#Prevents Deconditioning

[immaculatehomehealthcare]

Geriatric physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the unique challenges brought by old age. It differs from regular physical therapy programs where it caters to general problems pertaining to the muscle, joint, ligament, tendon, or bone. In addition, the decrease in muscle strength, coordination, balance, and reaction time as well as the low tolerance for physical activity of seniors are taken into consideration.

[sleepysleepysleepybaby]

me: ive been bedbound for six months

dr: have u tried getting up?

me:

dr: being upright is good for u to prevent deconditioning

me:

dr:

me: it was in fact the first thing i tried

[heytheredelulu]

Marvel Fanfiction Masterlist

| Smut ❤️‍🔥 | SFW Spicy 🌶️ | Angst ❤️‍🩹 | Fluff ✨ |

Imagines

Bucky Barnes x Reader 💙

Little Devil 🌶️

You’re tempting him to sin.

Ruin Me 🌶️

Say less.

Bucky @ Ulta 🌶️✨

You dragged him with you.

Five Senses ❤️‍🩹✨

You walk him through the grounding method.

I Gotta Take This 🌶️

Bucky wants to make an excuse to slip out of the mission briefing.

Simple

Bucky Barnes enjoys the simple things in life.

To Have and to Hold and to Fuck Whenever I Want

You really think a little bit of blood is going to keep your husband from having you?

Steve Rogers x Reader ❤️

Like Sin 🌶️❤️‍🩹

Your possessive boyfriend accuses you of cheating on him with his best friend- and you decide to rile him up.

Loki x Reader 💚

Yearn for You 🌶️✨

You’ve been friends since childhood, after all this time could he truly feel nothing for you?

Winter Rose Drabbles

The Winter Rose, an ex HYDRA assassin trauma bonded with Bucky Barnes in the aftermath of their deconditioning. They’re walking the fine line of love and friendship and both of them are too afraid to cross it.

Bucky Barnes x Winter Rose 🥀

Wounds ❤️‍🩹✨

Wash Over Me ✨

Fuck the Line 🌶️❤️‍🩹

One Shots

Bucky Barnes x Reader 💙

Temptation ❤️‍🔥

You text your boyfriend a nude selfie while he’s working and now he can’t stop thinking about it.

Good Girl ❤️‍🔥

So close you could taste it- but only if you begged him well enough.

Wants and Needs ❤️‍🔥

You come home late from girls night knowing Bucky will still be up. You want need him and you’re finally going to let him know.

Little Bookworm ❤️‍🔥

Your boyfriend can’t think of anything more adorable than watching you read. One night while you’re in the shower he picks up the book you left on the nightstand: “Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton” and thumbs through it, very quickly realizing just what kind of books his sweet little bookworm is really into.

Watch Me ❤️‍🔥

Anon request: “could you do something enemies/rivals where bucky accidentally finds out that you have a mirror kink during a training session?”

Unbreakable ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🔥

You’ve always wanted to be a mother but your husband is too tormented by his past to believe he could ever be a good father. For so long you’ve accepted that it will never be in the cards for you- after all, it’s only a small price to pay to continue to live the life you’ve built with the man you love. But what happens when you finally admit that you want what he refuses to give you? Will you push him away with your confession or will you finally make him realize that he’s not the man he believes himself to be?

Unbreakable- The After Years ✨🌶️

The conclusion to your story.

Stucky x Reader 💙❤️

Untitled - In progress ❤️‍🔥

Multipart fics

Bucky Barnes x Reader 💙

Ready to Comply Part One ❤️‍🔥

Tony Stark's shy, curvy intern finds herself fighting for her life when the quiet and reserved ex-assassin she's been pining after for nearly a year has been activated by HYDRA and given the order to kill her to prevent the completion of the new tech she's been developing alongside Tony Stark and Stark Industries.

Ready to Comply Part Two ❤️‍🔥

The second installment of Ready to Comply.

