing, 2004, 33(5):561-571.

Campbell JC 0IM&, The dynamics of battering during pregnancy, in: Campbell JC, ed., Empowering Survivors of Abuse: Health Care for Battered Women and Their Children, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA: Sage, 1998, pp. 81-89.

Campbell JC eWt, Correlates of battering during pregnancy, Research in Nursing and Health, 1992, 15(3):21 9-226.

Campbell JC, Garcia-Moreno C and Sharps P, Abuse during pregnancy in industrialized and developing countries, Violence Against Women, 2004, 10(7):770-789.

Campbell JCt^Wfl, The influence of abuse on pregnancy intention, Women’s Health Issues, 1995, 5 (4):214-223.

Castro R, Peek-Asa C and Ruiz A, Violence against women in Mexico: a study of abuse before and  during pregnancy, American Journal of Public Health, 2003, 93(7): 1 1 10-1 116.

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PRAMS Model Surveillance Protocol, Atlanta, GA, USA: CDC, 1999.       

Cokkinides VE. Physical violence during pregnancy: maternal complications and birth outcomes, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1999, 93(5):661-666.

Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association, Violence against women: relevance for medical practitioners, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992, 267(23):3184-3189.

Deyessa N.  Magnitude, type and outcomes of violence against women in Bulajira, South Ethiopia, Ethiopian Medical Journal, 1998, 36(2):83-92.

Dunn LL and Oths KS, Prenatal predictors of intimate partner abuse, Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 2004, 33(1):54-63.

Faruqi N, The women’s group report on women speaking about domestic violence, poster presented at the Third Annual National Symposium, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, Sept. 21-22, 1996.

Fikree FF and Bhatti LI, Domestic violence and health of Pakistani women, International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 1999, 65(2):195-201.

Garcia-Moreno C. WHO Multicountry Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Against Women: Initial Results on Prevalence, Health Outcomes and Women’s Responses, Geneva: World Health Organization (WHO), 2005.

Gazmararian JA. Prevalence of violence against pregnant women, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1996, 275(24): 1915-1920.

Gazmararian JA. The relationship between pregnancy intendedness and physical violence in mothers of newborns, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1995, 85(6):1031-1038.

Glander SS. The prevalence of domestic violence among women seeking abortion, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1998, 91(6):1002- 1006.

Goodwin M. Pregnancy intendedness and physical abuse around the time of pregnancy: findings from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 1996-1997, Maternal and Child Health Journal, 2000, 4(2):85-92.

Gordis EB, Margolin G and Vickerman K. Communication and frightening behaviour among couples with past and recent histories of physical marital aggression. American Journal of Community Psychology, 2005, 36(1-2): 177-191.

Hedin LW. Postpartum, also a risk period for domestic violence, European Journal of Obstetrics &  Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 2000, 89(1):41-45.

Hedin LW. Prevalence of physical and sexual abuse before and during pregnancy among Swedish couples, Canadian Medical Association Journal, 1999, 160(7):1007-1011.

Horrigan TJ, Schroeder AV and Schaffer RM, The triad of substance abuse, violence, and depression are interrelated in pregnancy, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2000, 18(1):55-58.

International Clinical Epidemiologists Network (INCLEN) and International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), Indiasafe: Studies of Abuse in the Family Environment in India-A Summary Report, New Delhi, India and Washington, DC: INCLEN and ICRW, 2000.

Jasinski JL, Pregnancy and violence against women: an analysis of longitudinal data, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2001, 16(7):713- 734.

Jasinski JL. Pregnancy and domestic violence: a review of the literature, Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 2004, 5(1 ):47-64.

Karaoglu Ltfitatt, Physical, emotional and sexual violence during pregnancy in Malatya, Turkey, European Journal of Public Health, 2006, 16(2): 149-156.

Leung WC, Leung TW and Lam YY, The prevalence of domestic violence against pregnant women in a Chinese community, International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 1999, 66(1):23-30.

Martin SL. Changes in intimate partner violence during pregnancy, Journal of Family Violence, 2004, 19(4):201-210.

Martin SL. Physical abuse of women before, during and after pregnancy, Journal of the American Medical Association, 2001, 285(12): 1581-1584.

Martin SL. Violence and substance abuse among North Carolina pregnant women, American \/ Journal of Public Health, 1996, 86(7):991-998.

McFarlane J. Assessing for abuse during pregnancy: severity and frequency of injuries and associated entry into prenatal care, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992, 267(23):3176-3178.

Muhajarine N and D’Arcy C, Physical abuse during pregnancy: prevalence and risk factors, Canadian  Medical Association Journal, 1 999, 1 60(7):1 007-1 011 .

Nasir K and Hyder A, Violence against pregnant women in developing countries, European Journal of Public Health, 2003, 13(2):105- 107.

Newberger EH. Abuse of pregnant women and adverse birth outcome. Current knowledge and implications for practice, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992, 267(17):2370-2372.

