Tag: skilled nursing

Advanced Solutions for Effective Parkinson's Rehabilitation

Advanced Solutions for Effective Parkinson’s Rehabilitation 

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly 90,000 Americans receive a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis annually. Each diagnosis represents a patient and their loved ones facing a new reality that requires comprehensive support and innovative solutions. Parkinson’s rehabilitation that integrates exercise, biophysical agents, and innovative technologies can help these patients maintain independence and functionality longer. 

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impacts multiple aspects of movement and daily function. Patients often experience:

  • Bradykinesia (slow movement) 
  • Muscular rigidity 
  • Resting tremors 
  • Shuffling and freezing gait 
  • Poor postural control 
  • Impaired balance 

Exercise plays a key role in rehabilitation for this population, with additional benefits achieved by incorporating biophysical agents and rehabilitation technologies. Research demonstrates that exercise improves motor skill performance, which may be enhanced with cognitive engagement through feedback, cueing, dual-task training, and motivation.1 ACP provides several technologies that support this approach.

Virtual Reality Augmented Exercise

Moving Beyond Aerobics: The Benefits of Cycling in Rehabilitation  

The American Physical Therapy Association recommends moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise for Parkinson’s patients to improve VO2, reduce motor disease severity, and improve functional outcomes. They also recommend resistance training to improve strength, power, nonmotor symptoms, and quality of life.2 Forced exercise with motor-assisted cycling has specifically been shown to improve motor function.3 

OmniCycle Connect®, paired with the OmniTour™ Virtual Exercise Experience, can help Parkinson’s patients reap the benefits of aerobic exercise while providing cognitive engagement through immersive cycling and memory games. 

Therapist considerations:

  • Facilitate proper sitting posture throughout the activity. 
  • Consider interval training to allow higher intensity with less fatigue. 
  • Use forced cycling at a higher speed compared to a self-selected pace. 
  • Integrate biofeedback activities to provide visual/auditory cues, changes in speed/direction, and dual-task challenges. 

There is also evidence that virtual reality rehab results in significantly greater improvement in balance and gait (BBS, TUG, and FGA) for Parkinson’s patients compared to conventional physical therapy.4 

OmniVR® helps address patients’ cognitive impairment by incorporating activities that utilize memory and executive function. Through fun and interactive activities, patients are engaged and motivated to exercise harder and longer. 

Therapist considerations:

  • In the seated position, engage posture by varying support surfaces (firm, foam, balance ball). 
  • Vary speed with gait. 
  • Practice multi-directional movement. 
  • Progress to stepping over and avoiding obstacles. 
  • Perform squatting to facilitate picking something up from the floor.

E-Stim Enhanced Gait Training

Sensory electrical stimulation cueing during gait has been shown to reduce the time a patient needs to complete a walking task and the number of freezing gait episodes,5 which are common in many Parkinson’s patients.  

The OmniVersa® Multimodality Therapy System’s Patterned Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (PENS) function can help re-establish normal muscle recruitment and firing, maximizing the benefits of regular gait training.

Therapist considerations:

  • Use PENS UE and LE patterns to facilitate trunk and extremity exercise for improved posture control, strength, and coordination; apply during goal-oriented tasks when feasible. 
  • Use the PENS cycle or walk protocol to provide sensory/motor input to the CNS for gait initiation, symmetry, and cadence; vary the speed of the protocols. 

Empowering Patients & Clinicians 

Parkinson’s disease presents unique challenges and profound changes. By embracing innovative rehabilitation solutions, we can help these patients maintain their independence and quality of life longer.

Enhance Your Facility’s Parkinson’s Care

For more information on ACP technologies, explore our product suite.

