Congratulations to the Winfield Encore Athlete of the Month, Caleb Wilson! Caleb is a Junior at Winfield City High School and is a member of the Football and Track teams. He has played on the Varsity teams for 3 years now and wears jersey #53. After he graduates from high school, Caleb plans to attend Auburn University and major in Physical Therapy. He is the son of Janice Nichols.
By: Samuel R. Goldstein, M.D. with Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center
With spring upon on us, many of us are becoming more active, spending considerable time outside enjoying the warmer weather.
Unfortunately, when it comes to physical activity, many of us “Weekend Warriors” jump right into “too much, too fast, too far” mode.
We feel committed to a sport or activity, but, based on life, work and family demands, find ourselves with limited time to participate. We try to squeeze in rigorous physical activity on our off days – usually the weekend – and all too often this results in aches, pains and even more serious injuries.
As an orthopaedic surgeon, I see a lot of serious Weekend Warrior injuries to the knee. The knee is at high risk for injury because of its complexity and the enormous amount of force it absorbs and stress it takes. Knee injuries often result from a blow to the knee, twisting or turning or an improper landing.
COMMON KNEE INJURIES
The most common knee injuries I treat are intra-articular (inside the knee), including meniscal tears and ligament tears.
Meniscal Tears
The meniscus is a “C” shaped cartilage cushion, which is like a wedge within the knee. There are two in each knee which cushion, support, and aid movement. Injury to the meniscus is very common and is one of the most frequently occurring cartilage injuries of the knee. Menicus tears can occur from wear and tear over time or from a sudden twist, turn, or even slowing down when running. As we age, our meniscus gets worn. This can make it tear more easily. Like a lot of knee injuries, a meniscus tear can be painful and debilitating.
Common Symptoms
• Pain in knee
• Swelling and stiffness
• Fluid build-up inside on top of knee
• Sensation that knee is getting stuck or locking
Ligament Tears
The majority of stabilization in the knee comes from the ligaments. The cruciate ligaments are made up of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which cross to form an “x” shape inside the knee. The collateral ligaments provide additional stability on the inside of the knee through the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and outside the knee through the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
Ligament injuries in the knee – such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — are dreaded by pro and amateur athletes alike. They can be painful and debilitating. They can even permanently change our lifestyles. But there’s good news. While an ACL injury or other ligament damage once ended the career of many an athlete, treatment has become much more successful for all of us.
Common Symptoms
• Pain, often sudden and severe
• A loud pop or snap during the injury
• Swelling
• A feeling of looseness in the joint
• Inability to put weight on the point without pain
TREATMENT
The form of treatment used for both meniscal & ligament tears will be dependent on the severity of the injury.
Conservative Treatment
1. Physical Therapy – We work closely with physical therapists to create an individualized program to maximize healing and restore function, strength and mobility.
2. Supports – A variety of supports such as a brace, crutches or other advanced support can help restrict movement and allow the cartilage to begin the healing process.
Surgery
Meniscus – When conservative treatment fails, and the knee continues to be painful and locks in place, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to repair, trim or remove the damaged meniscal cartilage.
Ligament – Depending on the severity and type of ligament injury, surgery may be recommended.
• For ACL injuries, arthroscopic or open surgery is done using a graft to replace the damaged ligament.
• For certain PCL cases where the ligament is no longer attached properly to the shinbone, surgery is considered.
• For MCL injuries when the ligament is completely torn, surgery can help to repair it.
STAYING HEALTHY
The risk of injury does not mean we shouldn’t be active, but avoiding these injuries requires some common-sense prevention.
• Exercise
1. If we don’t exercise on a regular basis and are not conditioned for a particular sport or activity, we put yourselves at greater risk for injury.
2. Regular exercise helps maintain our muscle strength to help prevent arthritis and keep our joints flexible and better protect them from damage.
• Warm-up and stretch.
• Gradually increase our activity level – and intensity level – on a week-to-week basis.
• Use proper technique.
