Sciatica happens when your sciatic nerve gets irritated or inflamed, resulting in symptoms like pain and feelings of pins and needles. Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back down both of your legs. At Performance Pain & Sports Medicine, Dr. Matthias Wiederholz and Dr. Suzanne Manzi can help with...
You’re always hearing the message, “Be sure to stay hydrated.” Sure, drinking enough water is important. But can being dehydrated really be enough to cause you pain? Headaches are a common symptom of dehydration, along with dizziness and dry mouth. At Performance Pain & Sports Medicine, our expert team of...
When your back is always aching, it’s hard to get excited even about the things that matter most to you. Your low back pain acts as a constant drain, depriving you of the best parts of life. Isn’t it time for you to start to feel better more of the...
Everyone’s feet ache after a long day at work or on the field, and foot injuries like mild sprains or strains are common risks faced by athletes in many sports. However, foot and ankle pain that lasts without improvement may indicate an underlying condition like Morton’s neuroma that needs treatment....
Your nerves are supposed to relay important information about your physical condition from various areas of your body back to your brain. When this system works correctly, you pull your hand back from something hot that could burn you, or you realize you’ve cut yourself and need first aid. However,...
You might call something inconvenient “a pain in the butt.” And, if you’re dealing with chronic buttocks pain, you can easily understand the reason for the saying! Chronic buttocks pain limits your quality of life, and may indicate an underlying problem that needs to be identified, diagnosed, and treated to...
If you think about it, every joint in your body depends on the strength, integrity, and proper alignment of your other bones and joints. Your musculoskeletal system is made up of separate parts that all have to work together seamlessly to keep you moving freely. When one or more of...
Workers’ compensation is a social insurance program that’s designed to protect and support your interests if you get injured while at work. Injuries put you through physical and emotional strain, and may limit your earning ability as you recover, or even for the long term. Some jobs carry higher risks of...
Your body contains between 250-350 individual joints. Joints, the places where your bones meet and connect, allow your skeleton to bend, rotate, and shift. Without full joint function, your full range of motion is likely to be impaired. There are a lot of reasons why you might end up suffering from joint...
Your hip joints have to take a lot of pressure and wear-and-tear, especially if you play a sport where you’re often jumping or twisting. At Performance Pain & Sports Medicine of Houston, Texas, and Lawrenceville and Raritan, New Jersey, Dr. Suzanne Manzi and Dr. Matthias Wiederholz specialize in sports medicine and can help with potential hip and...
In the last few years, many working adults around the United States have found benefits in working from home, teleworking, telecommuting, and working flextime. More and more families have a home office set up for work-from-home time. Working from home can make it easier to manage your household schedule, get...
When you’re injured, nerves that reach every inch of your body send pain signals racing through your spinal cord to reach your brain. If you have chronic or persistent back pain, though, you might continue to feel the effects of pain signals without any clear reason why, like an injury...
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on either side of your jaw is essential to your jaw motion. These joints let your jaw open in a hinge-like sliding motion, necessary for speaking, eating, drinking, and more. TMJ issues aren’t uncommon, and can occur due to a variety of causes, including jaw injuries...
Sciatica pain is caused by irritation and inflammation in your sciatic nerve path. Your sciatic nerve reaches from your lower back, through your buttocks, and down both of your legs. You’ll typically experience sciatica symptoms of pain, numbness, and tingling down just one side of your body. Dr. Suzanne Manzi...
If you suffer from persistent pain in your low back, mid back, legs, or neck, the team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine might recommend epidural steroid injections (ESIs) to manage your symptoms. Under the leadership of Dr. Suzanne Manzi and Dr. Matthias Wiederholz, we use ESIs to support patients...
Persistent back pain can keep you from being active or resting comfortably – but you have treatment options available to resolve your discomfort. At Performance Pain and Sports Medicine, our back pain treatment experts — Dr. Suzanne Manzi and Dr. Matthias Wiederholz — offer facet joint injections from our locations...
Chronic joint pain presents a medical challenge. While invasive surgery may be recommended by some for chronic and acute issues, nonsurgical regenerative procedures increasingly show promise for the effective treatment of joint pain and ligament wear-and-tear. At Performance Pain and Sports Medicine, our expert team, led by Dr. Suzanne Manzi...
Knee pain results from many causes, from wear-and-tear to traumatic injury. A Baker’s cyst causes sensations of knee pain and tightness, due to abnormal buildup of fluid in your knee joint. You can trust the interventional pain management and acute and chronic pain specialists at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine,...
Your two temporomandibular joints (TMJ) allow your jaw the movements necessary for eating, drinking, speaking, and expressing yourself. The TMJ area can be affected by multiple types of issues, from posture problems to jaw-clenching tension stress. It can be tough to figure out the exact cause of your TMJ-related symptoms...
Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower spine down into your legs and feet. That’s why sciatica, or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, causes pain that seems to start in your back and radiate down through your legs. You could also suffer from tingling, numbness, or leg weakness due to...
Fatigue is one of those health problems that can be hard to pin down. Everyone feels tired from time to time, and it can be all too easy to find reasons for fatigue in your day-to-day life. However, chronic fatigue can also be a serious medical condition in need of...
Regular, persistent headaches can cause you stress, damage your personal and professional performance, and interrupt your plans. If you’ve had regular headaches for weeks, months, or even years, you might wonder why you can’t seem to shake them. At Performance Pain & Sports Medicine, also known as PSSM, our team...
Back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults in the United States, especially as you get older. Whether you sleep poorly due to backaches, take too many anti-inflammatory pain medications to get through a day at your desk, or limit activities due to back pain, the aches...
Your hormones make a big difference in your day-to-day life. Remember how impactful hormonal changes were during your teen years as you went through puberty? Even in adulthood, hormone imbalances can seriously disturb your physical and mental health and wellness. With age, decreasing hormone levels in both men and women...
Chronic or stubborn back and neck pain can seriously impede your quality of life. You never feel comfortable, can’t keep up with the activities you enjoy, and may find yourself feeling irritable due to constant pain. When conservative treatments like heat or icing, over-the-counter pain medication, or manual manipulation just...
When your joints ache, it can be hard to stay active. Plans get canceled, and even standing up starts to seem difficult. Losing mobility and freedom to joint pain can be detrimental to your physical and mental well-being. To stay active on your feet this winter and spring, talk to...
Your knee joints contain many complex parts that work together to support the weight of your body and give you a full range of motion. Your knees are made up of multiple bones, muscles, and ligaments. When something goes wrong in your knee joint, you might lose mobility or feel...
Your shoulder joint contains multiple parts. The bones, ligaments, and muscles of your shoulder need to work together to give you a full, smooth range of upper-body motion. When something goes wrong in your shoulder joint, you can end up with back or shoulder pain that puts a cramp on...
Getting a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can feel like a life sentence. This complex chronic pain disorder affects women more than men, and typically presents with widespread body pain, aches, and fatigue. You may also suffer from psychological or sleep symptoms. While a fibromyalgia diagnosis might feel like a lot to...
Over time, many people find that their back and spine start to develop problems. The condition referred to as degenerative disc disease (DDD) isn’t actually a disease at all. Instead, in this condition, key parts of your spinal column break down and deteriorate over time, leaving you struggling with back...
