Although society has become infinitely more complex technologically in the past 2 decades, the formula for weight gain has remained the same: when energy in is greater than energy expended, weight gain occurs. Despite it’s simplicity, the information in this equation provides valuable clues to  why the weight of children continues to increase at an alarming rate. The progression of technology has dramatically improved the speed and ease with which we can access information and communicate with other but has also dramatically decreased the amount of physical activity performed by children. Decreased physical activity reduces calorie expenditure which decreases the amount of calories that can be consumed without gaining weight. Yet, the increased access to high calorie drinks and snacks has resulted in increased caloric intake. Decreased output and increased input has resulted in the gross weight gain seen in this generation of children.

Outlining the existence of the problem is important but how we go about addressing it is even more so. Educating the community regarding the potential health issues associated with childhood obesity is an important first step in increasing awareness regarding the severity of the situation. Of even further importance is the providing of information and strategies for addressing the situation with their children. With simple but diligent steps towards monitoring your diet and increasing daily physical activity, substantial changes in the health of children and future adults can be made. For specific information regarding how to address this problem, you can visit http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/npao/strategies.htm.

References

Ludwig, D.S. (2007) Childhood Obesity- The Shape of Things to Come. New England Medical Journal, 357 (23), 2325-2327.

The reason that this ligament often tears while on the slopes is usually due to the skier’s binding not releasing the ski from the boot in adequate time while that person is falling.  This creates great torque on the knee, so much so that their ligament is not strong enough to withstand the force and ligament tearing takes place. 

ACL tears usually require surgery.  An ACL reconstruction is a procedure that has become more common in the sports world.  The surgery takes a few hours, however, the rehab following the surgery takes months. 

There is a program known as Sportsmetrics that was created years ago to prevent  these types of injuries from occurring in athletes.  Over the years the program has gotten great results.  Jersey Physical Therapy has become a Sportsmetrics certified site with multiple individuals that have received their training certification for this program.  If you would like more information on this particular program, feel free to contact us.

Fall sports such as football and soccer start at the end of August and many high school athletes find that this change in exercise routine results in sprains and strains.  Hamstring strains are common in high school athletes and can be very painful, resulting in time lost on the field.

A hamstring strain is an excessive stretch or tearing of muscle fibers and related tissues. Hamstring strains can occur at one of the attachment sites or at any point along the length of the muscle. They are classified as either1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree depending on the severity.

Hamstring injuries are common problems that may result in significant loss of on-field time for many athletes because these injuries tend to heal slowly. Once injury occurs, the patient is at high risk for recurrence without proper rest and rehabilitation.  Hamstring strain is a noncontact injury and usually occurs with either acute or insidious onset. Strain injuries frequently are seen in athletes who run, jump, and kick.

Hamstring injuries occur in all athletes- even professionals.  Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys recently has been in the news for a hamstring strain that may cause him to miss as much as three weeks.  Kenny Britt of the Tennessee Titans was also recovering from a right hamstring strain when he twisted on his right leg resulting in a season ending ACL-MCL injury.  One must wonder if Britt’s hamstring injury had anything to do with his ACL/MCL injury.

The treatment of a hamstring strain starts with the RICE method of rest, ice, compression and elevation.  Evidence has shown that a period of immobilization, (i.e. shutting down), is helpful and the length of immobilization will depend on the severity of the injury.  After immobilization, the athlete should work with a PT or athletic trainer to regain strength and flexibility prior to getting back on the field.  If the athlete returns too soon, he or she is at risk for re-injury.

The key to these injuries is definitely prevention.  Pre-exercise stretching and adequate warm-up are important issues.  When starting a season, a graded approach with gradually increasing exercise volume and intensity may also be helpful.

Sportsmetrics™ is the first ACL injury prevention program scientifically proven to decrease serious knee ligament injuries in female athletes. With Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or ACL, injury rates that are 2-10 times higher in female athletes than in male athletes, it is time to TAKE ACTION and get involved with Sportsmetrics™–the training program for injury prevention AND performance enhancement. Sportsmetrics™ is not just another plyometric training program. Jumping drills are used to teach the athlete to preposition the entire body safely when accelerating (jumping) or decelerating (landing). The selection and progression of these exercises are designed for neuromuscular retraining proceeding from simple jumping drills (to instill correct form) to multi-directional, single-foot hops and plyometrics with an emphasis on quick turnover (to add sport-like movements). Performing maneuvers with sound mechanics decreases the likelihood of an injury, and it is also essential to maximizing sport performance. A solid foundation of strength, coordination and overall physical conditioning is required for athletes to attain their highest potential in their sport-specific skills. Train with Sportsmetrics™ to reduce your risk of injury AND enhance competitive athletic performance.

