What is an Inspiratory Muscle Trainer (IMT)? A device that strengthens the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles (muscles of inspiration) Provides controlled, graded resistance to inspiration Patients who can benefit from IMT use: COPD Respiratory Failure Recent Mechanical Ventilation Pneumonia Cystic Fibrosis Congestive Heart Failure Pre/Post CABG Pre/Post Lung Transplant ALS/GB/SCI Frailty/DebilityContinue reading “Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT)”
Tag Archives: covid
Need a Pick-Me-Up?
How about a freebie? Many companies are starting to offer freebies to healthcare workers of all kinds right now. They know we are struggling and they know we support them in crisis or not. A freebie coffee, dozen donuts, meditation moment, or pair of shoes are just some of the options for all of us!Continue reading “Need a Pick-Me-Up?”
Active Cycle of Breathing (ACBT)
The Active Cycle of Breathing is a critical tool for secretion mobilization. It can also be modified in several ways to address patient-specific needs. But the basic cycle is more than enough for most patients. The goal is to loosen secretions and get air underneath them so they can be mobilized (or coughed) out. IContinue reading “Active Cycle of Breathing (ACBT)”
H.O.M.E.B.O.U.N.D.
Home health care PTs are incredibly familiar with the term “homebound.” It determines whether or not we can provide home-based services to a Medicare patient. Directly from CMS… “Home health services are or were required because the individual is or was confined to the home per the criteria below (as defined in sections 1835(a) andContinue reading “H.O.M.E.B.O.U.N.D.”
The Incentive Spirometer
Uses of the Incentive Spirometer (IS) It is thought that the IS is used to reduce the risk of post-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs) by increasing total lung inflation, tidal volume, and vital capacity. What Does the Evidence Say?: The most current evidence DOES NOT support the use of incentive spirometry for any patient as aContinue reading “The Incentive Spirometer”
A Homemade Mask That Might Actually Work?
Ok, so homemade masks are THE THING right now. You will see that even I am wearing one in my “About” picture. My wonderful PTA Melissa made this one. It has a pocket on the inside in which we have placed HEPA filters cut from the vacuum bags this doctor recommends. Some research will showContinue reading “A Homemade Mask That Might Actually Work?”
The Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure Device (Acapella)
Don’t forget to read the basics of airway clearance techniques for full application of this tool! What is an Acapella Device? Provides Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) to exhalation Used for pulmonary hygiene to increase/maintain secretion mobility, increases sputum production Promotes increased lung volumes due to re-inflation of collapsed airways Changes focus to Exhalation instead ofContinue reading “The Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure Device (Acapella)”
The Dangers of Providing Necessary Care
We know the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, anesthetists, and all those other incredible people caring for patients in the ICU and ED are risking their lives every moment. But there is another side of this pandemic: the side that stays home. Patients that stay home or are sent home still require care. Many may haveContinue reading “The Dangers of Providing Necessary Care”
Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It…
Depending on your setting and expertise, you may or may not be asked to take on a special role during this time. There are some resources to assist you from the World Confederation of Physical Therapy. But don’t feel like you have to do everything. We have such a varied skill set as a professionContinue reading “Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It…”
Doctor B (the PT) 