• Use proper gear and safety equipment.
• Listen to our bodies. The “no pain, no gain” theory is not a good mantra.
Samuel R. Goldstein, M.D. is an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center. Dr. Goldstein specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy of the knee and shoulder, knee joint replacement and general orthopedic surgery. He has been practicing medicine in Birmingham since 1989 and provides sports medicine coverage to various high school athletic programs in the Greater Birmingham area.
For more information, contact Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center at 205.939.3699 or visit www.AndrewsSportsMedicine.com
CLASS 4A
Area 1 at Satsuma
Satsuma (14-10) 3, UMS-Wright (10-20) 2, 16-25, 24-26, 25-17, 25-9, 15-11
Area 2 at W.S. Neal
W.S. Neal(17-5) 3, Escambia County 0, 25-16, 25-12, 25-13
Area 3 at Andalusia
Andalusia 3, Ashford 0, 25-9, 25-1, 25-9
Area 4 at Saint James
Saint James 3, Alabama Christian 0, 25-18, 25-24, 25-15
Area 5 at Elmore County
Elmore County (22-6) 3, Tallassee 0, 25-13, 25-19, 25-13
Area 6 at Bibb County
Bibb County (10-3) 3, Hale County (25-12) 2, 10-25, 25-23, 25-20, 9-25, 15-9
Area 7 at Northside
Northside 3, Spisey Valley 0, 25-11, 25-11, 25-17
Area 8 at Saks
Saks(30-19) 3, Handley (11-8) 1, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-17
Area 9 at Leeds
Leeds (26-6) 3, Oneonta (12-25) 2, 25-22, 21-25, 19-25, 25-19, 15-9
Area 10 at Cordova
Cordova (34-14) 3, Dora (22-18) 0, 25-19, 25-22, 25-12
Area 11 at Fayette County
Fayette County 3, Haleyville 0, 25-13, 25-9, 25-15
Area 12 at Jacksonville
Jacksonville (39-10) 3, White Plains (25-16) 0, 25-9, 25-16, 25-9
Area 13 at DAR
DAR (27-26) 3, Sardis (18-18) 1, 25-16, 25-21, 23-25, 25-17
Area 14 at Madison Academy
Madison Academy 3, Randolph 0, 25-6, 25-10, 25-10
Area 15 at Danville
Danville 3, Priceville 0, 25-16, 25-13, 25-13
Area 16 at Deshler
Deshler (40-11) 3, Wilson (25-13) 0, 25-20, 25-17, 25-15)
Area 1 at St. Paul’s Episcopal
St. Paul’s Episcopal 3, Faith Academy 0, 25-20, 25-10, 25-6
Area 2 at Lott Middle School (Citronelle is host)
Citronelle (7-12) 3, Jackson (1-20) 0, 25-19, 25-3, 25-19
Area 3 at Rehobeth
Rehobeth (29-7) 3, Carroll (22-9) 0, 25-20, 25-18, 25-20
Area 4 at Brewbaker Tech
Brewbaker Tech 3, Charles Henderson 1, 26-28, 25-23, 25-10, 25-9
Area 5 at Eufaula
Eufaula (9-9) 3, Beauregard (7-19) 0, 28-26, 25-17, 25-15
Area 6 at Calera
Calera (26-11) 3, Dallas County (9-12) 0, 25-17, 25-11, 25-13
Area 7 at Demopolis
Demopolis (15-8) 3, Central-Tuscaloosa 2, 25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 25-12, 17-15
Area 8 at Moody
Briarwood Christian 3, Moody (31-10) 1, 25-20, 17-25, 25-20, 25-15
Area 9 at Wenonah
Wenonah (18-12) 3, Woodlawn (17-12) 1, 22-25, 25-18, 25-15, 25-16
Area 10 at Lincoln
Lincoln (30-22) 3, Cleburne County (12-22) 1, 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 25-23
Area 11 at Springville
Springville (30-20) 3, Mortimer Jordan (22-11) 1, 25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 25-21
Area 12 at Fairview
Hayden 3, Curry (24-17) 1, 25-20, 21-25, 25-18, 28-26
Area 13 at Alexandria
