There is an interesting discussion right now as to the benefits of arthroscopic knee surgery. For this topic of discussion is meniscal surgery worth it? Or can a person be just fine without it? As a physical therapist, I routinely field this question from those...
Physical Therapy
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...
Recover Faster and Prevent Future Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are a common injury for those engaging in athletic or even recreational activity. Each year more than 1 million people visit a doctor for an ankle sprain (ref). And this does not account for those who do not seek care. In many cases the person can...
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...
Effects of Pain Medication
There has been a lot of media attention toward prescription pain medication lately. The focus has been on the unnecessary over-zealous prescription of opioids. The problem is not only the addiction they can cause, but also related deaths. There were nearly 30,000...
Importance of Post Surgery Rehab
Any time someone undergoes surgery whether arthroscopic, minimally invasive, or otherwise, proper post-surgery rehab is a must. Many think, I can just walk it off or I can do it myself. How wrong those individuals are. Worst, some of this message is passed down from a...
Preventing Daily Life Disability over Age 65
Don’t let the title fool you…This message is really geared for those younger than 65. Because disability does not just turn a switch and appear at age 65. What you do in the 5, 10, 15 years prior makes a significant difference. What kind of disability am I...
