The Pulse

Two recent studies show that ACP’s proprietary PENS waveform technology is effective in treating patellofemoral pain (PFP) and improving muscle function during movement.

Approximately 6.5 million adults in the United States have heart failure. Heart failure (previously referred to as chronic heart failure or CHF) occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body to meet the requirements of other organs and muscles. This results in a wide variety of symptoms and functional impairments which may result in hospitalization, re-hospitalization, and death. In 2017, heart failure contributed to 1 in 8 deaths. (CDC, 2020)

What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, reading, home improvements and making my famous spicy salsa. 

How long have you been with ACP? 
1 year
 
What is your career background? 
I spent close to 20 years in the apparel industry handling compliance, monitoring and consulting. 

What inspired you to work with ACP? 
I was inspired to move to an industry and company that helps patient get better.

Over the past several years, the body of evidence on the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in rehabilitation has significantly expanded. VR has been studied for a variety of diagnoses including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, burns, pain, and total knee arthroplasty. VR helps enhance patient involvement and motivation while increasing the repetitions and duration of exercise. Benefits addressing ADL performance, balance, gait, pain, and cognition have been reported.

Patient Information: Male, Age 72

Diagnosis: Muscle Weakness / General Debility

History: This gentleman had a fall and was hospitalized due to a femur fracture. He experienced multiple medical complications and surgeries and was admitted to a skilled nursing facility. He was transferred to this skilled nursing facility for long-term care two and half months after his fall and was referred to therapy due to weakness, balance deficits, inability to walk and inability to perform self-care. Prior to his fall he lived at home and was independent with all mobility and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Patient Information: Male, Age 75

Diagnosis: Peripheral Vascular Disease / Falls / Muscle Weakness

History: This gentleman was referred to a skilled nursing facility with severe debility after
hospitalization due to a fall at home. Following the fall, he laid on the floor for two days before
being discovered by his home health nurse. At the time of hospital admission, he suffered
from acute renal failure, altered mental status, and infected wounds on both legs. Prior to the
fall, this gentleman lived alone, walked with a straight cane, and was independent with all
self-care, household and community activities.

What do you do in your free time?
Free time? What is this ‘free time? We have horses, we kayak, cross country ski, and volunteer at our community water system.

How long have you been with ACP? 
1.5 years
 
What is your career background? 
I’ve been in various manufacturing entities for several decades as an Operations Manager, Quality Manager, Project Manager, Engineer, and Production Manager. I have 3 college degrees and 3 professional certificates. I’ve worked domestically and internationally as a geologist and geophysical technician and spent time in state and federal governments.

What inspired you to work with ACP? 
I was mainly inspired to move on from where I was working and I am grateful to be a part of the kindest organization I’ve ever encountered.

Hypertonia is a common impairment associated with a wide range of neurological conditions and can significantly impair function and lead to joint pathologies. The use of biophysical agents including patterned electrical neuromuscular stimulation (PENS), TENS-LVPC motor stimulation to acupoints, and subthermal ultrasound over GTOs may assist in tone reduction (ACP, 2019). Research supports the use of electrical stimulation as an adjunctive tool in the treatment of hypertonicity which may facilitate improved range of motion and mobility.

Patient Information: Male, Age 73

Diagnosis: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation.

History: This gentleman was referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services to address significant weakness and functional decline after an exacerbation of COPD.