Thursday, July 31, 2014

Hip Avascular Necrosis: Facts and Myths You Need to Know

Hip Avascular Necrosis

What is it: Hip avascular necrosis (commonly called “AVN”), now better known as osteonecrosis (“osteo” means bone; “necrosis” means death), results from interruption of the normal blood flow to the femoral head, or the “ball” that fits into the hip’s socket. If left untreated, this loss of blood flow to the hip ultimately causes the “ball” to die and collapse, leading to extreme pain, loss of hip motion, and eventually, severe arthritis.
Important Facts: There are two major forms of hip avascular necrosis: traumatic or non-traumatic (meaning no injury). Hip fractures or hip joint dislocations, partial or complete, are the most common causes of hip avascular necrosis. The most common risk factor is the use of oral or IV steroid medications (corticosteroids such as Prednisone). Another very common risk factor is excessive use of alcohol: the greater the consumption of alcohol, the higher the risk of developing avascular necrosis.
Statistics: In fact, about 25% of patients with hip avascular necrosis develop the disorder for no apparent reason. About two-thirds of the people who Hip Avascular Necrosisdevelop hip avascular necrosis are in their 20′s and 30′s. Avascular necrosis is diagnosed in about 20,000 people each year.
Treatment Duration: Once the hip joint is severely damaged (severe collapse and arthritis), then hip replacement essentially becomes the only reasonable treatment option. If hip avascular necrosis is diagnosed in its earliest stages and the diseased area of the femoral head is very small, a procedure called core decompression and bone grafting can be done with some success.
Fortunately, there is good news for adolescents and young adults under the age of 50 diagnosed with hip avascular necrosis, including select patients with later stages of disease, larger sized lesions, and limited collapse. A highly specialized surgical procedure called free vascularized fibular grafting – a unique form of bone grafting – can restore the dying hip and prevent hip replacement with much greater success.
Do’s/Don’ts: Pain in the hip? Don’t ignore it.
Common Myths: Most young adults do not think about themselves getting ill or let alone having “arthritis” – a rite of passage envied by anyone over 40 years of age. However, this youthful mindset can delay its diagnosis. Diagnosing hip avascular necrosis can be very difficult, and what makes it most elusive is its ability to exist “silently.”
Breakthrough Treatment: At Sport and Spine Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, FL our Dr. Ryan Whelton implements a revolutionary treatment method for hip pain that offers immediate pain relief using no needles, no drugs, no manipulations and no surgery! This hip pain treatment is so cutting edge, you will not find this anywhere else in Tampa, FL, Wesley Chapel, FL or the U.S.

Now offering; AcupunctureMassageYogaPilatesZumba, Mental Health Counseling at our Tampa, FL and Wesley Chapel, FL locations!

Phone:  813-699-9040

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is it: The Carpel Tunnel is the passage in the wrist created by bones on three sides and ligament on the fourth. Through this tiny space, nine tendons pass, as well as the median nerve. It stands to reason that any inflammation of any sort in the carpal tunnel will cause the median nerve to be compressed, thus resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve goes on to the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. This is the reason for the burning, tingling feelings and for the numbness and the pain.
Statistics: “Only 23% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery.” Source: NIOSH
“Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery has about a 57% failure rate following patients from 1-day to 6-years. At least one of the following symptoms re-occurred during this time: Pain, Numbness, Tingling sensations.” Source: Nancollas, et al, 1995. J. Hand Surgery.
Steroid (Cortisone) Injection Statistic: Failure rate (Including “partial success” as failure) is 72.6% after 1-year follow up. Source: Irwin, et al. J Hand Surgery.carpal tunnel syndrome
Important Facts: The wrist is the slimmest part of the human body. Slim wrists have been considered a sign of beauty for centuries, but people with smaller wrists, it is now known, are at higher risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
The carpals are the very small bones you feel when you touch your wrist. In the wrist is the carpal tunnel, which is enclosed by the carpals on three sides, and on the fourth side, by a transverse carpal ligament. Within this narrow space, is not only the median nerve, but also nine flexor tendons. These tendons help you bend your wrist and fingers. As you can imagine, it’s a pretty tight squeeze. If for some reason the carpal tunnel is too small, or if the tendons within the tunnel become larger, your median nerve will be compressed equaling carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment Duration: Some patients have mild problems and can be fixed in 1-4 weeks; others take longer.
How long should recovery from carpal tunnel syndrome take? Answer: Recovery is expected to take one to six weeks. Occupational rehabilitation may take an additional month due to navigating their insurance system.
Do’s/Don’ts: Avoid Repetitive Strain Injuries while working at the computer. The best thing you can do is make sure you take adequate breaks. A break every twenty minutes or so can do wonders. This is especially important if you have any tingling or pins and needles sensation in your palm, because these are the first signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Common Myths: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hypothyroidism — Until recently, despite much research on the subject, many doctors and endocrinologists have not been generally aware of the connection between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and hypothyroidism
Breakthrough Treatment: At Sport and Spine Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, FL our Dr. Ryan Whelton implements a revolutionary treatment method for carpal tunnel syndrome that offers immediate wrist and hand pain relief using, no needles, no drugs, no manipulations and no surgery! This shoulder pain treatment is so cutting edge, you will not find this anywhere else in Tampa, FL, Wesley Chapel, FL or the U.S.

 Now offering; AcupunctureMassageYogaPilatesZumba, Mental Health Counseling at our Tampa, FL and Wesley Chapel, FL locations!