Learn More

  1. Petzinger, G. M., Fisher, B. E., McEwen, S., Beeler, J. A., Walsh, J. P., & Jakowec, M. W. (2013). Exercise-enhanced neuroplasticity targeting motor and cognitive circuitry in Parkinson’s disease. The Lancet. Neurology, 12(7), 716–726. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(13)70123-6 ↩︎
  2. Osborne, J. A., Botkin, R., Colon-Semenza, C., DeAngelis, T. R., Gallardo, O. G., Kosakowski, H., Martello, J., Pradhan, S., Rafferty, M., Readinger, J. L., Whitt, A. L., & Ellis, T. D. (2022). Physical therapist management of Parkinson disease: A clinical practice guideline from the American Physical Therapy Association. Physical Therapy, 102(4), pzab302. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzab302 ↩︎
  3. Miner, D. G., Aron, A., & DiSalvo, E. (2020). Therapeutic effects of forced exercise cycling in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 410, 116677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2020.116677 ↩︎
  4. Feng, H., Li, C., Liu, J., Wang, L., Ma, J., Li, G., Gan, L., Shang, X., & Wu, Z. (2019). Virtual reality rehabilitation versus conventional physical therapy for improving balance and gait in Parkinson’s disease patients: A randomized controlled trial. Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research, 25, 4186–4192. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.916455 ↩︎
  5. Rosenthal, L., Sweeney, D., Cunnington, A. L., Quinlan, L. R., & ÓLaighin, G. (2018). Sensory electrical stimulation cueing may reduce freezing of gait episodes in Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Healthcare Engineering, 2018, 4684925. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4684925   ↩︎

MRK-BLOG-023

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly 90,000 Americans receive a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis annually. Discover how exercise, biophysical agents, and innovative technologies can help these patients maintain independence and functionality longer.

Virtual Reality Rehabilition: Improving Strength and Functional Mobility

Virtual Reality Rehabilition: Improving Strength and Functional Mobility 

While battling kidney cancer, this 72-year-old patient began experiencing weakness, foot drop, coordination deficits, and an unsteady gait. Before being referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation service, he lived at home with his wife, ambulated with a walker, and required some assistance with self-care.

Therapy Protocol

Physical & Occupational Therapy

  • 3-5x/week x 8 weeks

OmniVR® Virtual Rehabilitation System

  • Virtual reality exercise performed using Carnival, Bingo, and Picnic activities with progression in intensity and resistance to increase arm and leg strength

Additional Interventions

  • Training in transfers and gait; self-care management 

OmniVR®

Dynamic Balance System

Following the 8-week rehabilitation program, enhanced with virtual reality, the patient demonstrated notable progress: 

Virtual Reality Rehabilition: Improving Strength and Functional Mobility

The patient’s therapist shared that he made significant progress in strength and functional mobility using OmniVR®’s virtual exercise activities, allowing him to achieve his goal of returning home with his wife!  

Limited Time Offer on VR Rehab Technology

In celebration of Occupational Therapy Month, we are offering a special discount on our rehab technologies, including OmniVR, for the month of April. Contact us today to learn more.

Learn More

MRK-BLOG-022

While battling kidney cancer, this 72-year-old patient began experiencing weakness, foot drop, coordination deficits, and an unsteady gate. Before being referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation service, he lived at home with his wife, ambulated with a walker, and required some assistance with self-care. Find out how his therapy team used virtual reality rehabilitation to help get him home.

Reversing Patient Frailty with Innovative Rehab Technologies

Reversing Patient Frailty with Innovative Rehab Technologies  

Patients with pulmonary dysfunction, those who are acutely ill, or those who have been hospitalized for extended periods often face the risk of deconditioning or developing muscle weakness. Even healthy individuals can become deconditioned and frail if they decrease their activity level.

While the negative impacts of short-term inactivity can typically be reversed in younger people, it is much more difficult for older adults.1 Frailty and pre-frailty are significant predictors of nursing home placement among community-dwelling older adults.2 

That’s why it’s crucial for rehab professionals to continue emphasizing activity and engagement in therapy. Clinicians can leverage tools like ACP’s e-stim, cycling, virtual reality (VR), and balance trainers to maximize clinical outcomes.  

Cycling

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to increase cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise capacity for patients with COPD.3 For patients with heart failure, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) specifically recommends cycling as part of their aerobic and HIIT training.4 

Reversing patient frailty with cycling

The OmniCycle® Connect is a great option for rehab gyms because it offers adjustable resistance levels and can adapt to patient’s physical limitations. Interval training may be used to increase the overall time and intensity of training. Paired with the OmniTour ™, patients can virtually cycle through outdoor landscapes, motivating them to train more often and with greater effort.