Ready to Comply Part Three - In progress ❤️‍🔥

Teaser

Current Taglist (Taglist is open):

@littleone2001 @suz7days @truthfulliarr @lilacka @writtingrose @samsgoddess @loveisallyouneed1125 @vicmc624 @millercontracting @wildernessflora @mydorkyboys @blackhawkfanatic @honestlywork @ladyvenera @cavity-exe @ihavetwoholesforareason @km-ffluv @shortnloud @mrs-katelyn-barnes @somnorvos @22rhianna2006 @fanfictionreaderfan @misshale21 @angelbaby99 @deans-spinster-witch @kezibear @acornacreacure @wintrsoldrluvr @terry2227

To be added to my taglist for upcoming works, leave me a reply on this post.

[reimeichan]

What Does Healing With DID Mean?

I've seen a few posts recently where people talk about and explore what it means to heal and recover when you have DID. I thought I'd weigh in to that discussion a bit, based on the research I've read, the professionals I've talked to, and my own experiences.

Healing looks different for everyone. But what exactly does that mean? Healing does not inherently mean "achieving normality", as normality is a vague concept that may not even be achievable in some cases. As such, healing needs to be defined individually; what it means to heal and recover will thus naturally differ from person to person, system to system. Someone may wish to have access to all their memories and decrease amnesia. Someone else may wish to fully deprogram and decondition triggers they have instilled in them from years of trauma and abuse. Still another may describe healing for themselves as being able to live in a way that they actually look forward to the future. And these are just small examples of goals that people may have to define their healing experience.

And, similarly, the ways they may reach those goals may look different. One system may wish to fully fuse into a singular self in order to decrease amnesia, while another system may rely more on note-taking and other external ways to help their memory while keeping their parts separate. Or, maybe one system finds it beneficial to treat their alters individually in order to learn how to trust and work together, while another finds that treating themselves as individuals actually increases animosity between each other and prevents cohesion between parts. Or one system finds it beneficial to learn how to be at peace with being multiple and living with dissociation, as dissociation isn't inherently bad, while another strives to minimize dissociation as much as possible so that they do not slip back into maladaptive habits.

Whatever the case may be, it's up to the system and, potentially, their mental health team, to help them define and decide what their recovery goals are and how to achieve them. And that may mean that goals may shift, and tactics may change, as the system discovers what works for them and what they truly want, but it doesn't mean that any one "goal" or "tactic" is any more "correct" than another.

Ultimately, that means that while we as a community can try our best to give advice for what's been helpful for us to try to help others from potentially hurting themselves further, at the end of the day it's up to the individual and to the system to figure out for themselves what's actually beneficial and helpful for them, and what's preventing them from reaching their recovery goals. Instead of condemning each other for "healing incorrectly" or "being anti-recovery", I think it would be more helpful if we uplifted each other instead by encouraging good practices between each other and within ourselves.

[madewithheart]

Five Years (a poem about long COVID)

Five years of

negative tests and inconclusive results

sub-clinical symptoms and no diagnosis

"well if you never had a positive covid test it doesn't count"

it doesn't matter that I was in the first wave

there were no tests for me when I needed one,

when the hospitals overflowed

five years

of doctors' shrugs and being called lazy

of bad advice and victim blaming

five years

of pushing through it and crashing and false hope

five years

of "it's just deconditioning; exercise until you hurt yourself"

Five years of

But you don't LOOK sick

Five years of

Sorry, we can't give you "special treatment"

Five years of

your support needs are too much for me

Five years of

forcing myself to care for others and neglect myself

Five years of

being too disabled to work full time

but not disabled enough for my needs to be acknowledged

not disabled enough for people to care

Five years...

of invisible illness half the country doesn't believe in,

and still more do not understand.

Five years of being one of

400 million people worldwide.

and one in 19 US adults.

but still having to fight for accommodations.

Five years of

i saved my spoons all week for these five minutes

Five years of

every time I stand up I become a fall risk

as my blood pressure drops

and the world spins kaleidoscope around me

Five years of

I sleep ten hours most nights now

Five years of

I spend good days on the couch,

and bad ones chained to my bed

Five years of

Crocheting and reading are too difficult for my brain

So I don't get the luxury of hobbies anymore

Five years of

10.1% of people who catch covid the first time get this

and 90% of those patients "only had mild infections" like me

but there's nothing you can do to prevent it

Five years

of never drawing a full breath again

five years

of aches and pains and exhaustion

five years

of every new illness making my baseline drop

and no one being able to tell me why

five years

of getting worse, not better, with every passing month

five years

of forcing myself through one more day, task, shift, meal when I wanted to cry

Five years

of feeling my body fall apart under me

but not having any way to stop it

five years...

five years...

five years....

