A Physical Therapist's Touch After Mastectomy

Astoria, NY (PRWEB) May 16, 2013

Over 230,000 women are diagnosed every year with invasive breast cancer as reported by the American Cancer Society. Mammograms, clinical breast exams and self-breast exams are some of the methods for early detection. In recent years, the discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2 human genes that belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressor genes have created a breakthrough in early detection and effective treatment for breast cancer. This is because mutation of these genes has been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Genetic tests are available to check for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. This is the kind of test that actress Angelina Jolie received and tested positive for. Options available after a positive diagnosis include unilateral or bilateral mastectomy. As reported to Hands-On News by Dr George Tsioulias, Associate Professor of Medicine and Surgical Oncologist at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City, "The modern breast cancer surgery continues to have as a prime goal the cure from cancer, but also places emphasis on the quality of life, favoring breast-sparing surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy to remove the cancer and stage the patient in a minimally invasive way."

Angelina Jolie recently announced that with her doctor's advice, has elected to receive a double mastectomy. "There are several physical challenges following a mastectomy," says Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos, Co-Founder of Hands-On Care Physical Therapy of Astoria, NY. "These challenges may include tightness around the surgical area, formation of scar tissue, numbness and nerve sensitivity of the skin, limitation in the range of motion of the shoulders, and sometimes lymphedema," Dr. Kostopoulos continues.

Thousands of post-mastectomy patients receive physical therapy services each year, and the American Physical Therapy Association has created a special oncology section that enhances professional development of therapists who specialize in the area of oncology physical therapy.

Dr. Simone McDougald, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Clinical Director of Hands-On Care Physical Therapy told Hands-On News that "We must show great sensitivity towards post-mastectomy patients. It is the Physical Therapist's duty to restore movement and function, but also to show empathy and understanding during this challenging time in the patients' lives."

Hands-On Care Physical Therapy with offices in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn provides physical therapy services for all types of problems, including post-mastectomy patients.

Physical Therapist and Marketing Expert, Nitin Chhoda, Educates Private Practice Owners on How to Avoid Negligence in Their Practice

Denville, NJ (PRWEB) June 15, 2013

Most patients simply have one goal: to get better. Although most patients have the best intentions, some patients in the medical industry are simply looking for a malpractice suit. International private practice marketing expert, Nitin Chhoda, says that there are four Ds of negligence. These include duty, dereliction, direct cause and damage.

According to Chhoda, healthcare practice owners might or might not have their reputation damaged or have less clientele due to the malpractice suit. However, medical professionals should know that they could be liable through the actions of their staff. "In order to avoid the four Ds of negligence, medical staff in physical therapy private practice office has to follow proper procedures on a day-to-day basis," he said.

The first of the four Ds, duty, refers to clinicians and staff having to perform a duty to their patients. Staff in physical therapy private practice office must provide the most accurate diagnosis and care while using their education and experience to help heal the patient. Physical therapy office staff has a duty to inform patients of any potential problems they observe during an examination. In the meantime, physical therapy staff is under no obligation to provide medical information about any condition they notice with strangers in the office.

Chhoda said that the dereliction of duty is the second of the four Ds of negligence that refers to any actions a physical therapist may fail to take. Failing to perform an action can have as much impact on a patient as simply performing an action that affects a patient, and healthcare staff can be held responsible for any injuries or damages it could cause. Chhoda says, If a medical professional observes a skin condition that could be cancer but neglects to inform the client, its a breach of duty.

The third D of negligence is direct cause. Chhoda said that this is when a medical professional knew about a potential risk, did not inform the patient and the client was injured as a result. The medical professional is now the direct cause of the patients injury and is at fault.

The last D of negligence is damages. This refers to the damages patients can collect in a lawsuit. Damages are a form of financial compensation to the patient due to negligence and can include lost wages, medical expenses and mental duress.

The most important thing for medical professionals and private physical therapy offices to remember is to be vigilant. They must also know when to say something to a patient and when not to. By following these simple rules, physical therapy offices have a better chance of succeeding if ever faced with a medical lawsuit.

Chhodas office can be reached by phone at 201-535-4475. For more information, visit the website at http://www.emrnews.com.

ABOUT NITIN CHHODA

Nitin Chhoda PT, DPT is a licensed physical therapist, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and an entrepreneur. He is the author of "Physical Therapy Marketing For The New Economy" and Marketing for Physical Therapy Clinics and is a prolific speaker, writer and creator of products and systems to streamline medical billing and coding, electronic medical records, health care practice management and marketing to increase referrals. He has been featured in numerous industry magazines, major radio and broadcast media, and is the founder of Referral Ignition training systems and the annual Private Practice Summit. Chhoda speaks extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Asia. He is also the creator of the Therapy Newsletter and Clinical Contact, both web-based services to help private practices improve communication with patients, delivery better quality of care and boost patient retention.

Chiropractor in Sunnyvale Celebrates National Physical Fitness and Sports Month with Whole Body Wellness Programs and Special Deals

Sunnyvale, CA (PRWEB) May 24, 2013

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and Tropea Chiropractic is helping clients reach their potential through proper nutrition and optimal physical performance by ensuring the correct alignment of muscle and bone throughout the body.

Dr. Tropea strongly believes that the path to physical wellness is through balanced diet, and correct adjustment of the body frame. He welcomes those looking for a Chiropractor in Sunnyvale, CA to visit him at Tropea Chiropractic - a wellness center that focuses on three fundamental principles for full-body health: Chiropractic Adjustments for bone and frame adjustments, Therapeutic Massage for muscle and soft-tissue work, and Nutritional Supplements to promote weight loss and body fuel.

Throughout the months of May and June, Dr Tropea is offering two Chiropractic visits for only $ 99 a $ 170 value. During these visits, Dr Tropea will perform Chiropractic adjustments, and advise on aspects such as diet, exercise and overall physical wellness.

As the summer season approaches, we should all be looking at our health and making sure our bodies are ready for increased levels of activity, said Dr. Tony Tropea. Making sure your body is fully functional, inside and out, increases your sports performance, provides you with more energy, and gives you increased vitality that benefits both you and your family.

As an experienced sports chiropractor, Dr Tropeas clients have included the Ice Hockey, Basketball and Rugby teams at Concordia University, Montreal Supra Professional Soccer Team and Montreal Alouettes Professional Football Team. Individuals he has worked with have included Ronnie Stern, former San Jose Sharks Hockey player, and Patrice Brisebois of the Montreal Canadians Hockey Team.

To find out more about Tropea Chiropractic, visit http://www.drtonytropea.com, call (650) 962-0909, or vist the clinic at 260 S Sunnyvale Ave #2, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.