Natasha Finch – General Dentistry Forestbrook

What You Need to Know About Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom Remodeling Jacksonville involves renovating or changing your bathroom’s layout, fixtures, flooring, and paint. It is also important to bring plumbing and electrical up to code.

A renovation can include anything from repainting and swapping out the vanity to installing a new tub and shower. A full remodel is more intensive, involving demolition and construction.

The bathroom layout is the most important aspect to consider when renovating a bathroom. It dictates the position of all fixtures and accessories and how much space you will have to move around the room. There are various layout options available to suit different needs and budgets. Choosing the right one will help you create a beautiful and functional space that will leave you with an “ahh” moment every time you step into your bathroom.

The layout is determined by the space you have, the plumbing hookups, and the existing floor and wall layouts. If you are installing a new floor it may be easier to relocate the plumbing rather than work around it. However, moving pipes can be costly and will add to the overall cost of your project. If you are able to stay with the original layout of your plumbing and rework it instead then that is probably the best option for most people.

Whether you are looking to create a sleek modern or elegant traditional space the bathroom layout will define your space and influence the design choices you will make. The space you have to work with and your budget will be the main influencing factors but don’t let that stop you from being creative.

This example of a simple and effective bathroom layout shows how geometric shapes can set the tone for a space. The layout utilises the length of the room with rectangular fixtures that are all placed in a recessed area. A large bathtub is situated at one end while a compact WC sits on the other. The middle of the space is used for a double basin with opulent mirrors that reflect light to create a sense of space and amplify the natural light from the window.

The layout of this luxurious space is ideal for those with a larger space to work with. The central space is dominated by a circular tub that is surrounded on the side with a symmetrical linear arrangement of 2 washbasins and a toilet. The back of the room sees a dedicated showering area and another WC separated by glass panels that function to mark out distinct areas. This is a great way to use glass to separate spaces while still allowing for a clear flow of movement in a room.

Bathroom Design

Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, from small powder rooms to spacious master suites. However, no matter the size or style of a space, there are certain design elements that every remodel requires.

Before starting the remodel process, it’s important to understand your design goals for the new space. This includes determining your budget and the scope of work, as well as defining a style for the room.

To create a space that reflects your personal style, look to current trends in bathroom design for inspiration. For example, contemporary design is characterized by fluid forms and innovative materials, while farmhouse style uses natural materials like wood or stone to create a warm, inviting feel.

Another consideration is how the bathroom will function in the future, particularly if you plan to remain in your home as you age (known in the industry as aging in place). Make sure to consider how your lifestyle may change and incorporate features that will allow you to live comfortably at any stage of life, such as easy-to-open handles on cabinets and tubs or non-slip flooring.

While your budget will be a key factor in deciding what to include or exclude, don’t be afraid to think big. A well-planned bathroom remodel can add substantial value to your home. To ensure that you’re not overspending, it’s important to research the resale values of similar homes in your area and speak with professionals about any changes that could increase or decrease your home’s value.

Plumbing is one of the most costly aspects of a bathroom remodel, so if possible, try to stick with the existing layout. Relocating or moving pipes can significantly increase costs and may even cause plumbing problems down the line. If a major change to the layout is necessary, be sure to consult with a professional about potential plumbing complications that can arise during the remodeling process.

Using software like Cedreo can help you plan your remodeling project and stay within your budget. With advanced 3D visualizations, you can easily see how different designs will look before any construction begins. The software also includes a comprehensive library of materials and fixtures to help you find the perfect products for your remodel. You can even use the tool to get cost estimates for your project and compare prices between options.

Bathroom Fixtures

The fixtures of a bathroom make it unique and reflect the homeowners’ personal style. Modern fixtures offer sleek lines, while vintage and traditional options add classic appeal to any bathroom. The type of lighting and the style of door also influence a room’s ambiance. A well-lit space creates a relaxing spa-like experience, while brighter light helps invigorate morning routines.

Whether it’s a freestanding tub, rain showerhead, pedestal sink or touchless faucet, these accessories offer the ability to transform the bathroom into a beautiful retreat. A popular trend in hardware and fixtures is matte black finishes, which create a clean, contemporary look. Also, many people are opting for hand-held showerheads that provide a more luxurious and relaxing experience. Other popular trends include glass vessel sinks, wall-mounted toilets for a sleek design and touchless faucets that are more hygienic.

While a bathroom’s functionality is top of mind, it should also be a place to relax and indulge. Upgrades such as a towel warmer, smart showerhead or unique storage solutions are a great way to add a designer touch without breaking the bank.

