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Women’s Health Across a Lifespan

posted on May 15th, 2012, by Rich. No Comments posted so far.

As part of National Women’s Health Week, the American Physical Therapy Association will be presenting

“Women’s Health Across a Lifespan”

Tune in tonight,  May 15 at 7 p.m. ET, for a great conversation with top experts who will discuss women’s health issues that can be prevented and treated by a physical therapist. Topics will include incontinence, pelvic pain, bowel/bladder problems, osteoporosis, chronic pain, lymphedema, pregnancy and post-partum conditions, and more!

Women across the country can listen here and call in to the show to ask questions or submit them in advance via Twitter by tweeting @MoveForwardPT and using the hashtag #overshare.

For more information on women’s health issues like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or speak to our women’s health specialist Taryn Cohn, PT.

filed under Women's Health.

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Women’s Health Week

posted on May 14th, 2012, by Rich. No Comments posted so far.

National Women’s Health week is a time for you to take care of you.

Schedule your check ups today.

Here is the list of things you should get checked.

In addition to this list of health screens, Baudry Therapy Center wants you to move and feel better.

Call this week to schedule your FREE  functional movement screen.

filed under Women's Health.

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Pitching and Tommy John Surgery. Is Your Child Next?

posted on May 2nd, 2012, by Rich. No Comments posted so far.

From 1996 to ’99, Dr. Andrews performed Tommy John surgery on 164 pitchers, 19 of whom were high school aged or younger. From 2004 to ’07, those numbers had increased to 588 total pitchers and 146 high school or youth league players — a sevenfold increase.

The recent 18 inning battle between Jesuit and Rummel in baseball has gotten a lot of national attention lately, and not just because of how good the game was. Each starting pitcher threw over 150 pitches. And as a result the question of pitch count has come up again.  How many pitches are too many?

The research has found the following results:

  • Pitchers aged 9-14 throwing 75-99 pitches/game have 52% increased risk for shoulder pain
  • There is a 234% increased risk of elbow pain with 600-800 pitches/season
  • 80 pitches/game leads to 4x greater chance of requiring elbow/shoulder surgery
  • Competitive pitching for greater than 8 months/year leads to 5x greater chance of requiring elbow/shoulder surgery
  • Fatigued pitchers have a 36x greater chance of injury

These stats should be alarming, especially if your child is playing travel ball or on multiple baseball teams. Throwers are limited by their throwing mechanics, their  strength, their stability, and their physical maturity. Too much throwing can certainly leave a player at risk for permanent damage.

But like any learned activity pitching improves with practice. And more repetitions can help the athlete to become proficient. Unfortunately with repetition comes the risk of overuse injuries. And so for athletes there is always a balance between doing enough to master their craft, and doing too much causing injury and damage.

For us in the injury prevention and rehabilitation, the question is how can we help protect athletes and make them more suited for their athletic activity. One clear step is to develop more educated parents and players.

The first way for a parent to help their child avoid injury is to get involved in the process. Give your child the tools he needs to succeed and pay close attention to your child’s behavior. Here are 4 ways to help limit your child’s risk of throwing injury:

  1. A physical evaluation: Strength, flexibility, muscle balance, and coordination are all keys for good pitching mechanics. A physical therapist, an orthopedist, or an athletic trainer with experience in sports medicine would be a great start to identify potential weaknesses.
  2. Technical training: Good throwing mechanics are essential. Have a specific throwing/pitching evaluation from a knowledgeable coach.  Someone who has experience at least at the college level is recommended. But do your home work and select your coach wisely.
  3. Regular monitoring- injury checks:  Have your child’s arm assessed regularly throughout the season. More often as soreness and the season goes on. A physical therapist, orthopedist, or athletic trainer who is active with sports medicine and rehabilitation can be very helpful in determining how much your child should be throwing.
  4. Stay engaged: Bottom line is that as a parent you need to be engaged and pay attention. Children want to perform, they want to please, and they want to perform well. Sometimes to their own detriment.  You know your child better than anyone else. Don’t be afraid to step in and get help.

