Honor Guard’s Time to be Supported

Written by: Sports PT Blog Team

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When people think of an honor guard, they tend to visualize a tall, strong man in uniform. A military honor guard’s presence at a funeral signifies strength and serves as a reminder to the congregation that their soldier is appreciated and respected. Just the visual alone of the perfectly polished honor guard provides support during a time filled with questions and deep sadness. 

 

Steve Imburgia has provided that stoic support to so many families in the Rochester, NY area throughout his career as a Military Honor Guard. On February 11th, 2012, Steve had just completed a service with military honors and was headed to his second funeral just miles away. As Steve merged onto the thruway, his car was hit and pushed into the path of an oncoming vehicle which forced Steve’s car over the median and straight into the base of a steel thruway sign. At the moment of impact, not one of Steve’s airbags deployed.

 

Since that frightening day, Steve has learned how to turn to others for support. He went from wearing his perfectly tailored uniform to a body cast, actually referred to as a “turtle shell” for obvious reasons. He suffered a broken jaw and the long time athlete had to have his mouth wired shut for two months losing 40 pounds. Steve fractured his back, right femur, right ankle, all of his ribs and punctured both his lungs.

 

After a month in the hospital and several months of physical therapy through the VA, Steve eventually needed to be seen 3 times a week to complete his rehabilitation goals. The day of his first appointment, he filled our clinic with smiles, laughter and inspiration. Working alongside his therapist Allison Pulvino, DPT, he quickly became part of our Sports PT family. Everyone knows people in the military are disciplined so it should come as no surprise that Steve never complains about doing his exercises. He actually looks forward to coming to PT, he enjoys the social atmosphere and said he feels better every day.  Although, he may not be back on the baseball field or fairways just yet, Steve gains inspiration from his fellow patients seeing their progress.

 

What a difference a year makes! Steve’s mobility in his back, right ankle and knee has improved greatly. He continues to have limitations with pain, but overall has made significant functional movement gains. We feel honored to be able to provide inspiration and support to someone who has served and inspired so many.

 

Meet Owen Campbell

Written by: Sports PT Blog Team

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Sports PT is blessed to have many qualified leaders in its ranks. Katherine Graham once said, “To love what you do and feel that it matters…how could anything be more fun?” Owen Campbell, Assistant Facility Manager of our Union Square clinic, is a great example of someone who loves what he does and has fun doing it! His passion is contagious to his patients and staff.

 

After earning his BS in Clinical Science and MS and DPT degrees in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College, Owen joined Sports PT at our York Avenue clinic in Manhattan. He was promoted to Assistant Facility Manager in May 2012, and has recently assumed that role at our Union Square clinic. Owen has orthopedic experience with sports injuries as well as lower extremities (hip, knee, ankle and foot). He is currently studying for his Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification.

 

When asked about the Union Square clinic, Owen describes it as a family… “you’ll feel like you’re entering a home when you come in.” There is a very welcoming atmosphere that encourages and empowers patients to heal. There is a high clinical standard, where evidence-based treatment is used for every patient. Owen says, “our entire team – patient service coordinators and clinicians – are focused on patients first. Our goal is to return patients to their pre-injury quality of life as effectively and carefully as possible.”

 

Owen says the best thing about working at Sports PT is opportunity. He describes the environment as one that allows people to make whatever they want of their career. “If you’re ambitious and driven, there is great opportunity here.” In addition, Owen raves about the educational opportunities here – clinicians get access to and are mentored by seasoned clinicians, attend educational classes, participate in study groups, and can move up in management if they desire.

 

Owen gives the following advice to people: Exercise! “Make sure that physical activity is an intentional part of your day. Don’t skip on the weights! Do some resistance exercises (easy leg presses) to keep your body fat down and make sure you’re stable and have healthy body mechanics.”

 

You can reach Owen at 212-677-3989 or ocampbell@sptny.com. Read more about Owen in his personal bio here.

 

My Knee Hurts…So Why am I Strengthening my Hips and Core?

