Tom Willemann Health Tips

"Almost Daily Health Tips From Physical Therapist Tom Willemann..."

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Exercise Away Your Back Pain

Exercise Away Your Back Pain

How common is back pain? The majority of people in the United States will suffer from lower back pain at least once in their lifetimes. But treating the pain can be complex and is usually best done with advice from a physical therapist.Some people may require surgery to treat their back pain. However, surgery comesContinue Reading »

Hit the Links in Better Shape

Hit the Links in Better Shape

Whether scratch golfers or weekend duffers, most players want to improve their game, get in better shape and lower their score. But maximizing your golf game means more than just practicing regularly. By increasing your fitness, you can play with confidence and success. To ensure that you are in the best possible physical and mentalContinue Reading »

Getting Into the Swing for Tennis Season

Getting Into the Swing for Tennis Season

Anyone for tennis? If winter has you longing for court time, you can pump up your enthusiasm—and reduce your chances of injury—by starting a fitness program before you touch a racquet. And it is not just about your swing.Effective preseason preparation includes a foundation of aerobic conditioning, strength training and skill drills. By increasing theContinue Reading »

Tips on Safe Stretching

Tips on Safe Stretching

Quick checklist to follow prior to starting a stretching program:Warm up for 5-10 minutes before stretchingStretching should be pain free! Mild discomfort is fine.Don’t bounce when stretchingAvoid stretching that causes ‘tingling”, “numbness” or “burning”Hold stretch position for 3 times for 30 second holdDon’t hold your  breath during stretchDon’t stretch an injury!  Within 48-72 hours of gettingContinue Reading »

Navigating Recovery After a “Ship” Fracture

Navigating Recovery After a “Ship” Fracture

A scaphoid fracture refers to a fracture of the wrist—specifically the bone shaped like a boat, which is why it is often called a “ship” fracture. A fracture of this bone can result from falling on an outstretched arm, sustaining a direct blow to the wrist or receiving a severe twist of the wrist. ForContinue Reading »

The Case of the Wandering Kneecap

The Case of the Wandering Kneecap

Kneecap dislocation occurs when the patella, or kneecap, slides to the outside of the joint, thus stretching and possibly tearing the ligaments that hold it in place. Kneecap dislocations fall into two categories Those involving an accident, such as a blow to or a twisting of the knee, are called traumatic dislocations. Atraumatic dislocations occurContinue Reading »

Physical Therapy for Skier’s Thumb

Physical Therapy for Skier’s Thumb

Thumb injuries are quite common, especially among skiers. During a fall, a skier’s thumb can easily catch against the ski pole, resulting in a tear of the ligament that stabilizes the thumb. This ligament, known as the ulnar collateral ligament, normally keeps the thumb from pointing too far away from the hand. Treatment Treatment dependsContinue Reading »

Static versus Dynamic Stretching Prior to Competition

Static versus Dynamic Stretching Prior to Competition

One of the recent debates is over static stretching prior to competing to achieve maximum performance.   After reviewing several articles these are my recommendations for STRETCHING for DAY of COMPETITION:   Warm up with gentle jog or stationary bike for 10 minutes Perform static stretching one hour prior to competition and %25 to %50Continue Reading »

Recovery Solutions After Radial Head Resection

Recovery Solutions After Radial Head Resection

A common type of elbow injury in athletes, a radial head fracture tends to occur when a person falls on an outstretched hand. In this case, the radial head—located at the end of the bone—breaks in a way that makes realignment a challenge. Some patients may require a step after radial head removal, whereby anContinue Reading »