Bathrooms consume a significant amount of energy through daily grooming, long showers, lighting demands and plugged-in devices. Installing new energy-efficient appliances can save money while cutting down on environmental impact.

Hardware and fixtures should be proportionate to the size of a room. Oversized pieces can overwhelm small bathrooms, while diminutive options may be lost in a larger space. They should also be aligned with the overall design theme, whether that is contemporary, transitional or traditional.

Aside from the style, materials and colors of bathroom hardware and fixtures can affect the cost. For example, a more expensive type of material or finish might increase labor and installation costs. Geography, permitting requirements and unforeseen repairs are other common factors that can increase the overall cost of a bathroom remodel.

A bathroom remodeling project can be a major investment, so it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced contractor. Commonwealth Contractors offers a transparent process, providing a detailed proposal and estimate that is accurate. They only use high-quality products and materials, ensuring that their clients’ investment is protected.

Bathroom Accessories

Bathroom accessories can help define your space’s design. From towel racks that seamlessly blend with your fixtures to sleek bathroom soap dispensers, the right items can elevate your space and offer lasting practicality. Consider factors like functionality, material durability and budget when selecting bathroom accessories. Multifunctional pieces, like a wall-mounted soap dispenser and toothbrush holder, can free up space on your counter and make cleaning easier. Over-the-door storage for towels, robes and bath products is another smart choice in tight spaces.

Coordinating bathroom accessories creates a cohesive, polished look that enhances both function and style. When choosing bathroom accessories, keep in mind the finishes and styles of your other fixture selections. Using similar metals, such as chrome, nickel and brass, across your hardware, lighting, faucets and accessories ensures that everything flows smoothly.

The materials and textures of your bathroom accessories can also contribute to the overall aesthetic. Durable, weather-resistant materials, like stainless steel, tempered glass and high-quality ceramics are designed to last, especially in humid environments. The finish is equally important, as it’s the first thing to wear away over time, so choose a durable coating that resists scratching and stains.

When selecting bathroom accessories, it’s also important to consider the color. Light tones, reflective surfaces and transparent materials allow natural light to flow freely throughout the room, enhancing the bathroom’s overall brightness and openness. Dark-colored accessories, on the other hand, can absorb light and create a moody feel.

If you’re designing a modern or contemporary bathroom, the use of neutral tones and minimalist designs provides a clean, crisp aesthetic. For a more rustic or traditional vibe, warm colors, rich woods and textured surfaces add visual interest. The use of accent furniture, like stools and tables, helps to add balance and dimension to your bathroom.

Physical Therapy Follow-Up

April 10, 2024August 22, 2024 Natasha Finch Physical Therapy corrective exercises, injury prevention, mobility training, physical therapy, reset alignment

If you have an injury or chronic condition that impacts your movement and ability to function, a physical therapist can help.

Physical therapy often gives at-home exercises that you should perform regularly to help improve your strength, mobility, and balance.

Physiotherapists also use treatments based on physical stimuli, such as heat, cold, electrical currents, and ultrasound.

As physical therapists, our first encounter with a patient is an evaluation. This is where the foundation of a successful journey begins. This initial evaluation session is also a key component of the documentation process that goes into each patient’s medical records. This information is important for patients, future clinicians, and even the patient’s health insurance company to reference later. Therefore, it is critical that a thorough evaluation be performed and documented in the best way possible.

During the evaluation, your physical therapist will ask you questions about your pain or symptoms, how they impact your daily activities, and other important details. The evaluator will then create an objective assessment based on the information you provide them with. This may include performing various functional tests to measure your strength, range of motion, and other relevant measurements that are specific to your injury or illness.

It’s important to be truthful during this process, as a lack of honesty can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. A great PT will understand that it can be difficult to reveal painful or uncomfortable information, and will help you feel comfortable throughout the process.

After the therapist has collected all of the necessary information from the subjective conversation, systems review, and objective data collection, they will write up an explanation of their findings and what they think the diagnosis is for your condition. They will also explain the plan of care (POC) that they have for you.

The evaluator will also schedule your next appointment at this time, typically for one week from the date of the evaluation. They will also explain any home exercise programs or other measures that you may be expected to carry out between your sessions. Many clinics will have their patients complete an intake form before the initial evaluation to help save time and ensure that all of the necessary information has been gathered. Some may choose to administer and track a patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) at this time, although this can be done before or after the evaluation as well. For those who use an EMR software to document their sessions, this will automatically be logged in the patient’s records for them.

Assessment

A physical therapist is trained to assess the body in many ways, including observing movement patterns and muscle tone, comparing range of motion in joints, testing strength, checking balance, and assessing the integrity of the nervous system. Depending on the patient’s condition, the physical therapist may also review diagnostic imaging like X-rays or MRI to get more information about the problem area.

