SABCS: Vitamin D Level Linked to Breast Tumor Size

SAN ANTONIO -- Women who have higher levels of vitamin D when they're diagnosed with breast cancer appear to have smaller tumors, researchers said here.

"Lower vitamin D levels were correlated with much bigger tumors," she told MedPage Today. "We also saw that higher vitamin D levels were associated with better outcomes, but it wasn't significant."

Read full blog from Med Page Today

What is Anti-Gravity Running?

Anti-Gravity Running uses reversed engineered NASA treadmill technology to un-weigh runners up to 20% of their bodyweight, reducing stress on bones, joints and tendons. The world’s best distance runners have been using Anti-Gravity Running to improve their performances, as have many of the top collegiate programs. Anti-Gravity Running at Barr and Associates Physical Therapy is the first Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill available to the public in Volusia County.

Runners benefit from Anti-Gravity Running in many ways.

1) Competitive runners gain an edge by adding reduced-body-weight miles every week. More training…. less risk of injury. Paula and Kara even used Anti-Gravity Running during pregnancy!

2) Injured runners use Anti-Gravity, too, to maintain fitness by continuing to train at reduced body weights while also facilitating healing through natural exercise that increases blood flow throughout the body.

3) Even overweight out-of-shape potential runners are able to break the vicious cycle of not being able to start by actually starting at a reduced body weight. Beginning running that’s easy on the body!

 Gravity sucks! Come experience the future!

Physical Therapy Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Live an Active Life

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Pain, fatigue, swelling and loss of function are common symptoms associated with the inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The disease impacts nearly 1.3 million Americans according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders.

Recent medical advancements have modified the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. These advancements may account for the decrease of physical therapists receiving referrals for RA patients. Yet, despite the decline, Dr. Iversen sees plenty of opportunity for physical therapists interested in working with RA patients. She states a growing number of studies demonstrate the importance of RA patients staying physically active and believes physical therapists are uniquely qualified to teach RA patients how to maintain physical activity and prevent deleterious effects of the disease.

Physical Activity Boosts Emotional Health

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As therapists, we frequently provide physical activities for children to promote muscle strengthening, range of motion, balance, motor skills and coordination. We must not forget that physical activity also helps to boost the social and emotional health of children. Physical, active play can help children to:

• express emotions such as smiling and laughing
• negotiate with peers during games such as turn taking, establishing rules of games, etc
• reduce stress
• elevate the mood
• establish feelings of pride and accomplishment by achieving goals such as climbing equipment or running around a track

Therapists can offer suggestions to parents and teachers on how to support the emotional development of children through play.  Here are some helpful tips to suggest:

•  observe the children and see what they enjoy playing.  Create more opportunities for what they enjoy.
• recommend "just right" activities for the children.  Provide teachers and parents with a list of activities that the children can accomplish to help boost feelings of self worth.  Perhaps provide some activities that may be a challenge so that children can have a sense of accomplishment of pushing themselves to achieve more.
• praise children when they achieve new motor tasks or skills
• add emotions to make believe active play i.e. be a silly troll, a happy princess or a miserable witch
• offer some activity ideas that all children can participate in regardless of motor skill to encourage peer interaction.  This will help some children to focus on the social aspects of play without having to struggle with motor skills.
• keep children motivated and engaged.  If certain activities are not encouraging active play, change it up to make it more active.  Add more loose parts to play such as balls and hula hoops rather than relying on playground equipment to get children moving.

Physically active play can help children to become more confident, develop self control and support emotional health.

Physical Activity Boosts Emotional Health

Source

As therapists, we frequently provide physical activities for children to promote muscle strengthening, range of motion, balance, motor skills and coordination. We must not forget that physical activity also helps to boost the social and emotional health of children. Physical, active play can help children to:

• express emotions such as smiling and laughing
• negotiate with peers during games such as turn taking, establishing rules of games, etc
• reduce stress
• elevate the mood
• establish feelings of pride and accomplishment by achieving goals such as climbing equipment or running around a track

Therapists can offer suggestions to parents and teachers on how to support the emotional development of children through play.  Here are some helpful tips to suggest:

•  observe the children and see what they enjoy playing.  Create more opportunities for what they enjoy.
• recommend "just right" activities for the children.  Provide teachers and parents with a list of activities that the children can accomplish to help boost feelings of self worth.  Perhaps provide some activities that may be a challenge so that children can have a sense of accomplishment of pushing themselves to achieve more.
• praise children when they achieve new motor tasks or skills
• add emotions to make believe active play i.e. be a silly troll, a happy princess or a miserable witch
• offer some activity ideas that all children can participate in regardless of motor skill to encourage peer interaction.  This will help some children to focus on the social aspects of play without having to struggle with motor skills.
• keep children motivated and engaged.  If certain activities are not encouraging active play, change it up to make it more active.  Add more loose parts to play such as balls and hula hoops rather than relying on playground equipment to get children moving.