Alexandria (43-8) 3, Boaz 0, 25-17, 25-11, 25-16
Area 14 at Guntersville
Guntersville (28-26) 3, Crossville (26-20) 0, 25-18, 25-15, 25-17
Area 15 at St. John Paul II Catholic
St. John Paul II Catholic (3(34-26) 3, Ardmore (21-19) 0, 25-10, 25-13, 25-12
Area 16 at Lawrence County
Lawrence County (42-12) 3, East Limestone (41-9) 0, 25-19, 25-11, 25-16
Area 1 at Saraland
Saraland (30-8) 3, Blount (12-7) 0, 25-14, 25-14, 25-21
Area 2 at Spanish Fort
Spanish Fort (52-4) 3, Daphne 1, 25-19, 24-26, 25-14, 25-16
Area 3 at Dothan
Dothan (22-12) 3, Northview (3-14) 0, 25-14, 25-14, 25-14
Area 4 at Park Crossing
Sidney Lanier 3, Park Crossing (20-5) 2, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-13
Area 5 at Chilton County
Chilton County (11-10) 3, Stanhope Elmore 1, 25-7, 18-25, 26-24, 25-22
Area 6 at Benjamin Russell
Benjamin Russell 3, Wetumpka 0, 25-21, 25-20, 25-19
Area 7 at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa
Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (42-4) 3, Brookwood 0, 25-21, 25-17, 25-8
Area 8 at Chelsea
Helena 3, Chelsea (38-8) 2, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-13
Area 9 at John Carroll Catholic
John Carroll Catholic (28-14) 3, McAdory 0, 25-8, 25-10, 25-6
Area 10 at Ramsay
Homewood 3, Ramsay 2, 25-11, 18-25, 22-25, 25-22, 15-12
Area 11 at Walker
Walker (52-10) 3, Minor 0, 25-3, 25-9, 25-6
Area 12 at Clay-Chalkville
Clay-Chalkville (27-13) 3, Gardendale 1, 25-12, 25-27, 25-17, 25-21
Area 13 at Oxford
Oxford (38-15) 3, Southside-Gadsden (31-15) 1, 25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 25-11
Area 14 at Albertville
Albertville (40-8) 3, Brewer (27-10 0, 25-22, 25-17, 25-17
Area 15 at Hartselle
Hartselle (64-10) 3, Austin (26-30) 0, 25-12, 25-17, 25-14
Area 16 at Hazel Green
Hazel Green (49-10) 3, Muscle Shoals 1, 25-15, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16
Monday’s Area Tournaments (1A, 2A, 3A, 7A)
(Championship Matches-Winners and runner-ups advance to Super Regionals, Oct., 20-22)
Area 1 at Fruitdale
Fruitdale 3, Millry 1, 24-26, 25-23, 25-15, 25-14
Area 2 at Kinston
Pleasant Home 3, Kinston (15-12) 0, 25-18, 25-10, 25-20
Area 3 at Brantley
Brantley (13-17) 3, Highland Home (11-4) 1, 25-9, 23-25, 27-25, 25-8
Area 4 at Linden
Linden (17-3) 3, Sweet Water 1, 19-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-16
Area 5 at Isabella
Isabella 3, Maplesville 0, 25-13, 25-7, 25-4
Area 6 at Wadley
Wadley (23-6) 3, Talladega County Central (10-16) 0, 25-16, 25-15, 25-17
Area 7 at Ragland
Ragland (20-15) 3, Victory Christian 0, 25-10, 25-10, 25-18
Area 8 at Sumiton Christian
Sumiton Christian 3, Westminster-Oak Mtn 0, 25-23, 25-13, 26-24
Area 9 at Berry
Berry (17-7) 3, Holy Spirit Cathollic (13-19) 1, 25-17, 25-23, 20-25, 25-10
Area 10 at Donoho
Donoho 3, Sacred Heart 0, 25-11, 25-18, 25-12
Area 11 at Southeastern
Southeastern (18-14) 3, Appalachian (3-19) 0, 25-14, 25-20, 25-9
Area 12 at Addison
Addison (37-18) 3, Meek (24-12) 0, 25-12, 25-21, 25-10
Area 13 at Phillips
Phillips (29-7) 3, Belgreen (15-13) 0, 25-11, 25-5, 25-10
Area 14 at Cedar Bluff
Spring Garden (21-22) 3, Cedar Bluff (14-34) 2, 14-25, 25-22, 20-25, 25-21, 16-14