During the evaluation, your physical therapist will ask you questions about your symptoms and when they started. They will also want to know if your pain or symptoms have affected any of your daily activities and how much your life has changed due to them. It’s important to be as detailed as possible during the assessment, because your therapist will use this information to create a customized treatment plan that aligns with your personal goals.

Once the therapist has a full picture of your situation, they’ll begin the hands-on portion of the evaluation. They’ll move your affected area in a variety of positions and ask you to rate how much pressure or movement causes pain. They may also perform other specialized tests, such as joint stability tests or neurological assessments, based on the specific type of injury.

Throughout the entire evaluation, your physical therapist will communicate their findings and explain your diagnosis and treatment plan. They’ll provide you with a timeline for how quickly they think you can start making progress towards your goal. This timeline is also a good opportunity for you to advocate for continued care by highlighting your current improvements and pointing out any remaining impairments that should be addressed.

During the evaluation, your physical therapist might give you a list of things to do at home, such as stretches and exercises to continue improving your injury. These can include self-treatment, like manual therapy techniques to improve mobility and reduce scar tissue buildup, or modalities to reduce inflammation and relax tight muscles. They’ll also talk to you about what your life looks like after your injury and help you come up with goals for the future, like how you hope to achieve more mobility and strength as you recover from your injury.

Treatment

During treatment, your physical therapist will work with you to reduce pain and improve mobility by performing hands-on treatments and teaching you exercises. They may also recommend other types of treatments, such as iontophoresis (using an electrical current to deliver medication, usually a steroid, to inflamed areas), massage therapy, ultrasound and cold therapy.

Physical therapists are highly skilled at understanding how different body systems integrate movement. PTs are often trained to examine more than just the area of pain, such as looking at your hips and ankles if your knee is sore. This is because it is common for a problem in one part of the body to affect other parts of it, too.

Active exercises are a big part of physical therapy. These are movements you perform under your own power, such as walking on a treadmill or doing leg lifts. They help improve mobility, coordination and muscle strength. During your sessions, your therapist will teach you these exercises and help you practice them so that you can do them at home. This is important because the benefits of PT only come from regular exercises done consistently.

Other techniques that therapists use include joint mobilization (gently moving your body parts to relieve pain and loosen tight muscles), soft tissue massage (kneading and stretching to increase flexibility and blood flow) and breathing techniques (such as expiratory muscle force or EVLF). A special type of exercise called resistance training is used to build strength and endurance.

The types of PT you receive will depend on the type of injury or illness that caused your problems and how severe they are. For example, neurological PT can help people with conditions such as spinal cord injuries, brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease by improving mobility, balance and coordination. Cardiovascular and pulmonary PT helps people with heart and lung conditions, including thoracic outlet syndrome, dizziness and vestibular rehabilitation.

Other types of PT include wound care therapy, which is helpful for patients with open wounds to ensure that they get enough oxygen and nutrients to heal. And women’s health PT addresses issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction and prenatal and postpartum care.

Follow-Up

At the follow-up appointment, your physical therapist will review any new medical records or tests you have received since your previous visit. The therapist will also perform a physical exam and interview you to determine how well your recovery is progressing. Typically, physical therapy follow-up sessions last 30 minutes, but may take longer depending on the nature of your injury or condition.

In addition to discussing your recovery progress, the therapist will review any prescriptions you have been given by other health care providers and make any necessary changes. The therapist will also discuss any ongoing concerns you have with your injury or condition and recommend the best course of action going forward.

Once your recovery is at a point where it is safe to discharge you from physical therapy, the therapist will work with you to set a discharge date. At this time, the therapist will discuss your goals and help you to create an ongoing fitness and wellness plan to ensure that your injury or condition does not recur.

Often, your therapist will also recommend certain changes to your environment or daily activities to help prevent reinjury. This may involve modifying your home or work environment, changing your job duties to reduce repetitive stress, or avoiding certain movements that could increase your risk of pain and inflammation in the area.

The therapist will also provide you with educational materials to support your continued recovery and will answer any questions you have about your care. In addition, your therapist will assist you in scheduling your next PT appointments. This is important, as missing appointments can delay your progress and affect the schedule of other patients. It is best to attend all of your scheduled PT appointments, but if you do need to cancel or reschedule, please contact the clinic with as much notice as possible so that other patients are not affected.

Once you are discharged from physical therapy, it is your responsibility to continue to keep up your progress and continue to be proactive about your health. If you do experience a flare-up, call the SetPT team and we will be happy to help!