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 »
"Almost Daily Health Tips From Physical Therapist Tom Willemann..."
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Category: Spine
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 »
Balance Extraordinaire
At Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Wyckoff, NJ we consistently improve our patient’s ability to function in both the athlete and non-athlete. Once an awhile I like to highlight the combination of an individuals unique skills of speed,agility, balance,and coordination. Follow this video of an incredibly talented Scotish trick biker named Danny MacAskill!. As anContinue 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 »
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 »
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Facts on Piriformis Syndrome: *based on a a review article in Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA)* The Piriformis muscle acts chiefly as a hip rotator that rests over the sciatic nerve and in some cases the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle belly. Any trauma, inflammation or increase size of this muscleContinue Reading »
Exercise Can Relieve That Aching Back
Back pain is a common complaint, with about 25% of people in the United States reporting low back pain within the previous three months. Back pain often occurs after surgery for a back injury. Other causes include a ruptured disc, osteoporosis, arthritis, lumbar muscle strain and sciatica. A sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, obesity, smoking and depressionContinue Reading »
Simple Tip to Reduce Low Back Pain
This morning I woke up with severe right lower back pain. As a paramus physical therapist I always tell my patients to limit the amount of time you sit to less than 30 minutes at a time with any patient who suffers from neck or low back pain. More often than not patients tell meContinue Reading »