The Importance of Abdominal Strength in Performing Arts

Posted on February 21, 2013 by caitlin

Abdominals provide stability to the body during day to day activities. The strength of this muscle group is even more important in athletes participating in performing arts (i.e. gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance). Weakness of the abdominals can lead to injury and pain, especially the back.

Performing arts athletes perform repetitive movements, often involving bending backwards and twisting. If the abdominals are not strong enough to provide support during these movements, the body has to rely on muscle in the back and ligaments around the spine for stability. This can eventually lead to back pain or even injury.

After an individualized evaluation, Excel Sports and Physical Therapy works with an athlete to increase core stability through abdominal and hip strengthening. Excel’s physical therapists, some of whom were performing arts athletes themselves, have years of experience helping talented athletes reach their full potential and avoid or recover from injury. This experience provides our therapists with an exceptional understanding of the mechanics involved in the various movements and skills of gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance.

Submitted by Alison Lawson, MPT

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High School Sports Safety: Article from KSDK

Posted on February 14, 2013 by caitlin

Recently Joann Spann, ATC was interviewed regarding high school sports safety by KSDK. She is the athletic trainer for Fort Zumwalt South High School. Check out a link to the story and the video to see how athletic trainers play an instrumental role in keeping our high school athletes safe! Way to go!

Story:  http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=361537

Video: Student Athletes Need Better Sports Safety

 

 

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My Wrist Hurts Whenever I Text: DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis

Posted on February 8, 2013 by caitlin

DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis was initially described by Dr. Fritz de Quervain in 1895, several years before texting became a method of communication.  It is a fairly common problem producing pain on the radial side (thumb side) of the wrist.  It is most common in women and will often arise when a new mother, or grandmother, is frequently lifting a small baby.  It also occurs in men, especially those who use tools that require a grip with the thumb extended out to the side.  Activities such as using scissors, texting, using a computer mouse and playing the piano may contribute to this problem.  In theory, it could occur in anyone who performs a repeated activity similar to the “hitchhiker thumb” position.  The symptoms may begin with a low grade intermittent discomfort in the wrist during thumb movement and can occasionally progress to significant constant pain, with swelling, which limits the person’s ability to use their hand.

The thumb tendons that extend (straighten) and abduct (move out to the side) the thumb glide through a tunnel on the back of the wrist.  They can become inflamed with repeated use of the thumb.  Inflammation can lead to swelling of the tendon and the friction of gliding through the tunnel can cause further irritation of the tendons, which produces more discomfort.  One way to test for DeQuervain’s is to perform a Finkelstein’s test.  Try folding your thumb into your palm and cover the thumb with your fingers in a fist position.  While maintaining this fist position, GENTLY bend the wrist toward the small finger side.  Some discomfort along the thumb side of the wrist during this activity is normal however sharp lingering discomfort is not.  As with most inflammatory conditions, DeQuervain’s will frequently resolve with rest.  However, when this pain persists for more than one week, it is time to see your physician for evaluation.

The initial treatment may include a splint to rest the wrist -thumb in a protected functional position and possibly a steroid injection by the physician.  Conservative physical therapy and activity modifications, which may include keyboard ergonomics to decrease stress on the wrist and thumb, are occasionally beneficial.  If the pain persists, despite splinting, physical therapy and usually no more than two injections, surgery is an option to consider.  The skilled surgeon can open up the “tunnel” and free the tendons from the aggravation.  The post-operative rehabilitation course is generally minimal and statistically the results for a full recovery are excellent.

Submitted by Chuck McDonnell, PT, CHT    Excel-St. Peters

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Concussions

Posted on February 4, 2013 by caitlin

What is a concussion?

A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), is a brain injury that results in an alteration of mental status and neural function.  Concussions can be caused by impact to the head or the body, do not require great force, and do not necessarily result in a loss of consciousness.  Concussions are most often caused by contact with another player, the ground, or a piece of equipment or object in the playing area.

How many sports concussions occur each year?

1.6 – 3.8 million sport- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. During 2001-2005, youth ages 5-18 years accounted for 2.4 million sports-related emergency department visits annually, of which 6% (135,000) involved a concussion.

What are the signs and symptoms?

We cannot necessarily see a concussion.  Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or can take days or weeks to appear.

Signs Observed by Parents, Guardians, or Others

  • Appears dazed or stunned
  • Loses Consciousness
  • Cannot recall events before/after hit/fall
  • Is confused about assignments
  • Moves clumsily
  • Is unsure of score or opponent
  • Forgets plays or instructions
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Behavior changes

Symptoms Reported by Athlete

  • Headache
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Feeling sluggish
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Memory problems
  • Concentration problems
  • Sensitivity to light/noise
  • Balance problems
  • Feeling foggy or groggy
  • Does not “feel right”
  • Confusion

What are concerns specific to high school athletes and concussion?

Research has shown that high school athletes’ recovery times for a sports concussion are longer than college athletes, and high school athletes who sustain a concussion are three times more likely to sustain a second concussion.

Concussions become dangerous when they go unreported or are improperly treated. Due to ignorance, an athlete may decide on his or her own that “I don’t have a concussion” or “it’s not a big deal.”  Additionally, an athlete may experience considerable emotional desire to continue to play regardless of concussion-like symptoms. This pressure may come from spectators, coaches, sports media, parents, teammates, as well as the athlete’s own desire to take part in the sport. Continuing to play with concussion-like symptoms is dangerous and life threatening.

A primary concern with concussions is Second Impact Syndrome, which occurs when an athlete sustains a second blow to the head or the body during the recovery from an earlier concussion. This second blow, no matter how minor, causes a brain to swell rapidly and catastrophically. Second Impact Syndrome is often fatal; an athlete that does not die, is almost always severely disabled.

