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Physical Medicine/Rehab


Latest articles on Physical Medicine/Rehab

Fear of Falling Not Uncommon Among Older Adults

"It's so important - for older adults, especially - to strengthen their balance system through physical activity," says David R. Friedland, MD, PhD. "It can prevent falls and make them feel safer and more confident. And that preserves their independence."  

From Child to Adult: Meeting the Needs of Spina Bifida Patients

How to transition young adults with pediatric-onset disabilities to the world of adult health care is an important topic that is being more widely recognized, says William P. Waring III, MS, MD.   

Rapid Diagnosis and Excellent Management Help Control Scoliosis

In many cases, scoliosis does not require treatment, but the curve is watched and measured carefully over the years to make sure it doesn't become any worse.  

Traumatic Brain Injury: Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Recovery

"Traumatic Brain Injury is more common than most people think," says Dr. Mark Klingbeil. While some patients go on to make a full recovery, more than five million Americans currently live with disabilities due to TBI.  

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Can Help Alleviate Pain

By definition, complementary medicine is used along with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is practiced in place of conventional medicine. In reality, the practices often overlap.  

Ongoing Back Problems Should Be Re-Evaluated

The back is susceptible to pain because its mechanics include many pieces imprecisely put together, and it's loaded with nerves.  

Hand Center Treats an Array of Upper-Extremity Problems

Most of the surgeries performed in the Hand Center are done on an outpatient basis; this is possible in large part because surgeons are now able to use arthroscopic surgery for many repairs.   

Head Restraint Positioning Might Reduce Whiplash Injury

"The practical aspect of this study is that you want to set your head restraint so that it's very close to the back of your head," suggests Dr. Brian Stemper.   

Exercise Is Crucial for a Longer, Healthier Life

Anne Z. Hoch, DO, notes that regarding exercise, "The most important thing is to find an activity you love, and keep at it. Realize you have to make exercise a priority."  

SpineCare Clinics Offer Post-Injury Relief

At two Froedtert & Medical College SpineCare clinics, "We treat the patient as intelligent and concerned, and help them feel more in control of their condition," says Dr. Diane Braza.   

Recovery Limited by Severity of Stroke

Stroke victims have variable recovery, explains Dr. Julie Mitchell. When the disruption in blood flow is severe, parts of the brain can be damaged beyond the ability of the brain to repair itself.  

Neck and Back Pain: Specialists Provide Full Range of Options

Surgery is not the only option for people with chronic neck or back pain. Dr. Raj Rao, a neck and back surgery specialist, says most patients can gain relief through education, medical treatment, and therapy.  

Bionic Arm Helps Patients Regain Use of Hands

A simple unit that slips over the forearm and wrist, the H200 provides neuromuscular stimulation that supports therapy and can even help restore independent function.  

Sports Injuries Bloom in Spring

Dr. Craig Young sees too many injuries at this time of year. "Keep in mind what the pros do," he cautions. "They have spring training before they go all-out. They remember to take things a step at a time early on."  

Total Joint Replacement Gets Patients Moving Again

Many who suffer from debilitating arthritis can resume normal activities after total joint replacement. Edward Nelsen-Freund, MD, believes a conservative approach and careful follow-up are important elements of long-term success.  

Plantar Fasciitis Common, Painful, Treatable

Plantar fasciitis is aptly named, says Dr. Julie Mitchell: it is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot running from the heel to the base of the toes.  

Chronic Pain Guidelines Outline Best Practices

The Medical Society of Wisconsin issued new guidelines after more than two years of review of "best practices." The guidelines are part of the movement toward "evidence-based" standards that rely on large-scale research results, notes Robert E. Kettler, MD.   

Fibromyalgia: Chronic Pain, Tender Points, No Known Cause

The societal cost of fibromyalgia is huge both in lost productivity and in medical fees, says Nanjappareddy (Muni) Reddy, MD, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.  

Foot and Ankle Surgeons Address a Wide Range of Problems

"Foot and ankle surgery is a sub-specialty within orthopedic surgery," says Jeffrey P. Schwab, MD. "Foot and ankle surgeons are people who went to medical school, did an orthopedic residency and understand the entire musculoskeletal system."   

Improvements in Joint Replacement Enhance Quality of Life

"In addition to new longer-lasting joint replacement materials, we are looking into the development of new implant techniques," says orthopaedic surgeon Dr. James T. Ninomiya.   


 
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