For a FREE consult,  more information on throwing, injures and specific training,  call or stop by our office, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Here are 2 great resources for more information on pitching injuries:

ASMI.org

stopsportsinjuries.org

filed under Baseball Training, Sports injury.

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Tips For a Happy Healthy Jazz Fest

posted on April 25th, 2012, by Rich. No Comments posted so far.

Taryn Cohn MSPT, COMT

In just a few short days thousands of New Orleanians will make their annual trek to the fair grounds in search of music, food, art and fun.  Although this journey is done with entertainment as the primary focus it is often accompanied by lots of standing, walking and sun exposure.  It is important not to under estimate the impact this can have on your body.  Below is a list of tips to help make your Jazz Fest experience one that is enjoyable and not one you will regret the next day.

  1. Stay cool; It isn’t always easy to find shade at the fest, but there are several options for intermittent reprieves from the elements.Take advantage of the music tents.  There is no direct sun light, they have mist machines for the audience members, and you may get turned on to some new music.Head to the Allison Miner Music Heritage Stage in the Grand Stand where you can listen in on artist interviews in the comfort of AC and indoor plumbing.Bring a shaded chair with you (google “canopy folding chairs” and you will find several affordable options)
  2. Stay hydrated; Contrary to the belief of many New Orleanians, beer does not quench your thirst.  Make sure you drink plenty of water.  The Institute of Medicine recommends roughly 3 liters for men(about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and 2.2 liters for women (about 9 cups).  So if you just can’t swing the water, there are several vendors that offer other options like caffeine-free iced herbal tea.
  3. Know the signs of dehydration:  dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, inability to make tears, diminished perspiration, muscle cramps, decreased urine output, light headedness, heart palpitations, weakness.
  4. Where good shoes.  If they must be sandals or flip flops, make sure they are a supportive type that secures to the foot like those designed for hiking or river walking.  By doing this you are less likely to loose your footing on uneven ground or get stuck in the mud.  The following are some good brands and examples of what I would recommend.  Chaco, Keen, Merrell and North Face.
  5. Restore and recover.  For some of you this may be the most walking (or dancing) you do all year.  Because of this there is a possibility you may experience some stiffness in the calves, hips and low back.  As with any physical activity, your body needs a post-exercise plan for recovery.  Make sure you take some time to stretch and loosen up throughout the day and when you get home.  Try some of these exercises to keep you moving: 1) Sidebending Stretch, 2) Calf Stretch, 3) Hip Flexor Stretch, 4) Trunk Rotation Stretch.

1)

2)

These are great stretches to do at the Fest or after when the stiffness sets in.  Hold each stretch for 15-25 seconds each.

Have a Safe and Enjoyable Jazz Fest.

For more information on injury prevention, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or contact our office.

filed under Healthy Living.

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61% of Americans Have Low Back Pain

posted on April 11th, 2012, by Rich. Comments Off posted so far.

In a recent survey from the American Physical Therapy Association 61% of Americans experience low back pain and 69% of these individuals say their back pain affects their daily lives.

Surprisingly only 4 in 10 of these people ever seek medical advice!!!!!

http://www.moveforwardpt.com/LowBackPain/Infographic/Default.aspx

Back pain is often preventable and unnecessary. Talk to us about how to control the pain.

For more information on injury prevention, and strategies to improve your back, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or contact our office.

filed under Back pain.

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ASTYM, a Tool for Better Running

posted on March 28th, 2012, by Rich. Comments Off posted so far.

If you are a runner, the last thing you want to hear is that you must stop running. Injuries often sideline runners.

ASTYM, or augmented soft tissue mobilization, is a physical therapy treatment that regenerates healthy soft tissues. This non-invasive treatment provides a great option for runners and enables them to keep running.

  • ASTYM decreases scar tissue and muscle restrictions that can lead to injury.
  • ASTYM stimulates your body’s healing mechanisms to repair injured tissue.
  • ASTYM re-models muscle tissue to withstand the strain of running.