Virtual Reality

Therapy incorporating VR technology has been shown to increase patient motivation.5 With the OmniVR®, patients can perform exercises while sitting or standing, depending on their ability and the activity’s focus.

Reversing patient frailty with virtual reality

Balance Trainer

The OmniStand® is designed for patients who cannot stand independently, providing varied support and assistance. When combined with the OmniVR®, balance training becomes more fun and engaging, while also improving functional abilities.

Reversing patient frailty with balance training

E-Stim

Patterned electrical neuromuscular stimulation (PENS) applied to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles of patients with COPD results in 30% increased strength and 34% increased walking distance.6 Using OmniVersa®‘s PENS function before or during exercise can help re-establish normal muscle recruitment and firing. 

Reversing patient frailty with e-stim

Thing to Keep in Mind 

Vital signs like heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), O2 saturation, respiratory rate (RR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) should be assessed before, during, and after exercise to help determine the appropriate amount of activity or the need for rest. Clinicians should also use standardized outcome measures at the patient’s baseline and throughout treatment to track and document progress. 

Upgrade Your Rehab Program

Looking to enhance your facility’s rehab gym? ACP offers a suite of technologies that help get your patients better, faster.

EXPLORE TECHNOLOGIES

  1. Bowden Davies, K. A., Pickles, S., Sprung, V. S., Kemp, G. J., Alam, U., Moore, D. R., Tahrani, A. A., Cuthbertson, D. J. (2019). Reduced physical activity in young and older adults: metabolic and musculoskeletal implications. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 10, 1-15. ↩︎
  2. Gotaro, K. (2018). Frailty as a predictor of nursing home placement among community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 41(1), 42-48. Rutkowski, S., Rutkowska, A., Kiper, P., Jastrzebski, D., Racheniuk, H., Turolla, A., Szczegielniak, J., Casaburi, R. (2020). Virtual reality rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 15, 117-124 ↩︎
  3. Sawyer, A. Cavalheri, V., Hill, K. (2020). Effects of high intensity interval training on exercise capacity in people with chronic pulmonary conditions: a narrative review. BMC Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. 12, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-020-00167-y ↩︎
  4. Shoemaker, M. J., Dias, K. J., Lefebvre, K. M., Heick, J. D., & Collins, S. M. (2020). Physical therapist clinical practice guideline for the management of individuals with heart failure. Physical Therapy, 100(1), 14-43. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzz127  ↩︎
  5. Kizmaz, E., Telli Atalay, O., Çetin, N., & Ugurlu, E. (2024). Virtual reality for COPD exacerbation: A randomized controlled trial. Respiratory Medicine, 230, 107696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107696 ↩︎
  6. Bourjeily-Habr, G., Rochester, C. L., Palermo, F., Synder, P., Mohsenin, V. (2002). Randomized controlled trial of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of the lower extremities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thorax, 57(2), 1045-1049 ↩︎

MRK-BLOG-021

Patients with pulmonary dysfunction, those who are acutely ill, or those who have been hospitalized for extended periods often face the risk of deconditioning or developing muscle weakness. Even healthy individuals can become deconditioned and frail if they decrease their activity level. While the negative impacts of short-term inactivity can typically be reversed in younger people, it is much more difficult for older adults. Frailty and pre-frailty are significant predictors of nursing home placement among community-dwelling older adults. That’s why it’s crucial for rehab professionals to continue emphasizing activity and engagement in therapy. Learn how you can leverage tools like ACP’s e-stim, cycling, virtual reality (VR), and balance trainers to maximize clinical outcomes.

Swallowing Post-Stroke

Rebuilding Swallow Ability Post-Stroke

After experiencing a stroke that resulted in hospitalization, this 65-year-old patient was admitted to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services. His swallow initiation was inconsistent, and he had difficulty managing his secretions, ultimately being diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). He enjoyed a regular diet before his stroke, but because he could not take any food or liquid by mouth, a feeding tube was placed. 

