Since 1980, cheerleading progressed to include highly skilled and competitive athletes. Increased injury rates occurred in response to this evolution. Research indicates that injuries increased 110% from 1990 through 2002, while participation increased only 18%.
Casts or splints are used to support and protect bones and soft tissues after injury or surgery. A broken bone or severe ankle sprains are two good examples. The immobilization provided by a cast or splint protects the injury, allows healing with proper alignment, and reduces pain, swelling and muscle spasm.
Did you ever wonder how Lance Armstrong gets back on his bike at the Tour de France every day after several days of intense biking without time for recovery? How can he pedal another day? Aren’t his quads sore? Exercise enthusiasts often inquire about the best method to reduce muscle soreness following intensive training from lactic acid buildup.
Guest Columnist: Gary E. Mattingly, PT, PhD Donna, Mary, Patty, Louise are four physical therapy patients. These four women have many things in common. All were diagnosed with breast cancer, all had mastectomies, all had radiation and chemo, all lost their hair, and all had complications resulting in tight painful shoulders. Currently, conventional management for […]
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association from Harvard now shows that regular exercise can actually improve the survival of patients with breast cancer.
As baby boomers continue to enjoy sports with the same vigor and intensity as when they were younger, they are finding that their older bodies just can't keep up. While these individuals often succeed in finding the balance of fitness and craziness, they have had times when they took it too far.
Guest Columnist: Janet M. Caputo, PT, OCS Ergonomics is the process of changing your environment to encourage good body mechanics. This can be accomplished by a modifying a tool, work station, counter height, task, or job. Performing tasks within the best work zones encourages safety and decreases risk of injury through facilitating neutral spine postures. […]
Proper body mechanics are based on good posture. Proper body mechanics involve maintaining a neutral spine with transitions from one position to another during daily activities.
Research suggests that many spine problems can be prevented with good posture and proper body mechanics. Poor posture and improper body mechanics subject the spine to abnormal stresses that, over time, can lead to degeneration and pain. Good posture and proper body mechanics can minimize current spine pain and prevent recurrent episodes.
Today, we will discuss treatment for balance loss. Two primary treatments are medication and vestibular rehabilitation.