Living with chronic pain can affect every aspect of your life from your career to your sleep to your ability to enjoy your favorite hobbies. Studies show that chronic pain also affects your social relationships and family life. Even if your chronic back pain hasn’t responded to nonsurgical treatments, you’re...
The importance of Sleep in Athletic Recovery: The most important facet to athletic recovery is sleep. This naturally recurring state of mind and body characterized by altered consciousness provides benefits to mental health, hormone balance and muscular recovery. Getting enough sleep typically means anywhere from 7-10 hours a night for...
Scapular winging is a condition wherein the shoulder blade moves excessively away from its normal position on the thoracic region of the back. This can cause pain and weakness as well as loss of function and can be a problem cosmetically. The causes of scapular winging are numerous. The most...
Multi-Planer Movements Should Be a Part of Any Rehab or Training Program BY: Chris Lybarger, PT, DPT Whatever your activity of choice, whether it be running, team sports, dance etc they all require strength and mobility in multiple planes of movement. The major planes of movement are frontal (side to...
With the temperature dropping and winter coming keeping healthy is important to help stave of colds and other illnesses we are prone to in the winter months. Bone broths are rich in protein and a great source of minerals that support the immune system and contain healing compounds such as...
Having trouble sticking to your home exercise program while you are in PT or after you are discharged? There are fortunately many different ways for you to stay on track with your exercises and routine. 1) Try listening to music! Music is a great way to motivate you and stay...
After writing about managing neck and upper back pain while on an airplane, I decided to write about an unpleasant experience I had while on a long flight to prevent you from having the same experience! A couple years ago, I flew to Japan which was a 13 hour flight....
Proper Sitting Posture for Crazy NJ Traffic BY: Chris Lybarger, PT, DPT If you live in New Jersey, and especially North and Central aspects, then you know a little about sitting in traffic. Whether it’s the daily commute to and from work or trying to head into Philadelphia or NYC...
If your breast size is on the larger end of the spectrum and you contend with mid back pain frequently you may be wondering how to combat the musculoskeletal effects of your breast size. If you’re diligent about proper bra size and fit and know that you’ve covered your bases...
No matter what your fitness goals are one fairly common objective for many is the boosting of their metabolism. Simply put, your body’s metabolism is the way in which it utilizes energy to meet your physical needs and fuel your body both when it is working and at rest. There...
Physical Therapy is a fascinating field since the dawn of its conception in the 1920s. Since that time the field of Physical Therapy has grown to an entity that has been pushing the envelope to what therapist can and cannot do. Did you know Physical Therapist can treat beyond the...
When you read the benefits of aerobic exercise, it’s a no brainer to include steady state cardio or circuit training between 120-130 bpm for 25+ mins in your workouts. Decreased risk of injury (esp in late stages of games) Less stress & anxiety Better memory and recall as well as...
Do you have low back pain that began recently? Are you curious about your treatment options? The first question that you may have is “what is spinal manipulation?” You may have heard people talk about it as a safe and effective way of treating back pain, which is one of the...
During the winter, there are multiple 5k races around the holidays. This is a fun event for family members to do together to create traditions and memories around the holidays. If you are concerned about signing up for a race there are a few things to remember and consider for...
Olympic lifting brings beauty and beast mode into one graceful movement. The sheer power and technique is a delight to watch during the Summer Olympic Games. The two movements that are considered to be Olympic lifts are the Clean & Jerk and Snatch. The reason for its popularity and known...
Stress fractures in healthy individuals are usually the result of sudden increases in physical activity over a period of a few to several weeks. Simply put, they are almost always a form of training error of doing too much too soon. They usually occur in weight bearing joints in which...
As the temperature outside transitions into more of a brisk sensation, I have noticed an increased number of patients mentioning travelling somewhere warm! Because of this, I figured I would offer the best tip for managing neck and upper back discomfort while sitting in those luxurious and comfortable airline seats...
Trees When buying an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” When buying a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are difficult to pull from branches, and needles do not break when bent between your fingers. The sawed end of the trunk of a...
Now that it is cooler weather people are more inclined to stay inside and hibernate rather than getting outside to run or walk because of the chilly change in temperature. Fortunately, there are tips to continue to exercise and stay healthy during the holidays and cold winter months. 1) Invest...
In most situations when it comes to working out, people often use the excuse “I do not have time to dedicate myself to the gym.” Before becoming a License Physical Therapist, I was a personal trainer and strength coach. Most of my clients and / or patients were active and...
You probably hear people say it all the time: “I don’t have time to exercise. I’m busy. I have too much going on.” Whether you believe these to be excuses or reasons isn’t the issue in this blog. This isn’t about condemnation. This is about change and improvement of quality...
The topic of conversation you will most likely have at the gym is to choose between weighted machines or free weights. A question you may ask yourself is: How do I choose? or Which one is better for me? My answer is it depends on the individual. The question you...
Thanksgiving is just around the corner! It is that time of the year were people are okay with unbuttoning those pants by one notch. That sweet scent of all those thanksgiving dishes being placed on one table just makes your mouth salivate with happiness. The typical stuffed turkey, mash or...
If you’re planning on running a turkey trot later on this month first of all let me just say GOOD FOR YOU and CONGRATULATIONS ON EMBARKING ON SOMETHING MANY PEOPLE DON’T TRY. Whether you’re a seasoned vet runner or this is your inaugural trot there’s valuable tips for both camps...
Taking a rest day after a bout of exercise is just as important as the workout itself! This recovery period allows the body to repair and strengthen itself. A person who does not take enough rest/recovery days can suffer from “overtraining syndrome”. Overtraining can be described as a decrease in...
Everyone understands that after a surgery they go to physical therapy for rehabilitation, but what many people don’t know is that attending physical therapy prior to a surgery is just as important! This “prehabilitation” or “prehab” can help patients return to their prior level of function/activity faster. Research and anecdotal...
Now that the colder weather is upon us many will be indulging in their favorite hot beverages. Many people are tea drinkers and with good reason. It’s one of the healthiest drink options out there and one of the few that is just as enjoyable cold as it is hot...
Now that it’s cold outside now you may have already dusted of that good ol’ crock pot. Whipping up crock pot recipes is an easy way to make a filling and warming meal for you and your family. Stews tend to be very popular this time of year and with...
If you have wall unit air conditioners that you need to remove and store for the fall/winter here’s some tips to help you be mindful of not injuring yourself while doing so. Always have a second person help you lift the air conditioner out of the window. If you live...
Tempted to bust into your kiddos trick or treat candy??? Well, GET READY FOR A FRIGHT!! Those tiny treats may be smaller in size but they still pack a hefty punch. Here’s the 411 on the most popular Halloween candies, in their Halloween sizes, and the workout price tags they...
It’s fall now and everybody is on pumpkin overload. It truly is a great time of year. The trees look beautiful the weather is gorgeous and folks are decorating their homes in a festive way which means, you guessed it, pumpkins everywhere! No doubt your favorite coffee stop has re-stocked...
In a world where time is essential and peoplekeep pushing their limits,sleep is one of many sacrifices that gets the short end of the stick. Sleep for the average adult should be between seven to nine hours undisturbed. With too little sleep comes with a few issues that will impact...
