Almost everyone has heard of total hip replacement and total knee replacement. But fewer people are familiar with total ankle replacement (also called total ankle arthroplasty).Although it looks like a simple hinge joint, the ankle actually involves much more complex movement, absorbing forces up to five times body weight. Many conditions, such as severe osteoporosis,Continue Reading »
Hip fracture, a serious injury that usually requires surgery, occurs more commonly in older adults, particularly where underlying conditions such as osteoporosis are present. While surgical procedures are usually effective, recovery often hinges on more than just the surgery. Your overall health, previous level of mobility and whether you begin and stick to a physical therapy planContinue Reading »
For those interested in the effects of different types of exercise on bone density should look up an article titled A Systematic Review of Bone Health in Cyclists that came out in the journal of Sports Health that looked at cycling and bone mass. Major Points for Review:Studies suggest Low Bone Density in Cyclists isContinue Reading »
The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that osteoporosis is a major health threat for 55% of people 50 years of age or older. Ten million people—80% of them women—have osteoporosis, and almost 34 million people have low bone mass and are at an increased risk to develop the disease. With one in two women and oneContinue Reading »
Osteoporosis and Osteopenia Osteoporosis is a disease that will affect 1 in 5 women over age 50, often with no symptoms until a fracture occurs, giving it the name “The Silent Thief”. Osteopenia is a lesser degree of bone loss than osteoporosis. The greatest loss of bone mass, which can be as much as 20%,Continue Reading »
A study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (Kerr, D., Ackland, T., Maslen, B., Morton, A., & Prince, R. (1 January 2001) titled Resistance Training over 2 years increases bone mass in calcium-replete postmenopausal women reported the results for 126 postmenopausal women over 2 years whose calcium intake met the current standard: one groupContinue Reading »
Arthritis may be a joint disease, but strengthening the muscles is an important component in its treatment. That is because a leading cause of limited movement in people with arthritis—especially, for instance, knee arthritis—is the weakening of surrounding muscles, rather than pain, dysfunction or abnormalities in the joint itself. This raises an important question: IsContinue Reading »
After attending physical therapy picking out an appropriate personal trainer is extremely important. Here are a few pointers and questions to consider: Make sure they take a health history to understand any cardiovascular or orthopedic considerations (ie osteoporosis, spinal problems, torn meniscus) Does your personal trainer have any experience with clients in a post- rehabilitation setting?Continue Reading »
Let’s face it: Stretching feels good. It is relaxing, and getting all the kinks out of scrunched-up muscles can be liberating. Unfortunately, improving your flexibility through a stretching class is simply not enough, either as a therapeutic approach, or to protect your body from future damage. Strength training is a necessary companion to your stretchingContinue Reading »