Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Your Health

Here at Carter Rehabilitation & Aquatic Centers we strive to provide high quality care through tried and trusted practices, and yet we remain open to witnessing the changes in local communities, peoples social activities, and advancements in technology. We strive to ensure a welcoming atmosphere to everyone who walks through the door including our geriatric population and youth clients.

Today we would like to highlight a rapidly growing and useful technology, and explain its usefulness in promoting a healthy lifestyle, which may also seem a bit overwhelming to some individuals.

Artificial Intelligence, frequently abbreviated to AI, is a growing industry which utilizes machine learning to develop all kinds of media and information allowing it to operate as an incredible resource for learning and assisting people. Specific to our specialty of physical therapy, personal fitness, and health it can be used to research diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes for many conditions/interventions our clients may come into our office for.

When using this technology, it is critical to continue to utilize the judgments of professional healthcare providers, as the system will explain as it is being used. However, this incredible tool can assist in providing valuable information for promotion of a healthy life.

The following are simple examples of ChatGPT (one of the primary AI programs freely available on the internet) responses to healthcare questions an individual seeking personal training or physical therapy may ask. At Carter Rehabilitation & Aquatic Centers we welcome clients who wish to utilize this technology to discuss with us any questions you may have regarding Physical Therapy related interventions.

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I asked ChatGPT: "Can you write a 5 min workout to reduce my low back pain?"
ChatGPT responds with: Of course! It's important to note that if you're experiencing chronic or severe low back pain, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting any exercise routine. Assuming your pain is mild and not caused by a serious medical condition, here's a gentle 5-minute workout that may help alleviate low back pain. Remember to listen to your body and stop any exercise if you feel increased discomfort.

• Warm-up (1 minute)
• Start with a gentle warm-up to prepare your muscles for the workout:
  • March in Place: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and gently march in place, lifting your knees slightly. Swing your arms naturally as you march for about 30 seconds.
  • Torso Twists: Place your feet hip-width apart and gently twist your torso from side to side, allowing your arms to swing with the movement. Do this for about 30 seconds.

• Workout (3 minutes)
• Perform each of the following exercises for 30 seconds, taking breaks if needed. Focus on maintaining proper form and avoiding any movements that cause pain.
  • Cat-Cow Stretch: Get on your hands and knees in a tabletop position. Inhale as you arch your back and lift your tailbone (cow pose), and then exhale as you round your back and tuck your chin to your chest (cat pose). Repeat this fluid movement.
  • Pelvic Tilts: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Gently flatten your lower back against the floor by tilting your pelvis upward. Hold for a few seconds, then release. This helps activate your core muscles.
  • Bridges: Continue lying on your back. Place your arms by your sides and lift your hips off the floor, creating a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Squeeze your glutes at the top and hold for a moment before lowering your hips back down.
  • Child's Pose: Sit back on your heels with your knees spread wide apart. Extend your arms forward on the floor and lower your torso down, reaching as far as you can comfortably. This stretches the lower back and promotes relaxation.

• Cool Down (1 minute)
• Finish with a gentle cool-down to relax your muscles:
  • Seated Forward Fold: Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you. Gently reach forward with a flat back, aiming to touch your toes or shins. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds.
  • Spinal Twist: Lie on your back and bring your knees up towards your chest. Gently drop both knees to one side while keeping your shoulders on the ground, creating a twisting motion. Hold for about 15 seconds on each side.

Remember, consistency is key. If your low back pain persists or worsens, it's important to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. This workout is designed to be gentle and supportive, but individual responses may vary.

 

I asked ChatGPT: "How long is a recovery from a total knee replacement?"
ChatGPT responds with: The recovery period from a total knee replacement surgery can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as your overall health, the extent of the surgery, and your commitment to rehabilitation. Generally, though, here's a rough timeline of what you might expect during the recovery process:

• Immediate Post-Surgery (Days 1-2):
  • You'll likely stay in the hospital for a couple of days for initial recovery and monitoring.
  • Pain management and mobility exercises will be a priority during this time.
  • Physical therapy may begin shortly after surgery, including gentle exercises to improve blood circulation and prevent blood clots.

• First Few Weeks (Weeks 1-4):
  • You may use crutches, a walker, or a cane to assist with walking during this period.
  • Physical therapy will continue, focusing on regaining knee range of motion, strengthening the surrounding muscles, and improving mobility.
  • Swelling and discomfort are common, and you'll be instructed on how to manage these symptoms.

• Mid-Range Recovery (Weeks 4-12):
  • You may begin to transition from using assistive devices to walking more independently.
  • Physical therapy intensifies, with a focus on increasing strength, balance, and functional mobility.
  • By around week 6, many people are able to perform everyday activities with less assistance.

• Continued Rehabilitation (Months 3-6):
  • You'll continue to work on improving muscle strength, stability, and flexibility.
  • Your physical therapist may introduce more advanced exercises to challenge your knee and help you return to more demanding activities.
  • Many people start engaging in low-impact activities like swimming or stationary biking.

• Full Recovery (6-12+ Months):
  • Your strength and mobility should continue to improve, and you may be able to resume most normal activities.
  • High-impact activities like running and jumping might be introduced under your healthcare provider's guidance.
  • It's important to continue doing exercises to maintain the health of your new knee joint and prevent any setbacks.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and your personal recovery timeline might differ. It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations, attend all scheduled physical therapy sessions, and communicate any concerns or progress to your medical team.

Recovery can be a gradual process, and patience is key. It's also important to remember that individual experiences may vary based on factors such as age, overall health, and any pre-existing conditions. Always consult your surgeon and medical team for personalized information about your recovery from a total knee replacement.