Question
What is Lyme disease, and why is it important for physical therapists to understand?
Answer
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged deer ticks. It is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, with approximately 30,000 cases reported to the CDC annually, though estimates suggest up to 476,000 people are treated for Lyme-related conditions each year. Symptoms can vary widely and include flu-like signs, joint pain, and neurological impairments, making the disease challenging to diagnose.
For physical therapists, Lyme disease is significant because it often mimics other musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiac conditions. For example, patients may present with arthritic symptoms, migrating joint pain, or even neurological deficits resembling conditions like multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia. Understanding Lyme disease helps therapists identify red flags, refer patients for appropriate diagnostic testing, and develop tailored rehabilitation strategies for those with confirmed diagnoses, including addressing post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, "Understanding Lyme Disease: A PT's Guide to Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Best Practices," presented by Christopher Voltmer, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS.
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