The “Lever Test,” or “Lelli’s Sign,” is a relatively new method devised to give us a quick and easy assessment of ACL integrity. What makes this test brilliant is its simplicity and reliance on the concept of using an intact ACL to demonstrate a simple fulcrum or “see-saw.” (Think back to your elementary school days […]
Meniscus Surgery: What Can I Expect?
Meniscal surgery is the “bread and butter” procedure performed by most orthopedic surgeons in the country. In my physical therapy practice, it is one of the most common post-surgical diagnoses that we see. A short anatomy lesson: there are two (2) menisci that are found in each of your knee joints. They are horse-shoe shaped […]
Microfracture Knee Surgery Rehabilitation
Microfracture procedures are becoming more popular as a means of attempting to salvage a severely arthritic knee. The concept behind microfracturing is relatively simple: a surgeon uses a small needle to make tiny punctures in the surfaces of the femur, tibia, or patella (all of which make up the joint surfaces of the knee). This […]
Addressing the Inflammatory Process of your Injury
Often times when people have an orthopaedic injury, it is accompanied by pain. Pain is message of discomfort that is brought to our attention by our nervous system from a specific type of nerve. Pain has many different types of sensations or characteristics including, but not limited to, sharp stabbing, dull ache, burning, tingling, or […]
The “Safe” Position of the Hand
Have you ever wondered why a hand is casted in the following position when it is healing from a fracture? (See photo above) This certainly is not the typical resting position of the hand, but there is indeed a rationale as to why the “safe position” works better than other positions for prolonged periods of […]
Meniscal Transplant: Janaye Is “Over This”
Despite her brief moment of smiling in the photo, Janaye is “over this.” She self-reports this surgery as the most difficult one that she has had to date. Recall that Janaye has had many, many knee surgeries. (Read our previous posts: Part 1 & Part 2). Here are a few interesting points in regards to […]
Lessons Learned From Breaking My Ankle
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Labor Day weekend 2009 will forever be burned into my memory for two reasons. The first reason is that I almost died. The second reason is that it forced me to look at my body in a way that has directed me in how I treat patients with movement dysfunctions and orthopedic […]
How to Properly Deal with Finger Fractures & Sprains
We have been seeing a lot of finger fractures and sprains as of late. Here is my list of finger facts that you may find useful if you ever have to deal with a finger trauma and subsequent rehabilitation. 1. Don’t panic If your finger is crushed, jammed, sliced, slammed, or otherwise traumatized, in all […]
Low Back Problems Can Be a Real Pain in the Butt
After suffering a low back injury a few years back, I realized I needed to make some changes. I had always been very active and strong. I could lift far more than the average person. I played multiple sports as a youth and continued through my young adult life. I worked hard labor jobs from […]
Femoracetabular Impingement – What Is It?
In recent years there has been a lot of talk about the hip in the world of orthopedics, physical therapy, sports, and fitness. Why, you may ask? Well, a very significant reason this area of orthopedics has exploded is due to improved technology, allowing better imaging techniques and a clearer view of the hip. What […]
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
The “thoracic outlet” is the anatomical space through which vital nerves and arteries exit the neck and enter the arm. (See illustration below) You can see from the illustration that there are many structures that have the potential to get in the way of, clamp down on, or otherwise disrupt the nerves as they pass […]
The Importance of Strengthening Rotators & Stabilizers, Part 1
Strong stabilizers are key in joint health and stability. According to the Access to America’s Orthopedic Services (AAOA) Act of 2011, annual direct and indirect costs for musculoskeletal diseases and conditions total over $849 billion. The lack of endurance in the spine and lumbo pelvic stabilizers, can lead to common chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as […]
Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Head Concussion
For those of you who have seen the movie “Concussion” (yeah, it was a good flick especially with Willenium being the star), one wonders what REALLY happens after concussions in everyday life. I’d like to clear the air – the movie is depicting individuals who have sustained multiple hits over a long duration, so you […]
Out of My Cast: What Do I Do Now?
Fractures are not fun. An accident or fall that results in a broken bone is followed by the inevitable hospital visit. X-rays are taken, insurances are billed, and in many cases, bulky and uncomfortable casts are tightly wrapped around fractured extremities. Casts are a necessary evil. Most orthopedists will keep a broken bone in a […]
What is an Occult Fracture?
The word occult according to Webster’s dictionary means “secret or mysterious.” In orthopedics, the word occult aptly describes rare types of fractures that do not show up on x-rays. Occult fractures pose a particular danger to patients who are prescribed exercise or physical therapy as a remedy for pain. An excellent example of the occult […]
Updates on the Treatment of Tennis Elbow
Last year I had the opportunity to attend a conference here in Washington, D.C., that focused on upper extremity injuries. I attended a specific lecture on the nasty, nagging, and otherwise problematic diagnosis of “tennis elbow.” It does appear that the medical community is making some discernible changes in terms of how this diagnosis is […]
How Much Grip Strength Do I Need To Drive a Car?
Grip strength with post-operative and geriatric patients is an important consideration when it comes to safety. If a patient does not have functional grip strength, there is a much higher risk of dropping objects, driving accidents, and a general inability to negotiate doors in public spaces. I will typically advise against driving if the patient […]
Turf Toe: A Therapist’s Personal Experience with Injury
Believe it or not, physical therapists are not immune to injury. At PhysioDC, the therapists have all been through some orthopaedic injury or surgery at some point in their lives. PTs tend to live fairly active lifestyles. The fact of the matter is, while living an active lifestyle is healthy for you in a cardiovascular […]