Physically active play can help children to become more confident, develop self control and support emotional health.

Does Backward Treadmill Walking Help Low Back Pain?

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There are many different options available to help low back pain . Postural instruction , mobilization, and exercise are proven ways to help. But which exercises are the best? Which exercise can help your specific problem?

A recent study examined the effect that walking backwards on the treadmill had on low back pain in college athletes. Ten people were recruited for the study. Five people had low back pain and five did not. All were instructed in backward treadmill walking and then participated in 15 minutes of backwards treadmill walking 3 times per week for 3 weeks. Outcomes measures were low back range of motion, stride measurements, shock attenuation, and pain measures.

In the low back pain walkers, all showed improvements in lumbar motion, stride, and shock attenuation. Most importantly, all reported a significant decrease in subjective pain levels after the retro walking.

Of course, a study with such a small sample size would not be considered very strong evidence that backwards walking decreases low back pain. Plus, a study such as this makes it impossible to blind the experimental group. Simply put, the low back pain sufferers knew that they were in a study investigating the effects that walking backward had on low back pain. Their reduction in pain could be due to simply knowing what was expected and reporting as such.

Many times, low back pain occurs episodically. This means that it may strike, last for a few days, and then slowly dissipate. Many of the athletes participating could have experienced a reduction in low back pain simply due to the passage of time, and not necessarily due to the intervention.

Regardless, if you are suffering from low back pain, talk to your doctor and physical therapist. Ask about backwards walking on the treadmill to see if it may help you. Be sure to stay safe-walking backwards can be a little tricky

Fall Prevention

At AlterG we want to help you help your patients get stronger, feel more confident and be less likely to fall. As may you know, falls amongst the elderly are the leading cause of fatal injuries, and yet falls are largely preventable. So today, on Fall Prevention Awareness Day we're helping spread the word about fall prevention in the hope that all of you dedicated healthcare providers have the tools you need to help your patients get healthy and stay healthy.

Click here to learn more about Fall Prevention in Seniors, by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.   Click here to learn more about Fall Prevention by visiting the National Council on Aging. How Can Falls Be Prevented? Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls in the older adult population. Experts recommend a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.  In the case of a history of falls or balance and gait difficulties, consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment; having medications reviewed periodically; getting eyes checked annually; and making sure the home environment is safe and supportive are all elements to help decrease the risk of falling. How The AlterG Can Help Click here to learn more about how the AlterG can help prevent falls by enabling exercise amongst the elderly. For more information about fall prevention or to learn more about the AlterG, contact us here. We hope the information we've provided has been helpful and that together we can enable our seniors to get healthier and stronger than ever before.

Osteoporosis Education & Support Group

The National Osteoporosis Foundation of Ormond Beach
Support Group will meet on Tuesday, October 11 at 4 PM at the Ormond Beach Library Auditorium.

The guest speaker will be Sheila R. Vidamour, a Certified KeenFit Pole Walking Instructor, who will do a presentation/demonstration on the benefits and the techniques used to walk with poles; she will also have demo poles available for anyone in the group who wishes to try them.

For more information & to let us know that you are coming, please call Barr & Associates Physical Therapy at 673-3535.

Proper Posture for the Low Back

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One of the most common causes of low back pain is poor sitting posture. When you sit, especially for long periods, excessive strain is put on the muscles, tendons, and discs in the low back. This strain can lead to low back pain.

Anatomy of the Spine
The low back, or lumbar spine, is comprised of 5 bones called vertebrae. Between these bones are spongy shock absorbers called discs. There are two parts to the disc: the inner part called the nucleus pulposes, and the outer part called the annulus fibrosis. The nucleus pulposes is a jelly-like material, while the annulus fibrosis is stiffer. The discs can therefore be thought of as mini jelly doughnuts between the bones. There are many muscles and ligaments that attach to the lumbar spine.

When viewing the spine from the side, a forward curve can be seen in the low back. When sitting, many people slouch. This slouched position causes the forward curve in the low back to reverse. The reversal of the forward curve puts excessive strain on the front side of the disc, and the jelly in the middle of the disc gets pushed towards the back. When the jelly pushes out far enough, nerves are pinched and low back pain may occur.