Area 15 at Decatur Heritage
Decatur Heritage (39-10) 3, Athens Bible (20-13) 0, 25-18, 25-16, 25-18
Area 16 at Shoals Christian
Shoals Christian (28-8) 3, Waterloo (11-15) 0, 25-19, 25-21, 25-23
Area 1 at St. Luke’s Episcopal
St. Luke’s Episocpal (39-14) 3, J.U. Blacksher (8-8) 0, 25-6, 25-7, 25-6
Area 2 at Washington County
Washington County (21-1) 3, Leroy (11-10) 1, 25-23, 25-11, 24-26, 25-23
Area 3 at New Brockton
New Brockton 3, Samson 0, 25-13, 25-12, 25-9
Area 4 at Goshen
Goshen (20-19) 3, Zion Chapel 0, 25-18, 25-21, 25-19
Area 5 at G.W. Long
Ariton 3, G.W. Long 2, 17-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-16, 15-13
Area 6 at Keith
Keith (6-6) 3, Choctaw County 0, 25-21, 27-25, 7-25, 15-25, 15-12
Area 7 at Fayetteville
Fayetteville vs. Billingsley, Monday
Area 8 at Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend (11-9) 3, Lanett 0, 25-5, 25-9, 25-11
Area 9 at Ranburne
Ranburne (21-9) 3, Woodland (10-12) 0, 25-13, 25-7, 25-11
Area 10 at Altamont
Altamont (24-3) 3, Cold Springs 0, 25-10, 25-12, 25-11
Area 11 at Westbrook Christian
Westbrook Christian (38-5) 3, West End 0, 25-11, 25-20, 25-12
Area 12 at Sand Rock
Sand Rock (36-8) 3, Collinsville 0, 25-20, 25-18, 25-22
Area 13 at Tanner
Tanner vs. Falkville, Monday night
Area 14 at Winston County
Winston County (22-15) 3, Lamar County (6-19) 0, 25-111, 25-5, 25-8
Area 15 at Fyffe
Fyffe 3, Ider 0, 25-16, 25-18, 25-18
Area 16 at Hatton
Hatton3, Mars Hill Bible 1, 20-25, 25-17, 26-16, 25-10
Area 1 at Bayside Academy
Bayside Academy 3, Cottage Hill Christian 0, 25-14, 25-13, 25-16
Area 2 at T.R. Miller
T.R. Miller (24-8) 3, Flomaton (6-11) 0, 25-6, 25-9, 25-10
Area 3 at Straughn
Straughn (32-4) 3, Opp (16-11) 1, 25-21, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17
Area 4 at Providence Christian
Providence Christian 3, Houston Academy 0, 25-14, 25-10, 28-26
Area 5 at Montgomery Academy
Montgomery Academy (47-5) 3, Prattville Christian (12-19) 0, 25-9, 25-14, 25-11
Area 6 at Central Coosa
Central Coosa 3, Beulah, 23-25, 25-22, 25-15, 25-10
Area 7 at Indian Springs
Indian Springs 3, American Christian 0, 25-15, 25-15, 25-7
Area 8 at Fultondale
Fultondale (15-5) 3, Midfield (3-17) 0, 25-22, 25-17, 25-12
Area 9 at Weaver
Weaver 3, Walter Wellborn 1, 16-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-20
Area 10 at Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley (40-8) 3, Glencoe (16-17) 0, 25-7, 25-14, 25-13
Area 11 at Holly Pond
Holly Pond (11-23) 3, Susan Moore (8-25) 2, 18-25, 25-18, 22-25, 25-21, 15-5
Area 12 at Carbon Hill
Carbon Hil (63-8) 3, Oakman 0, 25-8, 25-9, 25-13
Area 13 at Geraldine
Geraldine(48-9) 3, New Hope 0, 25-8, 25-20, 25-18
Area 14 at Plainview
Plainview vs. Sylvania, 25-3, 25-8, 25-8
Area 15 at West Morgan
West Moran 3, Clement 0, 25-7, 25-7, 25-16
Area 16 at Lexington
Lexington (49-2) 3, Colbert Heights 0, 25-8, 25-14, 25-10
Area 1 at Baker
Alma Bryant 3, Baker 0, 25-21, 25-21, 25-20
Area 2 at McGill-Toolen Catholic
McGill-Toolen Catholic 3, Murpphy 1, 25-27, 25-12, 27-25, 25-16
Area 3 at Enterprise
Enterprise 3, Prattville 1, 25-22, 18-25, 26-24, 25-13
