Lyme Disease

    Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides, and reducing tick habitat. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tickborne diseases as well.
    ​
    According to the CDC there are 822 new case of lyme disease per day. Every year there are 300,000 cases of lyme disease in the United States. This equates to roughly one new case every 2 minutes. If you have a rash please stop by our Parcare Community Health Network so our board certified doctors can look and prescribe the best course of treatment.
    Book an Appointment
     
    How to remove a tick

    1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

    2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.

    3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

    4. Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.

    Mobility

    Mobility designates exercises that will increase your range-of-motion and your stabilization, or control of the muscles that surround each joint, Wickham explains. Mobility isn’t the same as flexibility, though it is close.

    Strength

    Strength training or resistance training involves the performance of physical exercises which are designed to improve strength and endurance. It is often associated with the use of weights but can take a variety of different forms.

    Posture

    Good posture refers to the “three natural curves [that] are present in a healthy spine.”.It is also called neutral spine. Looking directly at the front or back of the body, the 33 vertebrae in the spinal column should appear completely vertical.

    Learn More

    Marievic Ebora-Fernando, PT, DPT

    Marty Antonio Fernando, PT, DPT