Tom Willemann Health Tips

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Rutgers Safety Coaches Clinic in Wyckoff

We recently gave the Rutgers Safety Orientation and Training Skills Programs (S.A.F.E.T.Y) at the Wyckoff library on  Thursday March 28th in coordination with the Wyckoff Recreation Department.  In the fall we plan to give another clinic in addition to Wyckoff clinic at my physical therapy clinic Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation in the Gabriel Realty building at OneContinue Reading »

Are epidural steroid injections safe?

Recent studies have called into question use of epidural steroid injections (ESI) for patients with spinal stenosis. Some patients, whether they required surgery or responded to non-surgical care (i.e. chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, etc.) have seen better long-term outcomes without ESI. (Spine. February 15, 2013, volume 38-Issue 4, pp. 279-291). Two key findings: For all patients inContinue Reading »

Balancing Life and Low Back Pain

Low back pain is common and can result from overuse, muscle strain or injury. It is one of the leading causes of job-related disability and missed work in the United States and is considered chronic when it lasts for more than 12 weeks. One study suggests that trunk balance exercises are especially important for treatingContinue Reading »

Fighting Arthritis? Strengthen Your Muscles

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 »

Tread Carefully with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

If you experience a burning or tingling pain in the sole of your foot, you might have tarsal tunnel syndrome. This condition can mean your foot “gives out” when performing certain physical activities. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is abnormal pressure on the posterior tibial nerve in the foot. Pain worsens from activity, especiallyContinue Reading »

How to pick a personal trainer after physical therapy?

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 »

Test your balance: Are you at risk for falls?

The statistics on falls for patients over 50 show that for falls that result in hip fractures, 25% result in death after a year! Prevent falls with good balance! Use the simple and quick Unilateral Stance Test, also known as “balancing on one leg.” Do it alone or try it with friends of the sameContinue Reading »

Biker with a hamstring and calf strain

History of a problem is often the key! When did it start? What changed around that time? This information is critical to a therapist’s understanding the origin a patient’s problem. One of our patients suffered a fall that resulted in repairs to his bike. Soon after receiving his bike back he reported pain in theContinue Reading »