Written by: Devin Blessing, PT, DPT

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Have you ever had nagging pain in the front of your knee with running, squatting, going down stairs, or sitting? If you answered yes to any of these, chances are you may have been experiencing what is known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). Although it is one of the most frequently diagnosed knee injuries, the underlying cause of PFPS is vague and controversial. Pain around the knee cap (aka patella), with the absence of other structural injury, is typically diagnosed as PFPS. Proposed causes of PFPS include poor knee alignment, muscle imbalances, tightness of muscles in your thigh, limited ankle mobility, or flat feet.

 

How can you get rid of your knee pain? With a variety of possible causes, one thing is for sure; poor knee alignment (as seen below) needs to be corrected. This type of knee alignment causes your patella to move the wrong way and may eventually lead to pain. The ability to prevent this knee position comes from the muscles of your hip. Furthermore, research shows that people diagnosed with PFPS have weak hip muscles.1  A study demonstrated that a six-week exercise program that improved hip strength and flexibility of muscles in your thigh had a 93 percent success rate in reducing pain.2

 

 

What does this have to do with my core? Well, we can all agree that the picture above is bad news for your knees. A recently published study showed that when women actively contracted their core during a single leg squat activity, their knee alignment significantly improved.3 So train your core and hips and keep your knees healthy.

 

Giving Back Across NY State

Written by: Sports PT Blog Team

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John Andrew Holmes once said, “There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” At Sports Physical Therapy, we take Mr. Holmes’ call-to-action seriously. You will find every location of ours actively engaged throughout the year in helping others.

 

For example, after Superstorm Sandy devastated so many last October, you found all 21 of our clinics collecting donations of cleaning supplies, clothing, food, and small appliances to give to those impacted. There were over 10 carloads of items collected and delivered to the New York City area.

 

During the holidays last December, 17 of our clinics participated in Salvation Army programs such as Toys for Tots and Adopt-A-Family, or supporting local agencies trying to help underserved populations enjoy their holidays.

 

Each month, our Administrative Office holds a $2 Tuesday lunch. All the money raised at these lunches goes to a non-profit organization in need. To date, we’ve raised over $300 to help agencies like the American Red Cross, Vera House of Central New York, and the Central New York Food Bank. And, if that’s not enough, the staff in this office sells tickets for staff to wear jeans to work. That effort has raised over $500 and has helped agencies like North Area Meals on Wheels (Liverpool, NY), University Methodist Church Food Pantry, and others.

 

We have numerous employees who are active with community walks and runs, helping to raise money for agencies like the Arthritis Foundation, American Heart Association, and Juvenile Diabetes. Their efforts have helped raised hundreds of dollars just in the last year!

 

We thank you for your support of our efforts. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of many!

 

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Blood Clot

Written by: Drew Jenk, PT, DPT

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The New York Mets seemed to be one of baseball’s unluckiest teams when it came to injuries this past season. Among the many injuries sustained, pitcher Dillon Gee was lost for the season due to a blood clot in his pitching shoulder.

 

Gee threw 8 innings and got the win versus the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, July 7. The following day, he complained of numbness in his fingers. By Monday, he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his shoulder. Soon after, Gee underwent a procedure to break up the clot with a catheter.

 

So the question arises: How does something like this occur in a young, healthy, active individual? The answer is somewhat unknown at this time. However, it is most important to recognize the symptoms of a blood clot, and to know what to do if you suspect that you may have one.

 

Blood clots are often referred to as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. They are often thought to occur in sedentary individuals and affect mostly the lower extremities. The truth is that blood clots can affect anyone, can occur anywhere in the body, and have the potential to be a life-threatening situation. If not treated promptly and effectively, a blood clot can break off and travel to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is a critical event requiring immediate emergency medical care.

 

It is important to recognize the symptoms of a blood clot. Symptoms include:

-         Heaviness, weakness, achiness or numbness in the fingers or toes

-         Moderate to severe swelling in the area often accompanied by warmth of the area

-         Unrelenting pain that is difficult to resolve and severe tenderness to the touch

-         Discoloration and skin changes

-         Large distended veins

 

Any of these symptoms are a reason for immediate medical attention. Blood clots can be treated effectively and safely if recognized early. So, let your body be your guide; play it safe because sometimes it can really be a matter of life and limb.

