War Veterans Return Home With Multiple Traumas
HOUSTON, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinesiotherapists across the nation will be
celebrating Kinesiotherapy Week by engaging in various activities (fitness
events, open houses, employee lunches, veteran's receptions, etc.). However,
most will be looking at this week as a celebration of the profession's 59-year
history, and recognizing how the "face of rehabilitation" has changed.
"Not since the Vietnam War have there been so many multiple trauma
victims," said Sheilda Ruffin, kinesiotherapist (KT) in the Spinal Cord Rehab
Department at the VA Medical Center in Hampton, VA. "Prior to the war in
Iraq, KTs mainly treated patients suffering from stiffness, minor injuries,
and obesity. However, as a result of the war, we are treating many veterans
who are now amputees."
Ruffin has been treating veterans for 18 years. She recently returned
from Iraq where she served as first sergeant, and was responsible for
coordinating cargo, passengers and medical evacuations. Although she wasn't
practicing during Vietnam, Ruffin recognizes the severity of the injuries at
that time is very similar to what KTs across the nation are treating today.
Kinesiotherapists are health care professionals who play an integral role
in the rehabilitation process, as well as primary and secondary prevention and
exercise programs. KTs work directly with physicians to determine the best
treatment. Treatment includes the application of scientifically based
exercise principles adapted to enhance the strength, endurance, and mobility
of individuals with functional limitations or those requiring extended
physical conditioning. Treating the whole individual is a concept adopted by
Kinesiotherapists as vital to a more successful rehabilitative outcome.
According to Charlie Gardner, president of the American Kinesiotherapy
Association, 60-percent of KTs work in VA Hospitals across the country. "We
assist patients physically and emotionally," said Gardner. "Frequently, KTs
rehab patients back to complete mobility. But sometimes, especially with
veterans, complete mobility isn't possible. We have to continue to stay
abreast of new treatments and procedures which will better assist those
individuals who have suffered injuries so that they can achieve the greatest
functional outcome."
KTs also have been recognized as a leader in the treatment of obesity
(127 million Americans are overweight, 60 million are obese). KTs use a
holistic approach that has proven to be beneficial. Their program entails
dietary modification, psychological adjustments and exercise.
About the American Kinesiotherapy Association
The American Corrective Therapy Association was organized in 1946 to guide
and promote the profession in its educational and professional endeavors. In
1987, the organization was renamed American Kinesiotherapy Association (AKTA)
to better reflect its role as a provider of therapeutic exercise. The
organization enhances the standard of care provided by Kinesiotherapists
through the promotion and provision of educational opportunities and training
of Registered Kinesiotherapists. For more information, visit
http://www.akta.org
SOURCE American Kinesiotherapy Association
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Related links:
http://www.akta.org
CONTACT:
Rashena Lindsay, +1-281-459-2698, or
+1-713-301-4577, for American Kinesiotherapy Association
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