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Posted March 13, 2023 by Zachary Vallandingham, D.O.
A sports injury can be scary, especially if you're facing surgery that could keep you sidelined for weeks, if not months.
Fortunately, surgery isn't always the best option when you suffer an injury from playing a sport, exercising, or participating in recreational activities. A wide range of non-surgical treatments are available today that effectively treat muscle pain, joint pain, and lack of mobility.
A sports injury encompasses the musculoskeletal system, including…
Posted January 30, 2023 by Joseph Rabe, M.D.
Do frigid temperatures cause slow, achy joints that make it difficult for you to get moving? It’s not just your imagination. People living with joint pain related to conditions, such as: arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia, often report when temperatures drop, their joint pain acts up.
It’s true, cold weather causes muscles to tense, which can lead to less mobility and flexibility in the joints. Some studies also associate joint pain with…
Posted April 10, 2022 by Nilesh Shah, MD
Spring breathes new life into the grass, plants and trees around us — and hopefully your training routine, too. As temperatures rise and the days get longer, many runners are eager to jump off the treadmill and into the outdoors.
But whether you’re an avid runner, looking to increase your miles or are just starting out for the first time, there are a few things to keep in mind before you head out the door.
After frigid temps and busy holiday schedules, you may have…
Posted December 22, 2021 by Nilesh Shah, MD
Study after study has shown the positive effects of light-to-moderate physical activity and the negative effects of little or no exercise. Regular exercise is one of the most beneficial (and cost-effective) activities you can do to better your health.
Some benefits include:
Posted November 29, 2021 by Sandy Kohut, RRT
You’re not a smoker, so you can’t be at risk for lung cancer, right? Not so fast.
While smokers, especially cigarette smokers, make up the leading cause of lung cancer deaths, nonsmokers do get diagnosed with this deadly disease.
Lung cancer is the second most common diagnosed cancer in both men and women, and the leading cause of cancer deaths, making up almost 25 percent in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
However, despite how…
Posted October 11, 2021 by Ronda Beery, P.T., M.A, CERT. MDT
Pain relief
PT has been shown to be an effective treatment method to reducing or even eliminating pain — both acute and chronic — without surgery or the need for opioids.
Physical therapy uses a variety of therapeutic exercises, and therapeutic interventions such as soft tissue and joint mobilization to help reduce pain, improve range of motion and strength. Patients are educated on proper exercises and many benefit from continuing these exercises long after their…
Posted June 14, 2021 by Kevin James Karas, E-RYT 500
In a society that is constantly filled with stress and disease, especially in the role of a healthcare worker, we need to find something to turn to which offers a sustainable solution to addressing life’s difficulties. One solution may be found from three very hot wellness topics of yoga, mindfulness and self care practices. If any of these spark your interest, you won’t want to stop reading because this article will provide you with not only information but more…
Posted May 17, 2021 by Dr. Julia Thornton
Chances are good at one time or another you have experienced unpleasant symptoms — an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea or bloating — after eating a delicious meal. Reactions from food are common, but it can be challenging to understand the cause.
Food intolerance can trigger some of the same physical symptoms as a food allergy. But, understanding the difference is vital to your health. Eating a food that your body is intolerant to can leave you feeling uncomfortable, but eating…
Posted April 26, 2021 by Megan Copen MS, OTR/L
You recently suffered a stroke. You’re recovering well, except that you’re still struggling with weakness in your left leg, along with balance and coordination issues. Your provider has referred you to an occupational therapist (OT) to help overcome these challenges so you can get back to work.
But you and other patients in similar circumstances may be wondering, what exactly is occupational therapy? We often hear about physical therapy and its benefits to a…
Posted March 22, 2021 by Justin M Dunn, MD
In times of intense stress, does it ever feel like someone is squeezing your heart? Do you feel pain or numbness down your left arm? Does it seem like you get indigestion each time you exercise?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from angina. Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. The pain can be mild or severe and often follows exertion or stress.
Angina is not a disease, but instead a symptom of a more…
Posted February 21, 2021 by Dr. John Zografakis
Obesity and the need to lose weight is a deeply personal journey. With many new medical options available, it can be difficult to select the best individual approach to be successful with long-term weight loss.
Obesity is the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years, especially in the state of Ohio is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem. In…
Posted February 08, 2021 by Ann Wargo PT MsMHA CMCP CAPS
Posted January 04, 2021 by Stephen Cullen, M.D. and Glenna Jackson, M.D.
Posted December 14, 2020 by Dr. Gabriela Orasanu
With so many celebrations centered on food, it’s easy to lose track of how much we’re consuming — including our sodium intake. In fact, it’s not unusual for a typical holiday meal to meet or exceed our recommended daily value for sodium.
