Tom Willemann Health Tips

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

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Benefits of Physical Therapy for Lupus Patients

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Lupus Patients

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ system in the body. It most often develops in women during their childbearing years. Currently, there is no cure for lupus, but treatment can reduce symptoms. These frequently occur in a cycle of flare-ups and remissions. BecauseContinue Reading »

Returning to Normal After a Hip Fracture

Returning to Normal After a Hip Fracture

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 »

Standing Up Safely Without Dizziness

Standing Up Safely Without Dizziness

If you feel dizzy when you suddenly rise after sitting for a significant amount of time, you have probably experienced a sudden drop in blood pressure. To compensate for this drop, your body usually pumps extra blood. But for many people—especially those taking drugs to treat high blood pressure, or those with heart problems, diabetesContinue Reading »

Strength Training Benefits in Older Adults

Strength Training Benefits in Older Adults

Strength Training Benefits in Older Adults Strength training has benefits for all ages, but it can be a neglected part of an exercise regimen for men and women aged 50 years and older. Research suggests that when performed correctly, strengthening exercises are a safe way to improve fitness and health, even in older adults whoContinue Reading »

Climbing Stairs—One Step at a Time

Although going up the stairs may feel challenging, some people experience more pain going down. This is because your muscles have to work hard to control your weight as you descend. If you have suffered from knee problems in the past or continue to have problems, it is probably time to look at increasing strengthContinue Reading »

Strengthening the Rotator Cuff After Fatty Infiltration

Strengthening the Rotator Cuff After Fatty Infiltration

When rotator cuff surgery is needed, the surgeon has to take into consideration whether or not fatty infiltration has occurred. Ideally, the surgeon can perform the surgery at an early enough stage—before fatty infiltration becomes an issue. What is fatty infiltration? Sometimes, when the rotator cuff tendons have significantly pulled away from the bone whereContinue Reading »