Here i would like to share some information about PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION IN A SICKLE CELL CRISIS. Mayble most all you didnt really know what is that mean by PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION IN A SICKLE CELL.
Sickle cell disease is a disorder that affects a molecule in the red blood cells known as hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Sickle cell sufferers have red blood cells that have been distorted to a crescent shape. The sickled cells can block blood vessels causing severe pain -- this pain is known as sickle cell crisis. Some forms of physical therapy might help relieve the pain of sickle cell crisis. Ask your doctor's advice before starting physical therapy.
SICKLE CELL DISEASE
In this country, sickle cell disease is most common among African-Americans. One in 500 African-American children in the United States is born with sickle cell anemia, and there are currently around 72,000 people suffering with the disorder. The disease is not contagious but passed on genetically. Symptoms begin in early childhood and include anemia -- a low number of red blood cells, -- frequent infections and occasional episodes of sickle cell crisis. Although some people suffer only mild symptoms, others have frequent hospital visits due to other complications
SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms ?
When red blood cells become distorted into a crescent shape, they die prematurely, which causes anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath and delayed development in children. Death of red blood cells also can cause jaundice. Because sickled blood cells are rigid and inflexible, they sometimes become trapped within small blood vessels. This can cause pain and damage to the lungs, kidneys, spleen and brain. It also can lead to high blood pressure in the lungs, which can lead to heart failure.
When red blood cells become distorted into a crescent shape, they die prematurely, which causes anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath and delayed development in children. Death of red blood cells also can cause jaundice. Because sickled blood cells are rigid and inflexible, they sometimes become trapped within small blood vessels. This can cause pain and damage to the lungs, kidneys, spleen and brain. It also can lead to high blood pressure in the lungs, which can lead to heart failure.
HEAT THERAPY
Heat therapy can help with the pain management of sickle cell crisis. There are many forms of heat therapy, including baths, whirlpools, heat packs or pads, sitz bath therapy and continuous wave ultrasound. All these forms of heat therapy have little risk of side effects and can help reduce pain in any area of the body. Not only can heat therapy reduce pain by relaxing the joints and muscles, it also can speed up healing and reduce stress.
MASSAGE
Researchers at the University of Florida claim that massage therapy can help the body relax, which in turn causes the blood vessels to dilate and improving circulation. This might help to prevent sickled cells from blocking blood vessels. The stroking of the massage also might help to move blood through the vessels. In a pilot study conducted by Dr. Richard Lottenberg, a professor in the division of hematology and oncology at the University of Florida's College of Medicine, 16 adults with sickle cell anemia were either given six 30-minute massage session or learned relaxation techniques to manage pain. In all participants, pain was reduced significantly, some by up to half.
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