[switch to AAC]

Some days, even talking costs more energy than I have.

6% of patients ever reach anything close to remission or recovery.

94% don't.

There is no cure to fix me.

I'm scared.

[switch back to voice]

Get your shots.

Covid isn't over.

[tiredsn0w]

Hello! I’m not sure if this question was already asked, but how would Kepler affect 049? Since the gravity is higher, would it mess with his bones or heart? Would the lack of sunlight do anything? Also, what would that guy eat? If he eats anything at all, that is; I can’t explain why, but he seems like he’d be a picky eater lol

Hope the new year’s treating you well! ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

I think someone already did, but I don't know what I said, and I do retcons sometimes so I don't mind double questions anyways.

The biggest thing would probably actually be that it's so humid, it's not built for endotherms who use sweat to cool off. How 049 properly sweats with his hide, uh, just chalk it up to his freak biology I suppose, I don't have a hard explanation for that.

But it would certainly make it harder for him to thermoregulate as sweat doesn't evaporate easily. So he would be prone to overheating much moreso than on Earth. The best thing for him to do would be to be kept in colder places, but ice packs would also work (@fiercefauna wrote something that touches on that) and also 6118 is basically a humanoid ice pack. His body is built to suck heat out of things. So 049 could justify his clinginess more with that.

But for his bones and heart, I think that the rocket taking them back would start at 1g acceleration (9.81m/s/s) and slowly increase over time to 1.5g acceleration (14.72 m/s/s). The crew would get slightly deconditioned, but that way 049 be able to accolinate better to the increased gravity.

It wouldn't be a huge deal. Difficult, but not impossible. He's also highly motivated, so doing exercises to increase strength, bone density, CV endurance, would be easy for him to stick to. Plus he's already pretty strong, not super muscly or something but it would be easier for him compared to the toothpick that is 6118. So he would just get stockier/wider looking I suppose.

I don't think the lack of sunlight would do anything massive to him, though maybe he could get one of those lamps meant for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder to try and prevent becoming (more) depressed.

In terms of what he would eat, he might have issues with some of the food (Kepler definitely has some Gagh-like abomination) but not significantly more than the average person going to a new culture (he's on a whole other planet, but, for a benchmark), because after being alive in Medieval times, he just would take whatever he could get. For a normal organism, there would be issues with vitamin/nutrient contents in the foods, much like 6118 had coming to Earth, but since 049 canonically doesn't need to eat at all, I don't think it would bother him?

Hope the New Year is going well for you also.

[perplexingluciddreams]

I wish I have a place to sit that actually supports my hypotonic body properly. Every place I sit hurts my body and makes additional pain and damage.

My muscles get so fatigued, especially on the left side. And it makes such a deep hot ache in the muscles.

The best option I have is bed, sitting very reclined (closer to lying down than sitting) with pillows behind. I still slide down and have bad posture and it exacerbates pain.

I have a specialised chair downstairs, which my OT got for me. Unfortunately, it still doesn't work for me despite adjusting every possible thing on it several times. In fact, I can't even sit in it because it makes me so sore. I hoped for so long that I would get something like this to help me, and it still doesn't work at all. I know I am fortunate to even get this option, but it is really upsetting and disappointing that it doesn't help me. Not to mention how much of a struggle it is to get downstairs in the first place (not only because of this issue, but many compounded issues).

I have trouble holding my head up for a long time, so I put it back a lot which means I struggle even more to make my eyes look at computer screen (because have motor control issue with make eye gaze go to where I want and focus on the right thing).

I also can't lift my arms to use them, even for only a wee bit more than a handful of seconds at a time, without many days of pain. I rest my phone on my chest or stomach and prop it up with my left hand (causing left arm pain), using my right hand to tap the screen or type with swipe-to-type.

