Patient Education

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FUNCTIONAL TRAINING IMPROVES CLUB HEAD SPEED AND FITNESS IN GOLFERS
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research performing a functional based exercise program has been proven to increase the club head speed of golfers as well as their perceived and measured level of physical fitness. The average improvement in club head speed was 4 mph, which added approximately 30-45 ft. to the driving distance off the tee. The authors of the study concluded increased flexibility along with strength have a greater influence on club head speed than either one alone. Participants in the study performed an eight week training program that incorporated static and balance drills, progressive strengthening exercises, and flexibility activities. Participants were also scored on standardized fitness test parameters which showed a marked improvement following completion of the 8 week program. Read more...

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS
When sitting in a stationary position for an extended period of time, blood clots can form in the legs. Former Vice President Dick Cheney being treated for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) brought increased awareness to this ailment. Upon landing or standing, small clots typically dissolve, while larger clots may not. The larger clots may eventually break loose days or weeks later and could travel to the heart or lungs, possibly resulting in death. Signs of a DVT include swelling in one or both legs and tenderness, warmth and/or redness in the calf. If a clot travels to the lungs, it is termed a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms include shortness of breath and a high heart rate. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor, especially if they are present following a period of immobilization. Read more...

HOW TO AVOID INJURING YOUR BACK WHEN WINTER COMES
The winter months can be arduous ones. The lack of sunlight, cold temperatures and seasonal stress all take a toll on the body. Don't let your back also become a victim to the demands of shoveling snow. A few tips may save your spine for the first golf swing in spring. Read more...

ARE YOU WEARING THE RIGHT SHOES?
Spring has arrived and that means warmer temperatures and increased outdoor activities. Use this time to take an inventory of the type and style(s) of shoes you plan to wear before heading outside.

With every step, gravity, body-weight and ground reaction forces are transmitted through are feet. Ground reaction forces are the summation of foot-pounds of force transmitted from the ground up into our feet and are roughly 1.5 times our body-weight. Proper shoes can help control and distribute these forces so foot problems can be prevented or even alleviated. Read more...

BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING? THINK SAFETY FIRST.
DeKalb County schools will soon be in session, and it is important to think about backpack safety for your children. Too often, children carry their backpacks or bags on only one shoulder. This tends to position the spine in a scoliotic or side to side curved position, which may look fashionable but can have adverse effects on the spine and shoulders. A backpack that is too heavy can cause pain throughout the neck/shoulder/back, forward head posture and increased pressure on the spine. If your child's backpack is too heavy or strapped too tight, the straps can compress nerves and blood vessels resulting in tingling and numbness into the hands and arms. Read more...

ERGONOMICS 101
Have you ever had low back pain? How about elbow or neck and shoulder pain? The majority of us would answer yes to at least one of the above. Many would answer yes to all of these. We also would recognize that it is commonly accepted that posture and work related sustained postures play an important role in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Read more...

SUMMER WORKOUTS
Just when you thought you couldn't handle another week of musty weight rooms or going nowhere on a treadmill or stationary bike in an overcrowded exercise facility, the warm weather and sunshine are back to set you free. If you're anything like me, just being outdoors is enough to spice up the old workout routine and keep things interesting. Read more...

HOW TO AVOID INJURING YOUR BACK WHEN WINTER COMES
Even though the temperatures are still in the mid 40's with no signs of snow falling (as of writing this), we cam all expect some snow in our lives in short order. Now taken individually, a snowflake is nothing more than a frozen droplet of water beautifully shaped and of no concern. However, when these guys get together in great numbers, they tend to make life a little more hectic for those of us with driveways and sidewalks. Now if you're one of the lucky few with a snow-blower, please disregard the rest of this, but if you're still doing things the old-fashioned way the tips today may save your spine tomorrow. Read more...

EXERCISE, BETTER DIET CAN HELP PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is a bone-altering disease becoming more prevalent in the United States. It is more commonly believed to be a "woman's disease," but an estimated 44 million men and women 50 years or older have low-bone mass — osteopenia — or osteoporosis. It is characterized by a decrease in bone strength and substance. Read more...

PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN ALLEVIATE HEADACHES
Physical therapy has been shown to be effective at treating headaches that originate from the neck. This type of headache is commonly referred to as a cervicogenic headache. Often cervicogenic headaches begin following trauma to the neck from injuries such as whiplash due to a motor vehicle accident, but the onset can also be gradual as a result of repetitive postural stresses commonly associated with working at a desk or computer. Read more...

WHY YOU SHOULD S.I.T. BEFORE YOU RUN
Running. Whether you're the occasional jogger, ultra-marathoner, or all-seasons runner, gravity and ground reaction forces will always be along for the ride. How you choose to deal with them however can be the difference between a successful endeavor and a painful memory. Before lacing up your old running shoes and hitting the trail, consider S.I.T.ing first. Read more...