Tom Willemann Health Tips

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

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Getting the Right Amount of Exercise

Getting the Right Amount of Exercise

How much exercise is enough? There is no one answer. Age, sex and current fitness level, along with risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and excessive weight, must be factored into the equation. All of these considerations may make it impractical to compare various fitness programs. But the following guidelines can help youContinue Reading »

Does Mono Mean No Exercise?

Does Mono Mean No Exercise?

Mononucleosis—often known simply as “mono”—has an incubation period of one to two months. Once symptoms appear, recovery can take an additional four to six weeks. Until your physician tells you it is safe to resume more strenuous workouts, avoid any but the mildest exercise (e.g., short walks). In many mono patients, the spleen—a large blood-filteringContinue Reading »

How to Pick a Great Physical Therapist?

A  great physical therapist must be paired with a great clinical setting. You cannot have one and not the other.  You have some great physical therapists that are unable to deliver the highest level of care because of time constraints and high numbers.  The following is a few key things to look for when calling around for care.  TopContinue Reading »

Concussions Call for Caution

Concussions Call for Caution

Concussions result from a blow to the head that causes the brain to be shaken inside the skull. Especially among children and young adults who participate in impact sports, such as football or basketball, concussions can be quite common. However, because concussions are often described as “mild,” we may forget that they are significant brainContinue Reading »

Weightbearing Following Total Knee Replacement

Weightbearing Following Total Knee Replacement

How much weight will you be allowed to place on your leg after total knee replacement surgery? This is a very important question, the answer to which depends on a number of factors. Weight-bearing following the surgery may be partial or full, depending on the surgeon’s approach. A critical part of the question is whetherContinue Reading »

Using Physical Therapy for a Safer Run

Using Physical Therapy for a Safer Run

Running may seem like a simple activity, one that results in many health benefits, but it can bring with it the risk of related injuries. This is especially true during the warm summer months, when outdoor running is more pleasurable. Fortunately, proper training can help to reduce this risk. Most running injuries occur from overtraining,Continue Reading »

Fractures Risk Side Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitors

The FDA reviewed several studies regarding a link between the use of  Proton Pump Inhibitors(PPI) and increased risk of fractures.  Major points in review of studies: Use of PPIs for more than one year or at high doses patients pose risk of fractures Higher number of spinal fractures and not a significant change in hip fracturesContinue Reading »

Bracing for a New Arthritis Treatment

Bracing for a New Arthritis Treatment

Knee pain from osteoarthritis is no walk in the park. In fact, the pain probably keeps you from walks in the park. Could wearing a knee brace help you overcome this discomfort? Often, arthritis affects only one compartment of the knee. This can result in your lower leg angling awkwardly and appearing “bow legged” (varus)Continue Reading »

Blood Clots and Surgery

An article came out this past December on the  British Medical Journal website.  It talked about blood clots following surgery.  Contrary to common accepted practices by physicians they are seeing “blood clots” or “DVTs”  occurring much longer after surgery than originally thought.  After many orthopedic surgeries patients are taking medications to reduce the chance of bloodContinue Reading »