 O’Campo P. Verbal abuse and physical violence among a cohort of low-income pregnant women, Women’s Health Issues, 1994, 4(1):29-37.

Purwar MB. Survey of physical abuse during pregnancy, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, India, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecological Research, 1999, 65(3): 195-201.

Saltzman LE. Physical abuse around the time of pregnancy: an examination of prevalence and risk factors in 16 states, Maternal and Child Health Journal, 2003, 7(1):31-42.

Stewart DE and Cecutti A, Physical abuse in pregnancy, Canadian Medical Association Journal, 1993, 149(9):1257-1263.

Su-fang G. Domestic abuse on women in China before, during, and after pregnancy, Chinese Medical Journal, 2004, 117(3):331- 336.

Taft A, Intimate partner abuse in pregnancy, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2001, 3(4):250-253.

Taggart L and Mattson S, Delay in prenatal care as a result of battering in pregnancy: cross-cultural implications, Health Care for Women International, 1996, 17(1):25-34.

Valladares E. Physical partner abuse during pregnancy: a risk factor for low birth weight in Nicaragua, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2002, 100(4):700-705.

Wiemann CM. Pregnant adolescents: experiences and behaviors associated with physical assault by an intimate partner, Maternal and Child Health Journal, 2000, 4(2):93-101.

The leading trigger of death is smoking along with the second trigger of death is actually a sedentary way of life which is void of physical activity. This can quickly be changed nevertheless a lot of people require the assist and support to create the alter.

Physical therapists aren’t only considering helping somebody overcome an injury they’re also thinking about the well being and wellness of people. Additionally to helping to stop injuries, physical therapists may also allow you to understand the best way to manage your weight, stay away from wellness issues prior to they’re allowed to create, educate you on well being prevention, assist you to remain ahead of prospective injuries, and advise you on the best way to physical exercise correctly. Once you check out a physical therapist it truly is like acquiring your personal wellness and wellness program that’s customized to suit your wants and this consists of physical exercise.

Everyone’s well being status is distinct that is the reason a lot of people seek the expertise of a physical therapist to make certain the physical exercise regimen is proper for their individual requirements. That stated listed here are some common suggestions a physical therapist would let you know on how you can physical exercise appropriately ahead of they develop a detailed and individualized strategy which will get you the outcomes you’re seeking with out injury.

Common Physical exercise Ideas

As you function having a physical therapist to come up having a regimen that’s appropriate for your level of wellness you’ll find a couple of guidelines you must follow regardless of the physical exercise regimen you might be going to pursue:

- Water Intake Regimen: In the course of every single physical exercise session you must drink plenty of water prior to you start, throughout the session, and following you’ve got completed your physical exercise for the day. Also, you ought to sip water all through the course of the day to guarantee your cells stay hydrated.

- Consuming Habits: Refrain from consuming no less than two hours ahead of any aerobic sort of physical exercise. In the event you eat prior to your physical exercise session your physique is exerting power to digest the food and you may not get one of the most out of your physical exercise routine. Also, consuming just before you physical exercise could trigger you to really feel sluggish and produce nausea for the duration of vigorous physical exercise.

- Pay Attention to Your Body’s Messages: Your physique is quite diligent at sending you messages for the duration of an physical exercise session so make certain you pay attention. In the event you encounter any discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, or any other symptoms that are out of the ordinary ensure you tell your physical therapist.

- Do not Be Too Strict together with your Regimen: Whilst self discipline is critical for reaching your well being and fitness objectives it truly is crucial to adjust your physical exercise routine whenever you really feel tired or you’re ill. You must also monitor the weather conditions and refrain from your routine when the temperature and humidity soars.

Warm-Up

Your physique requirements a period of transition when going from rest to an physical exercise routine. It truly is quite critical which you invest time on a warm-up session for as much as 10 minutes just before you start exercising. In case you are older the warm up session need to be a bit longer to stop injury for the duration of physical exercise. Any activity that’s low impact is wonderful for a warm-up session together with a stretching routine advised by your physical therapist.

Post Physical exercise Cool Down

Be sure that you gradually cool down in the finish of a vigorous physical exercise routine and steer clear of stopping your session abruptly. A great method to cool down is always to slow down your activity in increments after which follow up with stretching to stop injuries. An example of a cool down may be to slow down to a walk should you be operating or in case you are walking briskly gradually slow your pace.

3 Essentials of Physical exercise

As a common rule, an physical exercise routine consists of 3 essentials which consist of aerobic, strength training, and flexibility. The aerobic portion of your routine serves to strengthen your heart, strength training assists you sustain muscle mass and burn fat, and flexibility permits your physique to preserve freedom of movement by enhancing your range of motion.

If you wish to live a lengthy and wholesome life it truly is essential to create the proper selections and component of creating those options is always to physical exercise correctly. This is exactly where a physical therapist may be extremely useful in helping you to enhance the high quality of your life having a personalized regimen which will allow you to to stop further injury inside the future and lessen your medical bills as you take pleasure in a wholesome way of life.

