Naysayers often say, “Exercise junkies are killing their joints!” Well, it has always been my position that those who do nothing and are overweight destroy their joints as well. And, I would rather DO SOMETHING than nothing! New research from Ottawa, Canada supports my opinion. In addition to being a risk factor for many serious […]
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 Part 2 of 4 If your orthopaedic surgeon suspects an ACL tear, he/she will order an MRI (i.e. magnetic resonance imaging) to confirm his diagnosis. The MRI results may also reveal damage to other critical structures in your knee such as the medial or lateral collateral ligaments on […]
Part 1 of 4 What do Matthew Knowles, Danielle Dalessandro and Matthew Langan have in common? These local basketball stars had their season cut short due to devastating knee injuries: torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL). However, while they may have ended their seasons, they did NOT end their careers! Knowles and Langan tore their ACL’s […]
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 […]
Guest Columnist: Janet Caputo, PT, OCS Are you hyperflexible? Do people call you a contortionist? Are you the main attraction at parties, like Dominique DelPrete and Amy Simrell Mifka, because you entertain your friends by twisting your arms and legs in gross directions? Do you excel in dance and gymnastics because of your exceptional joint […]
Last week’s column presented the cause and symptoms of a hamstring strain. This week will be dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this injury.
Hamstring strains are very common in spring sports in Northeastern Pennsylvania in great part due to our climate. Each spring, as the season begins, many athletes suffer from pain in the back of their thigh when they pull or strain the hamstring muscle from aggressive activity in cold temperatures, following a long winter layoff. This week’s column presents the cause and symptoms of a hamstring strain.