To fully understand the difference among the three phases of exercises we must first define each phase. Endurance is defined as a group of muscles that can generate sub-maximal force over a sustain amount of time or through repeated movements. Strength is defined as the ability of specific groups of...
The latest therapy trend after the 2016 Olympics You have all witnessed as you watched the Summer 2016 Olympics when Michael Phelps made his debut at the Brazilian swimming pool. Many were in awe when the media focused on the numerouspurple circles located around Phelp’s shoulders. The circles as the...
1. The older you get, the fewer hours of sleep you need. According to the National Sleep Foundation recommended sleep for the average adultranges from seven to nine hours of sleep, while the average teen ranges from 8 to 10 hours. The amount of sleep required generally does not change...
Many people now have insurance coverage that includes conservative care benefits for their ailments. This has opened up a window of opportunity for many to explore avenues of health that they may not have even heard of before. While there are some newer methods of treatment two staple conservative care...
THE SEPTEMBER SHUFFLE!!! Summer is coming to a close, vacations are ending, and the kiddos will soon return to school. From pumpkin spiced everything to bonfires, hoodies, leggings and Ugg boots, you’re probably noticing all of the little reminders of the fall season popping up everywhere. There’s plenty of hustle...
Our bodies aren’t designed to sit all day. The evolution and advancement of technology has caused a de-evolution in our physical sustainability. Studies are showing that on average people with desk jobs are now sitting more hours per day than they sleep which is terrible for your overall health and...
Allergy season is upon us! Many patients contend with the havoc seasonal allergies wreak on their wellbeing this time of year. If you are someone who struggles with this yearly, and needs help with making it through these crucial first weeks of warm weather, here are some tips that can...
Do you ever wonder why sometimes your fingers feel numb in certain positions and awaken you from sleep at night? What could be causing these pins and needles? Where is it coming from? Have you ever thought this could be from your neck? However silly that may sound, a pinched...
Are you afraid to talk about constipation? Unfortunately, constipation is known to be a side effect of some of the most commonly prescribed medications for pain. Constipation is a very serious problem that can ultimately lead to fatigue, nausea, vomiting and even death. Prescription pain medications called ‘opioids’ can lead...
You’ve just spent months undergoing chiropractic care and physical therapy for your injury or condition. You’ve arranged your appointments around your already busy schedule and put in the time and work required to give your body its best chance at healing. Now you’re ready to go back to life as...
The summer and hot weather is upon us!!! Now is the time of year that more and more folks will ditch their conventional footwear and opt for sandals and flip flops. Although many manufacturers are producing more ergonomically sound designs, the difference in support offered is enough to cause issues...
Are you suffering from Upper Cross Syndrome or TMJ Disorder and you can’t find any relief? Look no further. Performance Spine and Sports Medicine will use an integrated approach to help treat your pain so you can live your life pain free, drug free, and surgery free. From a physical...
No one likes being in pain. Patients choose care at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine because of this fact. Sure, pain has its purpose. For most people it is the first signal that something is awry in the body and our natural instinct is to put a stop to the...
Now that the weather has broken, and our chilly rain days seem to be a thing of the past, it is getting hotter earlier in the mornings. Many people site skipping breakfast in the summer months stating that it is too hot for them to eat so early in the...
Core-strengthening is a common activity recommended for patients with low back issues. The reasoning for this is due to the fact that the core is the largest low back stabilizer the body naturally has. However, many patients often ask about how to train their anterior core (the abdominal muscle group)...
Do you suffer from tennis elbow? Then you know how debilitating it can be. Have you had a steroid injection that didn’t work? Are you wearing a brace that doesn’t work or only works a little bit while wearing it? Ironically, tennis elbow (or lateral epicondylitis) is not an inflammatory...
It’s a known fact that most Americans are sleep deprived: are you? Sleep is such a vital part of our lives; however, in today’s society it is one of the things that is most neglected. Sleep keeps us healthy as human beings. Sleep restores our bodies, our minds and our...
There has been significant media buzz around opiate overdose since the death of music legend, Prince. Prince had apparently been taking Percocet for a hip problem. It is unclear where things went wrong for Prince, but this problem is all too common with opiate pain killers. With opiate pain medications...
Exercise and breathing exercises are the best way to reduce stress. For some people if they are short on time I suggest they take 5 minutes out of their day to sit somewhere quiet and focus on their breathing of deep breaths in and out with their eyes closed and...
This blog is going to address carrying a heavy schoolbag, but really the information can be carried to carrying a heavy bag in general. Carrying a heavy schoolbag can lead to many issues in children, specifically when it comes to the musculoskeletal system. If your child tends to wear her...
Now that the weather is warmer it is common for people to start transitioning from the gym to running outside again. Here are some tips to promote safety when running this spring and summer! According to Runner’s World,1) If you can avoid running with headphones in. If you do, make...
Ever wonder why we are told to eat 9 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day? This is because they contain compounds known as phytonutrients. The purpose of phytonutrients is to help protect the plant and increase the lifespan of the plant. Certain phytonutrients help to protect the plant...
Ever go into a grocery store and see a large spherical/pear shaped fruit that is green/orange and quite exotic looking? Most likely you have seen this fruit, but you have not bothered to buy it or to eat it. This interesting fruit is called a papaya. If you cut open...
Many people suffer from gastrointestinal problems. Often expensive testing is done that frequently shows no structural abnormalities. Most physicians are not equipped to treat functional gastrointestinal disorders. Functional gastrointestinal disorders present in many ways and problems may originate in one or more areas. The first thing that we can do...
Ladies, are you suffering from any of the following symptoms? Anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, pain & inflammation, osteoporosis, heavy periods, hypersensitivity, nervousness, migraines, weight gain, decreased libido, low HDL cholesterol. Thousands of women suffer from these symptoms and are prescribed various medications and often a hormonal cause is...
Have you had pain for more than six months? That means you are suffering from a debilitating condition known as chronic pain. Believe it or not, there are several types of chronic pain. The three main types are: Nociceptive pain Neuropathic pain Mixed pain Nociceptive pain is the pain most...
Loss of hip extension range of motion is a common problem we see in PT. This can be related to symptoms in the lower back, hips, knees or ankles. Modern lifestyles can contribute to this problem. Hours spent in a seated position and decreased use of the gluteus muscles are...
With spring time rolling around quickly on the east coast, countless people flock outside for different activities. One of those most often performed is gardening/yardwork. People love to get those flower beds looking pretty to go with all the sunshine! However, with this increased motivation to get active comes an...
Making sure that you find time to exercise is difficult for a lot of people especially for people with careers and children in their lives. Fortunately, there are a few ways to try and promote a healthy life style where you can raise your heart rate or get on your...
Thunder down under A lot of women are embarrassed by feelings of pelvic pressure associated with pelvic organ prolapse. To understand exactly what is happening when you have prolapse, PT Julie Wiebe, makes reference to an inflated balloon in the abdomen. In order for the air to be properly balanced...
A common complaint for people who have to drive or fly far distances for work or travel is that their back begins to ache while sitting for a prolonged period. There are a few ways to try and reduce this pain for the everyday traveler. One tip is to use...
Detox diets are common with people trying to “cleanse” their bodies of toxins accumulated from food, drink, the environment and even stress. These diets promise to boost energy, help you lose weight, clarify the skin, reduce headaches and decrease bloating. While there is no standard definition of a detox, most...