How to Attain Correct Sitting Posture
Normally there should be a forward curve in the low back. When sitting, you must use a small towel roll or lumbar pillow to help support the curve in the low back. To use a lumbar roll properly, sit in a chair with your hips pressed all the way up to the back of the chair. Then lean forward slightly and place the roll at the small of your back, at the level of your beltline. This will help keep the proper curve in your low back.

Poor sitting posture is one of the major causes of low back pain. It puts excessive pressure on the discs, muscles, and joints in the back. Exercising1 and maintaining proper sitting posture are important steps to eliminating or preventing low back pain.

Preventing Hamstring Injuries

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With autumn approaching, many people will be returning to the soccer field. This intense sport requires players to be in top physical form to play well. Maintaining physical fitness can also help prevent injuries while playing soccer. While not all injuries can be prevented, proper training may help to reduce the number and severity of injuries incurred. Hamstring strains are a common soccer injury. Running, sliding, and kicking all place a great amount of stress on the knee and on the supporting ligaments and muscles. One of the functions of the hamstring muscle is to bend the knee.

In high velocity sports like soccer, the hamstring muscle also helps control the forces on the knee while it straightens. This can put a great amount of tension on the muscle, and it is thought that these high tension forces can lead to muscle strains. A recent study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine examined a specific type of exercise to prevent hamstring strains. The researchers found that players performing eccentric hamstring exercises had significantly fewer acute and recurrent hamstring injuries than players who did not add eccentric hamstring exercises to their training regimen. What are eccentric exercises ? An eccentric contraction is a muscle contraction that occurs while the muscle is lengthening. To illustrate an eccentric muscle contraction, bend your elbow. Now hold something heavy, like a gallon of milk, and slowly allow your arm to straighten. The bicep muscle in the front of your arm had to lengthen while performing the contraction. That is an eccentric contraction. By training the hamstring muscle eccentrically, it may be possible to reduce your chance of injuring the hamstring during high demand sports like soccer. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to learn if eccentric hamstring training is right for you

Watch your ankles when running and walking!

The position of the foot just before ground contact during running and walking may put people at risk for ankle sprains, according to a new study published by a University of Georgia kinesiology researcher.

The results of the study, which appear in the June online edition of the American Journal of Sports Medicine, found that people who have a history of repetitive ankle sprains demonstrated lower clearance heights between their feet and the floor during running, and pointed their toes down more during walking. Ankle sprains are the most common sports-related injury, and many who experience a sprain will go on to develop chronic instability, suffering repeated sprains during their lifetime.

"Almost everyone who is physically active will suffer an ankle sprain at some point," said the study's lead author, Cathleen Brown Crowell, an assistant professor in the UGA College of Education's department of kinesiology. "Many people develop repetitive ankle injuries that are painful, can decrease performance and increase the risk of ankle osteoarthritis. We were able to identify factors in foot positioning prior to contact with the ground that may pre-dispose some people to these repetitive injuries. These findings can help clinicians develop rehabilitation programs that address movements that may have been ignored in the past."

The study collected data on more than 30 male recreational athletes, some with a history of repetitive ankle sprains and some without. Motion capture equipment analyzed joint movements and forces in the participants during walking and running. This study was unique in that it analyzed all three possible motions of the ankle, and included participants who had different types of ankle instability, explained Brown Crowell.

While such motion capture equipment may not be available for analysis of patients in rehabilitation clinics, the findings can be applied to physically active individuals at any level who sprain their ankles.

"We can apply our findings to clinical practice," said Brown Crowell. "Our study demonstrates there are differences in movements at the foot and ankle in an injured population, which may respond to rehabilitation interventions beyond typical stretching and strengthening. The next step is to see if targeted interventions, trying to influence how people run and walk, can treat and even prevent ankle sprains."

Written by Michael Childs

Source:
Cathleen Brown Crowell
University of Georgia
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/230230.php

Main News Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness

Also Appears In: Arthritis / Rheumatology, Bones / Orthopedics, Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy,

Ormond Beach Steps for Strong Bones

Ormond Beach Steps For Strong Bones – this 3k walk at Ormond Beach Central Park is being hosted by the National Osteoporosis Foundation Support Group of Ormond Beach and Barr & Associates Physical Therapy.

In conjunction with National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, the group is sponsoring a walkathon on Saturday, May 21st at Central Park in Ormond Beach. Registration will start at 7:30am. Join them for an morning of fun and take part is the first Ormond Beach Steps for Strong Bones Walk.