Therapy Protocol

Speech Therapy

  • 5x/week x 3 weeks

Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® with OmnisEMG Biofeedback 

  • Typical swallows with ice chips for swallow initiation using Trace Display and Bow and Arrow virtual reality (VR) representation of muscle movement 
  • Effortful swallows with nectar thick consistency and progressive challenge with increased viscosity and volume to improve swallow strength using Bar Graph VR representation 

Additional Interventions

  • Thermal stimulation to facilitate swallow initiation 

Synchrony Portable

Dynamic Balance System

Trace Display

Bow and Arrow

Bar Graph

Swallowing Post-Stroke

This patient is thrilled with the outcome of his therapy. He had this to share about his treatment using Synchrony: 

Thank you for everything you did! I can’t wait to get home and eat food again.

Patient

Improve Swallowing with Advanced Biofeedback

Ready to revolutionize your approach to dysphagia therapy? Discover how Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® can transform patient outcomes with its innovative combination of sEMG and VR technology.

Learn More

MRK-BLOG-020

After experiencing a stroke that led to hospitalization, this 65-year-old patient was admitted to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services. His swallow initiation was inconsistent, and he had difficulty managing his secretions. As a result, he was diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and a feeding tube was placed. Learn how his speech therapy team utilized Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® to improve his swallow coordination and help him return to an oral diet.

2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Industry Outlook

2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Industry Outlook 

The highlights:

  • A 4.2% increase in Medicare Part A payments to SNFs for FY 2025 provides essential financial support amid rising operational costs.
  • CMS is taking steps to reform prior authorizations in response to growing concerns over Medicare Advantage denials.
  • Occupancy rates are recovering and projected to return to pre-pandemic levels, while staffing shortages remain a major concern.
  • Technology will continue to play an increasingly significant role in driving operational efficiencies.

The skilled nursing facility (SNF) landscape continues to evolve in 2025, shaped by regulatory changes and challenges, rising demand, continued workforce shortages, and technological advancements. As the industry adapts to post-pandemic realities, several key trends are emerging that will impact patients and providers in 2025.

Medicare Rate Increases

In a welcomed development for SNF operators, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a 4.2% increase in Medicare Part A payments to SNFs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This adjustment provides much-needed financial support for facilities facing rising operational costs.  

Medicare Advantage Denials Draw Scrutiny

The U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations published a report last year on the growing denial rate for post-acute care for Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries. Their investigation found that the largest MA insurers are disproportionately leveraging the prior authorization process to deny stays in post-acute care facilities. In an effort to improve access, CMS has taken steps to reform prior authorizations and hold MA and Part D plans more accountable for delivering high-quality coverage.  

SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program Focuses on Hospital Readmissions

Through the SNF Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program, CMS awards SNFs incentive payments for improved quality of care. For FY 2025, performance in the SNF VBP Program is centered around a single measure of all-cause hospital readmissions. Facilities that excel in preventing readmissions will be well-positioned to maximize their incentive payments in 2025. By leveraging ACP’s evidence-based clinical programming and advanced rehab technologies, SNFs can identify at-risk patients earlier, implement targeted interventions, and reduce readmission rates.  

Occupancy Trends Up

The industry is seeing encouraging signs of recovery in occupancy rates. According to recent data from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), senior housing, assisted living, and independent living occupancy rates reached 86.5% in Q4 2024 and are projected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year. This growth and a decline in operational bed inventory suggest a strengthening demand for SNF services. 

Workforce Challenges Continue

Staffing challenges remain a concern for many SNFs in 2025 and beyond. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) predicts a deficit of nearly 80,000 full-time RNs in 2025, a concerning shortage that could continue into 2037. With increased demand for post-acute care, the industry must embrace creative staffing solutions and care delivery models to bridge this gap. Through robust training programs and ongoing clinical support, ACP helps facilities maximize their workforce capabilities. By equipping staff with the latest techniques, ACP enables SNFs to maintain high care standards despite staffing constraints.  

Leveraging Technology to Drive Efficiency

In 2025, providers will continue to turn to technology to help solve some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. As SNFs seek solutions to enhance operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and maintain high-quality care, platforms like ACPlus will lead the way. By interconnecting patients, devices, and EHR systems, ACPlus can streamline clinical workflows and drive better outcomes. Through the app, clinicians can conduct objective assessments to inform care planning. Our latest module within the app, ACPlus Respiratory Assessment (ARA), transforms respiratory care by helping SNFs identify patients with pulmonary dysfunction and generating treatment recommendations – demonstrating how sophisticated technology can both improve patient outcomes and drive efficiencies. 

