Tom Willemann Health Tips

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

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The Pain of a Pinching Hip

The Pain of a Pinching Hip

A very complex joint in the body, the hip is formed by a ball on the end of the thighbone (femur) that sits in a socket formed by a cavity (acetabulum) in the pelvic bone. The ball is held in place by a very powerful ligament, and both the ball and socket are covered byContinue Reading »

Make Your Winter Workouts Work

Make Your Winter Workouts Work

Exercise is essential—there are no two ways about it. But for many people, the ability to exercise is severely affected by their environment, especially people who live in areas with cold winters like us in NJ. Fortunately, a drop in temperature does not have to mean a drop in your exercise routine. Your exercises canContinue Reading »

Replacing Your Shoulder in Reverse

Replacing Your Shoulder in Reverse

In conventional shoulder replacement surgery, the surgeon fits a plastic cup into the shoulder socket and attaches a metal ball to the top of the upper arm bone. But for some patients, especially those with muscle damage around the shoulder or large rotator cuff tears who have developed a complex type of shoulder arthritis, conventionalContinue Reading »

Tee Up Your Golf Game Without Hitting the Links

Tee Up Your Golf Game Without Hitting the Links

Your favorite green golf course is covered in white snow and ice. While your friends in warmer climates continue to improve their games, your clubs remain in the closet. But cold weather does not mean you cannot work on becoming a better golfer. Mental and physical strength can be honed throughout the year. As winterContinue Reading »

Flexing Your New Replacement Knee

Flexing Your New Replacement Knee

Deciding to have your knee replaced can lead to many logical concerns regarding safety, rehabilitation and whether the increase in quality of life makes the procedure worth the trouble. Not everyone will regain full range of motion after total knee replacement. Depending upon the specific nature of your injury and knee replacement, however, a fullContinue Reading »

Are Back Braces Effective?

Are Back Braces Effective?

Lower back pain is a common concern among adults, especially those whose jobs involve heavy lifting. You might see workers at your local home improvement store wearing lumbar support bands—“back support” braces. These devices are becoming increasingly popular for the rest of us, as well. But do they really work? A brace is especially helpfulContinue Reading »

Knees Hurt? Strengthen Your Hips

Knees Hurt? Strengthen Your Hips

Does your knee hurt when you walk, run or climb stairs? If so, you have plenty of company. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Americans make more than 19 million physician visits each year for knee pain. Although osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain in individuals over age 55, kneeContinue Reading »

Get the Skinny on Diets and Exercise

Get the Skinny on Diets and Exercise

Diet and exercise go hand in hand for people who want to lose weight and maintain good health. High-protein diets, such as the Atkins and South Beach Diets, are popular because they generally result in quicker weight loss than do diets featuring more carbohydrates. But is the high fat content of a mostly protein dietContinue Reading »