What should you do if you think your son or daughter has had a concussion?

Seek medical attention right away and follow up with the appropriate health care professionals. If possible, consult your athletic trainer.  He or she can make the best recommendation on whether or not immediate referral to the emergency room is required and ensure the best possible care is being provided.

Follow the return-to-play criteria established by health care professionals. This should be a gradual process, occurring over several days once the athlete is asymptomatic.

Submitted by Nate Wilmes, MEd, ATC, LAT, EMT-B, CSCS

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HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICALS 2013

Posted on January 18, 2013 by caitlin

Saturday, August 3, 2013 9 am to 12 noon

at

2982 Highway K, O’Fallon, MO 63368 (next to Madison’s Café) 636-978-9235

$30, includes an Excel t-shirt We accept cash, personal check, debit or credit.

**Note to parents** Fall practices start Monday, August 6, and all current 8th grade students (fall 2013 freshman) must have a physical before they can practice. To save time, please go to MSHSAA.org, and under the Sports Medicine tab, print and complete the ‘Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation’ form, and bring with you on this day. All athletes will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please see attached flyer! August 2013 physicals

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Graston Technique: An Overview

Posted on January 18, 2013 by caitlin

The Graston Technique is a soft tissue mobilization technique which utilizes 6 stainless steel instruments to assist in the recognition and release of soft tissue dysfunction, including fascial restrictions, scar tissue, and adhesions. These instruments are designed to conform to various body types and were created to decrease pain and improve patient function. The Graston Technique is based off of James Cyriax’s transverse friction massage theory and illustrates that soft tissue mobilization works to place tissues (fibroblasts) in proper alignment and cause a normal inflammatory response, ultimately to increase healing.

Like any rehabilitation program, GT incorporates stretching and strengthening for the targeted tissue area. The therapist must first make sure the soft tissue is warm before beginning treatment, either by having the patient perform aerobic exercise for 5-10 minutes or perform modalities such as an ultrasound or moist hot pack. The second step is to perform the “instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization” on the area, utilizing the appropriate angle (30-60°) rate, pressure and depth for approximately 5-10 minutes. After the tissue is mobilized, the patient should then stretch and elongate the tissue, as well as perform a high repetition, low load exercise until the muscle is fatigued. After the process is complete the patient needs to place ice on the muscle or area of restriction. If the tissue is severely restricted the ice should be placed on the tissue in an elongated position, to continue to increase mobility. Graston Techniques are very versatile and can be used on almost any musculoskeletal problem for improved patient outcomes.

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Throwing Injuries

Posted on January 11, 2013 by caitlin

Throwing athletes are at risk for injury. This increased risk is in part due to the incredible forces applied to the arm during throwing. Proper rehabilitation not only includes improving strength and range of motion, but also education and instruction in proper throwing mechanics to reduce stress on the arm.

Excel Sports and Physical Therapy uses the latest research in all of our rehabilitation plans. A throwing athlete will be evaluated from head to toe to determine what factors may have contributed to the injury. Video analysis is sometimes used to evaluate a thrower’s mechanics in order to ensure proper use of the body during throwing.

Our clinicians have many years of experience treating throwers from little leagues to the major leagues. Some staff members have experience in Major League Baseball as clinicians and consultants. Contact us today to get the best rehabilitation for the throwing athlete.

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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (B.P.P.V.)

Posted on January 3, 2013 by caitlin

If you have been diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) then you have been experiencing moments of dizziness and spinning. This is the most common cause of vertigo.

WHAT IS BPPV?

BPPV is caused by debris which has collected within a part of the inner ear. This debris is called “otoconia” or “rocks”. They are small crystals of calcium carbonate derived from two structures of the inner ear, the utricle and saccule.  These rocks become loose and inappropriately fall into the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Here they facilitate dizziness by causing delayed or faulty signals to the nerve when you move your head.

WHAT CAUSES BPPV?

Head injury, nerve injury, viral infections to the inner ear, in conjunction with other vestibular dysfunctions, occasionally following a surgery and in older individuals the most common cause is degeneration of the vestibular system. Some less common causes are medicational overdose or alcohol overindulgence. There is also idiopathic which means there is no particularly known cause for that case.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BPPV?

The most common symptoms of BPPV are vertigo (spinning sensation), nausea/ vomiting, nystagmus (involuntary eye movements assessed by your therapist or MD), rocking or tilting sensations of the head or stuffiness of the head. These symptoms are typically short in duration and will occur with bending down, quick turns of your head, rolling in bed, looking up or any change in position of your head relative to gravity.

HOW DO YOU TREAT BPPV?

There are various kinds of physical maneuvers that can help with your BPPV. The particular maneuver for your case is decided on your sign and symptoms that occur during the evaluation. It typically resolves quickly once treated. It can reoccur and home maneuvers can be taught to help catch it early.  Proper methods for these home maneuvers are taught to you via your therapist or physician.

Should your BPPV be a result of medication overdose or alcohol overindulgence you can avoid excessive use of either to relieve your symptoms.

Please do not hesitate to speak with your physician or therapist regarding any questions you may have pertaining to your positional vertigo or other symptoms you may be experiencing.

Mary Roche, PT, CHT – Excel St. Peters

Emily Schaberg, DPT – Excel St. Charles

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Merry Christmas 2012!

Posted on December 24, 2012 by caitlin

We had a special guest come surprise us all at our Christmas Party! Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Season’s warmest wishes!

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Happy Holidays from Excel Sports and Physical Therapy!

Posted on December 21, 2012 by caitlin

Happy Holidays from Excel Sports and Physical Therapy! Wishing you all a blessed and happy holiday season! Here is a picture of some of the little ones singing carols at our Christmas Party!

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