Beyond the Therapist
Monday July 20, 2009
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In most treatment settings, access to the proper equipment can facilitate therapists in providing safe, effective patient care. From portable to permanent, large or
small, equipment is a familiar part of the rehab environment.
Smaller, more common items found in rehab facilities across the nation include resistance bands, free weights, foam balance pads, physio balls, and steps that range from wooden to aerobic.
Larger items might include high-low treatment tables, upright or recumbent bicycles, upper body ergometers, elliptical trainers, and other types of gym equipment. It can be tempting to spend a lot of money on high-tech machinery, but most PTs remain cognizant that the most important pieces of equipment they can own are their hands and brains.
small, equipment is a familiar part of the rehab environment.
Smaller, more common items found in rehab facilities across the nation include resistance bands, free weights, foam balance pads, physio balls, and steps that range from wooden to aerobic.
Larger items might include high-low treatment tables, upright or recumbent bicycles, upper body ergometers, elliptical trainers, and other types of gym equipment. It can be tempting to spend a lot of money on high-tech machinery, but most PTs remain cognizant that the most important pieces of equipment they can own are their hands and brains.
Maintaining an Edge
Eventually, even the best piece of equipment wears out or breaks down, which can wreak havoc on a therapist’s busy schedule.
Fortunately, many of the most popular items are also among the least expensive. Anthony Cuoco, DPT, MS, CSCS, president of Aeon Physical Therapy, P.C., in Monroe, Conn., says he ends up replacing “moist heat packs, ice packs, and Thera-Band most often.”
“Airex balance pads will get replaced fairly often, along with the Thera-Band,” agrees Vikki Winks, PT, clinical supervisor at the Ahlbin Rehabilitation Centers in Stratford and Shelton, Conn.
But for every practical PT on a budget, there also are “wish list” On Winks’ wish list? “An for the treadmill to assist in the treatment of many of the patients we see who are recovering from a CVA or other conditions affecting their standing and gait,” she says.
Although Winks may dream of high-tech equipment, she acknowledges the best tools her clinics already have access to: “Our imaginations, our hands-on skills, and the latest knowledge.
We have vestibular specialists, as well as two experts in women’s health who bring cutting-edge knowledge with regard to incontinence, pelvic pain, and the use of biofeedback.”
Eventually, even the best piece of equipment wears out or breaks down, which can wreak havoc on a therapist’s busy schedule.
Fortunately, many of the most popular items are also among the least expensive. Anthony Cuoco, DPT, MS, CSCS, president of Aeon Physical Therapy, P.C., in Monroe, Conn., says he ends up replacing “moist heat packs, ice packs, and Thera-Band most often.”
“Airex balance pads will get replaced fairly often, along with the Thera-Band,” agrees Vikki Winks, PT, clinical supervisor at the Ahlbin Rehabilitation Centers in Stratford and Shelton, Conn.
But for every practical PT on a budget, there also are “wish list” On Winks’ wish list? “An for the treadmill to assist in the treatment of many of the patients we see who are recovering from a CVA or other conditions affecting their standing and gait,” she says.
Although Winks may dream of high-tech equipment, she acknowledges the best tools her clinics already have access to: “Our imaginations, our hands-on skills, and the latest knowledge.
We have vestibular specialists, as well as two experts in women’s health who bring cutting-edge knowledge with regard to incontinence, pelvic pain, and the use of biofeedback.”
Purchase Power
According to Alicia Heintz, equipment specialist at Meyer Distributing in Twinsburg, Ohio, “[Low level] laser therapy has become very popular over the past year due to dramatic price reductions.”
Although a 1993 FDA alert called LLLT an unproven medical treatment, the FDA has since approved several LLLT devices for use by healthcare professionals to treat certain conditions. Other wish-list items include customized Web design services for marketing the business side of therapy, and rehab software systems designed to assist with documentation, home exercise program handouts, and billing.
Regardless of the type of equipment or services desired, PTs may need to examine the rehab department’s annual budget or present the benefits of the proposed item to auxiliaries or practice owners prior to purchase. Whether therapists need to replace smaller items or are planning a large equipment purchase, there are usually several options available for financing or leasing.
“What may have been an initial downturn in the clinic’s appointments … has since rebounded,” Winks says. “However, we are still able to order moderately priced equipment.”
Cuoco states that the economic downturn hasn’t done much to alter hisbusiness plan. “A family member called me in January 2008 to ask if I was going to cancel my business plan due to the economy,” he says, “but a year and a half later, I am still here.”
According to Alicia Heintz, equipment specialist at Meyer Distributing in Twinsburg, Ohio, “[Low level] laser therapy has become very popular over the past year due to dramatic price reductions.”
Although a 1993 FDA alert called LLLT an unproven medical treatment, the FDA has since approved several LLLT devices for use by healthcare professionals to treat certain conditions. Other wish-list items include customized Web design services for marketing the business side of therapy, and rehab software systems designed to assist with documentation, home exercise program handouts, and billing.
Regardless of the type of equipment or services desired, PTs may need to examine the rehab department’s annual budget or present the benefits of the proposed item to auxiliaries or practice owners prior to purchase. Whether therapists need to replace smaller items or are planning a large equipment purchase, there are usually several options available for financing or leasing.
“What may have been an initial downturn in the clinic’s appointments … has since rebounded,” Winks says. “However, we are still able to order moderately priced equipment.”
Cuoco states that the economic downturn hasn’t done much to alter hisbusiness plan. “A family member called me in January 2008 to ask if I was going to cancel my business plan due to the economy,” he says, “but a year and a half later, I am still here.”
Jennifer W. Bresnick, PT, DPT, is a medical writer for the Gannett Healthcare Group.To comment, e-mail pteditor@gannetthg.com.
Monday July 20, 2009