BURLINGTON, Mass. – Feb. 16, 2023 – PRLog — Chances are, we all know someone affected by heart disease or stroke; about 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of 1 death every 38 seconds. In many communities across the U.S., death rates are actually increasing among adults ages 35 to 64. Not only are more younger adults dying of heart disease, but their rates of risk factors are also increasing. Nearly half of Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity or an unhealthy diet.

You can help younger adults take control. During American Heart Month, let younger adults know they are not immune to heart disease, and that they can reduce their risk—at any age—through lifestyle changes and by managing medical conditions. The biggest part of living healthy comes down to simply making healthy choices. While you can’t change things like age and family history, the good news is that even modest changes to your diet and lifestyle can improve your heart health and lower your risk by as much as 80 percent.

How to Take Control of Your Heart Health:

• Find time to be active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Invite friends out for a walk, try a group exercise class, or challenge the whole family to a soccer match.
• Make healthy eating a habit. Small changes in your eating habits can make a big difference. Try making healthier versions of your favorite recipes. Look for ways to lower sodium, trans fat and sugar, plus add more vegetables.
• Manage stress. Stay positive. Laughter has been found to lower levels of stress hormones, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase “good” HDL cholesterol.
• Quit tobacco—for good. Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products affects nearly every organ in your body, including your heart. Quitting can be tough, but it can be easier when you feel supported.
• Know your numbers! High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease. Ask your health care team to check your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels regularly and help you take steps to control your levels.

Changing your lifestyle can seem overwhelming, even when you start out slow. It can be especially difficult to determine how to get started, or which change to make first. If you need help, you may benefit from working with a licensed physical therapist. Studies show that physical therapy practices are excellent avenues for promoting a physically active lifestyle, and could potentially play an important public health role. With Direct Access, which means a person can visit a physical therapist directly, without a referral, at anytime, to seek a personalized health evaluation, more and more people are using physical therapy for preventative care and to help them stay healthy.

However, before getting started, you should always speak to your doctor before you change, start or stop any part of your healthcare plan, including introducing physical activity or exercise. Reading health and exercise information online may be helpful, but it cannot replace the professional diagnosis and treatment you might need from a qualified healthcare professional.

The HDPT offices in Wakefield and Burlington have no waiting lists for new patients, accept all health insurance plans, support direct access to care (no referrals necessary,) offer same day appointments, have two notable locations along major highways, have convenient hours that fit any schedule and always offer free injury screenings and tours.

At HD Physical Therapy, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Everyday we work to restore each person’s maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please visit https://www.HDPTonline.com and follow us on all social media platforms.

WAKEFIELD, Mass. – Jan. 3, 2023 – PRLog — In the past, to get physical therapy, people were required to see a physician and obtain a prescription or referral in advance. That is no longer the case; we have Direct Access! Over the past few years, all 50 states have adopted direct access in some way, and in accordance with Massachusetts law, it allows people to see a licensed physical therapist without a doctor’s prescription or referral. It means you can just call, come in and get treated!

Direct Access to physical therapy helps remove barriers to getting care. It helps make PT more convenient and accessible. It ensures that you receive the highest quality of care available, that you are able to access that care quickly, and that it’s the right care for you. It eliminates the need for an additional doctor’s appointment, can save you time and money and can lead to higher satisfaction and better outcomes. You can start your recovery today.

We understand that medical billing can be challenging, but if you are already a member of a health insurance plan, and are already paying a monthly premium, you should use it. The cost of a copayment is often lower than the out-of-pocket costs of cash-based services. At HDPT, we have a dedicated insurance and billing staff that can fully help you with all of it. They are available to assist you with verifying your insurance coverage, eligibility and benefits, will support you with any steps that you do have to take, and will ensure that you have a smooth and hassle-free PT experience.

Your health is more important than ever. Not just if you’re working toward recovering from an injury or setback, but also because we know that improving your overall health improves your mood, mindset and well being. So if you are in pain, or something just does not feel right, come see us. It’s easy. Together we will determine a physical therapy treatment plan of care that best fits your needs. Whether you define success as being able to return to work, sport or fitness, care for your family or simply tie your shoes without pain, our team consistently helps people achieve those goals.

The HDPT offices in Wakefield and Burlington have no waiting lists for new patients, accept all health insurance plans, support direct access to care (no referrals necessary,) offer same day appointments, have two notable locations along major highways, have convenient hours that fit any schedule and always offer free injury screenings and tours.

At HD Physical Therapy, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Everyday we work to restore each person’s maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please visit https://www.HDPTonline.com and follow us on all social media platforms.

WAKEFIELD, Mass. – Oct. 4, 2022 – PRLog — This October marks the 30th anniversary of National PT Month and recognizing the transformative role PTs and PTAs can play in people’s lives. The month’s theme is “Choose to Move.”

According to the Department of Health and Human Services Facts & Statistics on physical activity, more than 80% of Americans do not get enough physical activity despite the proven benefits, such as a reduced risk of some cancers and chronic diseases, as well as improved bone health, cognitive function, weight control and quality of life. As a result, half of adults, 117 million people, have one or more chronic diseases.

Whatever barriers prevent you from enjoying the important health benefits of physical activity; physical therapists can create a safe and effective program to get you moving. Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education and prescribed movement. PTs design physical activity plans for people of all ages and abilities specific to your needs, challenges and goals. We work together, and collaborate with other members of your health care team, to maximize your movement and empower you to be an active participant in your care.