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night coughing, sneezing, and achy all over? These symptoms can be present in both the common cold and the flu. So what is the difference between the cold and the flu? A cold is milder than the flu. A cold...
Do you experience digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome? Do you suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma? Do you have a diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia? Do you have food allergies or intolerances? If so, it’s possible that you may be suffering from a...
Exercise can be a great way to improve stress and energy levels in certain individuals. Endorphins are known to be correlated with exercise which can improve mood and relaxation. Most people are very active during the fall and summer since the weather is accommodating to outdoor activities. There is typically...
A Physical Therapist’s training includes how to combine subjective history with objective measures and tests to determine an accurate diagnosis of a patient’s pain. Following an accurate diagnosis, the initial evaluation (or even in subsequent treatments) turns toward describing the areas of dysfunction to the patient and what measures will...
The biceps brachii is one of the most trained and sought after muscles among those who perform resistance training. But which exercise is the best to strengthen the biceps? The best exercise would elicit contraction of the greatest amount of muscle fibers. The standard test to determine muscle activity is...
Slipping on ice is a common winter injury that can result in hip or wrist fractures typically. In order to prevent a trip to the emergency room, safety precautions are necessary during snowy and icy weather. Always make sure that your sidewalks or driveways are salted. Be cautious of black...
Production of organic foods has become big business and farmers who wish to sell their produce as such are required to meet standards enforced by the USDA. Due to this fact, you can expect to pay up to 40% more for organics than their non-organic counterparts. People choose to eat...
Chances are defecation is not a taught skill, BUT it should be, says Dr. Judelkiss Todd, physical therapist at PSSM Bordentown location. A deep squat should be the position assumed during a bowel movement rather than sitting. Literally placing your feet on a stool while sitting on the toilet mimics...
Vibration therapy, founded to help astronauts maintain muscle mass in space, has down-to-earth benefits that can help patients. Dr. Jim Tholany said that whole body vibration (WBV) therapy is offered at the Bordentown office where he works as a physical therapist and rehabilitation manager. WBV treatments are a few minutes...
The body changes after a baby, said Dr. Beth Bossart of PSSM Wellness. The time to think about post-baby fitness is before delivery. “Mothers can start to think about getting back into shape before their baby is even born. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is extremely important both for...
From infancy bodies begin to make connections in the muscles that set a road map for the future of movement, according to Christopher Lybarger, physical therapist at Performance Spine & Sports Medicine in Lawrenceville, NJ.Muscle memory begins the moment we start learning how to move. “The aspects of our life...
Today gluten-free foods are everywhere and considered as an overall health-promoting type of food. But why is this? While gluten is a protein found it wheat, barley and rye, think of it more like glue as it helps dough stick together. Since our bodies are designed to be able to...
Coconut oil is being touted as a new cure-all, but Our staff said it’s no fad, the benefits of coconut oil have been known in other cultures for centuries. One of the most debated claims of coconut oils is that oil pulling, a practice where one swishes a tablespoon of...
It doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to solve the case of a “C” shaped back, when the curve of the spine moves away from its intended “S” shape, posture is almost always the culprit.Dr. Chris Cush of Performance Spine and Sports Medicine in Newtown said that bad posture from desk jobs...
Hockey, basketball and football all have an expiration date, but golf can last a lifetime. Dr. Jason Green of Performance Spine and Sports Medicine of Newtown was an avid hockey player but as he aged he knew his hockey days were coming to a close. He sought a new sport,...
The glory of running and the defeat of injury are both well known to Dr. Mathieu Lentine, D.C.Lentine was a competitive runner for nearly 16 years. He ran in high school, college and post collegiately. “I never liked to run but loved to race so that was what my training...
Getting down and dirty for beach volleyball can be a win every time with the right preparation.Dr. Judelkiss Todd from Performance Spine & Sports Medicine serves up tips for this favorite sport, but she warns even the best prepared people might feel the effects of a day of beach volleyball....
The clear liquid found on the inside of immature, green coconuts is known as coconut water. It has a mildly sweet, nutty flavor and is contained in coconuts which are between 5-7 months of age. Coconut water should not be confused with coconut milk, which is extracted from the meat...
When the pressure is on some kids lash out. Dr. Mahmud Ibrahim of Performance Spine and Sports said there are usually signs that children are under stress and most of them are a cry for help. He said some warnings that a child is facing too much stress can be...
It doesn’t make sense that less food would equal more weight, but according to Dr. Michael Pismarov of Performance Spine and Sports Medicine, it’s true for people who skip breakfast. “Those who skip breakfast often weigh more and are more likely to eat higher calorie snacks throughout the day to...
Take a trip to the mall and look around; start counting how many people you see with their heads down looking at their phones. Some will be on the phone for a few seconds at a time; others will be on it for a few minutes at a time. Now...
Have you experienced recent missteps or loss in balance recently? Falls are one of the most common reasons for hospitalizations and hip fractures in the elderly. In 2013, 2.5 million nonfatal falls among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 734,000 of these patients were hospitalized1. As...
Acute inflammation in response to an injury is a helpful, normal and necessary process of the human body. When inflammation becomes chronic it is a lower level, harmful response and is thought to be an underlying cause of many common conditions and diseases. Following are some changes you can make...
Recently, foam rolling has gained popularity among trainers, physical therapists and fitness enthusiasts. What are the benefits of using a foam roller? Quicker recovery, decreased muscle pain and spasm, increased blood flow and less delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) are some of the claims. The physical act of rolling over...
The future of healing has been in the hands of professional athletes for years and is now available to everyone as a method of treatment at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine (PSSM). Laser therapy has been in use by major league sports trainers and Olympic trainers for years, according to...
Trimming the waistline starts with training the mouth. “Diet is the number one factor for slimming down, exercise helps cardiovascular health and burn calories, but if the diet isn’t taken into factor then you aren’t refueling the body correctly,” says Dr. Susann Clothier, chiropractor at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine....
There are many schools of thought when it comes to stretching. For years, static stretching, holding a stretch in one position for 30 secs or longer, was thought to be the ideal way to stretch. New research has shed some light on some possible drawbacks of static stretching as well...
I often hear people say they do not have time for exercise. Quality of life improves when we exercise so I can suggest a few ways to fit more activity into our busy schedules. Take the stairs, skip the elevator. Park farther away from your destination; force yourself to walk....
Spring is finally here and those running into the warmth before warming up might find themselves out for the season. Dr. Jim Tholany, director of rehabilitation at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine, said the warmer weather leads to a resurgence of activity and recreational activities that lead people into physical...
Don’t let your neck pay the price of keeping in touch The key to avoiding the latest back problem is looking up. This relatively new ailment seen by medical professionals over the last decade is known as text neck. This problem has been rising with the increased use of smart...
Before you go outside for your run, remember that it is essential to prepare your body for the challenge it is about to take on. Give yourself an extra 5 to 10 minutes to perform a dynamic warm-up prior to your run or work out. A balanced dynamic warm-up is...
The adage a body in motion tends to stay in motion is especially true when it comes to healthy hips. Krista Rubini, DPT, of Performance Spine and Sports Medicine (PSSM) in Newtown, Pa., said that movement isn’t merely about keeping the joint active, the act of motion increases blood flow...