In addition to being a great tool to treat running injuries, ASTYM can also be used proactively to reduce the risk of running injury.

For more information on injury prevention, treatments for running injuries and strategies to improve your running, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or contact our office.

Photo courtesy of Flickr via sea turtle


filed under Overuse injuries, Physical Therapy, Run Training, Running, injury.

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Prevent Running Injuries and Muscle Imbalances

posted on March 20th, 2012, by Rich. Comments Off posted so far.

If you could correct for the variables that make you vulnerable to running injuries, would you?

Most runners like to do one thing… Run!

But the act of distance running lends itself to muscle imbalances which can lead to movement dysfunction, overuse, and injury.

Common imbalances for runners include:

  • Hip flexor tightness
  • Lower back tightness
  • Calf tightness

These imbalances can lead to what is called lower crossed syndrome, a movement dysfunction where tightness in one muscle group causes weakness and overstretching in the opposing muscles. So as the hip flexor muscles become tight, the gluteals become weak.  Likewise, as the low back muscles become tight, the lower abdominal muscles become weak. Uncorrected, these imbalances can set you up to be on the sidelines for the next race.

To avoid lower crossed syndrome and the aches and pains that go along with it, add these exercises to your routine:

  1. Hip flexor stretch
  2. Soleus stretch
  3. Bridges
  4. Posterior pelvic tilt
  5. Cat and Camel

1. Hip Flexor Stretch: Hold a arms together overhead. While in tall 1/2 kneeling position, reach arms up and towards the left. Rotate towards the up knee to feel a stretch in the front of the right leg. 15 sec hold, 3 reps.

2. Calf stretch: In 1/2 kneeling position, shift weight forward to feel a stretch in the back of the lower calf. Make sure to keep your heel down. Hold 15 sec, 3 reps.

3. Single leg bridge: While lying on back, perform a 2 legged bridge, then extend one leg. Hold for 30 sec each leg, 3 times each.

4. Posterior pelvic tilt: lie on back, press your lower back to the floor by pulling in your lower abdominal muscles.  Repeat for 10 repetitions holding for 10 seconds.

5. Cat/Camel: while in a hands and knees position, pull lower abdominal muscles in to round out your low back, then allow your back to sag. Repeat 10-15 times.

For more information on running, overuse injuries, and training techniques like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or contact our office.


filed under Overuse injuries, Run Training, Running, Sports injury.

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Prevent Running Injuries With Kinesiology Tape

posted on March 13th, 2012, by Rich. Comments Off posted so far.

During the Rock N Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Expo, Baudry Therapy Center had the opportunity to work with the Spider Tech team in demonstrating kinesiotaping taping techniques. We saw runners of all shapes and sizes completing their final preparation for the marathon.  For these runners, the anticipation of the race was palpable. Runners came out in droves for last minute advice on race preparation.

Kinesiology tape can have the following benefits for distance runners:

  • it provides structural support to the muscles and joints,
  • it provides neurological support to improve muscle firing, and
  • it improves local circulation to reduce inflammation and muscle fatigue.

There are several brands of kinesiology tape, all with similar properties.

To find out if kinesiology tape could help you, call or stop by our office.

For more running tips see our blog, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Image via Flickr: hojusaram


filed under Run Training, Running, Sports injury.

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Prevent Injuries With Biomechanical Running Evaluations

posted on March 8th, 2012, by Rich. Comments Off posted so far.

After 19 years in physical therapy, one thing is clear- most distance runners will eventually suffer injuries. The repetitive nature of running significantly increases a runner’s chances for overuse injury. These injuries usually have underlying causes that could have been prevented. A biomechanical evaluation provides an excellent blue print of your body’s movement patterns and can provide a plan to avoid injury.

The 4 common factors that contribute to a running injury:

Muscle Imbalance

Running can result in muscle imbalances. Low back muscles, hip flexors, quads, and calf muscles become dominant and overpower the lesser-used, opposing muscles. These imbalances gradually cause deviations in running form and posture, leading to weak, vulnerable joints and muscles.

