Tom Willemann Health Tips

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Synvisc Injections for Osteoarthritis- Why do they work?

For over 10 years patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and shoulder have had an alternative to oral medication for controlling knee or shoulder pain.  The advent of the use of an intra-articular injections of mostly known as there brand name Synvisc  or Hyaluranon that serve to lubricate the joint surfaces can provide significant painContinue Reading »

Preventing Or Reducing Your Low Back Pain

In my paramus physical therapy practice we discuss key components for those recovering or trying to prevent another episode of low back pain.  Here are a few key points: Don’t SIT for greater than 20 minutes at a time Walking program  3x/week for 20-30minutes Make sure your computer work station is ergonomically safe Use aContinue Reading »

Can poor vision give you a headache?

Yes!  My wife had an experience with a series of headaches about 4 years ago.   We consulted with a neurologist who asked whether she had a recent eye exam.  She was convinced she had a brain tumor and did  not want to admit her eyes might be failing her.  Finally, she gave in, andContinue Reading »

Antibiotic Guidelines with Joint Replacements

A recent statement from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) addresses antiobiotic usage prophylaxis for patients with joint replacements. This article recommends specific antibiotics based upon the type of surgery, ranging from dental to vascular. Since not all physicians are aware of these guidelines, educating your physician regarding the most effective antibiotic for your particular surgeryContinue Reading »

Spine Care at Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Wyckoff, New Jersey

We are pleased to announce that my colleague Tracey Doyle, staff physical therapist at Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Wyckoff, NJ, has recently completed a course on Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy with focus on Lumbar Spine Examination through the McKenzie Institute.  Use of the McKenzie method for spinal examination enables therapists to determine how well patientsContinue Reading »

“Filling” the Gap After Rotator Cuff Surgery

 You may hear the term “fatty infiltration” for the first time when you see a physician about a rotator cuff injury. After you tear the tendon in your shoulder, a large gap remains between the tendon and the bones, keeping the shoulder muscle from performing its usual actions of shortening and lengthening. The body attemptsContinue Reading »

Cycling: What More Do You Need?

You love bicycling—outdoors when the weather is good, on a stationary bike indoors when it is not. Can you be confident that cycling, by itself, is enough to keep yourself fit for decades to come? It would be great if the single thing we loved to do most was all we needed to stay healthy.Continue 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 »

Does knee bracing make your muscles weak?

In the case of osteoarthritis in appears it does not weaken the muscles surrounding the knee complex. Details of recent study: Used custom fitted valgus knee unloader brace No loss of strength in six months of use Average time doning wear 5hours/day Small subgroup had negative effect in first two weeks Most effective for mildContinue Reading »