Whether there is a chill in the air or summer is heating up, seasonal activities can lead to shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries. Dr. Mahmud Ibrahim with Performance Spine and Sports Medicine of Lawrenceville said that shoulder injuries are a common complaint heard year-round. “In the winter the cold...
Those of us that try to eat right, exercise and take nutrients to improve health hope that these efforts translate into improved quality and quantity of life. But how do we know? Sure, we can look at blood work such as cholesterol and this gives some of the answer. Blood...
Pain and limited mobility are generally what brings patients in for physical therapy, though what they don’t feel can be just as important. Gary Fuschini who works as a physical therapy assistant at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine said some of the common ailments they see in patients are various...
Heart opening in yoga is both a restorative path and process. Dr. Aisling Linehan, a physical therapist at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine, uses heart opening yoga to help reverse some of the incorrections modern life can apply to over-burdened backs. This form of restorative yoga specifically focuses on decreasing...
Looking for a natural remedy made from everyday ingredients for that cold or chest congestion, try fire cider. Don’t let the name fool you, fire cider is delicious. Made from natural ingredients it is a warming and energizing drink, especially in the fall and winter months. It works extremely well...
We all know stretching and exercise help lessen menstrual cramp discomfort, but did you know physical therapy can help with severe cases? January is Cervical Health Awareness month, highlighting health maintenance through pap smears and screenings for the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). Krista Rubini, DPT, of Performance Spine and Sports...
Do you have joint pain? Taking a regiment of fish oil or Omega-3 fatty acids may help. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a recent review of 17 randomized, controlled clinical trials looked at the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in people with joint pain. Results suggested...
No, you’re not going to rub butter on your head. Butterbur root, or Petasites hybridus, is a perennial shrub used in ancient times and has recently been rediscovered for medicinal purposes including migraine headaches. Here is a photo of the flower: A 2004 study in Neurology studied the effects of butterbur for the...
According to data collected by University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology in a 2014 study more than 45% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions, yet only 8% of Americans are successful at accomplishing their New Year’s Resolutions. They also found that people 20’s and under are more likely to...
Traditional Physical Therapy rehabilitation of the shoulder has focused intently on strengthening the rotator cuff as means to improve function and decrease pain and disability. While this is often times needed, particularly post-op and with strains, it is often time just one small piece of the puzzle. In order to...
With the holiday season now upon us, many of will be embarking on some sort of travel to see friends and family. While short distance traveling does not usually affect our bodies as often, longer travels certainly do. Whether it be sitting in a car, train, or plane we are...
Button that coat, wash those hands, and grab your Echinacea, flu season is here, check these strategies for beating the flu. #PSSM #Wellness #BeatFlu Wearing a coat in the cold, and bundling up with a scarf and hat are just good advice, but they won’t be enough to protect you...
The holiday season is here! Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry. During these busy times, we tend to set aside our usual diet and exercise routines. As a physical therapist, I encourage my patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of life. Here are a...
Shopping, egg nog, out-of-town guests? Add in some lunges, deep breathing and plan ahead to beat the effects of holiday stress.#PSSM #Chiro #BeatStress Any added stress on the body can exacerbate injuries or lead to pain and headaches. In order to fight stress Dr. Michael Pismarov of Performance Spine and...
Fatigue is a common presenting complaint for so many patients. Frankly, primary care doctors just don’t have the time to properly evaluate people for fatigue. Why you ask? Simple – there simply isn’t enough time. Most primary care doctors have to see a patient about every seven minutes in order...
Think you can’t run that marathon? Think again. If you’re in good cardiac health, preparing and training your body to go the distance can be achieved in a few months.You can go the distance, with preparation Pushing through “the wall” when aiming to run over 26 miles requires a healthy...
October is breast cancer awareness month. One aspect of breast cancer risk that is not discussed frequently is estrogen metabolism. This is not only important in women on bioidentical hormone restoration therapy, but also for young women who are exposed to endogenous estrogen, the estrogen their bodies make every day....
Much of the population knows little about elbow injury. This article is going to discuss one specific condition local to the elbow known as tennis elbow, or more specifically, “lateral epicondylitis.” And here’s something that might surprise you, tennis elbow is not restricted only to those of us who play...
It goes without saying. We’ve all waited long enough for this summer to come along. And if you’re like me, now that summer is here, it won’t take you too long to find the closest pool and jump right in. However, before you hop on in, take a minute to...
Yoga has become very popular in the U.S. in recent years. It is an ancient activity involving exercise, meditation, breathing and philosophy. Some sources claim its origins date back 5000 years. Many styles of yoga have developed through the years and we can find a variety of classes within most...
Most people do not get enough quality rest. Without adequate sleep consistently, there are a number of detrimental effects both physically and mentally. Following are a few tips to ensure a better night’s sleep. Firstly, aim for 8 hours of sleep with 6 being the minimum. Although we can function...
It’s summer and that means the mad rush is on to slim down right in time for swimsuit season. While there are many “diets” out there to choose from, don’t you think it’s time to make some long lasting progress? Here are a few tips to get you in the...
We have been fortunate enough to add laser therapy to the list of rehabilitation modalities that we offer at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine. This is a tool that very few people have access to in the area. The laser that we have is a class IV high intensity laser...
The gluteus medius muscle works to abduct and rotate the hip but also functions to dynamically stabilize the leg and pelvis. Glute medius weakness can contribute to dysfunction and pain not only in the hip but in the lower back, knee and ankle as well. Furthermore, it is common due...
When the shoulder blade pokes out and does not lay flat on the surface of the upper back, we call it scapular winging. This is usually caused by weakness in the muscles that externally rotate and retract the scapula. Our current lifestyles usually include too much time working on the...
Are you someone who tends to be more active when the weather gets warmer? Well, you’re not alone, especially after the winter that we’ve had here in the Mid-Atlantic. And between the summer time sports mishaps and the sandals snafus, this heavily anticipated change in weather is the time when...
America has an obesity problem. And it seems the rest of the developed world is following suit. A question that many people wonder is whether soda consumption increases the likelihood of weight gain. The short answer is YES. Soft drink consumption has increased globally from 9.5 gallons per person per...
Do you suffer from migraine headaches? Migraine headaches can be debilitating and some people have more headache days than non-headache days. Migraines typically start as a dull ache and progress to a throbbing pain. You may have sensitivity to light or sound with this headache. Some people even get nausea/vomiting...
You may have heard that your mattress could be causing your back pain. You may be wondering what the correct mattress is for you. You probably know that lack of quality sleep can cause a myriad of problems and can worsen many existing conditions. The most current studies suggest a...
The hip flexor stretch has become a popular one to stretch in both the fitness and the sports performance realm and rightfully so. After all, we, as a society spend a lot of time sitting which lends itself to tightening of the hip flexors. Unfortunately, it is all too common...
Hip flexor tightness is very common today as many of us spend a lot of time in a seated position. When we work at a desk or on a computer, drive a car, relax on the couch or in a theater and sit down for a meal we are shortening...
It is not surprising that many people with desk jobs suffer from neck, shoulder, mid and low back pain. Oftentimes quick postural and workstation adjustments can make a huge difference. It is first important to have an understanding of neutral posture. Neutral is a comfortable working posture in which joints...