But, what’s all the fuss about? Sodium, or salt, is a mineral that’s essential for life. It’s regulated by your kidneys and is required for nerve and muscle function and maintaining your body’s…
Posted December 07, 2020 by Dr. Jacqueline Tulodzieski-Ahlstrom
Winter is upon us — freezing temperatures, snow flurries and whipping winds — and we all know what that means. It’s time to bust out our heavy, winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves to keep us warm on these frigid days. But, don’t forget about your feet, too. It’s important to always wear winter shoes and boots to protect them against the harsh elements.
Lower temperatures can be hard on your extremities, especially your feet. Exposure to cold air causes the body to slow…
Posted November 15, 2020 by Ryan A Combs, MD
If you’re like one in five Americans, you’ll eventually develop arthritis of the knee. This means the cartilage that cushions the bones of your knee begins to degrade, causing those bones to painfully rub together. When that pain becomes too much or restricts activities you once enjoyed, it’s time to talk to your doctor about treatment, including knee replacement surgery.
What’s the difference between a partial and a total knee replacement?
Sometimes…
Posted November 08, 2020 by Ryan J Urchek, MD
You’ve seen it on the soccer field or basketball court: a player plants a foot, twists and goes down grabbing a knee. The problem is most likely tearing of the meniscus (cartilage) or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Both can be extremely painful and sideline an athlete for months of recovery.
A tear usually requires more intervention than a strain or sprain.
A knee strain is a stretch or partial tear of a tendon or muscle, while a sprain is a stretch or tear of a…
Posted November 02, 2020 by Zach Vallandingham, DO, MS
Have you ever heard from someone that they can predict when a storm is coming because their joints hurt? It’s pretty common for people to blame joint pain flare-ups on changes on the weather, but scientists and doctors have yet to pinpoint exactly what it is about cold, rainy, or humid weather that makes joints stiff and achy.
Leading Theories
While joint pain isn’t directly correlated with dropping temperatures, the thought is that the change in barometric pressure…
Posted May 18, 2020 by Michael Smeltzer, ACSM EP-C
As weeks pass by under Ohio’s stay-at-home order, cabin fever is starting to set in for many of us. With nowhere to go and calendars cleared, families are jumping at the chance to get outdoors. Taking your activity outside is a great way to boost your health and wellbeing however, we must take extra precautions to slow the spread of Covid-19.
With summer around the corner there are many things we all look forward to doing outdoors. From cleaning up and planting our…
Posted May 04, 2020
In today’s world, we often forget to do the little things that can often make a big difference in our health and happiness. Typically, it is the simplest things that can do the most to help us feel our best every day and all year long. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for a healthier, happier day:
Make plans to do something you love. Research shows that having something to look forward to makes you happier. So, on a rough day, try to make a plan to do something…
Posted March 09, 2020 by Hanna Rice RDN LD
In the last decade or two, protein powders have become increasingly popular among physically active and health-conscious individuals.
Protein powders are concentrated sources of protein — the essential building block for muscle, tissue, bones and blood — made from either animal or plant sources. While whole foods come complete with the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber you require, protein powders are an easy, convenient way to bolster your protein intake when…
Posted March 04, 2020 by Adrian G. Dan, M.D., FACS, FASMBS
Obesity has been deemed a disease of worldwide epidemic proportions. In the United States, obesity directly affects 40% of the adult population and an additional 30% are considered overweight. Obesity is now ranked as the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem.
When talking about obesity, it is very…
Posted January 27, 2020 by Ali Ziegler, Athletic Trainer – Summa Health Sports Medicine
As a general goal, it is recommended that we get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, more if you’re looking to lose weight. However, some people find it hard to carve out those 30 minutes every day. Some may only have time for a short 10-minute workout. So, is it still worth exercising even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time?
Studies have shown that short workouts throughout the day are just as beneficial as long continuous ones.
Posted October 23, 2019 by Mark A Cipriani, Jr., MD
Arthritis is a broad term covering a group of diseases involving inflammation in your body’s joints. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body but most commonly involves the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles, feet, neck, or back. Most types of arthritis cause pain and stiffness in and around the affected joints. Some types can also affect the immune system and even some internal organs of the body. Continue reading to learn more about arthritis.
Posted April 22, 2019 by Jeffrey T Junko, MD, Summa Health Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgery
If you are a runner, chances are you’ve heard of plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain. However, any job or activity where you are on your feet for long periods of time can put you at risk as well.
An introduction to plantar fasciitis
A thick band of tissue - plantar fascia - connects your heel bone to your toes. This tissue acts as a shock-absorber on the feet. If tension and stress start to cause small tears, this ribbon-like tissue…
Posted February 06, 2018 by Michael Hughes, M.D.
When you think of February, you may think of Valentine's Day, chocolate and flowers. February also marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is it's also one of the most preventable.
Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart…
