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Recently Submitted Questions
Physical Therapy As A Career
Osteoporosis / Osteoarthritis
Back Injuries
Stretching
Running / Fitness Walking
For The Weekend Athlete
Specific Injuries
Ergonomics, Job Site Related

Recently Submitted Questions (Thank-You!)

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Physical Therapy As A Career:

* I am considering a career in Physical Therapy. Generallyspeaking, what are the requirements and where are schools located?
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Osteoporosis / Osteoarthritis:

* I am going for surgery on my knees. I am having arthroscopy right knee with lateral release. When the surgeon was explaining to me he said he would first be going in with a scope and scraping under my knee cap then cutting the right side of my knee and putting my knee cap back in place as it keeps shifting to the side. Do they put pins in it to keep it there? Do I need crutches? What is lateral release? How long does it take to recover? What kind of physical therapy will I need and how long?
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* Are Elliptical Trainers appropriate for those of us who are suffer with osteoarthritis of the hip? I wonder about the repetitive motion and the fact that, unlike a treadmill or an old fashioned walk, the feet stay planted in the same position.
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* Why is physical activity important for women with osteoporosis?
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* How can physical activity early in life help to prevent osteoporosis later in life?
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* I have worn cartilage (arthritis) in my hip and it has been suggested that I stop running and take up cycling or swimming instead. I hate to give up the benefits of running. What do you think?
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Back Injuries:

* I'm over 50 with a bad back and my doctor says to give up running altogether. One of the key things that help keep me motivated in maintaining fitness is anticipation of summer and completing two or three short-distance triathlons which include a 5k run. I use an elliptical trainer throughout the year but am concerned that I can't use that exclusively to train and will eventually have to do some sort of training runs in preparation. I wonder if a couple of 30 minute slow jogs a couple of weeks before the event or maybe just one long on a week would get me ready and minimize further injury. Any suggestions about how to minimize exacerbating back problems and still complete the run?
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* I've heard that it's bad to sleep on your stomach if you have back problems. Is there a "best" way to sleep?
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* In your experience, what is the most common cause of back injuries or problems?
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* What's the best sleeping position if you have a bad back?
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* It seems that every spring, I hear of someone hurting their back while playing golf. What's the connection?
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Stretching:

* Why is stretching so important for an exercise program?
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* I have a limited amount of time to stretch and warm-up before I exercise in the morning. Is it really worth getting up extra early for?
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* I hear a lot about how athletes need to stretch their muscles before a workout. Is there any need for the average adult to have a stretching program?
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Running / Fitness Walking:

* I started a running program last spring but am concerned about being able to keep it up during the winter. Any suggestions?
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* I have recently begun doing some long-distance running, but have had problems with leg cramps towards the end of a couple of races. Any suggestions?
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* My child does a lot of distance running and therefore burns a lot of calories. What are the general recommendations for a good performance diet for runners?
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* Does running increase a person's chances for premature development of osteoarthritis?
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* How long should a good pair of running/exercise shoes last? How can you tell when you need new ones?
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* Is there any "quick check" you can do in the store to make sure new athletic shoes fit correctly?
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* Now that the weather is really turning colder, do you have any suggestions for how to dress to walk/jog in these times of variable weather?
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* My wife recently started a walking program and has progressed to a fairly long course. Aside from watching for cars, what are some good safety suggestions?
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* What kinds of surfaces are the best for running or walking?
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* I started a walking program last fall, but these bouts of cold weather are taking away my enthusiasm. Any suggestions for staying true to my commitment while I wait for spring?
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For The Weekend Athlete:

* Which is better for minor muscle aches and injuries, ice packs or those sports creams you can buy over-the-counter?
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* Is it helpful to eat during a long bicycle ride?
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* In general, how many days a week should a person exercise?To be serious about it, do I have to workout 7 days a week?
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* With my job and family responsibilities, I don't have big chunks of time to use to exercise.Is it worth it to run/exercise for just short amounts of time?
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* Why does exercise always seem to be recommended in programs to prevent heart disease? Isn't watching your diet enough?
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* Is it better to drink fluids before or after a workout in the summer time?
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Specific Injuries:

* My husband, a 52 year old male, had an MRI done. It has come back as saying he a complete full thivkness tear of the suprasinatus and subscapularis tendon and medial dislocation of the long head of the bicepts tendon. Can you please explain to me what exactly this means and how serious is it? They also say that he has to have surgery. How long does this usually take to heal?
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* I have suffered for two years with this pain in my neck and shoulder (fibromyalgia) and been to every kind of doctor and still no results. Help.
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* What rehabilitative techniques are necessary for torn rotator cuffs? When is surgery necessary and when is it avoidable?
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* What are possible injuries to the rotator cuff?
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* What is Achilles Tendonitis?
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* On injuries such as sprains, when should you use heat and when should you use ice?
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* What are shinsplints?
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Ergonomics, Job Site Related:

* I have to stand for long periods in my job. Do you have any suggestions to help keep my back from getting tired and sore?
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* I spend most of my day sitting at a desk. Often my neck and back is sore at the end of the day. Any suggestions?
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* I spend a lot of time working at my desk, many hours using a computer. Which would be most beneficial, a couple of long breaks during the day or several shorter ones?
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* I have been hearing about repetitive trauma and cumulative trauma at work. What exactly do these terms mean?
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* My wife and I are putting on an addition to our home and want to plan it carefully. What is the best height for a work surface such as a counter?
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Submit A Question

* If you would like to submit a question to our Q and A page, just click here. While specific questions regarding individual conditions/diagnoses cannot be addressed, questions of a general nature on topics such as strains, sprains, exercise, fitness, ergonomics, training, back safety, repetitive trauma, osteoporosis and other geriatric issues, injury prevention, and other general physical therapy topics are welcomed.

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