CONDITIONS
|
Physical Therapy Stories and Local Doctors
| CURRENT STORIES |
YOUR LOCAL Physical Therapy DOCTOR |
Reducing Stress Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Problems
A Review in The Lancet reveals the importance of healthy lifestyle choices to reduce stressors related to cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers from John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore examined records between 1990 to 2006. They observed how stress affects the sympathetic nervous system, impacts physiology, and the effect it has on the cardiovascular system. Lead author, Daniel Brotman, claims "Acute physical stressors such as sugery, trauma, and intense physical exertion are well known triggers of cardiovascular events. Emotional stressors are increasingly recognized as precipitants of such events." (Read more about Reducing Stress Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Problems)
Related Links:
|
Power Plate Technology Can Aid Physical Therapy
For physical therapists who treat patients suffering from back pain and weakened core muscles, the Power Plate is a beneficial piece of technology. The machine vibrates to stimulate reflexive muscle contractions 25-50 times per second. The Power Plate increases blood circulation to core spinal and abdominal muscles that have weakened over time due to sedentary lifestyle habits.
For people who are lacking in their level of fitness, the Power Plate is designed to ease the difficult transition from an inactive to an healthy lifestyle. While it remains unclear whether this vibration technology can replace other forms of exercise, some physicians believe it can greatly complement any exercise or physical therapy regimen. (Read more about Power Plate Technology Can Aid Physical Therapy)
Related Links:
|
For Arthritis, Prevention is Better than the Cure
A new study, published in the Journal Arthritis Research and Therapy, has shown exercise beneficial in reducing or preventing the pain of osteoarthritis.
This study followed two groups of women, both of whom were previously free of joint pain, one aged 48-55 years, one aged 72-79 years. Questioners determined the amount of physical activity and timing of the onset of symptoms which suggested osteoarthritis, like stiff or painful joints. The physical activity was categorized as none, low (1h hour and 15 minutes of activity), moderate (21/2 hours weekly), and high, (over 21/2 hours weekly). (Read more about For Arthritis, Prevention is Better than the Cure)
Related Links:
|
Spine Force Machine for Herniated Discs
The Spine Force machine is the only device capable of stimulating the deep muscles of the spine.
A groundbreaking device called the Spine Force has the potential to transform how we care for the muscles and structures in the lower back. LPG
Systems is a France based company that has developed this machine to stimulate the deep connective tissue within the spine that can break down with sedentary lifestyle habits. With the advent of the Spine Force, health practitioners who specialize in treating spinal diseases and disorders may now have a resource to ensure that patients don't have recurring spinal problems. (Read more about Spine Force Machine for Herniated Discs)
Related Links:
|
ACL Injuries with NFL Players | Orthopedics
If you're at all a sports fan, or an athlete yourself, you've probably heard of the anterior cruciate ligament.
It's commonly injured.
Now a new study shows what happens to NFL players who are sidelined by their acl's, and it's not good news for players or fans and the owners.
Now, a ligament is a strong piece of connective tissue that connects bone to bone across a joint. The anterior cruciate ligament crosses with the posterior cruciate ligament in the center of the knee.
They control the backward and forward motion of the knee. The ACL in particular restrains excessive forward motion of the knee as well as the inward twisting or rotation of the knee.
In fact, the ACL is frequently injured in severe twisting injuries of the knee or with a sudden stop.
This new research in the American Journal of Sports Medicine looking specifically at ACL injuries in NFL players found those who suffer one of these injuries will likely never be the same player again.
Essentially, total yards and touchdowns were markedly diminished when they returned after surgery. (Read more about ACL Injuries with NFL Players | Orthopedics)
Related Links:
|
Slipped Disc
One of the most common injuries to the spine is slipped or a herniated disk. This condition may be extremely painful and may damage surrounding muscle and nerve systems. (Read more about Slipped Disc)
Related Links:
|
Sports Injuries and Children
Summer is now here, and it’s an opportunity for kids who are involved in one, two, maybe three sports to get a bit of rest. But a lot of kids go year round in their athletics now; it’s one reason for the rise in sports injuries in kids.
More than three and a half million kids under the age of 14 receive medical care for sports injuries each year.
But overuse injuries are responsible for nearly half of all sports injuries in middle and high school students. And experts are saying the problem is getting out of hand.
Jessica Godfrey of the eagles soccer team was forcibly grounded because of an injury earlier this season. “I was trying to get the ball and this really big girl hit my foot and it hurt really bad,” says Jessica. (Read more about Sports Injuries and Children)
Related Links:
|
Hip Fracture
1 in 4 people will ultimately die from complications caused by a hip fracture. Each year in the United States, there are 350,000 hip fractures. (Read more about Hip Fracture)
Related Links:
|
OCCUPATIONAL INJURY STUDY
Have you ever been hurt or gotten sick on the job to the extent it’s sidelined you for a significant period of time? You’re not alone, and in fact, the problem of occupational injury or illness is underestimated according to a new study.
Occupational injury or illness is a huge health problem in society. Most of us spend at least a third of our day at work, and even with worksite safety measures, accidents happen and illnesses are caused by the work environment. Now experts are saying that the problem is much bigger than we have thought. (Read more about OCCUPATIONAL INJURY STUDY)
Related Links:
|
Sprains & Strains
A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is a thick, tough fibrous tissue that connects bones together. Commonly injured ligaments are in the ankle, knee and wrist. (Read more about Sprains & Strains)
Related Links:
|
|
|