Perhaps you noticed the recent events in sports. Gary Kubiak collapsed at halftime during the Texans recent game. Rocky, the Denver Nuggets mascot, passed out as he was being lowered to the court at the start of the game. These events certainly make me think of my own health. First...
Certainly you have all heard about gluten-free diets by now. Why is this all the rage? Why is avoidance of gluten helping so many people battle various problems from digestive issues to allergic symptoms? Theoretically it comes down to the proteins gluten and gliadin. These are proteins found in wheat....
It took long enough, but it finally appears as though Spring is on its way. With this winter dragging on the way it did, I personally cannot wait for the temps to rise and the sun to shine. And now that the time has come, it’s time to lace up...
If you are frequently experiencing a snapping sensation in the front of your hip, you may have a condition called snapping hip syndrome. The snapping sensation is felt in the front of the hip when you walk, run, or even rise from a chair. This condition is especially common when...
Winter running is a whole other beast compared to running outside in other seasons. In my opinion, winter running is for the strong and truly dedicated. While I choose to take my running indoors during the winter, I can appreciate all that goes into running in cold weather. The air...
What is it? How does it relate to an athlete’s return to sport? More and more of today’s individuals are working harder to become stronger and healthier. These individuals are constantly working to improve their activities by increasing their flexibility, strength, endurance, and power. A large number of athletes and...
Pain that originates in the shoulder, arm, or upper back can arise from the neck. Differentiating between them can be tricky and should be managed by a licensed healthcare practitioner. In this article we will look at information to help understand the process of identifying the pain. What your MRI...
Over the past couple years I’m sure you’ve started hearing more and more about coconut oil. Coconut oil is made up of antioxidants, Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), Lauric acid, Carprlic acid, and Capric acid. Below I’ve listed some of the benefits of coconut oil and why you should be using it...
We, at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine, like utilize every possible option we have available when diagnosing, prescribing and treating our patients. We like to look at the every piece of the puzzle that is getting our patients better. One of the puzzle pieces we like to use is the...
From the NFL to youth soccer, concussions are being diagnosed more frequently with the use and availability of concussion testing systems. That being said, there is one key test that is very important to any athlete, the baseline test. Having the information from a baseline concussion test will not only...
With any over the counter supplement, there is sure to be various recommendations for what constitutes enough. Vitamin D is an often recommended supplement that falls under this category as well. The Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition recommends 600 IU (standard for International Units) while the Endocrine society recommends...
Performance Spine & Sports Medicine, LLC, is a premier non-surgical orthopedic institute providing a team-oriented approach to optimize your health and wellness.
We’re all familiar with the post-holiday rush to lose weight, start exercising, and get healthy. What too few of us define is to why we are doing this. Sure, motivation can be quite simple. Things like looking better, fitting into some old clothes, or even feeling better. Now, the last...
Seasonal Affective Disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. Most people in the Northeastern territory of the US have symptoms that start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping energy and causing mood swings. Although less common,...
Do you have stress in your life and lack energy? If the answer is yes, exercise is the best remedy for you! Exercise is not only important to control stress and boost energy, but continued exercise will promote a healthy lifestyle and an overall state of wellness. Multiple studies have...
Working out the lower body? Try this quick warm up. How about the upper body? Here are a few including a simple thera-band. Dynamic warm-up exercises are essential to prime the muscles and grove what we term “motor patterns.” This short series is more effective at preventing injuries and loosening up muscles...
PSSM has partnered up with Shady Brook Farm as a Top Sponsor for their annual Holiday Light Show, Bucks County’s most anticipated community event of the year! Experience the magic of millions of lights illuminating acres of farmland at the Shady Brook Farm 2013 Holiday Light Show!” This event makes...
Platelet Rich Plasma Injection involves injecting your own blood platelets (special cells in your blood that heal tissues) into joints like shoulders and fix rotator cuff tears.
Dr. Matthew Wiederholz, M. D., Board Certified – Speaks about chronic pain and advanced pain treatment.
Matthew Shade, Director of Sports Performance – Speaks about Concussion Awareness in athletics today.
Matthew Shade, Director of Sports Performance – Optogait presentation w/ case study.
Matthew Shade, Director of Sports Performance – Speaks about PSSM and about the advantages of an Integrated Multidisciplinary Platform.
Dr. Michael Rizkalla, MD – Discusses acupuncture treatment at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine. Here our interdisciplinary clinic and approach allows us to coordinate your care and tailor make a customized treatment plan for you.
Dr. Joseph Jimenez, PSSM Co-founder, M.D., MBA, CSCS Board Certified – News special featuring ACL injuries and its prevention in athletes.
Performance Spine and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping athletes reach their ultimate performance!
Matthew Shade, Director of Sports Performance – Performance Specialist Matt Shade remarks on the importance of analyzing the biomechanics of growing pediatric patients to ensure that they get personalized treatments suited to their development and/or specific sport injury.
Dr. Katie Palmer, PT, DPT – Dr. Palmer talks about how Physical Therapy can be beneficial in treating pediatric developmental delays and conditions such as torticollis.
Aisling Linehan, PT, DPT – Our integrated services are physician (MD) directed Chiropractic Treatments, Physical Therapy, Medical Intervention, Nutritional Intervention, Acupuncture and Fitness Programs that is customized to the patient.
Aisling Linehan, PT, DPT explains why women are at more of a risk to develop knee pain
Dr. Christine Fagan explains the benefits of chiropractic treatment. Do you have problems that concerns you health? See your chiropractor today!
Here are Performance Spine and Sports Medicine; we take an integrative approach to rehabilitation, health, and wellness. Our practice employs multiple specialists including medical physicians, doctors of physical therapy, chiropractic physicians, and athletic trainers. Our primary objective is to try and solve your musculoskeletal condition with conservative efforts, i.e. in...
Give Yourself the Gift of HEALTH this Holiday: Knock-Out Stress & Get Energized! The Holiday Season is in full force! Parties & shopping make this the most exciting time of the year. But all of this entertaining, eating out & overcommitting can cause stress. Fitness maintenance often times is placed on hold & energy is...
Every year it seems, the flu approaches an epidemic. Hospitals and pharmacies can’t keep up with the current demand and even with the incidence of vaccinations increasing; we’re still not seeing dramatic improvements in terms of prevention. There are many simple and effective ways to fight off infection. Starting with...
During tough economic times, we start to see more and more people who need help with the essentials of daily living. People who were never in a dire situation are finding themselves having trouble paying bills or putting food on the table for their families. Most people want to help...
This autumn ensure that you and your family stay injury free and avoid sprains or strains of your back, neck, shoulders, wrists, and knees from raking leaves by following these simple tips. Before you get started take the time to warm up your body by doing 10 minutes of light...
Cervical Spine (Neck)The cervical spine is the structure connecting the brain to the rest of the body. It envelopes the spinal cord that runs messages from the brain to the other parts of the body and vice versa. Not only does it contribute to keeping safe the most delicate part...
With our kids back in school again, we all may want to take a closer look at our children’s backpacks. Compared with shoulder bags, messenger bags, or purses; backpacks are superior because the strongest muscles in the body, the back and abdominal muscle, support the weight of the packs. As...