Here are 5 common barriers to physical activity and how to overcome them:

1. It’s too late to start, I’m too old, or I’ve been physically inactive for a long time. It’s never too late to get moving. According to a recent JAMA study, adding physical activity at any age has benefits. In addition to an increased life span, adding the recommended amount of physical activity for your age and ability to your daily routine can help you manage stress, improve memory and brain function, avoid chronic disease and more.

2. It hurts. Movement is crucial to your health, quality of life, and independence. For some people, pain makes movement a challenge. Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek health care. A physical therapist can help you move better and safely manage your pain.

3. I don’t have access to a gym or equipment. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to enjoy the benefits of physical activity. You can get plenty in and around your home. Dancing, jogging, walking, climbing stairs, and gardening are all examples of physical activity that you can do without any equipment. To improve your balance, flexibility, and strength, try body-weight exercises at least two days a week. Use household objects like cans or milk jugs to strengthen muscles.

4. I have a chronic disease, condition, or disability. Movement is essential for everyone. Whether you use a wheelchair or other assistive device to get around or have mobility challenges due to a chronic condition or a prior injury, there are activities that you can do to challenge your muscles and lungs and improve your health and quality of life. Physical activity can even improve some chronic conditions and prevent others.

5. I’m afraid of hurting myself. The right activity for you depends on your age, ability and goals. A physical therapist can help you identify a safe and effective physical activity plan for your age and ability that addresses your fears and helps you reach your goals.

Choose to move. Choose better health. Choose physical therapy.

The HDPT offices in Wakefield and Burlington have no waiting lists for new patients, accept all health insurance plans, support direct access to care (no MD referrals necessary,) offer same day appointments, have two notable locations along major highways, have convenient hours that fit any schedule and always offer free injury screenings and tours. We are adhering to all safety recommendations and guidelines.

At HD Physical Therapy, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Everyday we work to restore each person’s maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please visit https://www.HDPTonline.com and follow us on all social media platforms.

BURLINGTON, Mass. – Aug. 23, 2022 – PRLog — HD Physical Therapy observed National Wellness Month this August. The month focuses on self-care, managing stress and promoting healthy routines. So, how can physical therapy help?

Everyone is stressed. Some stress is good, but chronic levels of stress can lead to detrimental effects on our bodies involving the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and cardiovascular systems. Physical therapy can help with way more than just movement; therapists can offer techniques to assist in decreasing chronic stress levels and add balance back into the body.

Here are 5 ways physical therapy can help bring your focus back to basic self-care, reduce levels of stress and help get you back into a healthy routine, any month of the year:

1.) Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise will bring remarkable changes to your body, your metabolism, your heart and your mind. Whether chemical or behavioral, it has a unique capacity to exhilarate and relax, to provide stimulation and calm and to counter depression and dissipate stress. Physical therapists can create a safe exercise program specifically for you that helps not only areas of weakness or decreased mobility, but targets the body as a whole.

2.) Educate Patients on Prolonged Sitting

As some of us continue to work from home, we must be aware that the amount of time we sit during the day is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and death, regardless of regular exercise. Physical therapists can educate you on ways to avoid sedentary time and stand up and move throughout your day in a way that won’t interrupt your daily tasks. A tip: follow the 20-8-2 rule. Sit for 20 minutes, stand for 8 minutes and move for 2 minutes.

3.) Hands-On Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a device or machine. It can include manipulation, mobilization and soft tissue work to reduce pain, relax muscles, increase circulation, break up scar tissue, improve tissue extensibility, reduce swelling, inflammation, or restriction, help with flexibility and alignment and induce relaxation and decrease anxiety. Although there is no one answer for how manual therapy specifically works to improve overall function, studies have shown that there are many moving parts that contribute to its effectiveness. After a PT has performed a manual therapy treatment, you typically feel better and our goal as physical therapists is to help people feel better, move better and ultimately live better.

4.) Breathing Techniques

In our stressful and fast-paced society, many people are susceptible to developing breathing dysfunctions. Breathing is the root of all movement. Daily diaphragmatic breathing is clinically proven to significantly lower cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone), improve relaxation and improve concentration. Talk to your physical therapist about properly learning this breathing technique to lower your overall stress.

5.) Social Benefits

Most people attend physical therapy for assistance with pain and injuries, but what patients often find at HD Physical Therapy is a friendly atmosphere, conversation and a sense of community. Physical therapists listen to each person’s story, develop personalized plans and create a setting where patients feel safe, comfortable and successful in their work to achieve their goals. Being in such a positive environment helps boost your overall well-being.

So, are you not taking care of yourself? Is stress taking over, mentally and physically? Are you still off of your normal routines? Take a deep breath and seek out physical therapy for help today. Wellness is not a one time thing, it’s a lifestyle.

The HDPT offices in Wakefield and Burlington have no waiting lists for new patients, accept all health insurance plans, support direct access to care (no MD referrals necessary,) offer same day appointments, have two notable locations along major highways, have convenient hours that fit any schedule and always offer free injury screenings and tours. We are adhering to all safety recommendations and guidelines. Please visit the ‘COVID-19 & Physical Therapy’ webpage for even more information.

At HD Physical Therapy, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Everyday we work to restore each person’s maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please visit https://www.HDPTonline.com and follow us on all social media platforms.