
Author: Encore Rehabilitation, Inc.
9 Things You Should Know About Pain
1. Pain is output from the brain. While we used to believe that pain originated within the tissues of our body, we now understand that pain does not exist until the brain determines it does. The brain uses a virtual “road map” to direct an output of pain to tissues that it suspects may be in danger. This process acts as a means of communication between the brain and the tissues of the body, to serve as a defense against possible injury or disease.
2. The degree of injury does not always equal the degree of pain. Research has demonstrated that we all experience pain in individual ways. While some of us experience major injuries with little pain, others experience minor injuries with a lot of pain (think of a paper cut).
3. Despite what diagnostic imaging (MRIs, x-rays, CT scans) shows us, the finding may not be the cause of your pain. A study performed on individuals 60 years or older who had no symptoms of low back pain found that 36% had a herniated disc, 21% had spinal stenosis, and more than 90% had a degenerated or bulging disc, upon diagnostic imaging.
4. Psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, can make your pain worse. Pain can be influenced by many different factors, such as psychological conditions. A recent study in the Journal of Pain showed that psychological variables that existed prior to a total knee replacement were related to a patient’s experience of long-term pain following the operation.
5. Your social environment may influence your perception of pain. Many patients state their pain increases when they are at work or in a stressful situation. Pain messages can be generated when an individual is in an environment or situation that the brain interprets as unsafe. It is a fundamental form of self-protection.
6. Understanding pain through education may reduce your need for care. A large study conducted with military personnel demonstrated that those who were given a 45-minute educational session about pain sought care for low back pain less than their counterparts.
7. Our brains can be tricked into developing pain in prosthetic limbs. Studies have shown that our brains can be tricked into developing a “referred” sensation in a limb that has been amputated, causing a feeling of pain that seems to come from the prosthetic limb – or from the “phantom” limb. The sensation is generated by the association of the brain’s perception of what the body is from birth (whole and complete) and what it currently is (post-amputation).
8. The ability to determine left from right may be altered when you experience pain. Networks within the brain that assist you in determining left from right can be affected when you experience severe pain. If you have been experiencing pain, and have noticed your sense of direction is a bit off, it may be because a “roadmap” within the brain that details a path to each part of the body may be a bit “smudged.” (This is a term we use to describe a part of the brain’s virtual roadmap that isn’t clear. Imagine spilling ink onto part of a roadmap and then trying to use that map to get to your destination.)
9. There is no way of knowing whether you have a high tolerance for pain or not. Science has yet to determine whether we all experience pain in the same way. While some people claim to have a “high tolerance” for pain, there is no accurate way to measure or compare pain tolerance among individuals. While some tools exist to measure how much force you can resist before experiencing pain, it can’t be determined what your pain “feels like.”
Read more about Pain and Chronic Pain Syndromes.
The American Physical Therapy Association launched a national campaign to raise awareness about the risks of opioids and the safe alternative of physical therapy for long-term pain management. Learn more at our #ChoosePT page.
Author: Joseph Brence, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, COMT, DAC
**Article found at: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Detail/9-things-you-should-know-about-pain
Long Beach Encore Athlete of the Month, Da’juan Masters.
Congratulations to Long Beach Encore Athlete of the Month, Da’juan Masters! Da’juan is a Junior athlete at Long Beach High School in Mississippi. He is a member of the Bearcats Varsity football team and wears jersey #13. Da’juan is a WR, OLB, and FS and has rightly won the Coach’s Offense Award. He plans to attend college to major in Sports Medicine. He is the son of Tishona Smith and Robert Masters. Good luck the rest of football season, Da’jaun!
Winfield Encore Athlete of the Month, Caleb Wilson.

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.
Common Knee Injuries – Samuel R Goldstein M.D.
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
AHSAA VOLLEYBALL STATE PLAYOFFS Tuesday’s Area Tournaments (4A, 5A, 6A)
Championship Matches
Winners and runner-ups advance to Super Regionals, Oct., 20-22)
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)
CLASS 5A
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
CLASS 6A
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
1A-3A, 7A, AHSAA VOLLEYBALL STATE PLAYOFFS UPDATE
AHSAA VOLLEYBALL STATE PLAYOFFS
Monday’s Area Tournaments (1A, 2A, 3A, 7A)
(Championship Matches-Winners and runner-ups advance to Super Regionals, Oct., 20-22)
CLASS 1A
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
CLASS 2A
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
CLASS 3A
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
CLASS 7A
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
MISSING 2**
2A, Area 07 at Fayetteville – Fayeteville vs. Billingsley
2A, Area 13 at Tanner – Tanner vs. Falkville
Center Point Encore Athlete of the Month, Javon Davis.

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.
Fayette Encore Athlete of the Month, Tristan Nairemore.
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!
End Breast Cancer Forever!

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.

