Many of the patients who come to see me with spine (neck or back) problems in particular already had imaging. Most if not all come in saying “I have arthritis” or “I have degenerative or bulging/herniated discs”. Yes, well so do 50-70% of...
Chronic Pain
Arthritis is NOT a BAD word
Almost every single day I interact with a person who “HAS” arthritis. They say it like it is a death sentence. Like they are doomed to pain and the inability to enjoy life. How does one know if they have arthritis? Well, they just feel because their...
Top 3 Reasons to Choose Physical Therapy
There are many out there and maybe some reading who do not know what a physical therapist does or even why one may need to see one. Even those who have been to PT may have varied opinions on exactly what it is a PT does. I often find my self explaining what I do and...
Avoid the PAIN of spinal surgery by NEVER having ONE
I feel it is important to write on spine surgery given all the publicity it has received in recent months. Two high profile sports figures have been in the news related to their issues with back surgery. To begin with, a few weeks ago, we were told Tiger Woods would...
Exercise- Good or Bad for Pain?
I have been doing some reading lately after having discussions with people about whether exercise is helpful or harmful for those in pain. Do a search on Exercise and Pain and you will get back over 183 million hits. Clearly everyone has an opinion and has put...
Physical Therapy after Spine Surgery…A MUST
I am always amazed at how doctors and patients alike feel physical therapy after spine surgery is optional. Sure, patients always have the choice, but why go through a major surgery not to do EVERYTHINGÂ you can to recover better and faster? Going to therapy 3 days...
Is Whiplash any different from ordinary Neck Pain?
Whiplash is a fancy name to describe an injury (most often the neck) due to an accident, collision, or fall. More specifically it relates to the speed of impact. As a result of the event, often the individual sustains an injury to the muscle or soft tissues. These...
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Individuals with Cancer
Over my years as a physical therapist, I have intermittently worked with patents with a history of cancer or currently undergoing treatment. I will never forget my 1st experience treating a young man with cancer (he was still in high school) and I was in my last...
Do I have a “Pinched” Nerve?
The 1st question to be answered is do you really have a pinched nerve?? Often people believe they have a pinched nerve just because they have neck pain. Maybe because they have pain somewhere in an arm in addition to the neck. Possibly some doctor threw this term...
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- Surgery or Therapy?
For many orthopedic conditions the debate is often surgery or therapy? The answer will almost always hinge upon who is asked and answering the question. For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), the long held standard has been surgery. But is this really the best solution for...