I rest my arms as best as I possibly can, but that involves using other muscle groups as substitutes (arching my back to raise my chest, taking deep breaths and holding it to again raise my chest/stomach, etc.), so I get sore and fatigued in my entire torso from the simple task of using my phone.

Any other place I sit during the day (toilet/toilet seat, bath lift, bath, stair lift, downstairs chair) is even MORE work for my already weak and deconditioned and fatigued muscles, so it causes more fatigue and pain. I am too weak and have too low muscle tone to support my own body weight.

I don't have words to emphasise how limiting it is to not be able to support your own body properly. I struggle even to sit in a chair - that most people would consider highly supportive and comfortable - for 20 minutes. And then I spend days recovering from that.

I know I post several positive things about physio achievements recently, which is all still true! But walking is such a different thing, because active movement is aided by momentum (and AFO braces to support my wobbly ankles and bendy knees). Being still is an entirely different thing, because gravtivy fully takes over and pulls my floppy body down with its own weight.

I would have so much more energy and ability to do things if I didn't need to spend so much precious effort on simply keeping my body as well supported as possible, to prevent present and future pain (and recover from past pain).

I just want to be comfortable.

[those70scomics]

Update

Today, six months have passed since I've come home from the hospital!

I've made a lot of progress during this time. I have muscles again 💪 😁. Instead of needing a Walker to walk, I'm climbing stairs and getting in half-hour walks with 3.5 lb weights on each ankle. Working on stamina is my current focus in physical therapy. But I'm also continuing with strength-training and balance.

I came home with a frozen right shoulder (staying in the hospital a month, while life-saving, also deconditions the body big-time). My shoulder unfroze with stretching a month ago, and now I'm rebuilding the muscles around it.

I also came home with a feeding tube in my stomach. That came out two months ago, and I'm eating a variety of foods, working with a specialist nutritionist.

I had a liver drain, too (that suuuucked), but that was removed a few weeks after I got home.

My surgical wound was the Grand Canyon. It's healed a lot but still has months to go. It prevents me from doing certain things, including working on my laptop. Can't finish the batch of comics that just need dialogue boxes. 😅

But I'm using my tablet to write, continuing to work on *Those Who Play with Demons*. This T7S fic is going to break my chapter record. I'm such a sweet summer child when I let my imagination run free, thinking all these story and character elements can fit into 1/5 of the chapters they actually need. This one's breaking the hundred-chapter barrier easily. (But it's organized is such a way that I haven't done previously.)

The characters of Point Place have never experienced what my story is doing to them. 😈😇

Although I have a ways to go to regain all the things I can regain without a colon, my health is very good! And I'm going to keep moving forward.

Another surgery is on the menu, but that probably won't be for a year. I'm seeing my surgeon next month to talk about it. This one won't be done in a life-saving emergency situation like my first one. All the work I'm doing is, in part, to be in the best shape possible for the next (and last, let's hope) surgery that will put my small intestine back where biology intended. 😂

When the time comes, I'll make a post here. No disappearing without a word (barring unforeseen events). I shouldn't be in the hospital longer than three to five days. But, again, I'm talking a year from now.

Thank you to everyone who's given me kind words and friendship during this journey. It all helps with my healing, and I appreciate all of you. 🤗❤️

[freebooter4ever]

i have been attempting to clean (with many breaks to prevent passing out) and was determined to take the extra AC out of the window and was like 'i can do this im a big strong woman!' and like....momentarily forgot that my weak little deconditioned arms can barely lift an iron skillet after months of being ill....

Anyway now the AC is sitting on my floor and im texting friends like "help!" 😅

[normal-with-adhd-is-a-joke]

Once again thinking about how a lot of severely depressed people would benefit from some form of physical therapy (PT).

When I was diagnosed with CFS a rheumatologist sent me to aquatherapy. This was based on an outdated scientific study regarding CFS and it's actually recommended that people with moderate-severe CFS don't do excess physical activity at all and it ended up making me significantly worse. However, that was probably the least stressful exercise experience I had ever had.

