Physical therapy for bed ridden person

 

 INTRODUCTION:

                                A bedridden person is someone who is unable to leave their bed due to illness, injury or disability . Being bedridden can lead to various health complications like painful bed sores, blood circulation and respiratory problems, depression and contractures, due to lack of activity for long periods . It is important to ensure proper nursing and caring for your loved one confined to the bed. Here are some tips to prevent and manage the common health risks of bedridden patients:

1. Pressure sores or decubitus ulcers: One of the most unfortunate and preventable complications that can occur are bedsores. Bedsores can develop in a person who is bedridden or immobile. Pressure laid on the skin and tissues that covers the bony areas of the body are at biggest risk for breaking down.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This occurs from prolonged lying down or sitting in one position, compounded by poor nutrition, dry and wet skin, and shearing force on the skin as they are moved for change of dressing or clothes. The area under attack suffers from poor blood circulation, and shearing force rips the skin covering leading to infective, painful deep ulcers.                                                                                                                                              Such an area can be anywhere in the body that rests on a surface, or secured tightly by tubes and left for a period of time without being shifted across as considered ideal. People with bed sores (pressure ulcers) can experience great pain, discomfort, depression and reduced quality of life.                                                                                                                                            Also read- Benefits of Physical therapy for my health and fitness                                                                                                    The aim of the attendant or carrier should be to prevent, minimize and manage pressure sores. Here are some tips:                                                                                                      Routine regular turning and repositioning of their loved ones in bed. Utilizing cotton to underlay and clothes that comes in direct contact with skin, this absorbs sweat and promotes skin breathe through. Use of bedding that is soft and non-plastic in nature.                                                                                                               Use of moisture absorbent sheets to avoid the skin bathe in the body fluids. Encouraging time out of bed. Use of frames, slings or slide sheets to mobilize, rather than pull, push that can cause shearing force on the skin. Provide passive range of motion exercise regularly and encourage active movements of body as far as possible.

2. Pneumonia: Position in bed can be varying rather than supine or facing ceiling every time. Prone or semi prone position of lying will assist better aeration of lungs and also break from pressure areas.                                                                                        Also read- What is Physical therapy of Respiratory disease

3. Constipation: Bedridden patients are at risk of constipation due to lack of physical activity. Encourage a high-fiber diet and adequate fluid intake to prevent constipation .

4. Contractures: Contractures are the shortening and hardening of muscles due to lack of movement. Encourage range-of-motion exercises to prevent contractures .

5. Deformity and Stiffness: Encourage range-of-motion exercises to prevent deformity and stiffness .

6. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bedridden patients are at risk of UTIs due to the use of catheters. Ensure that the catheter is clean and changed regularly .

7. Depression: Bedridden patients are at risk of depression due to lack of social interaction and physical activity. Encourage social interaction and activities that the patient enjoys .

Also read- What is the relationship between Physical therapy and Mental Health

Physical Therapy INTERVENTION:

                             What does an Bed Ridden Individual Suffers From Excluding His/ Her Disease

                                        > Muscle Wasting (Atrophy)

                                        > Decreased Vital Capacity of Lungs ( Difficulty in Deep Breathing)

                                        > Bed Sore is the Result Of Limited Body Movement

                                        > ADL activities --- An Individual Depend on Others For Basic Daily                                                                              Routine activity like Brushing, Eating, Dressing.

ROLE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY: 

                                                 A Physical therapist Evaluates the Condition of Bed Ridden Individual and Makes a Treatment Plan Accordingly. Musculoskeletal examination from head to toe is the key factor for correct diagnosis and treatment.

  If you or someone you know is bedridden, it’s important to stay active and exercise your body during this time. Exercise can help maintain health and fitness, and prevent muscle loss . Here are some physical therapy-approved exercises that can be done while bedridden:

1. Kegels: Kegels are excellent for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Having good strength here can help during delivery and in recovery after childbirth. Here’s how you should perform the Kegel exercise: Lie on your back on a bed or floor. Pull the muscles around your vagina and uterus inwards as if you were stopping urine or gas from passing.

2. Arm and Shoulder Strengthening: Moving your arms and upper body through its full range of motion is helpful for maintaining flexibility and strength in your arms. Doing an exercise called arm abductions is great for that. For that, move your arms away from your body sideways or horizontally. Lift them as high as possible until the palms of both hands touch above your head. Return to the starting position. You can add weights if you can manage it. Just make sure that you are either sitting with a good posture while you do this or lying on a flat surface.

3. Static Quads: Your quadriceps muscles (these are on the front of your thigh) are essential for walking and standing. Their job is to straighten your knees or bring them in full extension. Thus maintaining its strength while in bed is important. Lie down on your back or sit in bed with your legs straight. Place a rolled towel or a small pillow under your knee. Press the pillow down with your knee so that your ankle is elevated off of the bed. Hold for 10 seconds. Relax. Repeat exercise 10 times and do three sets, thrice a day.

4. Whole-body Bed-based Exercises: Discover head, upper-body, lower-body, and whole-body bed-based exercises.

Please note that these exercises are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercise regimen.

CONCLUSION:

If you don't want to be bed ridden and not depend on others for your daily living start your physical therapy today. A Physical therapist will help you to become independent, physically, mentally strong  and live a confident life as never before.

  

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