Steps for Strong Bones is a fundraising program that promotes healthy bones through weight bearing activity such as walking or running. The National Osteoporosis Foundation Support Group of Ormond Beach was formed in June 2009 with a goal of providing education and encouragement to those who have osteoporosis. The group holds monthly meetings at the Ormond Beach Public Library featuring guest speakers from the local medical community. Guest speakers have included Drs. Kevin Free, Albert Gillespy, Lisa Gonzales, David Subich, Sara Droker, Andrew Green and others including pharmacists, dieticians and nutritionists. The group has over 100 members and averages about 30 members per meeting.

Be part of this national effort to increase awareness of osteoporosis while raising funds to support NOF's programs of awareness, advocacy, education and research.

One hundred percent of all proceeds will be donated to the National Osteoporosis Foundation in Washington, DC.

For more information call 386-673-3535 or email

Get Registration Form here


 

Sciatic Pain: It’s Not Always a Pinched Nerve

“My doctor recently told me that I have sciatica and the pain that I feel in my butt was actually coming from my back. But, I do not have any pain in my back.”
As a physical therapist, this comment is not uncommon to hear and causes confusion with patients. So, what is sciatica? “Sciatica” is more commonly referred to symptoms felt from the back, buttocks and down the leg. The symptoms can range from pain, numbness/tingling or weakness. The symptoms can be constant, varying in intensity or can come and go.

Nerve referral patterns

The pain can be dull, aching or sharp. Sciatica symptoms can often be described as muscle spasms or sharp electric jolting down the leg. Also, weakness can be felt in the legs or foot with sensations of the legs giving away. Sciatica can be confused with symptoms that mimic a hamstring strain, hip pain, ankle sprain, calf cramp, and heel pain. As you can see “Sciatica” is a broad term used to describe many symptoms.

So what causes sciatica symptoms? It is common for patients to visualize a nerve being “pinched” by a herniated disc. There are many other sources of pain in the spine that can cause sciatica and people should not always fear that the disc is injured. Spinal stenosis is another common diagnosis that can cause sciatica, where the nerve is compressed as it exits the spine. Bone overgrowth (osteophytes) and joint stiffness can also irritate the nerve as it exits the spine to cause “sciatica”

A thorough examination and assessment of low back pain is performed by the physical therapist with the patient’s history, symptoms location, symptoms behavior, and neurological examination (sensory, motor and reflexes). This is important for figuring out whether the pain is coming from the back or not.
When sciatica symptoms are caused by irritation to a specific nerve root, the symptoms can follow a dermatomal pattern (area of skin that is mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve). For example, the L5 and S1 nerve root referral pattern has a consistent dermatomal pattern to the foot.

If you are experiencing or think you are experiencing sciatica symptoms, it is recommended to seek proper medical attention and treatment. The doctor may order diagnostics such as an X-ray or MRI to figure out what is irritating the sciatic nerve. Physical therapy intervention is usually successful for patients with low back pain with or without sciatica symptoms. Physical therapist can treat sciatica using various interventions that can include but not limited to: manual therapy, exercises, modalities, traction, postural education, activity modifications, pain management and neuromobilization.

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References

Germinate Your Garden And Your Health This Spring

As Americans anxiously await the arrival of spring's milder temperatures, many are also looking forward to springing back into the garden. A place where plants, veggies and flowers thrive, a garden is also where people of all ages, fitness levels and shades of green thumb can enjoy physical activity. As with all types of exercise, there is a risk of injury if done improperly. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), it is important that gardeners take a health-conscious approach to both prevent injuries and reap the health rewards of gardening. 

"Many gardeners injure themselves because they don't view gardening as a workout," says APTA spokesperson Mary Ann Wilmarth, PT, DPT. "Gardening is a strenuous activity and it is very easy for people to overdo it, especially for seniors or those who have pre-existing conditions, limited mobility or who are normally inactive." 

Common gardening tasks, such as digging, planting, weeding, mulching and raking can cause stress and strain on muscles and joints, primarily in the shoulders, back, neck and knees. APTA recommends the following tips to minimize the risk of injury: 

- Warm up before you begin. Get your heart rate up by taking a 10-minute walk followed by some stretches for your upper and lower back, neck, arms and legs. Roll your shoulders back in a circular motion and slowly move your head from side to side a few times to loosen up. 

- Don't overdo it. Be mindful of how your body feels. If you experience an aching back or neck, then slow down and stretch or stop and switch to a different task. 

- Use a garden cart or wheelbarrow to move tools and heavy planting materials. 

- Don't kneel on both knees. Keep one foot on the ground to give your back more stability. If you have to kneel, use knee pads or a pillow to absorb some of the pressure. 

