One of the most common questions I receive from patients is related to the management and care of their cast or splint. Given the fact that one may have to live with a cast or splint for four to six weeks (sometimes less, sometimes more), many people have concerns about hygiene, swelling, pain and function […]
Health and Safety Tips for Gardeners: Part 1 of 2. Prevention of Hand Injuries Associated with Gardening Memorial Day, the “kick off” day for gardening in NEPA without the fear of frost, was only one week ago, so it is not too late to get started. While gardeners are anxious to work in their gardens […]
Today is the last day of Presidents’ Day Weekend and many of you have visited our ski resorts enjoying one of the most popular ski weekends of the year. Mother Nature has cooperated with Elk Mountain and Montage Mountain to provide great conditions. While this popular recreational winter sport is fun and a nice diversion […]
Guest Columnist: Kevin Perry, 3rd Year Medical Student The Commonwealth Medical College “Should I use heat or ice?” While working as a third year medical student at TCMC, I was surprised to find that this is one of the most common questions asked by patients with musculoskeletal complaints. Trying to decide whether to […]
Michael Vick injured his hamstring muscle in early October and after 3 weeks of rest, he attempted to return lead the Eagles against the Giants on October 28. Unfortunately, he was not ready to return and was reinjured. I have a confession to make…I am an Eagles fan! God help me! As such, I am […]
Part 4 of 4 Guest columnist: Janet Caputo, PT, DPT, OCS The past three columns have demonstrated the lengthy rehabilitation process following an ACL reconstruction. The first four weeks after surgery can be a little uncomfortable and repetitive. The program focuses on controlling pain and swelling, increasing tolerance for weight bearing, restoring knee motion, and […]
Part 3 of 4 Guest Columnist: Janet Caputo, PT, DPT, OCS Even though your surgeon probably reconstructed your ACL in about 2 to 2 ½ hours, your rehabilitation phase will require a much longer period of time. Typically, regaining the motion, strength, and function of your knee following ACL reconstruction requires more than three months. […]
Guest Columnist: Janet Caputo, PT, DPT, OCS Hamstring injuries are common among athletes who participate in sports that require running, jumping, and kicking, especially when sudden changes in speed and direction are required. These injuries occur when the hamstring muscles are stretched too far or when caught off-guard during a sudden change in speed or […]
Guest Columnist: Janet Caputo, PT, DPT, OCS Tim Lavelle practiced long and hard to attain a position on the University of Scranton men’s basketball team. Local long-distance runner Christopher Krall trained diligently for the Chevron Houston Marathon. But despite their careful and persistent training, both sustained hamstring injuries early in the preseason. How? Why? Hamstring […]
Part 2 of 2 Guest Columnist: Janet Caputo, PT, DPT, OCS Why do athletes sprain their ankles? Ankle stability depends on two-way communication between the brain and the ankle joint including the associated muscles and ligaments. During competition, an athlete’s brain receives a great deal of information from the environment that it must process to make […]