I was in a pool that was mostly empty except for a few other people doing PT. We were all some form of disabled doing slow, gentle exercises to prevent deconditioning and increase mobility. Because it was prescribed by a doctor, I had access to this pool for free during my time in PT and could even have gotten assistance from insurance getting transportation. I had a set amount of time, number of activities, and type of activities I needed to do and could ask my physical therapist questions if I forgot or was confused. If the activities were too taxing I could ask for them to be reduced or modified, no judgment.

PT gets rid of a lot of the barriers that keep people from exercising. Lack of access to equipment or exercise facilities is barrier (yes, I know you can exercise at home, having a designated exercise space is still helpful). Not knowing where to start is a barrier. Fear of injury is a barrier. Being self-conscious is a barrier. Feeling overwhelmed by your options is a barrier.

I really think doctors need to view people who have been severely depressed as potentially deconditioned. A lot of "simple" exercises become very difficult if you haven't meaningfully moved your body in over a year. If you're hospitalized for even a week unable to do much they send you to PT to make sure you're getting the help you need to not suffer from the effects of deconditioning, but depressed people who have been housebound for months are expected to bounce back as if nothing happened. It's also ridiculous to expect someone who can't even motivate themself to shower to create, plan, and follow an exercise regime on their own. Sometimes when you're really depressed you just need to have your tasks laid out for you in a simple way so you can just go through the motions without thinking.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Jumping workouts could help astronauts on the moon and Mars

Jumping workouts could help astronauts prevent the type of cartilage damage they are likely to endure during lengthy missions to Mars and the moon, a new Johns Hopkins University study suggests.

The research adds to ongoing efforts by space agencies to protect astronauts against deconditioning/getting out of shape due to low gravity, a crucial aspect of their ability to perform spacewalks, handle equipment and repairs, and carry out other physically demanding tasks.

The study, which shows knee cartilage in mice grew healthier following jumping exercises, appears in the journal npj Microgravity.

"Since the next step in human exploration of space is going to Mars and spending long periods of time in permanent bases on the moon, cartilage damage is a really major issue that space agencies need to address despite how very poorly understood it is," said study author Marco Chiaberge, an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and the European Space Agency.

"The positive effect we saw in these mice is huge, and the magnitude of it was unexpected. They can basically make their cartilage thicker if they jump. Maybe astronauts could use similar training before their flight as a preventive measure."

Healthy cartilage is essential for pain-free movement, as it cushions joints and decreases bone friction. But cartilage heals slowly and does not regenerate as fast as other tissue.

Prolonged periods of inactivity—whether from bed rest, injury, or space travel—can accelerate cartilage breakdown. Space radiation can also accelerate this effect, and European Space Agency experiments have shown evidence of cartilage degradation in astronauts who spend several months aboard the International Space Station.

"Think about sending somebody on a trip to Mars. They get there and they can't walk because they developed osteoarthritis of the knees or the hips and their joints don't function," Chiaberge said.

"Astronauts also perform spacewalks often. They serviced the Hubble Space Telescope five times, and in the future, they will need to spend more time in space and the moon, where we will build larger telescopes to explore the universe and where they will need to stay as healthy as possible."

Previous research has shown that treadmill running may help slow cartilage breakdown in rodents. The new Johns Hopkins study adds to the evidence by demonstrating that jump-based exercise may prevent articular cartilage loss in knees and could actually improve cartilage health.

The researchers found that mice in a nine-week program of reduced movement experienced cartilage thinning and cellular clustering, both early indicators of arthritis. But mice that performed jump training three times a week showed the opposite effect—thicker, healthier cartilage with normal cellular structure.

The study found the mice with reduced movement had a 14% reduction in cartilage thickness, while those in the jump-training group had a 26% increase compared to a control group. Additionally, the jumping mice had 110% thicker cartilage than the reduced activity group.

Jumping also enhanced bone strength. The team found shin bones in the jumping mice had 15% higher mineral density. Trabecular bone—spongy bone tissue that absorbs impact—was significantly thicker and more robust.

"Leg strength is particularly important and most highly impacted by microgravity, so any procedures that can address multiple aspects of muscle deconditioning, and maybe even reduce the two-hour daily exercise requirement in space, would be most welcome," said author Mark Shelhamer, a professor of otolaryngology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and former NASA Human Research Program Chief Scientist.