Make time to workout this Holiday Season…despite your injury! That’s right! You CAN maintain fitness while injured. There are ways to continue with your exercise regime – properly, safely & effectively. Learn how! Performance Spine & Sports Medicine is a proud partner of Gold’s Gym “Extra, Extra” Wellness Series ~ designed just for you. Join us...
For a parent with little ones, when you arrive home on Halloween night, the house is most likely full of excitement. Chances are, the kids have already magically transformed into their evening costumes and are levitating towards the door, passing by any plans that you may have made for dinner. ...
Graston Technique is a form of manual therapy known as instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). Graston Technique instruments are made of stainless steel which are specifically designed and developed as an alternative to manual transverse friction massage. These instruments help aid in diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue pathology...
It’s no secret; summer has come to an end. With the warmer weather fading, most golfers will start hanging up the clubs. Unfortunately, most amateur golfers believe that there isn’t anything that they can do to help their game throughout the cold season. When in reality, this couldn’t be any...
If you have tried to lose a few pounds in the past, chances are you’ve tried to eat as little as possible to reach your goal. There’s also a good chance you were able to drop a few pounds in a short amount of time but were you able keep...
Are you struggling through your day with low energy? Are you too stressed to make healthy balanced meals for you & your family? Are you feeling frustrated you aren’t reaching your health & wellness goals? Have diets failed you? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you need Nutritional Intervention! Imagine feeling renewed & energized everyday! This is possible...
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that attaches to the shoulder joint via tendons. These tendons not only control the movements of the shoulder, but also help to stabilize the shoulder joint. Over time, patients can...
We’ll try to keep short and sweet about what we’re reading. Here’s an old article that resonates pretty well: “Improved outcome after lumbar microdiscetomy in patients shown their excised disc fragments: A prospective, double blind, randomized, controlled trail.” This was published in the journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry in...
Make August AWESOME with PSSM! We’re holding our first Staff FITNESS CHALLENGE for the month of August! We are encouraging staff to take their workout to the next level with exercises that will challenge the mind & body. Check out our calendar above! Do you think YOU think you have what it takes? Tell us! – Log...
The prevalence of gluten intolerance and sensitivity is on the rise. Although testing has largely remained the same, we see more non-Celiac diagnosed people avoiding gluten and wheat and seemingly curing some of their ailments. While we have identified those suffering from disease directly associated with Gluten, i.e. Celiac Disease,...
Got Sciatica? Sciatica is among the most common causes of low back pain that affects millions of Americans each year. Without the proper treatment, it can quickly worsen. Our team of Chiropractic Physicians & Physical Therapists will help! Performance Spine & Sports Medicine is a proud partner of Gold’s Gym “Extra, Extra” wellness series ~ designed...
“Oh, My Aching Neck!” Do you suffer from Neck or Shoulder pain? Look no further! Your solution to the best non-surgical approach in diagnosis & management is here! Empower Yourself. Eliminate Your Pain! Learn about: • Differentiating between Neck & Shoulder pain• Diagnostic Imaging: What test do/don’t I need• Therapeutic Injections for the shoulder...
Core + Glute Program #7 GET READY FOR THE BEACH WITH THIS EFFECTIVE CORE AND GLUTE PROGRAM! TRY IT FOR AT LEAST 3 WORKOUTS ONCE A WEEK AND STREADILY INCREASE THE WEIGHT THAT YOU USE FOR THE EXERCISES: NOTE, SOME OF THE EXERCISES MAY NEED SUPERVISION BY A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL...
Now that you’ve got the exercise program down, it’s time to make sure you are eating your best! Maximize your health by eating foods that are good for you, paired with supplements that keep you feeling your finest. Two MAJOR super foods that help with arthritis: *Fish. Why? Fish has tons of omega-3...
Now that you’ve been doing the beginner program for a couple of weeks, you can move on to some intermediate exercises to help strengthen the knee. This exercise program, similar to the beginner program will consist of 4 intermediate exercises. First lets begin with the Bulgarian Squat: Using a short bench, position...
Does Your Pelvic Floor Fail You when you Laugh, Sneeze, Run or Jump? You are not alone! Many women ages 25 – 50 suffer from Stress Incontinence. Stress Incontinence is caused by weakening of the muscles that keep urine stored in the bladder. Stress Incontinence can be prevented & treated with CONSERVATIVE treatment. Physical Therapy can help!...
It is uncertain whether having surgery results in a better outcome than the more conservative option of physical therapy. The New England Journal of Medicine recently featured a study which involved 330 participants who were similar in age, gender, race or ethnic group and divided into two groups. Half of...
NFL Pre- Draft Party at EVR Lounge in NYC with Performance Spine & Sports Medicine Doctors sponsor a party for NFL Draft Candidate, Xavier Rhodes (click his name and hyperlink for his NFL profile).Xavier Rhodes from Florida State, is a Corner Back and His Combine numbers are amazing…He runs a 40 yard...
Do you or your friends & relatives have a medicine cabinet full of old pain medications? The Medical Doctors at PSSM ask that you collect any unwanted, unused or expired perscription pain medications. Help Mercer County get rid of them safely! Here’s how: This Saturday, April 27th, is National Prescription Drug Take-Back...
The key today’s program is:TO have minimal to no rest between exercises so justJUMP RIGHT FROM ONE EXERCISE TO THE NEXT. For each set, only allow 15 seconds of rest between sets Seated Boat-side Begin seated on floor with knees bent and feet on floor. Attain neutral spine by straightening...
The pelvic floor muscles provide support for the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, intestines, and uterus (in females). As a result, they play a vital role in continence via urinary and anal sphincters. The pelvic floor is made up of levator ani and coccygeus muscles. Proper pelvic floor functioning...
5 Poses for Pelvic Floor Relaxation Spasm of the pelvic floor muscles can lead to incontinence and pelvic pain. Try these pelvic floor exercises to relax your pelvic floor, helping to both cure and prevent future occurrences. For more information please contact pelvic health physical therapist Aisling Linehan: alinehan@njspineandsports.net Happy...
Inflammation is a big catch word in popular culture and media, but what does it really mean and what can it entail? We know that acute injury, inflammatory arthritic conditions, and even chronic disease have an inflammatory component. Now, the most common ways to address this is usually with the...
From a standing position with your feet slightly apart, engage your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine. Gently exhale and bend forward from your hips (“hip hinging”). Try to keep your knees straight (but not locked). Slowly lower your torso towards the floor until you can place your fingers or...
Begin lying face down on floor. Bend and position elbows and forearms next to body. Activate core muscles. Lift upper body off floor so that forearms are supporting body weight. Maintain a straight plank like position from ankles through shoulders. Maintain core contraction and neutral spine. In the full plank...
Athletics have always played an important role in my life. I have consistently found a way to stay competitive throughout my clinical training and even now with current practice demands. One thing I have begun to notice, especially with impending real world obligations, is exercise is harder to recover from....
Core training and Keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution! as featured in our Exercise App and Injury Prevention Blog Abdominal Core Program of the week!Important note for today’s program…PLEASE HAVE A SOFT SURFACE OR MATto do the exercises. Your Elbows will thank you for it!! Do each exercise with only 15...