Area 4 at Auburn
Auburn (25-18) 3, Smiths Station (21-10 2, 24-21, 9-25, 25-9, 22-25, 15-10
Area 5 at Hoover
Hoover 3, Vestavia Hills 9, 25-19, 25-18, 25-13
Area 6 at Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook (39-7) 4, Oak Mountain (26-16) 1, 25-17, 23-25, 25-16, 25-17
Area 7 at Huntsville
Huntsville (34-10) 3, Grissom (27-15) 1, 20-25, 25-15, 25-16, 25-9
Area 8 at Bob Jones
Bob Jones (26-24) 3, Sparkman (21-19) 0, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16
2A, Area 07 at Fayetteville – Fayeteville vs. Billingsley
2A, Area 13 at Tanner – Tanner vs. Falkville
Congratulations to the Center Point Encore Athlete of the Month, Javon Davis! Javon is a freshman, multi-sport athlete at Center Point High School in Birmingham, AL. He plays on the Eagles Football and Baseball teams and wears jersey #19. Javon has also won the Erwin Football Championship Award in middle school. After he graduates high school, Javon plans to attend LSU and major in pre-physical therapy. He is the son of Giovanni and Jawata Davis.
Congratulations to the Fayette Encore Athlete of the Month, Tristan Nairemore! Tristan is a senior athlete at Hubbertville high school. He is a member of the Lions Varsity football team and wears jersey #52. The Lions Football team is undefeated so far this year. They stand 6-0 for the season, and 4-0 for their Region! Good luck the rest of the season, Lions!
Breast Cancer has touched the lives of many women we know and love. This month, we remember and celebrate those women- their fight, their strength, and their courage. #EndBreastCancerForever #MoreThanPink
We have put together a small article about breast cancer, warning signs, and a link to find out more about breast cancer. Join in the fight to help End Breast Cancer Forever!
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second-most common cancer overall. In 2016, an estimated 246,660 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. alone. So no matter who you are or where you live, understanding breast cancer is important. But the most important thing to know is this: a diagnosis is not a death sentence. Breast cancer can be treated.
The content within the About Breast Cancer section was co-developed with Harvard Medical School faculty and Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center staff. “
Warning Signs
“The warning signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. The most common signs are a change in the look or feel of the breast, a change in the look or feel of the nipple and nipple discharge. Learn more. ”
Other Breast Conditions
“Other conditions and benign (not cancer) changes can occur in the breast. Some increase the risk of breast cancer and others do not.
Learn about lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).
Learn about benign breast conditions.
*American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2016. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society, 2016.”
You can find more information at the Susan G Komen website here.
Thanks for writting/rating our company Andrew! Here is his article below.