"The same reasoning applies to bone integrity, including cartilage. There is increasing recognition of the importance of cartilage as a distinct component in bone integrity, and this study contributes to that understanding."

While more research is needed to confirm whether humans would enjoy the same benefits, the findings offer promising information to protect cartilage and bone structure. Jumping exercises could be included in pre-flight routines to prepare joints for space travel, and specially designed exercise machines could help integrate similar workouts in space.

The study could help scientists explore how jump-based training might not only aid patients with arthritis but also boost cartilage health with generally applicable exercises, said author Chen-Ming Fan, a musculoskeletal biologist at Carnegie Science.

The researchers emphasize the need for further research to determine the ideal exercise volume and frequency for preserving and strengthening cartilage. Future work will also explore whether jump training could help reverse cartilage loss and whether the exercise could help astronauts restrengthen their cartilage and recover damage from space flight.

"Now that we got our first clue that one type of exercise can increase cartilage, which was completely unknown before, we could start looking into other types of cartilage. What about the meniscus? Could it also get thicker?" said Fan, who is also an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins.

"This research could help performance-enhancement studies, rather than just focusing on pathological conditions, and help athletes or virtually anyone interested in doing the right exercises to improve their performance."

[sopranoentravesti]

Constantly fighting against deconditioning and trying to slow the osteopenia/ prevent osteoporosis is so frustrating and unrewarding when no matter what I do to build strength and endurance it’s like “walk 100 feet —> need to sit from being winded walk another 50 feet—> need to sit because winded” ad nauseum (literally).

Like I’m sure it would be worse if I stopped, and like, I’m doing better than I was before I got crutches/ my Rollator but my endurance is eroding and I just wish I could build myself up and see results from exercise / set and meet sustainable goals.

[kimberlychapman]

I have long covid, which I've also since had diagnosed as ME/CFS with PEMs. The NHS LC programme tells patients that GET (graded exercise therapy) is known to be bad for us, but then pushes us to slowly build up exercise goals, a little at a time, with pacing. So....like...they want us to gradually increase our exercise. It's GET with different branding and they can't understand why so many people remain so sick ffs.

But Labour's all "hey let's try giving unemployed disabled/sick people weight loss shots about it" so yeah, this bullshit is still core to the system.

And if you tell a HCW that exercise hurts you, if you explain your PEMs, they blame it on "deconditioning". Ummmm nope I didn't go from 100-200+ squats daily and aerobics 1-2 times per week to not being able to shower without being knocked out for days. Nobody gets that "deconditioned" overnight. It was covid.

But there again, hardly anyone in the UK qualifies for vaccines and the newly-announced private-pay ones are hard to find, schedule, and afford. Labour would rather take Lilly money to promote weight-loss jabs than provide actual-harm-preventing covid jabs.

Why have sensible health policy when you can pretend fat people broke the economy instead?

Me: Exercise does not cause weight loss. This is a fact that has been demonstrated so robustly in research that even doctors, who hate and fear evidence, are grudgingly starting to admit this.

Someone reading that post: Cool, but have you considered that exercise leads to weight loss?

Me: I am going to eat you

[healthcarercmservices]

From Injury to Recovery: How Prior Authorization Affects Occupational Health Outcomes

Occupational health plays a vital role in supporting injured workers as they recover and reintegrate into the workforce. The process often involves a complex network of medical evaluations, diagnostics, treatments, and ongoing rehabilitation. However, one administrative process prior authorisation services for occupational medicine can significantly influence the speed and quality of care delivered. While designed to control costs and ensure appropriate utilization of healthcare services, prior authorization frequently introduces delays and barriers that affect both short-term treatment and long-term occupational health outcomes.

Understanding Prior Authorization

Prior authorization (PA) is a process used by insurance companies to determine if a prescribed service, medication, or treatment is medically necessary before it is approved for payment. In theory, it acts as a safeguard against unnecessary or duplicative care, helping to contain healthcare costs. In practice, however, this system often creates bottlenecks in timely care delivery—especially in occupational health, where time-sensitive treatment is critical to recovery and return-to-work goals.

