Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Since social drinking has become very commonplace in our society, many people are unaware of the long term effects that it has on the body and brain. Depending on the length of time someone has been drinking, and the amount consumed regularly, or in binging episodes, the impact can have moderate to severe outcomes.
People usually initially start drinking to feel good, but as drinking becomes more consistent, they typically feel as though they have to drink to avoid bouts of sadness or depression. If left untreated, alcoholism can lead to permanent brain dysfunction, disabilities, chronic pain, disease states, and death. The cumulative effects of drinking are the most damaging, but even the short term effects can be detrimental due to decreased inhibitions, blackouts, and slowed reaction times.
When alcohol enters the stomach, it moves through the small intestine and is then dispersed into the bloodstream. The liver attempts to break down the alcohol and eliminate it from the body through sweating, breathing, and through waste. The problem is that the liver is only capable of breaking down small amounts of alcohol, so the remaining amount is infiltrated into the organs and soft tissue. This trapped alcohol is what causes peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions.
Along with long-term damage to the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, eyes, and all other organs, there are several definitive conditions from alcohol or other substance use disorders that require physical therapy as one of the interventions in a long-term treatment plan.
Alcohol Related Disorders That Can Benefit From PT
• Neuropathy: Nerve damage from excessive alcohol consumption may lead to numbness and tingling in the extremities
• Coordination: Balance issues may arise from lack of coordination, muscle atrophy, and muscle cramping
• Bones: Alcohol causes osteoporosis in men and women
• Reflex Disruption: Accidents and sustained Injuries
Many individuals with substance use disorders have poor dietary habits, lack of exercise and sustained stress on the body. Long periods of physical inactivity causes them to lose range-of-motion, muscle strength, flexibility, and in many cases, they also may suffer from neuropathy. The Physical Therapists at Kriz PT create customized plans to help patients recover and regenerate in the most comprehensive way, throughout the entire musculoskeletal system. Kriz PT utilizes evidence-based practices to achieve life-changing outcomes. Through strategic stretching and exercises, tailored for the specific needs of patients, physical therapy can improve muscle strength, coordination, and mobility, and it can significantly reduce pain.
Services provided at Kriz Physical Therapy:
• Generalized and specific orthopedic rehabilitation
• Neck and back pain
• Upper and lower extremity injuries
• Physical therapy and sports rehabilitation
• Industrial rehabilitation
• Post-rehabilitation exercise and wellness programs
• Body restoration
• Athletic performance program
• Health coaching
• Alternative wellness
• Massage
You Don’t Need a Referral for Kriz PT
Florida is a “direct access” state, meaning patients can schedule physical therapy without having to see a doctor first. That’s important, especially if you are injured. Kriz PT can help you get back to feeling good and being active through precise treatment that is tailored for your specific needs.
Michael E. Kriz, PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT
Mike received his undergraduate degree in Business from Radford University and then worked for several years in the high tech industry in Northern Virginia. He changed careers after completing his Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Widener University in Chester, PA. He completed his Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Montana in Missoula, MT. Mike’s clinical experiences have been in private and corporate outpatient orthopedics settings and in home health while building Kriz Physical Therapy. In August of 2016 he passed the certification exam for the highly regarded designation of Certified Functional Manual Therapist through the Institute of Physical Art in Steamboat Springs, CO. His passion is helping people achieve their potential whether that is related to household activities or high level sports.
Tiffany D. Kriz, PT, DPT, CHC
Tiffany received her undergraduate degree in Health Science from the University of Miami. She graduated with her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania and her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Alexandria, Virginia. Her clinical experiences prior to Kriz Physical Therapy were in corporate outpatient orthopedic offices and in home health. She strives to maintain excellence in the care she provides to her patients through extensive continuing education courses. She has completed a certification tract in health coaching so that she could address lifestyle and dietary factors that influence injury and disease processes as well. Her passion is to help people achieve their optimum health through physical therapy and wellness training. When not working, Tiffany likes to spend time with her family.
Contact Kriz Physical Therapy Today!
27180 Bay Landing Drive, Ste. 7
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
(239) 992-6700
krizpt1@gmail.com
www.krizphysicaltherapy.com