If insurance-related hurdles are preventing you from achieving optimal health, cash-based physical therapy can be an effective solution. High deductibles and co-pays lead many individuals to forgo treatment in an effort cut expenses, while those without insurance often ignore seemingly minor issues until they turn into major health problems. If you’re looking to attain a healthy balance both physically and financially, cash-based physical therapy offers an affordable way to immediately improve your overall health and wellness.

Many people overlook the importance of preventative health measures, ignoring minor aches, pains and weight problems until immediate medical attention is required. At that point, expensive medications or surgery may be necessary to address the resulting health issues. While physical therapy is often associated with rehabilitative treatments, it is also an ideal form of preventative care.

Whether you’ve suffered an injury, are overweight or are simply looking for help in setting and achieving fitness goals, physical therapy can help. A licensed physical therapist will develop a customized health program designed to improve your strength, fitness, mobility and overall quality of life. Physical therapy is a smart alternative to traditional curative care, because physical therapists focus on addressing underlying health and fitness issues rather than merely treating the symptoms. By taking a holistic approach to health and wellness, physical therapy can help alleviate pain, restore full mobility and prevent further injury in patients undergoing treatment, while empowering preventative-care clients to achieve and maintain optimal health and fitness.

Physical therapists are dedicated to helping their clients correct and prevent health issues. To learn how physical therapy can help you, seek out a local clinic that offers a complimentary consultation or free health and wellness classes. If money is a concern, ask about your options – most physical therapists will work with you to find an affordable solution, which may involve insurance, cash-based physical therapy or some combination thereof.

With today’s skyrocketing health insurance premiums, costly co-pays and high deductibles, the ability to pay cash for life-enhancing physical therapy treatments can mean the difference between living with chronic pain and feeling great again.

For many people, paying for private health insurance coverage is simply not possible; for others, the only affordable healthcare plan options carry deductibles of ,000 or higher – some are as much as ,000. Not only must patients cover the cost of premiums, but they’re also saddled with thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses before any insurance coverage begins!

Rising insurance costs and lengthy approval processes shouldn’t impede your access to physical therapy or the immediate health benefits it can provide. Seek out a physical therapy clinic with an experienced billing specialist who will take the time to review your health insurance coverage to determine the most cost-effective, long-term solution. In many cases, an alternative payment option – like cash-based physical therapy – may prove to be your best choice.

To understand the benefits of cash-based physical therapy, consider the case of one candidate who was seeking an experienced physical therapist in Maine to help him lose weight and get his diabetes under control. His doctor referred him to Results Physical Therapy and prescribed a preliminary evaluation, with an exercise plan to be developed over subsequent visits.

The initial intent was to bill the client’s insurance provider for these multiple office visits. However, a review of the patient’s insurance coverage revealed that his healthcare plan required a co-pay for each visit and carried a 0 deductible.

These high out-of-pocket costs could have led to the client to abandon his treatment; however, Results Physical Therapy worked with him to implement a more affordable alternative: a cash-based physical therapy plan that actually saved him money. By paying cash for the 0 physical therapy evaluation and per month for a Results Fitness Center membership – rather than going through insurance for multiple office visits – the client was able to save money in the long run. More importantly, Results Physical Therapy empowered him to regain control of his health.

In addition to rehabilitative treatments, physical therapy can provide long-term, preventative healthcare that enables you to achieve peak fitness and lead a healthier life. Rather than prescribing medications to address individual symptoms, a physical therapist will work with you to identify the root cause of the problem and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to correct it.

If you are among the millions of uninsured, or if your insurance plan has high out-of-pocket costs, cash-based physical therapy treatments can be a sensible alternative. Take the time to research your options, and look for a physical therapist who accepts both insurance and cash payments. By comparing your insurance-related expenses with a cash-based physical therapy plan, you can determine the best, most cost-effective way achieve your wellness goals and take charge of your health.

Looking for a physical therapist in Maine? Results Physical Therapy offers expert services, flexible payment options and three convenient locations: Brewer, Dexter and Dover-Foxcroft.

Our team has extensive experience in a variety of areas, and can provide physical therapy for chronic pain, strokes, orthopedics, sports injuries and preventative care. We treat patients of all ages; our staff includes a pediatric physical therapist and the area’s only certified lymphedema specialist. To help our clients achieve and maintain peak physical health, our Brewer and Dover facilities include a fitness center that is open to the public. Results Physical Therapy is owned and operated by Carol Lane, who is widely recognized as a top physical therapist in Maine.

Whether you are seeking treatment for a specific condition or simply looking to improve your overall health, we can help you achieve your health and wellness goals. In addition to our cash-based physical therapy treatments, all of our services are eligible for insurance reimbursement with a physician’s prescription. We’ll work with you to customize a treatment plan that fits your needs and budget. To get started, contact us today for a complimentary consultation or register for one of our free health and wellness classes.

 

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