CBR guidelines published

(Photo courtesy of WHO website)

The WHO has published CBR guidelines. For those of us working in the community it is important to read and make use of this information. The document can be downloaded from this link http://www.who.int/disabilities/cbr/guidelines/en/index.html

Toka "Mzoeza viungo" hadi "Mfiziotherapia"

Tume toka mbali...jamani mama cheza, baba cheza, mzoeza viungo haya ni baadhi ya majina tuliyopewa sisi katika taaluma yetu. Nakumbuka kuna baadhi ya watu walikuwa hawawezi kuficha hisia zao pale waliposikia mteja akitamka, "Nimeandikiwa nikaonane na mama cheza"!

Physical therapy for animals

Ever heard of this term before? Yes now we have PTs who are experts in animals only.It sound so interesting, I wish a could see a "gait training session for a dog or a horse".  Some of the interventions that can be done are mentioned below....

• Therapeutic exercise 
• Manual therapy
• Therapeutic massage                                   
• Scar tissue massage
• Strengthening
• Range of motion
• Stretching 
• Muscle spasm and trigger point relief
• Gait and functional re-training
• Ultrasound
• Electrical stimulation
• Heat
• Cold
• Hydrotherapy / Swimming

For more information please click here http://www.pt4animals.com/Default1578.html?tabid=884

New experience kwa kaka Mathew....barafuu!

This is new experience for Mr Mathew Shayo a PT from KCMC- Moshi who is now in Norway!

Tujadili kuhusu aina hii ya wheelchair

Wadau tujadili kuhusu aina hii ya wheelchair.

Niliwahi kujadiliana na Fizio fulani hivi akaniambia "It is better than nothing". Hata mimi nakubaliana naye, zimesaidia kuwatoa watu wenye ulemavu wa aina mbalimbali toka sehemu moja hadi nyingine. Angalau.

Sasa kuna WHO wheelchair guidelines

The WHO has come up with a wheelchair guideline. This may not be new to some of us, but I think it is important to read through.

According to the WHO,  "The wheelchair is one of the most commonly used assistive devices for enhancing the personal mobility of people with disabilities. An estimated 1% of the world's population, or just over 65 million people, need a wheelchair. In most developing countries, few of those who need wheelchairs have access, production facilities are insufficient and wheelchairs are often donated without the necessary related services. Providing wheelchairs that are appropriate, well-designed and fitted not only enhances mobility, but also opens up a world of education, work and social life for those in need of such support." (WHO).

To download these guidelines click here
http://www.who.int/disabilities/publications/technology/wheelchairguidelines/en/index.html




 

Leprosy posters, educational materials

A poster on Leprosy disease and how it causes disability (Photo courtesy of TLM website)

A leprosy patient with loss of sensation on feet fitted with protective sandals (Photo courtesy of TLM website)

Educational materials for hands with loss of sensation (Photo courtesy of TLM website)

Leprosy is a disabling disease, take part in preventing disability

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease mainly affects the skin and the peripheral nerves. Classification: The clinical system of classification for the purpose of treatment includes the use of number of skin lesions and nerves involved as the basis for grouping leprosy patients into multibacillary (MB) > than 5 skin lesions and paucibacillary (PB) leprosy (less than 5 skin lesions). Diagnosis of leprosy:Diagnosis of leprosy is most commonly based on the clinical signs and symptoms which are easy to observe.

·         skin lesion with definite sensory loss,

• thickened nerves mainly peripheral-most affected being ulnar, common peroneal and posterior tibialis
• weakness of muscles supplied by the affected nerve.

Duration of Treatment: Leprosy is treat by Multi Drug therapy (MDT) . MB treatment takes 12 month and PB treatment takes 6 months. Role of Physiotherapists in Leprosy. Physiotherapy plays an important role in preventing, arresting and correcting deformities.

• To recognize early signs of nerve damage in leprosy patients and refer for further treatment.
• To relieve pain from neuritis and swelling during reaction using various modalities such elevation, static and dynamic splinting of affected joint, active and assisted exercises.
• To train people affected by leprosy on exercises during reactions to maintain muscle strength and joint mobility.
• To train people affected by leprosy on self care of eyes, hand and feet including functional exercises to prevent joint stiffness, muscle wasting and deformities.
• To treat PALs using various physical therapy modalities to prevent worsening of impairments and to reduce disabilities from patients with severe deformities.
• To assess PALs undergoing reconstructive surgery, and perform pre and post operative care.

Points for indicators in leprosy M&E

New case detection

Treatment completion rate

% of grade 2 disability

% of female

% of children

% MB patients

% of defaulters

Number of relapses

% of correctly disagnosed cases

% with new disabilites

How much are we as Physiotherapists involved in Leprosy work in our country?