Get Ahead with ACP

ACP provides the innovative technology, clinical expertise, and ongoing support SNFs need to thrive in today’s challenging environment. Discover the advantages of partnering with ACP.

LEARN MORE

MRK-BLOG-018

The skilled nursing facility landscape continues to evolve in 2025, shaped by regulatory changes and challenges, rising demand, continued workforce shortages, and technological advancements. As the industry adapts to post-pandemic realities, several key trends are emerging that will impact patients and providers in 2025.

Moving Beyond Aerobics: The Benefits of Cycling in Rehabilitation

Moving Beyond Aerobics: The Benefits of Cycling in Rehabilitation  

While it’s been proven that cycling is an effective rehab tool for building aerobic capacity and improving strength1, its benefits extend far beyond—from improving gait and core stability to boosting mental health and cognitive function. Keep reading to learn why cycling is a key component of many of our evidence-based clinical programs and how to incorporate it into your rehab program to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. 

1. Preparing for Gait Training  

Cycling is an excellent pre-gait activity that helps patients improve their motor control and reciprocal patterning for leg movement and arm swing. It also helps improve gait characteristics like limb symmetry, step length, speed, and distance. Cycling can also reduce patients’ risk and fear of falling, setting them up for more successful gait training.  

2. Improving Task Performance Ahead of ADL Training  

Cycling can significantly improve task performance by enhancing muscle activation and timing, which is crucial for self-care activities. For patients with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cycling can help reduce upper extremity tremors and improve movement and balance.  

3. Boosting Core Strength & Power 

Cycling effectively engages core stability muscles, including the abdominals, back muscles, pelvic floor, and diaphragm. By activating spinal stabilizers, it can promote upright posture and balance, which are essential for daily activities and reducing fall risk.  

4. Reducing Pain & Physiological Stress 

Cycling aids autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation and can be a helpful pain management tool for patients experiencing hip and knee pain. It can also significantly decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure.  

5. Decreasing Anxiety & Elevating Mood 

Cycling can have a profound impact on mental health and cognitive function. It decreases anxiety and increases happiness by boosting endorphins, which help elevate mood and sleep quality. By increasing blood flow to the brain, it can also improve cognitive function, including coordination, planning, and memory.   

6. Reducing Abnormal Muscle Tone & Stiffness 

Active and motorized active-assisted rhythmical cycling facilitates the body’s relaxation response, which can decrease abnormal muscle tone and improve patients’ range and quality of movement.  

Supercharge Outcomes with Biofeedback & Virtual Reality

Moving Beyond Aerobics: The Benefits of Cycling in Rehabilitation  

The OmniCycle Connect can improve patient outcomes by using biofeedback to help patients execute upper and lower cycling exercises. Paired with OmniTour, our immersive virtual cycling technology, patients stay engaged and motivated, ensuring they get the most out of each training session.

Explore OmniCycle Connect

Transform therapeutic exercise with the OmniCycle Connect Active-Assist Cycle by Accelerated Care Plus.

LEARN MORE

  1. Kardan, M., Akter, T., Iqbal, M., Tcymbal, A., Messing, S., Gelius, P., & Abu-Omar, K. (2023). Cycling in older adults: A scoping review. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 5, 1157503. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1157503 ↩︎

MRK-BLOG-016

While it’s been proven that cycling is an effective rehab tool for building aerobic capacity and improving strength, its benefits extend far beyond—from improving gait and core stability to boosting mental health and cognitive function. Keep reading to learn why cycling is a key component of many of our evidence-based clinical programs and how to incorporate it into your rehab program to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

ACP Clinical Education 2024

2024 ACP Clinical Education Recap: Advancing Clinical Excellence for Better Patient Outcomes

Education is the foundation of exceptional patient care, and ACP is proud to provide outstanding clinical education that helps our partners grow their skills and deliver superior patient outcomes. To close out 2024, we wanted to reflect on the clinical education milestones we reached this year, including exciting new additions to our clinical education offerings.   

