Don’t Leave Your Benefits Behind
If you have already met your deductible, you may have an opportunity to receive physical therapy care at a lower out-of-pocket cost before your plan resets.
Do You Have Difficulty Walking Due to Balance/Gait Issues?
For Elizabeth, a vibrant 72-year-old retired teacher, life had always been about embracing every moment. She relished spending her days tending to her garden, meeting friends for tea, and sharing stories with her grandchildren. Yet, over time, something began to change, something she couldn’t quite grasp.
It started subtly. Elizabeth noticed that her once-steady gait had become somewhat unsteady. Her confident stride had given way to tentative steps. Each morning, as she rose from her bed, she couldn’t ignore the peculiar feeling of imbalance that now seemed to accompany her every move.
With a touch of anxiety creeping in, Elizabeth began to modify her daily routine. She avoided taking long walks, opting for shorter strolls instead. The thought of climbing stairs made her apprehensive, and she held onto handrails with an iron grip.
One sunny afternoon, over tea with a close friend, Elizabeth finally confided her concerns. Her friend gently suggested that Elizabeth consider seeking physical therapy to help address her balance and gait issues.
Hesitant but determined, Elizabeth decided to take the leap. She scheduled an appointment at Kleinpeter Physical Therapy to assess her condition and hopefully find a way to regain her confidence and mobility.
The First Step: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Elizabeth met with one of our skilled physical therapists with a lot of experience helping individuals like her on the day of her appointment. To begin, her therapist conducted a thorough evaluation, including questions about her medications, vision, and any other health concerns that could impact her stability.
Next, she performed a physical exam that included the following tests:
- Range of motion: The physical therapist assessed her range of motion in the joints of the lower extremities.
- Muscle strength: The therapist also tested her muscle strength in the lower extremities and core.
- Observation: Her physical therapist observed Elizabeth’s walking pattern and looked for abnormalities in her walking.
- Footwear: Finally, her footwear was evaluated to ensure it was appropriate for her daily routine and recreational activities.
As they reviewed the assessment results, her therapist explained that Elizabeth’s gait had patterns that were likely contributing to her feelings of instability and fear of falling. Fortunately, she also reassured her that they could work together to address these issues and help her regain her confidence.
Understanding Fall Risks
As we go through life, staying safe is a top priority, especially as we get older. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of potential fall risks so we can take steps to protect ourselves.
Here are the five most common signs that someone may be at risk of falling:
Previous Falls: One of the most telling signs is a history of falls. If someone has fallen before, it’s a clear signal that they might fall again. But falls can happen unexpectedly to anyone, so we must stay aware.
Balance Matters: Another common indicator is trouble with balance. Feeling unsteady or wobbly while walking or standing still can signal an increased risk of falling.
Walking Aids: Using walking aids, like canes or walkers, is another sign to watch for. While these tools help many people, relying on them can indicate a higher risk of falling, especially if they’re used all the time.
Medication Complexity: Taking multiple medications, especially those with side effects like dizziness or balance problems, can increase the chances of falling.
Home Hazards: Living in a cluttered environment, having poor lighting, or encountering obstacles on the floor can significantly increase the likelihood of tripping or falling.
Recognizing these signs is the first step toward preventing falls. Seeking the guidance of one of our skilled physical therapists can provide invaluable support. We are experts in evaluating these risk factors and creating personalized plans to improve strength, balance, and overall safety.
So, if you or a loved one notices any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call Kleinpeter Physical Therapy today!
Next Up: A Fall Risk Assessment
Her therapist also performed a fall risk assessment to get a complete picture. She asked Elizabeth more questions about her daily life, including specific questions about her home environment.
They discussed several measures to reduce obstacles at home that increase fall risks. Here are some common recommendations:
- Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords, and any other trip hazards from walkways.
- Move coffee tables, magazine racks, and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
- Secure loose rugs with a slip-resistant backing — or remove loose rugs from the home.
- Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpets on all surfaces that may get wet.
Her therapist then guided Elizabeth through a series of balance tests to identify specific areas of weakness or instability. These tests helped pinpoint the root causes of Elizabeth’s balance issues.
The Path to Recovery: Personalized Treatment Plan
With a comprehensive understanding of Elizabeth’s condition, her physical therapists designed a treatment plan tailored to her needs. The plan included a combination of mobility work, strengthening exercises, balance and coordination training, and gait activities.
As the weeks passed, Elizabeth noticed a remarkable transformation. Her unsteady steps began to regain their steadiness. She grew more confident with each session, and the fear of falling slowly ebbed away. She practiced walking on different surfaces and navigating obstacles under her therapist’s watchful eye, gradually rebuilding her trust in her abilities.
Regaining Confidence: Progress and Results
Elizabeth’s story is a powerful reminder that balance and gait issues can affect anyone, even without a specific injury or medical condition. Seeking the expertise of one of our skilled physical therapists can make all the difference in regaining confidence, improving mobility, and embracing life to the fullest.
If you or a loved one is struggling with balance and gait issues, don’t let the fear of falling hold you back. Reach out to Kleinpeter Physical Therapy today, and take the first step towards a safer, more stable future!
