Injuries/Injury Prevention Articles

Osteoporosis is typically thought of as a “woman’s disease.” But a recent report published by the International Osteoporosis Foundation warns that, in certain circumstances, men may be at greater risk than women for potentially fatal bone health–related maladies.

It was just like any other day. Renee was leaving for work, tote in one hand and lunch bag and coffee in the other, when she stepped over her dog gate and onto her flight of stairs. But this time, she missed her footing and fell down 15 flights of stairs. newsletter_teaser: It was just like any other day. Renee was leaving for work, tote in one hand and lunch bag and coffee in the other, when she stepped over her dog gate and onto her flight of stairs. But this time, she missed her footing and fell down 15 flights of stairs.

Pilates exercises may provide relief for clients struggling with chronic neck pain. Neck pain is among the four most common pains affecting Americans (following back pain); it’s also the second leading cause of work absences (Pleis, Ward & Lucas 2010; Albright et al. 2001). The problem occurs most often in middle age and affects women more often than men (Binder 2008).

Mr. Brown is a 68-year-old retired postal worker who stays active with golf and tennis, but he complains of severe pain and swelling in his left knee, which he cannot straighten completely. The pain limits his ability to do the things he loves, but he is otherwise comfortable during daily activities. Based on X-rays and a clinical exam, Mr. Brown has symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Are you training for a race or a run or exercising for health benefits? Did you know that recovery from training is actually more important than the training itself, as repair and rebuilding of damaged muscle tissue can occur only during a recovery period. Charlie Hoolihan, director of personal training for the Pelican Athletic Club in Mandeville, Louisiana, talks below about two crucial steps for recovery:

Myths and controversies regarding spine function and injury mechanisms are widespread. Consider the “cause” of back troubles, specifically the common perception that injuries occur during an “event.” Generally, statistics are compiled from epidemiological approaches, which ignore the large role of cumulative trauma. Despite a reporting system that tends to associate injuries with specific events, very few back injuries actually occur this way.

I have worked with many patients who have had carpal tunnel syndrome in my 20 years as an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist. Although I agree with many of the comments regarding the role of posture, wrist braces, body mechanics and muscular imbalances in this condition [as presented in Tricks of the Trade, January 2011], I have to write a response.

If you are interested in the role of fascia in fitness training, the following questions lead to new take-aways:

This is a great question and one I get all the time. Different parts of the body respond to different degrees of pressure and firmness. Similarly, individuals respond in different ways to the firmness of the self-myofascial-release (SMR) tool they use. No matter whom you are working with, though, it is always a good idea to start them out with a soft ball (e.g., a tennis ball) so they can relax and ease into the new sensations of performing self-massage.