As clinicians and educators, our goal is to provide our partners with the clinical education they need to make informed, evidence-based decisions. I am proud of the work we have done this year to provide even greater value to our partners, and ultimately, their patients.

John Tawfik, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA, Director of Clinical Services

In 2024, we continued to provide comprehensive educational opportunities, hosting 2,458 live course sessions that engaged 15,516 learners. Our online learning platform saw unprecedented participation, with 19,053 online courses completed and over 21,000 active learners on ACP University. Our National Webinar Series (NWS) remained a cornerstone of our offerings, with 105 courses conducted and 1,999 clinicians awarded CE hours.  

This year, we expanded our continuing education program, underscoring our ongoing commitment to growing interdisciplinary education. We launched 17 new Nursing CE courses, with 305 course completions. We also introduced five new Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) CE courses, with 350 course completions. We also expanded our educational portfolio by introducing two new PT/OT courses and two new ASHA-approved courses for SLPs. 

One of our most significant achievements in 2024 was the launch of ACP Certifications, which allow clinicians and facilities to become certified in ACP’s evidence-based Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Continence Improvement, Pain Management, Wound Management, and Fall Prevention clinical programs. Since launching in May, we are proud to share that 50+ clinicians have become ACP Certified, demonstrating advanced expertise in these practice areas.  

We are deeply grateful for our incredible community of learners, educators, and partners. Your trust, engagement, and commitment to continuous learning have been the driving force behind these achievements. As we look forward to the coming year, we remain dedicated to supporting our partners in pursuing clinical excellence and improved patient outcomes. 

Unlock Value with ACP University

To take advantage of all ACP University offers, please contact your Clinical Program Consultant (CPC) or email us at [email protected] for your facility-specific learner link.

Browse our courses

Education is the foundation of exceptional patient care, and ACP is proud to provide outstanding clinical education that helps our partners grow their skills and deliver superior patient outcomes. To close out 2024, we wanted to reflect on the clinical education milestones we reached this year, including exciting new additions to our clinical education offerings. 

Clinician treating patient's hand with OmniSWD Shortwave Diathermy.

Shortwave Diathermy: A Drug-Free Approach to Pain Management

The highlights:

  • Shortwave Diathermy (SWD) is a therapeutic treatment that uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat within body tissues, providing non-invasive, drug-free pain relief. 
  • SWD can effectively manage several types of pain, including joint, post-operative, post-traumatic, and chronic pain. It also increases local blood flow, relieves muscle spasms, decreases joint stiffness, and helps treat chronic inflammatory conditions. 
  • ACP’s OmniSWD system offers built-in clinical protocols, making it easier for clinicians to use. It achieves therapeutic thermal doses with 25% greater efficiency, saving time and improving patient outcomes. 

Pain impacts more than 30% of long-term care residents. In addition to reducing quality of life, pain can limit patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), restrict their ability to socialize, and lead to depression.1 Effectively managing pain is essential to helping patients maintain a high quality of life, improve mobility, and promote healing. Innovative technologies like shortwave diathermy (SWD) can be a valuable tool for clinicians seeking to deliver effective, non-invasive, and drug-free pain relief. In this post, we’ll explore what shortwave diathermy is, how it works, and how it can be a valuable pain management tool. 

What is Shortwave Diathermy?

SWD is a therapeutic treatment modality that uses high frequency pulsed electromagnetic waves to generate therapeutic heat within the body tissue. SWD can be applied for subthermal or thermal effects, penetrating deeply enough to reach muscles, joints, and soft tissues without overheating the skin. In addition to providing an analgesic effect, the heat also increases local blood flow, providing a safe and effective means of addressing pain and inflammation stemming from common conditions like contractures, slow-healing wounds, joint stiffness, and more.

The Benefits of Shortwave Diathermy in Pain Management

SWD offers several indications for common types of pain, including:

  • Joint2
  • Post-operative3
  • Post-traumatic4
  • Chronic5

In addition to providing effective pain relief, SWD can:

  • Increase local blood flow6
  • Relieve muscle spasms7
  • Decrease joint contractures/stiffness8
  • Increase extensibility of collagen tissue9
  • Help treat chronic inflammatory conditions10

OmniSWD®

Shortwave Diathermy System

I am pain-free and walking with a cane. I am looking forward to attending my sister’s baby shower.