To find out more about this exciting program and how you can get your team signed up call 732-297-0032 and ask to speak with Geoffrey Hunt, PT, OCS or Mustafa Turan.

A commonly seen condition that often comes up in the conversation of aquatic exercise programs in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints of the body and can be a source of significant pain and functional limitation. Exercise is a commonly prescribed treatment for this condition but difficulty arises with  choosing the proper type of exercise program that offers relief without aggravation of symptoms. Aquatic therapy offers numerous benefits with regards to addressing the needs of this population. In the aquatic environment, a person experiences less compression of the joints secondary to the buoyancy of the water which results in increased exercise tolerance without aggravating the symptoms of their arthritic joints. Secondary to their ability to tolerate more exercise and movement, these people can achieve greater gains in range of motion, endurance and strength that they otherwise could not achieve performing a land based exercise program solely.

Another group of people that can benefit from participation in an aquatic exercise program are those who suffer from the neuromuscular condition- multiple sclerosis. Those with this condition are sensitive to increased body temperature and often experience severe fatigue as a primary symptoms of their condition. However, it has also been shown that these people benefit significantly from a well structured exercise program. Aquatic exercise offers this population a viable exercise opportunity that allows them to maintain a cooler body temperature and moderate their intensity level in a manner that prevents adverse effects associated with fatigue while maximizing benefits.

As previously discussed, aquatic exercise programs offer people a powerful tool for improving their physical functioning. However, given the amount of variables that exist between individuals, it is important that people who wish to gain the maximum benefit of aquatic exercise consult with a physical therapist who can design an appropriate program that addresses all of their individual needs appropriately. Also, consulting with a physical therapist can offer you the ability to learn of facilities that offer the appropriate equipment and resources to achieve all of your exercise and rehabilitation needs. Aquatic exercise can and should be seen as a valuable tool that, when implemented appropriately, can achieve maximal gains in a fun and dynamic environment.

Thursday, April 7th – Regency (11-2)              Monroe

Wednesday, April 20^th- Oakwoods (10-12)      South Brunswick

Monday, May 2nd – Whittingham (10-1)         Monroe

Thursday, May 12th – Concordia (10-1)          Monroe

Tuesday, May 17th – Clearbrook (10-1)           Monroe

Wednesday, May 18th – Rossmoor (10-1)       Monroe

Monday, May 23rd -Ponds (10-1)                     Monroe

Wednesday, May 25th-  SB Senior Center         South Brunswick

Please contact the facility directly or 732-641-0788 to find out more information.

Condition: Patient had lumbar spinal fusion.

Attendance: Perfect

Motivation/Dedication: Excellent with positive attitude

Compliance with Home Exercise Program: Excellent

Improvement: Increased strength and endurance, improved walking tolerance, and decreased pain levels.

Quote: “The results at JPT have been quite successful.  I can walk farther distances with less pain and my legs are stronger.  My back pain has subsided considerably.  My thanks to Sean Coll and the staff for my improvement.  I’d recommended JPT to anyone.”

Here are a few tips to help you lift safely:

1) Use your strongest muscles to get the job done.  Your leg muscles are much stronger than your back muscles.  Use your legs by bending at the knees, while keeping your back straight.  Avoid bending forward at the trunk while lifting.

2) Keep objects close to your body.  Holding things out in front of you puts excess stress on the back. Hold objects as close the body as possible.  When lifting a child squat down with your knees to child’s level, bring child close to your chest, and push up with your legs.

3) Have a solid base of support before lifting.  Feet shoulder with apart gives you a solid base and improves your balance and makes you stronger.

4) Use your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine while lifting.  Keep your abdominal muscles tight by drawing your belly button in and up while lifting.

5) Think ahead before making your lift.  Know exactly where you are going to put the object and make sure you have a clear path. If you are lifting with another person make sure each person knows the plan.  This will prevent any unnecessary movements such as bending or twisting which could lead to injury.

6) Maintain normal breathing while lifting.  Holding your breath while lifting can cause you to feel faint.

Dr. Vora specializes in the treatment of orthopedic conditions such as neck and low back pain, rotator cuff injuries and joint replacements.  She can be reached at 732-297-0032 or via e-mail at avaniv@jerseypt.com.