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Internship program: taking new resumes

Form & Function is currently seeking 3 new interns for the upcoming June 2013- Dec 2013 term. The applicants should have a university degree or is in the progress of completing one. Hours are flexible, but 8 hour minimum is required for the week. This is a very hands on experience with tons of educational and research bits that will make you a better sports based practitioner in the future. Please send all resumes and cover letter to this ad. The ad will be deleted when 20 resume quota is reached.

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Relieve the stress from your desk

Does your desk cause you pain?  What can I do to relieve the tightness in my shoulders or neck?  If you have asked yourself these questions, I have a few suggestions that can help.

  • Raise your monitor.  The top of your monitor screen should be at eye level.  This will allow you to sit in an upright posture without looking down.  When the monitor is too low it pulls your head forward which increases the strain on your neck.
  • Support your forearms/elbows.  When you have to constantly hold up your arms your shoulder/trapezius muscles are always on.  Use your desk or the arm rests on your chair to give your shoulders a break.
  • Take a break every 45 min.  Change postures (recline in your chair, shift in your seat, etc.) or get up out of your chair.  This will not allow you to build up the stress in your tissues that can lead to tightness and pain.
  • Get more strategies and treatment from your healthcare professional.  I always give my patients specific strategies to help them with the stress from their desk.  The key is not to let the tension build up in the tissues and utilize strategies (i.e. stretching, postural changes & movement strategies) that can break the stress building cycles.

For more information please contact me.

Dr. Paul

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Relieve the stress from your desk

Does your desk cause you pain?  What can I do to relieve the tightness in my shoulders or neck?  If you have asked yourself these questions, I have a few suggestions that can help.

  • Raise your monitor.  The top of your monitor screen should be at eye level.  This will allow you to sit in an upright posture without looking down.  When the monitor is too low it pulls your head forward which increases the strain on your neck.
  • Support your forearms/elbows.  When you have to constantly hold up your arms your shoulder/trapezius muscles are always on.  Use your desk or the arm rests on your chair to give your shoulders a break.
  • Take a break every 45 min.  Change postures (recline in your chair, shift in your seat, etc.) or get up out of your chair.  This will not allow you to build up the stress in your tissues that can lead to tightness and pain.
  • Get more strategies and treatment from your healthcare professional.  I always give my patients specific strategies to help them with the stress from their desk.  The key is not to let the tension build up in the tissues and utilize strategies (i.e. stretching, postural changes & movement strategies) that can break the stress building cycles.

For more information please contact me.

Dr. Paul

By Dr. J 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

TORN ACL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been seeing many ruptured ACL patients in the past  few years, and I have seen great success with our rehab programs. But the question still remains… to cut or not to cut? My past experience aligns with the current research of the benefits vs risks of ACL reconstruction, the evidence is clear; just do it! I have seen too many patients that refuse the surgery and have multiple instances of “giving out” or aberrant movement inside the knee joint. This will lead to cartilage tears, meniscus tears, synovitis, other ligamentous damage, and eventually osteoarthritis later on in life. This is especially true for active population; don’t mention all the psychosomatic sequela associated with a torn ACL effecting your sports performance.

By Administrator 0 Comments Uncategorised

ICE VERSUS HEAT?

There is often confusion around the application of ice or heat when managing injuries. It is important to know the purpose of each modality and recognize when one form of therapy is warranted over the other. Let’s begin with the application of ice, also known as cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is aimed at decreasing pain and inflammation following an acute (rapid onset) injury to the musculoskeletal system. It is the best immediate treatment for acute injuries as it works to vaso-constrict blood vessels (causes blood vessels to narrow) which limits internal bleeding and swelling at the injury site. The cardinal signs and symptoms of an acute injury or active inflammation are:
• Pain
• Redness
• Skin that is warm to touch
• Swelling
• Loss of function

Icing is indicated if any of these signs and symptoms are present. To ice an injury, wrap ice in a thin towel (preferably a wet towel) and place it on the affected area for 10 minutes at a time. Allow the skin temperature to return to normal before icing a second or third time. You can ice an acute injury several times a day for up to three days. Cold therapy is also helpful in treating some overuse injuries or chronic pain in athletes. For example, an athlete who has chronic knee pain that increases after running may want to ice the injured area after each run to reduce or prevent inflammation.

Heat is generally used for chronic (long lasting) injuries or injuries that have no inflammation or swelling. Sore, stiff, nagging muscle or joint pain is ideal for the use of heat therapy. Athletes with chronic pain or injuries may use heat therapy before exercise to increase the elasticity of joint connective tissues and to stimulate blood flow via vaso-dilation of blood vessels (causes blood vessels to expand). Heat can also help relax tight muscles or muscle spasms. Don’t apply heat after exercise. After a workout, ice is the better choice for a chronic injury.

Because heat increases circulation and raises skin temperature, you should not apply heat to acute injuries or injuries that show signs of inflammation. Safely apply heat to an injury 15 to 20 minutes at a time and use enough layers between your skin and the heating source to prevent burns.

By Administrator 0 Comments Uncategorised

Valentine Day Nutrition Tips

If you really want to show your Valentine how much your care, take some time to prepare a meal that will show you have a heart of gold.
Toast your love with a glass of champagne in place of wine. Champagne is higher in polyphenols that aid in circulation and regulating blood pressure.
Start your meal with a colorful salad and include heart healthy avocado and nuts.
Main entree should include lean protein and opt for sweet potato in place of white. This will please your palate and your heart!
To finish your meal, try a bowl of fresh berries drizzled with dark chocolate. Both are loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals.
February is Heart Health month. The greatest gift you can give your loved one is a Healthy YOU!

By Administrator 0 Comments Uncategorised

Valentine Day Nutrition Tips

If you really want to show your Valentine how much your care, take some time to prepare a meal that will show you have a heart of gold.
Toast your love with a glass of champagne in place of wine. Champagne is higher in polyphenols that aid in circulation and regulating blood pressure.
Start your meal with a colorful salad and include heart healthy avocado and nuts.
Main entree should include lean protein and opt for sweet potato in place of white. This will please your palate and your heart!
To finish your meal, try a bowl of fresh berries drizzled with dark chocolate. Both are loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals.
February is Heart Health month. The greatest gift you can give your loved one is a Healthy YOU!