Special Concerns of Adrenal Steroid Use in Rehabilitation Patients

Special Concerns of Adrenal Steroid Use in Rehabilitation Patients 

Decision/Solution. The therapist was especially careful to use low-intensity, prolonged-duration stretching forces when trying to resolve the knee flexion contractures. Gentle stretching, massage, and other manual techniques were continued until full active and passive knee extension was achieved. 

The two principal groups of adrenal steroids are the glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. These hormones are synthesized from cholesterol within cells of the adrenal cortex. The primary glucocorticoid produced in humans is cortisol (hydrocortisone), and the primary mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. Glucocorticoids exert a number of effects such as regulation of glucose metabolism, attenuation of the inflammatory response, and suppression of the immune system. Mineralocorticoids are involved primarily in the control of fluid and electrolyte balance. 

Pharmacologically, natural and synthetic adrenal steroids are often used as replacement therapy to 

Adcock IM, Ito K, Barnes PJ. Glucocorticoids effects on gene transcription. ProcAm Thorac Soc. 2004 1 247-254. 

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