Tom Willemann Health Tips

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

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Antibiotic Use and Tendon Ruptures

Antibiotic Use and Tendon Ruptures

I just received an  article from a special interest group of the American Physical Therapy Association.  The use of antibiotics specifically Fluoroquinolones has been identified as posing a high risk of tendon ruptures in addition to other medical complications.  Dr Hall has who authored an article titled Musculoskeletal Complications of Fluoroquinolones: Guidelines and Precautions forContinue Reading »

Bone Density and Cycling

Bone Density and Cycling

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 »

How to pick a Great Orthopedist

How to pick a Great Orthopedist

I recently talked to friend of mine about choosing a surgeon for his upcoming total hip replacement.  Which doctor is best to perform his hip replacement?  Often we choose surgeons based on a vague reputation or advice of a friend.   A true gauge is hard to come by.  Here are a few words of advice:Continue Reading »

Vary Your Routine and Improve Your Fitness

Vary Your Routine and Improve Your Fitness

Improve your fitness Cross-training involves engaging in different types of physical activity and brings multiple benefits. It is an excellent way to prevent sports-related injuries, improve your skill in a variety of sports and improve your overall health—all while keeping workout boredom at bay. You can cross-train within the same workout (e.g., doing a combinationContinue Reading »

Arm Yourself After a Distal Radius Fracture

Arm Yourself After a Distal Radius Fracture

A distal radius fracture—a break near the wrist in the largest forearm bone—is one of the most common injuries of the forearm. The fracture often occurs when a person falls onto an outstretched hand. Other causes include direct impact or axial forces. Treatment depends on such factors as the exact nature of the fracture, yourContinue Reading »

Must Arthritic Knees Be Replaced?

Must Arthritic Knees Be Replaced?

If your doctor says you have arthritis in your knee, does that mean you will need knee replacement surgery? Must Arthritic Knees Be Replaced? The short answer is not necessarily. Fortunately, your body can compensate for the loss of function caused by arthritic damage to cartilage and bone in a knee joint, even if x-rayContinue Reading »

Pedaling Your Way to Health

Pedaling Your Way to Health

You probably remember learning how to ride a bike. But most likely, your six-year-old self had no clue just how beneficial this newly acquired skill could be to your overall health and wellness. One of the most popular and enjoyable fitness activities, cycling was recently celebrated in the medical community for enhancing cardiac health, thanksContinue Reading »

He didn’t even touch me … but I felt better?

He didn’t even touch me … but I felt better?

He didn’t even touch me … but I felt better?People sometimes don’t realize the positive impact their own movements have on their health. Coming out of physical therapy school, you just couldn’t wait to finally apply your training to help people feel better. Part of the training included “hands on” techniques like stretching or jointContinue Reading »

Scared about starting to jog? Take baby steps.

Scared about starting to jog?  Take baby steps.

Many folks are avid walkers that have always wanted to get back to jogging or want to start jogging.  Some are obsessed with the Elliptical workouts but desire to be outside. Whatever your fitness wish, you should know that many people can start a joint jogging program with the proper steps!Set realistic expectationsFirst, set realistic expectationsContinue Reading »

Returning to Action After Biceps Tenodesis

Returning to Action After Biceps Tenodesis

The biceps tendon runs from the biceps muscle through the rotator cuff and into the shoulder joint, where it then attaches to the socket. If the biceps tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, a condition called bicep tendinopathy, you may need to undergo surgery called biceps tenodesis to relieve the discomfort. Although it can develop slowly overContinue Reading »