Encore Rehabilitation Services: An Overview of Encore Rehabilitation Benefits
Encore Rehabilitation is a leading provider of physical therapy and rehabilitation services, featuring dozens of locations in Mississippi and Alabama. The facility employs numerous professionals trained in medicine and physical therapy, providing the utmost standard of care for its patients. If you are in the process of recovering from an injury, there are plenty of advantages to seeking treatment through one of Encore’s locations. This guide will weigh the pros and cons of this treatment facility to help you make an informed decision about your medical care and recovery.
Advantage #1: Specialized Care
The first major advantage to seeking care through Encore Rehabilitation is that they have a variety of professionals with expertise in specific fields. From pain management and sports medicine to women’s health and work rehabilitation, you will find a medical professional who has plenty of experience with your specific reason for seeking treatment. Specificity is crucial to a good recovery since specialized therapists have up-to-date training in all the latest technologies and methods within their specialty. You can rest assured that you will receive the highest quality of care and attention from staff members who take pride in working with the problems you have and helping you reach your recovery goals. Patients have the option to work with professionals in one or more specialties, making Encore Rehabilitation a one-stop shop for physical wellness.
Advantage #2: Varied Services
In addition to basic physical therapy services, Encore also offers a variety of services to help the community. Speech-language pathology, or speech therapy, is provided at local schools so students don’t have to travel to receive services. This type of convenient care is crucial to making rehabilitation accessible to everyone. Even if you can’t go to an Encore Rehabilitation services center, there are still plenty of options available to you. Whether you decide to arrange for a therapist to visit you at your home, workplace, or school, or you choose to seek care in a hospital, Encore works with its patients to ensure that they receive timely and reliable care.
Advantage #3: WorkZone Industrial Rehab
One of the things that truly sets Encore apart from other facilities is its focus on workplace rehabilitation. The WorkZone Industrial Rehab program works with companies to create a safe and productive environment in which employees can thrive. Since so many of the injuries treated by their professionals are job related, the facility recognizes the benefit of preventing problems before they happen. You can even request that Encore visit your business to analyze workplace safety regulations and help improve working conditions for everyone. In addition to working with employers to implement policies that prevent injury, Encore also works with you and other employees to encourage healthy lifestyle choices that can stave off the effects of illness and injury. Preventative care is essential to taking care of your body and saving yourself pain and effort in the long run.
Advantage #4: Sports Medicine Expertise
Many injuries are the result of athletic activities and can be very different from those caused by routine ailments and movement. Encore Rehabilitation recognizes that sports injuries require expert knowledge and specific treatment, and the facility takes a holistic approach to managing recovery through sports therapy. Many injured athletes choose Encore when they want a facility that will focus on getting them back into condition to resume the sports they love. While hospitals frequently treat injuries, there is considerable benefit to working with individuals who understand the difference between routine injuries and sports injuries. Torn rotator cuffs, swollen joints, and ACL issues are frequently associated with sports injuries and require the specialized care and technology that Encore provides to get you back to your full athletic potential.
Advantage #5: Personalized Care
Although Encore is a large company, it operates like a series of small businesses. With numerous locations sprinkled throughout Alabama and Mississippi, Encore is able to keep the ratio of patients-to-providers low. You will receive personalized attention from your assigned healthcare professionals in an environment that has all the benefits of a major company and all the charm and attention of a small business. Healthcare can often feel like an impersonal experience in which you are just another statistic, but the Encore experience is refreshingly different. Your case will be managed by thoughtful professionals who genuinely care about your progress and want to help you reach your full potential. Support is an essential component of the rehabilitation process, and the first step in building a strong support network is working with caring healthcare providers.
Advantage #6: Treatment Length Options
Whether you are looking for long-term treatment or a quick and easy rehabilitation experience to help you get back on your feet, Encore has a variety of options to offer. You can choose between inpatient and outpatient care depending on your needs. If you can take time off from school or work, you may benefit from the extended treatment offered by Encore’s inpatient programs. This allows you to receive care around the clock without interruption, facilitating a fast recovery. On the other hand, if your commitments make it impossible to get away for an extended period of time, Encore will work with you to fit appointments into your busy schedule.