The Impact on Injured Workers

When a worker sustains an injury on the job, early intervention is often the key to preventing complications and chronic disability. Delays caused by prior authorization can postpone diagnostic imaging (like MRIs), specialist consultations, or necessary procedures, all of which are critical steps in the recovery timeline.

For example, a worker with a suspected rotator cuff tear may need an MRI before orthopedic evaluation. If the prior authorization for the MRI takes several days or even weeks, treatment is delayed, potentially leading to muscle atrophy, increased pain, and prolonged disability. These delays can also result in longer absences from work, higher compensation costs, and worse long-term functional outcomes.

Effects on Occupational Health Providers

Occupational health providers are often placed in a difficult position when managing injured employees. Their goal is to facilitate a rapid, safe return to work, but administrative barriers like PA can hinder their clinical judgment. Time that should be spent on patient care is often redirected to navigating complex insurance protocols, completing redundant paperwork, and following up on pending approvals.

The result is a fragmented care experience, where providers may have to modify treatment plans not based on medical evidence but on what is most likely to be approved quickly. This can lead to suboptimal care, patient dissatisfaction, and increased provider burnout.

Delayed Recovery and Long-Term Consequences

Timely care is not only important for pain management and healing but also for psychological well-being. Injured workers may experience anxiety, depression, or fear of job loss when they perceive delays in their care. These emotional stressors can compound physical injuries and increase the likelihood of long-term disability.

Moreover, research has shown that prolonged time off work can lead to deconditioning, increased dependence on opioid medications, and a higher likelihood of permanent work restrictions. These outcomes are not only detrimental to the individual but also costly for employers and insurers.

Financial and Administrative Costs

While prior authorization is intended to reduce unnecessary spending, the administrative burden it creates can have the opposite effect. Employers and insurance companies may end up paying more in the long run due to:

Extended time off work

Increased use of temporary or modified-duty arrangements

Prolonged rehabilitation

Higher rates of litigation or claim disputes

Additionally, the time spent by providers and administrative staff to obtain authorizations represents a significant hidden cost. According to the American Medical Association, the average practice completes 45 PAs per physician per week, taking up nearly 14 hours—time that could otherwise be spent delivering care.

Solutions and Best Practices

To improve occupational health outcomes, a multi-pronged approach to reforming the prior authorization process is essential:

Streamlined Authorization for Common Conditions: Developing expedited approval protocols for frequently treated occupational injuries can reduce unnecessary delays. For instance, a standard clinical pathway for acute back pain or wrist sprains could eliminate the need for prior authorization for first-line diagnostics and treatments.

Electronic Prior Authorization (ePA): Implementing real-time, integrated ePA systems can drastically reduce turnaround times and streamline communication between providers and payers.

Provider-Payer Collaboration: Building relationships between occupational health clinics and insurance carriers can foster trust and reduce unnecessary denials. Trusted providers with high-quality metrics might qualify for reduced authorization requirements.

Legislative Reform: States and federal bodies are beginning to recognize the burden of PA. Some states have introduced bills mandating faster response times, greater transparency, and uniform criteria. Continued advocacy for reform is crucial to protect patient access and provider autonomy.

Education and Documentation: Providers must be diligent in documenting the necessity of treatment and understanding the authorization criteria. Comprehensive medical records and clear treatment plans help support approvals and reduce denials.

Conclusion

The journey from workplace injury to full recovery is challenging enough without the added burden of administrative roadblocks. While prior authorization serves a purpose in managing healthcare utilization, its impact on occupational health outcomes cannot be ignored. Delays in care affect not just the physical recovery of the worker, but their mental health, job security, and long-term employability.

To truly support injured workers, the healthcare system must evolve toward a more balanced approach—one that preserves cost control without sacrificing timely and effective care. By reforming prior authorization processes, we can ensure that occupational health services fulfill their mission: helping employees recover faster, return to work safely, and maintain long-term health and productivity.