Joint restriction

Previous injuries, daily habits, and lifestyles can create limitations in joint mobility. Limitations in joint mobility or ROM, cause movement compensations. With compensation creases asymmetrical forces on the body lending itself to injury.

Postural weakness

Weakness in the core or postural muscles lends itself to overuse injury. Postural muscles provide stability for our limbs to move. Without postural stability, our limbs are vulnerable to all kinds of injuries.

Overtraining

Overtraining can be a source for injury. As we fatigue, our form deteriorates. When our form deteriorates, our bodies are at a much greater risk for injury. Trying to push too hard or run too long can do more to halt your progress than help you out. Know your limits and check your form while training.

Good news! With proper education and an understanding of the body mechanics of running, runners can limit and manage injuries. No runner wants to be told to lay off running!

A good biomechanical analysis of running, along with a functional movement screen, can provide a runner with great insight into injury prevention. Identifying the muscle imbalances, joint imbalances, and other limiting restrictions is the first step to a successful running plan. Without a plan, these factors may contribute to a running injury. Often these injuries could be avoided with a good biomechanical evaluation and intervention. A physical therapist is a great resource to manage the stresses of running, in order to keep you on the road.

If you love running, you owe it to yourself to develop a plan. Let our physical therapists provide you with the tools for success, and come in for a running evaluation. If you would like to schedule a biomechanical running evaluation, please contact our office. For more information on running, injury prevention, and training techniques like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Image via flickr: mikebaird


filed under Run Training, Running, Sports injury.

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Run Training- 5 Ways to Avoid Overuse Injuries

posted on March 7th, 2012, by Rich. Comments Off posted so far.

RUNNERS, DON’T LET AN OVERUSE INJURY STOP YOU IN YOUR TRACKS!

If you are a runner, you have probably suffered an injury. Most running injuries are caused by overuse. There are 5 key contributing factors in overuse injuries.

To prevent overuse injuries that interfere with your running, follow this training advice:

Training Distances

Most runners use mileage goals such as the next half marathon or Crescent City Classic to get motivated. Having a goal in mind is a great way to stay focused, but make sure that you have the time to prepare for the event. Starting distances will be limited by your endurance. Beginners, increase your overall weekly mileage by about 10%. Advanced runners may be able to increase a little faster but should be careful. Beginners should limit their run training to 3 days per week.  Advanced runners can train up to 4 days per week. While this sounds conservative, it will likely land you safely at your destination.

Training Intensity

Altering training intensity is a great way to improve performance. When intensity increases, however, frequency must decrease. Limit yourself to 1 high-intensity running workout per week. Plan for 1 day at the track each week to work on speed, power, and stride length with short, measureable distances. Utilizing 1 high-intensity training session per week will allow your body to gain strength and power for better performance.

Muscular and Joint Imbalances

The repetitive nature of running lends itself to tight calf muscles, hip flexors, and low back extensors, among other areas. As these muscles become shortened and tight, the opposing muscles become lengthened and weak. These imbalances cause alterations to the running form and can lead to injuries. Work to stretch these shortened muscle groups regularly after running. Also work to strengthen opposing muscle groups to keep good muscle and joint balance.

Adequate Rest

Many runners run too hard and too fast. They get inspired, love the feeling they get after running, and over train. Rest is one of the most important aspects of training. Your body needs time to rest and re-build from the stress of running. Beginners should limit running to 3 times per week, advanced runners no more than 4 times per week.

Recovery

Proper recovery includes physical rest, proper nutrition, and hydration. If you are going to be training, your body needs the tools to help you recover: nutrition supplements, a healthy diet, protein, and water. A registered dietitian is a good source to learn more about foods essential to recovery.

Overuse injuries will really cramp your style- they are difficult to heal and often interfere with your training. Avoid overuse injuries!

For more information on running, overuse injuries, and training techniques like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or contact our office.

Image credit: San Diego Shooter


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filed under Overuse injuries, Run Training, Running, Sports injury, post-run recovery.

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