http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/events/ en nsbranch@physiotherapy.ca Copyright 2012 2012-05-17T14:13:42+00:00 http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/nspa_board_announces_new_executive_director/ http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/nspa_board_announces_new_executive_director/#When:14:13:42Z News 2012-05-17T14:13:42+00:00 http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/nspa_awards_committee_launches_nspa_membership_prize_for_recent_graduates/ http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/nspa_awards_committee_launches_nspa_membership_prize_for_recent_graduates/#When:15:04:44Z News 2012-05-16T15:04:44+00:00 http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/may_is_cystic_fibrosis_awareness_month/ http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/may_is_cystic_fibrosis_awareness_month/#When:12:51:38Z May is Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month. Physiotherapy plays an integral role in the management of this chronic disease and physiotherapists are an important member of the CF team. What is CF? Cystic Fibrosis is a multi-system disease affecting mainly the lungs and digestive system. A build up of thick mucus in the lungs can lead to severe respiratory problems. It can be difficult to clear bacteria from the lungs, which can lead to infection and inflammation causing damage to lung tissue. In the digestive tract, mucus and protein can also build up making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. Cystic Fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease among Canadian children and young adults. There is currently no cure for CF. Physiotherapy and CF The majority of deaths of patients with CF are due to lung disease. Treatment for cystic fibrosis is dependent on the organ systems affected. Daily physiotherapy treatments are vital to keep the lungs free of congestion and decrease the risk of infection allowing patients with cystic fibrosis to breathe easier. Physiotherapy treatments include exercise and airway clearance techniques, such as percussion, vibration, and postural drainage. Alternative airway clearance techniques that can be performed independently include active cycle of breathing technique, autogenic drainage, and the use of positive expiratory pressure devices. Physiotherapists play an important role in the facilitation of regular exercise participation, which has also shown to enhance airway clearance in patients with CF.  To join the fight against Cystic Fibrosis this May, Canadians can participate or sponsor a walker in the The Great StridesTM walk on May 27th which will be taking place in various locations across Canada. For more information and for Nova Scotia locations, visit The Great StridesTM walk at http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/greatstrides
or visit Cystic Fibrosis Canada's website http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca. 2012-05-09T12:51:38+00:00 http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/may_is_national_physiotherapy_month1/ http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/may_is_national_physiotherapy_month1/#When:12:48:05Z News 2012-04-27T12:48:05+00:00 http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/health_council_of_canada_report_status_of_home_care_services_in_canada/ http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/health_council_of_canada_report_status_of_home_care_services_in_canada/#When:20:08:57Z News 2012-04-23T20:08:57+00:00 http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/national_physiotherapy_month_2012_-_get_involved1/ http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/national_physiotherapy_month_2012_-_get_involved1/#When:20:05:13Z News 2012-04-23T20:05:13+00:00 http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/parkinsons_maritime_physiotherapy_clinic_provides_support_and_individualize/ http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/parkinsons_maritime_physiotherapy_clinic_provides_support_and_individualize/#When:19:29:06Z April is Parkinson Awareness month. This blog posting will look at how physiotherapists, such as those at the Maritime Parkinson Physiotherapy Clinic, can assist people with Parkinson's to maintain and/or improve motor function, and prevent secondary complications. What is Parkinson's? Parkinson's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, which involves the loss of cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. These cells are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine, which acts as a messenger between the brains cells that control movement. It is estimated that by the time the diagnosis is made, approximately 80% of dopamine-producing cells have already stopped functioning. The resulting significant decrease in dopamine leads to the appearance of the symptoms of Parkinson's. It is estimated that approximately 119,000 Canadians have Parkinson's, 8,400 of those living in the Maritimes. Symptoms generally appear around age 60, although it can present in much younger people. The number of cases increases with age. The clinical appearance of Parkinson's is marked by four cardinal, signs: 1. Tremor (or trembling) at rest 2. Akinesia and Bradykinesia 3. Rigidity 4. Postural Instability Other non-motor symptoms may be present, and can include sleep disruption, soft speech, stooped posture, changes in facial expression, and more (for more information on symptoms and medical diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, visit http://www.parkinsonmaritimes.ca/inner.php?page=49) How can Physiotherapy Help? Although there is no cure, modern treatments and therapies can allow people with Parkinson's to lead active lives. Physiotherapy is one such treatment. The Maritime Parkinson Physiotherapy Clinic provides non-medical support for people with Parkinson's who reside in the Maritime Provinces. Its goals are to: • Assess and monitor functional performance. • Communicate clinic findings to client's neurologist / family physician. • Educate those with Parkinson's, their families, caregivers, support groups and other health care professionals regarding Parkinson's and new developments in its management. • Prescribe, based on individual needs, home exercise programs and lifestyle adjustments to minimize the physical manifestations of Parkinson's. • Refer to other health care professionals for specific problems. The clinic focuses on physiotherapy intervention. Following an assessment that includes gait and balance, and discussion with each client, an individualized exercise plan can be developed. This exercise is based on each person's interests and hobbies. It may include exercises to music or advice on current activities.  Programs are developed based on each individual's personal needs, interests and lifestyles. The aim is to prevent secondary complications of Parkinson's. Families are essential to this process and are encouraged to be a part of it. The Maritime Parkinson Physiotherapy Clinic is located at 7071 Bayers Road Suite 162, Halifax. For more information on Parkinson's or to contact the Maritime Parkinson Physiotherapy Clinic visit the Parkinson Society Maritime Region website at http://www.parkinsonmaritimes.ca NSPA extends thanks to the Parkinson Society Maritime Region for their assistance with this blog post. 2012-04-23T19:29:06+00:00 http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/dr._shirley_sahrmann_returns_to_ns_in_april_2013/ http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/dr._shirley_sahrmann_returns_to_ns_in_april_2013/#When:14:07:50Z News 2012-04-03T14:07:50+00:00 http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/nspa_agm_celebrates_local_award_winners/ http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/nspa_agm_celebrates_local_award_winners/#When:13:01:52Z News 2012-04-03T13:01:52+00:00 http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/nspa_releases_2011_annual_report/ http://www.physiotherapyns.ca/index.php/site/nspa_releases_2011_annual_report/#When:13:29:56Z News 2012-03-22T13:29:56+00:00