In a recent episode of the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Podcast, Jason Waz, the CEO of NeuPTtech, shared insights into how HRV is transforming the field of physical therapy.
HRV is still a relatively underutilized tool in the realm of physical therapy. Yet, it has the potential to significantly impact patient care and well-being. For instance, many physical therapists are already using or considering diagnostic tools like MSKUS and nerve conduction testing. HRV is actually a perfect compliment to these assessments and can be used on every patient who walks through the door to look at the overall health of their autonomic nervous system - plus, it can be done at 10% the cost of these other tools.
As discussed on the recent HRV Podcast, this diagnostic tool is quickly becoming an essential component of physical therapy, helping clinicians maintain a patient's autonomic nervous system balance and improve their overall health.
>> Listen to the podcast:
Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. It encompasses both the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems, and maintaining the right balance between them is essential for overall health.
Just as athletes must prevent overtraining to make progress in their sport, patients undergoing physical therapy also need to avoid pushing their bodies beyond their limits. However, these limits vary from person to person, making it challenging for therapists to gauge their patients' responses accurately.
HRV as a Physical Therapy Diagnostic Tool
HRV, when measured using medical-grade devices, offers a clear and accurate view of the autonomic nervous system's status. It allows physical therapists to monitor their patients' nervous system, helping to prevent overtraining and enhance overall health. Jason Waz, an experienced physical therapist himself, describes HRV to other PTs as an integral part of evidence-based practice.
Competitive Edge Performance’s Case Study with HRV
To understand the practical applications of HRV in physical therapy, Competitive Edge Performance (CEP), Jason's PT clinic, decided to incorporate HRV monitoring into their practice and conduct their studies.
And the results were astounding.
HRV scores consistently improved with specific clinical interventions, primarily with Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy and the Master Reset Program using the NEUBIE device. Interestingly, after intensive workouts, patients initially experienced reduced HRV scores. However, over the following days, their scores improved, emphasizing the role of HRV in tracking and optimizing recovery.
Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Your Physical Therapy Clinic
With NeuPTtech’s training programs, Jason and his team have collaborated with private practice owners and physical therapists to help them create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using HRV monitoring. These procedures aim to educate patients on the NEUBIE device and HRV. During the initial assessment at CEP, a baseline HRV score is established for each patient.
While most patients initially seek PT for injuries, the CEP team recognizes that to attain optimal health, one must consider the autonomic nervous system. Clinicians at CEP and other clinics working with NeuPTtech have used HRV to identify and treat underlying health conditions such as sleep issues, stress and even lingering symptoms of long COVID.
HRV and Long COVID
Long COVID is a condition that affects individuals even after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19. HRV monitoring has shown promise in helping patients manage long COVID symptoms. Jason notes that many PT clinics are getting more patients coming in with long COVID.
The NEUBIE device, along with other techniques such as mindful breathing, have been effective in improving HRV scores and aiding in the recovery process. This innovative approach not only addresses the physical symptoms of long COVID but also tackles the underlying autonomic nervous system imbalances associated with the condition.
NeuPTtech Leading the Way in HRV Monitoring
In the world of physical therapy, HRV is emerging as a game-changer. Jason Waz and team at NeuPTtech are at the forefront of integrating HRV monitoring into PT practices, with remarkable results.
HRV provides physical therapists with a cost-effective tool to assess and optimize the autonomic nervous system, enabling more personalized care and improved patient outcomes. As the field continues to evolve, HRV monitoring is set to become an indispensable part of the physical therapist's toolkit, improving patient health and well-being.
Shop the NeuPTtech’s HRV system here and to learn more about it can help your practice.
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