 

Make Physical Therapy Your First Stop for Orthopedic Injuries

Written by: Sports PT Blog Team

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A cheerleading injury scare! My daughter is a flyer for her high school varsity cheerleading team and with that responsibility comes many hours of practice each day, including separate sessions of tumbling. While performing a back handspring, she landed off balance and the pain began.

 

After applying general first aid to her ankle overnight, it became very apparent that the injury was more than a slight bruise. Her orthopedic doctor didn’t have an available appointment for nearly 3 days and we were worried the situation would get worse, especially if she continued to practice with her team.

 

Fortunately, I learned about Direct Access from Sports PT and knew we had other options. I immediately called the Liverpool, NY clinic and they saw her that day! After a thorough initial evaluation, it was evident that her ankle may have been broken in the landing, and the physical therapist recommended a visit to the orthopedic urgent care that evening for x-rays. Her ankle was broken, but due to the immediate attention provided by Sports PT, we had already begun the healing process.

 

So what is Direct Access?

 

It is legislation enacted by the NYS Education Department in November 2006 that allows a licensed physical therapist to provide a patient with treatment in the practice of physical therapy without a referral from a physician, dentist, podiatrist or nurse practitioner, for 10 visits or 30 days, whichever occurs first, provided the licensed physical therapist meets specific requirements. It was designed to be a first line of defense where patients could start treatment immediately to begin the healing process. It also allows for patients to be seen sooner by expert medical professionals rather than clogging up emergency rooms and urgent care centers with these types of issues.

 

Did you know that physical therapists are some of the best qualified individuals to evaluate an orthopedic injury, next to Orthopedic Surgeons? There is even a research study that presents data supporting the diagnostic accuracy of physical therapists.

 

At Sports PT, we have physical therapists who meet the requirements in nearly every clinic. If you have an acute or chronic injury or condition that impairs your movement, such as back and neck pain, sprains and strains, hip, knee or ankle pain, tendonitis or a sports injury, I encourage you to contact us to make an appointment! It will save you precious time and may result in lower out-of-pocket insurance expenses.1 We’ll check your insurance policy for you to make sure your insurance carrier allows for Direct Access. We look forward to helping you soon!

 

By:  Dot Hall, Mother of Patient

 

Sportsmetrics™ Program Helping Our Student Athletes

Written by: Sports PT Blog Team

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Dr. Alison Synakowski, Facility Manager of Sports PT’s Saratoga clinic, will be running a Sportsmetrics™ program from February 4, 2013 through March 15, 2013 at the SPA Catholic High School. Dr. Synakowski is a certified Sportsmetrics™ trainer, and has successfully affected student athletes who have participated in this program in the past.

 

Sportsmetrics™ is proven to reduce the risk of knee ligament injuries, especially in female athletes. In addition, participants have also seen an increase in agility, strength, vertical jump height and power. Sportsmetrics™ is an evidence-based approach to reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. This program is ideal for individuals who would like to reduce their risk of knee injuries as well improve performance in their sport. It is also appropriate for individuals who are returning from ACL surgery and need to improve their confidence and mechanics in order to return safely to sport. Many basketball, soccer and lacrosse players have seen significant improvements.

 

The components include:

 

  • Dynamic warm-ups
  • Jump training series
  • Mechanics with jumping
  • Agility, Strength, and Flexibility work outs

 

There is testing completed on the first and last day of the program to measure outcomes.

 

Classes run from 7-9pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 8-10am on Saturdays. Participants must complete all 18 sessions. Class size is limited to 12 participants. The cost is $150. To register, contact Dr. Synakowski at asynakowski@sptny.com or 518-583-7537. Don’t miss this great opportunity to get stronger, higher, and flexible!

 

The ACL: The Crucial Knee Ligament

Written by: Lisa Martin, PT, DPT

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Are you an athlete? Do you have children involved in sports that might be susceptible to a knee injury? Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located in the center of your knee, connecting your femur (thigh bone) to your tibia (shin bone). The ACL provides stability to prevent forward movement and rotation of your knee joint especially while running, cutting in sports, or skiing down a mountain. A complete or partial ACL tear is common in both contact and non-contact sports. An ACL injury can leave a person unable to finish out a sports season and even possibly result in surgery. Many studies have shown that prevention programs can decrease your risk of sustaining an ACL tear.