Mr. Mickens on his treatment with OmniSWD and OmniCycle

OmniSWD® Shortwave Diathermy System

ACP’s OmniSWD Shortwave Diathermy System simplifies the integration of SWD into patient care by offering built-in clinical protocols for six indications. This feature removes the guesswork from selecting the appropriate therapy, ensuring safe and effective treatment. Additionally, the OmniSWD system enhances efficiency by delivering therapeutic thermal doses with 25% greater effectiveness, saving valuable time for clinicians and improving patient outcomes.

Soothe Pain & Accelerate Recovery with OmniSWD®

Empower your therapists to save time and achieve superior patient outcomes with ACP’s advanced OmniSWD Shortwave Diathermy System.

Learn More

MRK-BLOG-013

  1. Shrestha, S., Cummings, G., Knopp-Sihota, J., et al. (2024). Factors influencing health-related quality of life among long-term care residents experiencing pain: A systematic review protocol. Systematic Reviews, 13(49). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-024-02459-7 ↩︎
  2. Van Nguyen, J., & Marks, R. (2002). Pulsed electromagnetic fields for treating osteo-arthritis. Physiotherapy, 88(8), 458-470. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9406(05)60848-6 ↩︎
  3. Santiesteban A. J., & Grant, C. (1985). Post-surgical effect of pulsed shortwave therapy. Journal of the American Podiatry Association, 75(6), 306-309. https://doi.org/10.7547/87507315-75-6-306 ↩︎
  4. Draper, D. O., Abergel, R. P., Castel, J. C., & Schlaak, C. (2000). Pulsed short-wave diathermy restricts swelling and bruising of liposuction patients. American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, 17(1), 17-20. https://doi.org/10.1177/074880680001700105 ↩︎
  5. Fukuda, T., da Cunha, R., Fukuda, V. O., Rienzo, F. A., Cazarini, C. Jr., Carvalho, Nde A., & Centini, A. A. (2011). Pulsed shortwave treatment in women with knee osteoarthritis: A multicenter, randomized, placebo- controlled clinical trial. Physical Therapy, 91(7), 1009-1017. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20100306 ↩︎
  6. Karasuno, H., Morozumi, K., Fujiwara, T., Goh, A. C., Yamamoto, I., & Senga, F. (2005). Changes in intramuscular blood volume induced by continuous shortwave diathermy. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 17(2), 71-79. ↩︎
  7. McCray, R. E., & Patton, N. J. (1984). Pain relief at trigger points: A comparison of moist heat and shortwave diathermy. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 5(4), 175-178. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.1984.5.4.175 ↩︎
  8. Leung, M. F. S., & Cheing, G. L. Y. (2008). Effects of deep and superficial heating in the management of frozen shoulder. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 40(2), 145-50. https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-0146 ↩︎
  9. Peres, S. E., Draper, D. O., Knight, K. L., & Ricard, M. D. (2002). Pulsed shortwave diathermy and prolonged long-duration stretching increase dorsiflexion range of motion more than identical stretching without diathermy. Journal of Athletic Training, 37(1), 43-50. ↩︎
  10. Szlosek, P. A., Taggart, J., Cavallario, J. M., & Hoch, J. M. (2014). Effectiveness of diathermy in comparison with ultrasound or corticosteroids in patients with tendinopathy: A critically appraised topic. Journal of Sports Rehabilitation, 23(4), 370-375. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2013-0063 ↩︎

Pain impacts more than 30% of long-term care residents. In addition to reducing quality of life, pain can limit patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), restrict their ability to socialize, and lead to depression.1 Effectively managing pain is essential to helping patients maintain a high quality of life, improve mobility, and promote healing. Innovative technologies like shortwave diathermy (SWD) can be a valuable tool for clinicians seeking to deliver effective, non-invasive, and drug-free pain relief. In this post, we’re exploring what shortwave diathermy is, how it works, and how it can be a valuable pain management tool.