[vestibular-treatment-blogs]

Advancing Recovery: Concussion Treatment in Toronto

Concussions are a common yet complex form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can affect individuals of all ages. Whether caused by sports, falls, or accidents, concussions require careful attention to ensure a full and safe recovery. In a vibrant and fast-paced city like Toronto, access to specialized concussion treatment in Toronto is vital for individuals seeking effective care and rehabilitation. This article explores the significance of concussion management, available treatments, and the benefits of professional support in Toronto.

Understanding Concussions

A concussion occurs when a sudden impact or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms can vary widely, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and sensitivity to light or noise. While many concussions resolve on their own with rest, others may require targeted treatment to address lingering or severe symptoms.

In recent years, medical advancements have enhanced the understanding of concussions and their treatment. Toronto has become a hub for cutting-edge concussion care, offering a range of solutions tailored to individual needs.

Key Aspects of Concussion Treatment

1. Accurate Diagnosis Effective concussion treatment in Toronto begins with a comprehensive assessment by medical professionals. Neurologists, physiotherapists, and other specialists collaborate to evaluate symptoms, medical history, and the severity of the injury. Advanced diagnostic tools such as neuroimaging and balance testing may also be used to gain a clearer understanding of the injury's impact.

2. Rest and Gradual Rehabilitation Rest is the cornerstone of early concussion recovery, allowing the brain time to heal. However, prolonged inactivity can lead to physical deconditioning and mental health challenges. Modern treatment protocols emphasize a gradual return to activity under medical supervision. This includes light physical exercise, cognitive exercises, and symptom monitoring to avoid overexertion.

3. Vestibular and Oculomotor Therapy Dizziness, balance issues, and visual disturbances are common post-concussion symptoms. Vestibular and oculomotor therapy address these concerns by focusing on retraining the brain's ability to process sensory information. Many clinics in Toronto specialize in these therapies, providing targeted exercises to help patients regain balance and reduce discomfort.

4. Cognitive and Psychological Support Cognitive impairments such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating are frequent after a concussion. Cognitive therapy and psychological counseling help patients manage these challenges, improving mental clarity and emotional resilience. The availability of these services in Toronto ensures a holistic approach to recovery.

5. Return-to-Play or Work Protocols For athletes and professionals, safely returning to their activities is a critical goal of concussion treatment. Toronto's clinics often incorporate structured protocols that guide patients through progressive stages of recovery, ensuring readiness before resuming sports or work. Learn more about this. 

Why Choose Concussion Treatment in Toronto?

Toronto is home to a diverse range of healthcare providers and specialized clinics dedicated to concussion management. These facilities combine state-of-the-art technology with expert knowledge to deliver personalized care. Whether you're an athlete seeking a swift return to the field or an individual recovering from an accident, accessing concussion treatment in Toronto ensures high-quality care tailored to your needs.

Additionally, the city's healthcare ecosystem fosters collaboration among various specialists, enabling comprehensive treatment plans that address both physical and psychological aspects of recovery. Toronto also offers support groups and educational resources to empower patients and their families throughout the healing process.

Preventing Concussions

While treatment is essential, prevention remains key. Wearing appropriate protective gear, practicing safety measures in sports, and being mindful of environmental hazards can significantly reduce the risk of concussions. Education and awareness initiatives in Toronto further support community-wide efforts to minimize injuries and promote safe practices.

Recovering from a concussion requires expert guidance, patience, and a commitment to comprehensive care. With world-class resources and specialized professionals, concussion treatment in Toronto offers individuals the support they need to navigate their recovery journey successfully. From diagnostic precision to personalized rehabilitation plans, Toronto's healthcare providers are at the forefront of concussion management, empowering patients to heal and thrive.

Invest in your well-being by seeking professional care for concussion recovery—your health and future depend on it.

[rival-rook]

Well. This morning I had my monthly occupational therapy evaluation. And in the last month I've lost 50% of my grip strength and 30% of my pinch strength. Despite doing PT specifically to prevent deconditioning, no increase in pain (and objective improvement in joint angles), and me not noticing that level of decrease. I think that me not noticing is an argument that it is deconditioning (despite all the exercises I'm doing). But it could also be the first signs of diseases I really don't want (and that we decided not to test for yesterday). So I'm pretty sad and freaked out right now.