This is a big question these days! Everywhere me and my patients look (or listen) we hear about “Spinal Decompression” and it’s 85% to 95% (the number varies from commercial to commercial) success rate. I thought I knew what it was all about, but decided to do some research over the past couple of days.Spinal Decompression mostly refers to a type of spinal traction device called the DRX 9000, but can refer to other devices such as the Vax-D, DRS, and even the Chattanooga Triton Spinal Traction machine. [Read more…] about Spinal Decompression – What Is It?
The Role of Pain in Injury and Rehabilitation
“Is it OK for me to do _____ right now?” Patients often ask that, or a variation of the question such as “I’d like to do _____ this weekend, but I wasn’t sure if I should avoid that or not.” [Read more…] about The Role of Pain in Injury and Rehabilitation
Relationship Between Hip Strength and Knee Function
Anecdotal evidence over several years has been augmented recently by research evidence quantifying the relationship between strength of the hip girdle musculature and knee function. [Read more…] about Relationship Between Hip Strength and Knee Function
The Role of Posture in Shoulder Impingement
Subacromial impingement (SAI – aka shoulder bursitis) like most other orthopedic problems is influenced a number of factors. Some are structural – like the presence of a “hook” acromion – while others are related to lifestyle and body mechanics. Specifically, sedentary individuals seem to suffer far more from SAI than those who are not sedentary. One of the reasons may be related to posture. [Read more…] about The Role of Posture in Shoulder Impingement
Behind Most Painful Knees There’s a Knee Flexion Contracture
A recent article in the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy addresses a problem that many orthopedic physical therapists have been talking about for years – the prevalence of knee flexion contractures in painful knees. Irrespective of the type of anatomic problem that afflicts the knee, the end result is something this article refers to as deconditioned knee syndrome. [Read more…] about Behind Most Painful Knees There’s a Knee Flexion Contracture
Mechanical and Inflammatory Pain
A patient asked me a question today that I get from time to time: “If I get one of those spinal injections…is that a cure or does it just cover up the pain?” The question is common, but answer is a little more complex and needs some background to explain fully. One of the determinants in diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic problems is the concept of mechanical versus inflammatory pain. [Read more…] about Mechanical and Inflammatory Pain