PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR LYME DISEASE- By: Jeffrey Williams PT, cert. MDT
Lyme disease is present in almost every part of the world. Lyme disease was first reported in the United States in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut, hence the name. It was initially improperly diagnosed as juvenile arthritis until the actual cause was determined. Today over 300,000 people a year are adversely affected by Lyme disease. It is one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the United States. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of a deer tick. Ticks from dogs and wood ticks do not carry Lyme disease. Deer ticks are tiny, usually no bigger than a Poppy seed. The bite transfers a bacteria. The deer tick needs to be attached to you for 36-48 hours in order to have the bacteria enter your body. The bites are usually painless which can make them hard to detect. That is why it is important to do a “body check” anytime after you have been outdoors for any extended time. Early symptoms are usually flu like. Sometimes there are rashes including the classic “bull’s eye rash”. However, this is not definitive as it only occurs in approximately 20-30% of cases. It is not unusual to experience fever, chills, fatigue, body aches or headaches as well. In fact, Lyme disease mimics a great many other illnesses such as flu and even COVID 19. Early detection is crucial to preventing long term effects. With proper diagnosis, physicians can prescribe antibodies to cure the disorder. Unfortunately, many sufferers do not receive the necessary treatment and can develop chronic symptoms. Chronic Lyme disease or Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome can be devastating. Studies have shown that between a third to two-thirds of patients with Chronic Lyme disease have arthritis or arthralgias, neuropathy or myelopathy. It can have an effect on the musculo-skeletal system that resembles arthritis. Multiple joints can be affected at the same time or joint pain can spread to other regions of the body. Patients can also develop neurologic conditions such as Bell’s palsy or numbness in the limbs. Cognitive function can also become impaired. It can take years for symptoms to develop.
HOW DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?
Although much more research needs to be done, it has been shown that specific and targeted exercises have been helpful in overcoming the physical symptoms of Lyme disease. Some research has shown that proper exercise works better than antibiotics in helping to reduce symptoms. It is theorized that this may occur in three possible ways. The first is that exercise increases oxygen levels in tissue. Oxygen in even small increments is known to kill the bacteria. Secondly, exercise increases core temperature which also kills the bacteria. Lastly, exercise in general just boosts the immune system which can help to combat the infection. All of this has to be monitored closely, however, to insure the patient is exercising appropriately. Overdoing it can be harmful at this stage.
Physical Therapy can help to reduce the effects of the symptoms after the antibiotics have eliminated the disease. Exercises can help restore normal function. Therapy can also help in many other ways as well.
Stretching/strengthening exercises: Improve ROM and strength to support weak joints, particularly those attacked by the bacteria and left in an arthritic state. Can also reduce stress on joints during the course of normal daily activities.
Modalities: Equipment such as ultrasound, electric stimulation, moist heat and cryotherapy can be utilized to reduce pain and inflammation.
Manual therapy: Improve mobility, ROM and alignment of joint structures to alleviate pain and restore normal function to the patient.
Physical therapy is not always thought of as help for those with Lyme disease even though it is utilized for other forms of arthritic conditions. Sometimes just setting up an exercise program for home is enough to counter many of the symptoms of this disease. Call a PT at Advanced Rehabilitation today for a consult.