 

Females are 4-6 times more likely to injure their ACL due to overuse of their quadriceps muscle (thigh muscle), knees coming together more during landing, and decreased ankle, knee and hip bending during athlete performance compared to males. (1, 2) Other risk factors include: footwear, surface type (e.g. grass, snow, ice, turf, wood), knee laxity (e.g. looseness), foot overpronation (flat feet), and body mass index (BMI). (3)

 

Screening examinations by a physical therapist can identify if you have any of these predisposing factors for an ACL injury. The examination may include an assessment of your stomach (core) and leg strength, hip, knee, and ankle range of motions, and completion of a series of functional tests to help determine if you are at risk for an ACL injury. (1, 2) Your mechanics will be assessed during tasks such as jumping off a box to the floor, during single leg jumps or with cutting motions. Once these factors are identified, your physical therapist can then develop an individualized treatment plan focusing on strength, sports mechanics, and flexibility to help you reduce these risk factors and in turn reduce the risk of ACL injury. Your physical therapist can educate and train you on the proper way to land to improve absorption of weight through the legs and muscles avoiding increased forces through the knee.

 

Have you ever had knee pain or a feeling of instability in your knee after playing in a sports game or skiing?

 

Free Weights or Machines?

Written by: Julie Wolfley, PT, DPT

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One of the main objectives of physical therapy treatment is to strengthen weak muscles. Usually if a muscle is weak, the forces on your body become unbalanced. This can lead to pain and an inability to perform a normal daily activity. A common question posed by patients is: “Should I strengthen my muscles with free weights or machines?”

 

Machines are designed to keep your body in proper form to work the muscle(s) indicated. Pictures are often attached to the equipment to indicate the muscle(s) being strengthened and proper set up.

 

Free weights can be more challenging because you have to use your muscles to stabilize and balance your body while performing the exercise. In addition, free weights allow you to increase the range of motion of an activity as well as lend creativity to developing exercises that mimic your daily activities. For example, a bicep curl on a machine usually just targets the bicep, but with free weights your shoulder, neck, back and leg muscles also turn on to perform the exercise. As a result of the greater demand on your stabilizing muscles, it is important to focus on your form when using free weights. Failing to do so could lead to injury.

 

Our physical therapy clinics are focused on restoring normal function and reducing your pain. Daily activities at work, home and play all require your stabilizing muscles to work. Therefore, we prefer to use free weights during your rehabilitation program to help retrain your muscles to work properly with your daily routine. We focus on proper form with each free weight exercise to prevent re-injury or creation of a new injury.

 

Despite continued debate by some health professionals, both methods are effective ways to strengthen muscles. However, if one of your goals is to strengthen in a functional movement pattern, consider free weights over machines. Our physical therapists at Sports PT of NY can help you establish your functional free weight routine with a referral from your MD or via Direct Access.

 

Ski Trip Preparation

Written by: Adrian Miranda, PT, DPT

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With the winter weather season coming up, many of my patients are getting excited about returning to the ski slopes. When I hear this, I immediately turn my attention to reducing the risk of injury. Typically, when we learn about ski-related knee injuries many of the images we picture are those of a knee twisted in and the skis going in opposite directions. This position is often referred to as the “position of no return” and is commonly associated with the dreaded anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

 

An important factor in skiing is control of the knee. This control is provided by strength of the muscles of the hip and core. The knee is designed to move in a forward and back direction with very limited rotational and side-to-side movements. The hips have greater degrees of movement and are meant to move in rotational and side-to-side directions, in turn, sparing the knee from these excessive movements. A lot of skiing is turning and moving side-to-side and resisting the skis from going too far out to the sides. Therefore, having a strong core and hips is essential to decreasing the risk of lower extremity injuries.

 

So, before hitting the slopes, it is important to prepare yourself by increasing your balance, core, and hip muscle strength to avoid getting an injury that may take you out of ski season early. An exercise that can be easily done is balancing on one leg. To increase the difficulty, you can balance on a BOSU ball or perform a one-legged deadlift.

 

Utilizing the skill and knowledge of your physical therapist at Sports PT of NY will allow you to obtain an individualized ski program and help to keep you healthy on the mountain.