Phone:  813-699-9040

Monday, July 21, 2014

Shoulder Bursitis

Bursitis of the ShoulderBursitis of the Shoulder

What is it? A bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. The plural of bursa is bursae. There are 160 bursae in the body. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. When injury or inflammation of a bursa around the shoulder joint occurs leading to a bursitis of the shoulder.

Statistics: The last statistic I looked at I believe was from 2003 and there was at that time in the United States 14 million people who suffer from shoulder problems.

Important Facts:
You may have tendinitis (inflamed tendons) and bursitis of the shoulder at the same time. Your bursitis may be part of a problem called shoulder impingement (im-PINJ-ment).
Older age is associated with bursitis, and one of the most common places it strikes is in the shoulder, which has the greatest range of motion of all the body’s major joints. The pain is generally felt along the outside top of the shoulder. The discomfort of bursitis tends to be most severe after a night’s sleep and will typically subside somewhat with normal activity. Other places that are prone to bursitis are the elbows, hips, knees, and the base of the thumb.

Statistics: 8-13% of all sports injuries involve shoulder pain. 35% of elite swimmers reporting shoulder pain (swimmer’s shoulder). 52% of badminton players have past or present shoulder pain.

Treatment Duration: Two or three weeks should be enough to recover from mild or moderate bursitis of the shoulder.

Do’s/Don’ts: Take frequent breaks in sports that require repetitive overhead movements. Wear warm upper-body clothing in cold weather. Allow more warm-up time in cold weather. Wear sport-specific protective equipment to protect the shoulder against blunt forces.
Keep pressure off your shoulder. You may be told to avoid lying or sleeping on the shoulder with bursitis. You may be more comfortable sleeping on your back. Also avoid activities that make your shoulder pain worse, such as throwing and overhead reaching and lifting.
Keep your shoulder muscles strong by doing specific and special exercises. Having strong arm, shoulder and back muscles can help support your shoulder. A knowlegable sports physical therapist can help you plan an exercise program to build up your muscles and keep them strong.

Common Myths: Bursitis of the shoulder is the most common shoulder problem.

Reality: The term “bursitis” is often used incorrectly by physicians and patients to describe the most common cause of shoulder pain. Rotator cuff tendinitis is actually the most common cause of this complaint not bursitis of the shoulder.

Breakthrough Treatment: At Sport and Spine Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, FL our Dr. Ryan Whelton implements a revolutionary treatment method for bursitis of the shoulder that offers immediate shoulder pain relief using, no needles, no drugs, no manipulations and no surgery! This shoulder pain treatment is so cutting edge, you will not find this anywhere else in Tampa, FL, Wesley Chapel, FL or the U.S.

 Now offering; AcupunctureMassageYogaPilatesZumba, Mental Health Counseling at our Tampa, FL and Wesley Chapel, FL locations!

Phone:  813-699-9040






ZUMBA Fitness Classes WITHOUT a Gym Membership!

Zumba Fitness Without the Large Crowds, Costly Gym Fees, or Commitment!

Zumba Fitness
Maybe you have always wanted to give Zumba fitness a try, but don’t want to go through the trouble of joining the local gym. With expensive monthly fees and group fitness classes that are packed to maximum capacity, I can hardly blame you. It is easy to get discouraged by fitness classes at large gyms, especially if you are new to Zumba fitness and find yourself in a class full of regulars who know the steps almost as well as the teacher. If you don’t feel welcome in a Zumba fitness class, or you don’t feel like the instructor is taking your abilities and fitness needs into account, you are not in the right place!
At Sport and Spine Physical Therapy and Wellness Center we offer intimate classes of no more than ten students and specifically target our classes towards beginners of all fitness levels! Because of our small class sizes, I am able to break down or modify steps based on the needs of whoever is taking the class (This could also mean adding a new challenge if the class is ready for it!). Every class is customized based on the needs of the students. One thing is for certain, you will never feel lost in my Zumba fitness class! I give special consideration to each and every one of my students and take their fitness level, experience, and goals into account. The best part is, you only pay when you come! There is no need for a costly monthly commitment as with most gyms. We offer several options including 5, 10, and 20 class packages that can bring the cost as low as $4 per class.
Still skeptical? Come try out your first class free! We are confident that you will have a great time. All shapes, sizes, and levels are welcome. Zumba Fitness classes are currently held at Sport and Spine Physical Therapy and Wellness Center on Wednesdays at 6:30-7:30pm and Saturdays at 10-11am. We also offer Yoga and Pilates classes. Classes are offered in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. Visit www.ssptwc.com for more details.
E-mail info@PTandPainRelief.com or call/text 321-501-5763 to reserve your spot or for more info.
Meet the instructor!
Emily Hagen
_20140128_150435
 Emily is a Florida native and a recent graduate of the University of South Florida where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She plans to attend Physical Therapy school in 2015, and in the meantime is gaining valuable experience as a rehab aide. Emily has a diverse background in Biology, including exotic animal husbandry and undergraduate research in biomechanics and physiology. She became interested in PT when she herself recently became a patient for a long-term struggle with arthritis. PT helped Emily to feel better than any medication ever did, and more importantly it allowed her to stay active and keep up with all the activities she loves. Having been affected by arthritis at such young age, Emily wants to help others in similar situations live healthy and active lifestyles.
In her spare time, Emily enjoys doing yoga, dancing, reading, going on walks, camping, canoeing, rock climbing, working with animals, cooking, traveling, staying active, and trying new things. She is also a licensed ZUMBA Fitness instructor!

ZUMBA® and the ZUMBA Fitness logos are trademarks
of ZUMBA Fitness, LLC, used under license.
See Zumba.com