- Change positions and take frequent breaks to avoid stiffness or cramping. 

- Start with smaller projects and build gradually. Don't try to do it all at once. 

- Practice proper body mechanics. Bend at your knees when you grab something or pull a weed, bend your knees and contract your abdominal muscles to avoid straining your back. 

- End your gardening session with a short walk or some light stretching. Take a warm bath or shower to help prevent next-day soreness. 

- If you experience pain, contact your physical therapist. 

Source: 
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

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How the AlterG Benefits a Senior Rehabilitation Patient

Meet Barbara. Barbara suffers from a spinal cord injury along with cervical stenosis. She currently uses a walker to assist in her mobility. Barbara exercises using AlterG's senior rehabilitation treadmill to work on balance, gait training, strength and endurance.

Step Your Kids Away from the Xbox

Physical Activity Linked to Improved IQ and Math Scores in Kids

Health Psychology published research on a study of 171 overweight 7 to 11 year olds who participated in increased physical activity. The following results were seen in the children who participated in the vigorous exercise group :

1. Increased brain activity in prefrontal cortex seen on MRI
2. IQ scores increased by 3.8 points with 40 minutes of exercise per day afterschool (smaller increases in children who exercised 20 minutes per day)
3. Improved math scores but not improved reading skills

Reference: Physorg.com Exercise helps overweight children think better, do better in math. Retrieved from the web on 2/10/11 at http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-02-overweight-children-math.html

Safety Leonhard on Road to Recovery with Help from Alter G

It was frustrating for safety Jim Leonhard to watch the Jets lose in the AFC Championship game without him.

But the truly hard part for Leonhard will be his recovery from a broken right leg suffered in early December. Leonhard continues to rehab and will meet with the doctor in just over two weeks to gauge how his recovery is going.

The safety has yet to start running but he has been doing work in the pool, on an anti-gravity treadmill and on the bike.

Read full story from ESPN

Barr and Associates Physical Therapy uses the same Anti Gravity Treadmill, Alter-G as a method of therapy. For more information see us on our website or call 386-673-3535

You KNeed to Use these Tips!

The American Physical Therapy Association recommends the following tips to avoid knee injuries, which too often result from improper exercise technique.

1. Most knee injuries occur when one is fatigued. Know your limits and don't push beyond them.

2. Have a medical exam before returning to sports activity if you've had a previous injury.

3. Wear well-fitting shoes that are appropriate to your sport and the ground surface, and replace worn out shoes.

4. Overly developed hamstrings and weak quadriceps, or vice versa, can stress knees. Maintain good balance when developing leg muscles.

5. Avoid twisting the knee.

6. When using a leg press machine or lifting weight in a standing position avoid locking the knees. Get expert instruction on proper body alignment and appropriate weight to lift.

7. Warm-up and stretch muscles around the knee before beginning activity with the following exercises:

* Knee Lifts

Raise the knees one at a time to the chest as if marching in place, lifting each knee 10 times.

* Backward Lunges

Step backward with one leg into a shallow lunge pressing the heal of the rear foot to the floor. The knee of the forward foot should be aligned over the ankle. Return to a standing position and repeat the move 10 times with each leg.

* Leg Extensions

Sitting in a chair with both feet flat on the floor, extend one leg parallel to the floor. Return to first position and repeat 10 times for each leg.

8. Exercises and stretches should not cause pain. If you have discomfort or symptoms of an injury, consult a qualified health care professional for an evaluation before continuing exercise activity.

New To The Gym? Physical Therapists Help You Get Fit - Safely - In 2011

New Years' resolutions have an 80 percent rate of failure by Valentine's Day, but Americans can increase their success by sharing their commitment with others. The American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA's) Move Forward campaign is helping individuals keep commitments by starting the conversation online and providing fitness tips for those who are heading to the gym. 

For new, potential, and even returning gym members, APTA launched 12 instructional videos by physical therapist and APTA member Robert Gillanders, PT, DPT. Dr. Gillanders demonstrates correct posture and form for selected core, leg, shoulder and arm exercises. These exercises, in conjunction with a regular cardiovascular routine, will help individuals strengthen target areas. Gillanders' advice will also help individuals exercise with less risk of injury. 

"One of the most important things to remember is the overall form of the exercise," Gillanders said. "It's going to help you be less vulnerable to injury. Physical therapists have extensive knowledge of the way the body moves and are also able to adjust workouts for pre-existing conditions, and these videos will help get Americans off to a good start in 2011." 

Source: 
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

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Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/213060.php