Disadvantage: Limited Locations
In spite of its many advantages, there is one major disadvantage to Encore. The company currently only offers facilities in Alabama and Mississippi. However, due to the superior quality of Encore’s services and the professional excellence of its staff members, many patients choose to make the trip and receive care at one of Encore’s many inpatient facilities. Others travel to an Encore facility and receive outpatient care while staying in the area. Your Encore team will work with you to develop a plan that meets your needs and makes travel as smooth as possible. Encore is able to provide personalized care to each of its patients to develop a treatment program that works with every aspect of their life.
To find a location near you, visit the locations page on our website!
Congratulations to the Fairfield Encore Athlete of the Month, Darrell Thomas! Darrell is a senior, multi-sport athlete at Midfield High School in Birmingham, AL. He is a member of the Football and Basketball teams, and has played on their Varsity teams for 2 years. You can find him on the football field wearing jersey #5 and on the court wearing jersey #20. After graduation, Darrell plans to attend ASU and major in Physical Therapy. He is the son of Patricia Thomas.
We can’t stop time. Or can we? The right type and amount of physical activity can help stave off many age-related health problems. Physical therapists, who are movement experts, prescribe physical activity that can help you overcome pain, gain and maintain movement, and preserve your independence—often helping you avoid the need for surgery or long-term use of prescription drugs.
Here are nine things physical therapists want you to know to #AgeWell.
(Download the list in Adobe PDF)
1. Chronic pain doesn’t have to be the boss of you.
Each year 116 million Americans experience chronic pain from arthritis or other conditions, costing billions of dollars in medical treatment, lost work time, and lost wages. Proper exercise, mobility, and pain management techniques can ease pain while moving and at rest, improving your overall quality of life.
2. You can get stronger when you’re older.
Research shows that improvements in strength and physical function are possible in your 60s, 70s, and even 80s and older with an appropriate exercise program. Progressive resistance training, in which muscles are exercised against resistance that gets more difficult as strength improves, has been shown to prevent frailty.
3. You may not need surgery or drugs for low back pain.
Low back pain is often over-treated with surgery and drugs despite a wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating that physical therapy can be an effective alternative—and with much less risk than surgery and long-term use of prescription medications.
4. You can lower your risk of diabetes with exercise.
One in four Americans over the age of 60 has diabetes. Obesity and physical inactivity can put you at risk for this disease. But a regular, appropriate physical activity routine is one of the best ways to prevent—and manage—type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
5. Exercise can help you avoid falls—and keep your independence
About one in three U.S. adults age 65 or older falls each year. More than half of adults over 65 report problems with movement, including walking 1/4 mile, stooping and standing. Group-based exercises led by a physical therapist can improve movement and balance and reduce your risk of falls. It can also reduce your risk of hip fractures (95 percent of which are caused by falls).
6. Your bones want you to exercise.
Osteoporosis or weak bones affects more than half of Americans over the age of 54. Exercises that keep you on your feet, like walking, jogging, or dancing, and exercises using resistance, such as weightlifting, can improve bone strength or reduce bone loss.
7. Your heart wants you to exercise.
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the US. One of the top ways of preventing it and other cardiovascular diseases? Exercise! Research shows that if you already have heart disease, appropriate exercise can improve your health.
8. Your brain wants you to exercise.
People who are physically active—even later in life—are less likely to develop memory problems or Alzheimer’s disease, a condition which affects more than 40% of people over the age of 85.
9. You don’t “just have to live with” bladder leakage.
More than 13 million women and men in the US have bladder leakage. Don’t spend years relying on pads or rushing to the bathroom. Seek help from a physical therapist.
*This article was taken from the Move Forward PT website and can be found at this link: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Detail/9-physical-therapist-tips-to-help-you-agewell
Encore Rehabilitation, Inc. 