Patients will hear me say over and over “MRI is really only for surgical planning. If you’re ready for surgery, then you need an MRI.” It doesn’t tell you “what’s wrong” or tell us if you need surgery or not. I ran into a research study today that demonstrates my point. [Read more…] about Don’t I Need an MRI?
Hip, Thigh, Knee
61 year-old Mail Carrier with Knee Arthritis
She’s trying to finish out her career before resorting to knee replacement and we’re glad to help! Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common problem and is becoming more common over time due to our aging population overall. While knee replacement is a great alternative for most, the lengthy rehabilitation process, time off work, and other factors, make it the wrong option for some. [Read more…] about 61 year-old Mail Carrier with Knee Arthritis
22 y/o College Athlete, Chronic Knee Pain
She suffered a season-ending knee injury injury in March, and started her rehabilitation elsewhere. Her recovery was very slow, and eventually came to a halt. She graduated, started her career, and came to us to attempt to complete her recovery. [Read more…] about 22 y/o College Athlete, Chronic Knee Pain
Chasing “The Latest Thing”
I recently received a voicemail message from a former patient (whose son I had also treated) asking if I practice a specific proprietary, trademarked, and well-publicized technique. I responded via email, and then realized that this response could have been written a dozen or so times over my previous 17 years as a therapist, so I ought to just make a generic letter regarding all such techniques: [Read more…] about Chasing “The Latest Thing”
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
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