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6383322/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116773/
Welcome Kalyn Kleinpeter to the Team!
We’re excited to welcome Kalyn Kleinpeter, PT, DPT, as the newest physical therapist on our team! Kalyn is the daughter of our owner, Karl Kleinpeter.
Kalyn attended Louisiana State University and Franciscan University for her physical therapy doctorate.
We look forward to the knowledge, compassion, and energy she brings to helping our patients achieve their goals.
Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner? Manage Stress with These Tips
We love Thanksgiving at Kleinpeter Physical Therapy. It’s a time to gather with friends and family, enjoy a great meal, and give thanks for all of the year’s blessings. But we also know the big day can be stressful—especially if you’re hosting.
Here are a few simple tips to stay happy and healthy this Thanksgiving:
01
Try some deep breathing exercises.
In the thick of cooking five different side dishes and feeling overwhelmed? Try box breathing, a simple technique in which you slowly breathe in and out for 3-4 counts.
02
Fix a balanced plate.
Rather than stressing about overindulging, just make sure to add some green veggies to your plate alongside the cornbread stuffing and fried turkey.
03
Don’t forget your post-meal walk.
If you prepped dinner, let someone else take care of the dishes while you take a relaxing stroll around the neighborhood. Relax–you earned it!
From all of us at Kleinpeter Physical Therapy, Happy Thanksgiving! We are grateful for every patient who trusts us with their care, and we wish you and your loved ones a healthy, joyful holiday season.
BALANCE & MOBILITY WORD SCRAMBLE
Unscramble the movement words.
Stay steady! See how many balance-inspired words you can solve.Direct Access
Did You Know You Have Direct Access To Physical Therapy?
Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury, or want to improve your health, a physician referral is not needed. In the state of Louisiana, you have direct access to physical therapy!
You have the power to choose. Just as you can fill a prescription for medication at a pharmacy of your choice, you can choose where to receive physical therapy as well.
Taking care of yourself means taking charge of your healthcare, so remember that regardless of which physician you see, you have a choice when it comes to physical therapy.
Minor aches and pains are warning signals from your body to let you know something is not working properly. Don’t put off the pain until it’s too late. Come in today for a “Tune-Up.”
Creamy Butter Chicken
A deliciously mild spice dish that is easy to put together this Creamy Butter Chicken is a recipe that is full of flavor and one that you will want to make over and over.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons oil
- 1 1/2-2 pounds chicken breasts cut into pieces
- 6 Tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 Tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes undrained
- 6 ounce tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro optional
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and stir to cook until done, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet, then add the onion, garlic and ginger. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, chili powder and salt and mix well, cooking about a minute to let the flavors meld together.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste and chicken broth and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer uncovered 10 to 15 minutes, until sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and cilantro.
- Serve over rice, if desired.
Don’t Leave Your Benefits Behind
As the year comes to a close, now is the perfect time to review your health insurance benefits. If you have already met your deductible, you may have an opportunity to receive physical therapy care at a lower out-of-pocket cost before your plan resets.
At Kleinpeter Physical Therapy, our team can help you understand your coverage and make sure you maximize the benefits you’ve already earned.
Your Deductible Is More Than a Number
Meeting your deductible means your insurance company may cover more of your remaining visits this year. This is the ideal time to address lingering pain, continue your recovery, improve mobility, or start treatment for new concerns before your benefits renew.
01
Check Your Benefits
Find out whether your deductible has been met and understand what coverage remains available before the end of the year.
02
Schedule Your Care
Use your remaining benefits to continue treatment, recover from injuries, or address pain that has been holding you back.
03
Start The New Year Strong
Take action now so you can enter the new year feeling healthier, stronger, and ready for your goals.
Ready To Use Your Benefits?
Our team can verify your insurance benefits and help you schedule your next appointment before the year ends.
Exercise of the Month
ONE LEG BALANCE
Single-leg balance is essential for improving stability and walking (gait), as we briefly stand on one leg with every step. Strengthening this position can help reduce fall risk and improve confidence with movement. Stand with your hands on the back of a chair, countertop, or wall for support. Slowly lift one foot so your weight is on the opposite leg. Keep your posture tall and steady. Hold for 20–30 seconds and gradually increase time as your balance improves.
2 Sets, 1 Rep (each side) (Materials needed: chair)
Your Success Is Our Greatest Achievement
“Kleinpeter Physical Therapy is an excellent team of PTs, PTAs, and techs! They use innovative practices that prepared me for two surgeries (strengthening my body and also mental preparations). After surgery, they played a substantial role in my complete healing. I had no complications from either surgery, and I attribute that to the care the Kleinpeter team took to understand what I needed to completely heal.
Before surgery, they taught me how to advocate for myself and how to articulate my signs and symptoms to my surgeon. I recommend them 10/10! Whether you need surgery or not, you should consider consulting with their team to understand your body and how it should heal if you have concerns.”
Amanda P. · Verified Patient
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Our purpose at Kleinpeter Physical Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.
