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Why should I get a lift chair?
Lift chairs are chairs that feature a powered lifting mechanism that pushes the entire chair up from its base and so assists the user to a standing position. In the United States, lift chairs qualify as Durable Medical Equipment, but may or may not be covered by your specific insurance. Lift chairs usually come in three types, the three position, the Infinite position, and the zero gravity. The three position lift chair can recline to a nearly flat position as well as every position in-between. The ottoman and the back operate together - as the back reclines, the footrest raises. Of course, the chair also lifts up to provide a standing position for the user. Infinite position is similar to the three position, except that it has motors that are separate and the leg support and back support do not move in sync with the others. This allows a larger variety of positions that can be used on the chair. Zero gravity chairs can provide a patient a feeling as though they are not restricted by the pull of gravity, this allows the relief of pressure from many body parts. Recliner chairs are beneficial to patients recovering from knee, hip and shoulder surgeries. Also heart surgery and abdominal surgery patients will benefit as well from the use of lift chairs post surgery. Lift chairs help by relieving pressure on the surgery site as patients attempt to sit, stand, or lay down. It can also be beneficial in the case of chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis muscle atrophy, and other similar chronic ailments.
Read moreWhat is a CPM Machine?
TRUEed studies suggest that continuous passive motion (CPM) can improve range of motion (ROM) in those patients undergoing surgical release of arthrofibrosis of the knee or manipulation of the knee under anesthesia. In these settings, CPM provides for early post-operative motion and is considered a substitute for active physical therapy (PT). Once the patient is participating in active PT, CPM is no longer medically necessary. These observations may be extended to other joints, such as the elbow where arthrofibrosis is a common complication of trauma. Of all the applications of CPM, the scientific evidence is perhaps strongest for its use in promoting cartilage growth. In addition, clinical studies suggest that CPM can enhance cartilage healing during the non weight-bearing period following surgery for intra-articular cartilage fractures, chondroplasties of focal cartilage defects and surgical treatment of osteochondritis dissecans. Once the patient is weight-bearing, CPM is no longer necessary. Imagine sitting in a car or on an airplane for several hours. When you stand up, often times your knees are a little cranky and stiff. The same thing happens after you have had a joint repaired. Your body reacts by swelling the area around the joint in order to protect it. The swelling limits the range of motion in the affected joint and makes it more difficult for the patient to move. When you use a CPM machine either during the day or at night while you sleep, the continuous motion helps to keep the joint flexible and helps to increase the patient’s range of motion. Ultimately, patients recover more quickly and are able to resume their daily activities. If you’d like more information on CPM therapy, this short video does a great job of showing a CPM in use. Or, give one of our friendly representatives a call at 713-669-0518 or 800-649-0314. If you would like to rent a CPM machine, click here or call us.
Read moreWhat is a Nebulizer
A nebulizer, an electric atomizer that dispenses medication as a fine spray, may work better than an inhaler, especially for kids or to treat severe bouts of asthma. If you or someone you love has asthma, your doctor may suggest using a nebulizer as a way to deliver the medicine that helps control asthma symptoms. This optional asthma treatment contains the same medication as an inhaler but delivers it in a different way. Its users generally are too sick or too young to breathe in deeply and use an inhaler effectively. Asthma Treatment: How a Nebulizer Works A nebulizer is basically a small air-compressor that converts medication into an air mist that you can breathe in through a mouth piece or mask. You can either get a table-top nebulizer that plugs into an outlet, or a portable nebulizer that is easier to move around and can either plug in to an outlet or can run on batteries Asthma Treatment: How to Use Your Nebulizer Here are some suggestions for using a nebulizer for the first time. Check with your doctor for specific instructions and be sure to read all the accompanying package materials. Familiarize yourself with every part of your nebulizer before using it. Make sure you are sitting comfortably. Put the mask in place and breathe evenly, with occasional deep breaths, until the medicine has been fully vaporized out of the cup. If you are using a face mask, keep it over your nose and mouth. The NHLBI estimates that using a face mask cuts the amount of medication delivered in half. Expect the entire process to take up to 10 minutes. Clean the mouthpiece or face mask and the medicine cup after use. Failing to clean the nebulizer properly can lead to bacterial infections. Asthma Treatment: Drawbacks to Nebulizers The decision to use a nebulizer should be made by you and your doctor. Nebulizers can be more expensive than inhalers, depending on your health coverage, and since they require electricity, it makes them a poor choice if your home frequently experiences power outages. And it is important to know that while the same amount of medication is ultimately delivered to you when you use a table-top or portable nebulizer, you will have a higher prescribed dose than what you get with an inhaler because more of the medication is deposited along the way, says Castriotta. In fact, you should never take more than the prescribed amount, whether you use an inhaler or nebulizer, he stresses. Getting a higher dose of medication means that you might be more at risk for a drug’s side effects (like the jitters, racing heartbeat or feelings of anxiety), which will vary depending on the medication used. Despite the drawbacks, nebulizers can provide relief when inhalers fail to relieve your asthma symptoms. Consider asking your doctor whether your asthma will require treatment with a nebulizer in the foreseeable future. With asthma, it’s always good to be one step ahead. Contact us at +1 713-669-0518 if you need to order a Nebulizer today.
Read moreAfter Knee Surgery…
As we get older our bodies just don’t have the resiliency that they used to when we were younger. Even the most active people can develop conditions with their bones and joints that are out of their control. If you and your doctor have tried many treatments that just are not working to heal your stiff, painful knee, then knee replacement surgery may be the best solution for you. There are many reasons why people have knee replacement surgery and can be something that doesn’t have to keep you down and inactive. Having a new knee replacement can be something that can get you back out there and more mobile then you have been in a long time, especially if you have suffered from not being able to perform the simplest of activities. After having the surgery, you need to make sure that you are equipped with a CPM to exercise your knee and walking aids that will help you walk around while you are rehabilitating your knee. The MedEquip Shop has the physical therapy supplies you will need while you are in the recovery process and allow yourself to heal fully. After having knee replacement surgery, you will more than likely be standing and moving the joint the day after your procedure. In the beginning you will be walking with the assistance of parallel bars which will then be transitioned into a mobile walking device such as a walker, crutches, or a walking cane until you are able to support the entire weight of your body on that joint. The MedEquip Shop offers many of these professional and high quality walking aids that will get you back to being the active you. Call us today and speak to one of our professional team members and they will help you find the right walking aid for you.
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