Dr. Susie Clothier of PSSM Lawrenceville The New Year is a perfect time to re-vamp your eating habits. Right around Thanksgiving most people throw caution to the wind when it comes to eating and drinking while getting into the holiday spirit. And then there are all the holiday parties, Christmas/Chanukah,...
Common Yoga Poses to help prevent Orthopedic and Sports Injuries! This goes beyond STRETCHING!!! In fact, studies have not shown to prove they prevent injury! We advocate instead, for Dynamic Mobility and Warmups along with overall cardiovascular fitness that help prevent injury improve joint health and mechanics. These exercises can be done...
Glute Activation Program to help kickstart a healthy, pain free New Year!! If your NEW YEAR’s Resolution involve getting fit, losing weight, having healthier spine or joints, here is a great exercise program to start the New Year. Perform this program along with other core and glute programs in previous posts...
Stand tall with core activated, feet hipsdistance apart. Keeping your chest up,shoot your hips back then bend at your knees as you approach the object you arepicking up. Keep the object close to you.Remember to keep a neutral back and bend at the hips. **Be sure kneebend occurs after you...
WARNING: Be careful when wrapping presents! Always be aware of your posture and correct ergonomics when preparing you and your loved ones for the holiday festivities. On top of ergonomics make sure that you are feeding your body with plenty of good fruits, vegetables, whole grains and 8-10 glasses of...
In light of the events that took place in Newtown, Conneticut we have done some research to help parents and teachers or any adult for that matter communicate to children on how to handle school violence. The University of Dentistry and Medicine of New Jersey set up a great landing...
PART 1 Hips Don’t Lie Throughout the past few years of practice I have come across a myriad of musculoskeletal conditions from the low back all the way down to the feet all of which have a common denominator. That being hip girdle inhabitation or weakness namely the gluteal muscles:...
The “CORE” involves NOT ONLY YOUR ABS, but the small muscles under everyone’s sides OR LOVE HANDLES known as the OBLIQUES and the small back muscles of the spine called the PARASPINAL muscles, as well as your PELVIC FLOOR muscles (the muscles involved in holding your urine when you have the urge to go to the bathroom)...
PERFORMANCE SPINE AND SPORTS MEDICINE (PSSM) PROMOTES FOODS THAT MAY HELP MANAGE PAIN and FIGHTS CANCER! PSSM SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AND “RESILIENCE DAY” which was a day of lectures about breast cancer as well as spa and beauty treatments for the participants. It was held in COLORS restaurant in...
Orthopedic Doctors, Physical Therapists and Chiropractors of Performance Spine & Sports Medicine (PSSM) work together to get patients OUT of BACK PAIN. But Back pain can recur within a year and the chances of getting hurt again can be anywhere from 30% – 80%!!!! (1) To prevent this from happening, the...
Athletic trainers have been using various forms of tape for decades in their efforts to treat athletes’ injuries. A relatively new type of tape called KinesioTape made a major impression on athletes and the general public when we saw volleyball star Kerri Walsh wearing this tape during the 2008 summer...
Sacroilits, Sacroiliac Joint Pain or SI pain are missed by most Doctors!! Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Doctors at Lawrenceville, NJ are the experts on this VERY common cause of back pain! Sacroiliac joint is a small joint in the low back just above the buttocks. In fact, at our practice,...
Do you enjoy playing golf or tennis? If you do, you’ve probably suffered from elbow pain at one time in your life. Up to 50% of these athletes do. The pain is either on the inside or outside of the elbow and usually worse with use of the flexor or...
This is a quick one minute tip on how acupuncture can help your pain.
This blog article is in honor of Dr. Jimenez’s publication of the 2012 issue of GOT GAME magazine. The article is the published content!!!! We started the day at Eugene Monroe’s second annual All Pro Football Camp in Brooklyn NY and then celebrated the premier of this summer issue of GOT GAME...
Marketing our expertise Sports Medicine, Non Surgical Orthopedic Medicine and Physical Therapy Clinics and Chiropractric Medicine in Lawrenceville New Jersey and now in Newtown, PA It is tough to do but there are so many moving parts in marketing and promoting our clinic. The irony is that even though I am...
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections can help cure rotator cuff injuries, ligament, muscle and tendon tears in ANY Joint Injury! As of May, 2012, analysis of our charts at Performance Spine & Sports Medicine (PS&SM) reveals that 90% of our patients with rotator cuff tears that cause shoulder pain can be cured by PRP...
Treating Sports Injury and orthopedic problems non-surgically using Stem Cell Therapy: Sports Doctor from Performance Spine and Sports Medicine of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Dr. Joseph Jimenez, mingles with athletes at the Rare View Lounge, NYC at a sponsored event on April 2012 for hopeful athletes Eric Page is a Wide Receiver...
Golfers and other athletes can use Performance 3D can help prevent elbow injury, back pain and MORE Performance 3D uses video game – like sensors on the body to study any sports motion (LIKE A GOLF SWING) and TELLS YOU EXACTLY HOW TO IMPROVE your GOLF SWING, PREVENT INJURY to your joints...
ATTENTION SPORTS FANS & ATHLETES: FACT: MOST TRAINERS, DOCTORS, & THERAPISTS DON’T KNOW HOW TO TECHNOLOGICALLY PREVENT SPORTS INJURIES IN ATHLETES. EVEN WORSE, THEY DON’T KNOW WHEN AN ATHLETE SHOULD RETURN TO PLAY AFTER REHAB! The issue is alignment…Car Mechanics talk about proper alignment in cars to prevent wearing out breaks,...
This is a QUICK MANUAL on INJURIES for fantasy football: WHEN DO YOU SIT OUT YOUR PLAYER? NFL playoffs are here and fantasy league owners are seeing record injuries for the 2011 – 2012 season Most Recently as of NFL week 13, 2011, Matt Forte from the Chicago Bears was...
Performance Spine and Sports Medicine would like to congratulate our very own Dr. Aisling Linehan for finishing the Tough Mudder in 4 hours! I’m sure she needed some physical therapy after such an accomplishment. The Tough Mudder is an intense obstacle course that was designed by British Special Forces that tests) 1)...
At Performance Spine and Sports Medicine (PSSM), we celebrate the opportunity to educate the Mercer and Bucks’ county communities. We are happy to present two short presentations. The first focuses on lower back pain, the different sources of back pain like herniations and the solutions that PSSM has to offer. The second is a 3D...
Orthopedic Doctors, Physical Therapists and Chiropractors work together with our service mark: “Get Better Faster, Stay Better Longer” The timeline shows how the disciplines of the practice integrate orthopedic non-surgical care under one roof producing an unparalleled patient experience and superior outcomes. We use the latest technology, equipment and procedures...
Performance Spine and Sports Medicine Halloween Survival Guide: For managing Halloween treats and Safety Did you know that raisenets are one of the top candies with the most sugar? Or that Reese’s pieces are among the candies with the lowest sugar? Here are a few popular Halloween candies with the...
Lisa discusses how our multidisciplinary approach alleviated her pain.
Jeff reflects on our customized planned approach to nonsurgical orthopedic care.
Helen describes her lower back pain and how all the clinical disciplines are under one roof.
The NFL lockout is done! The SEASON HAS STARTED! As a fan, I am happy to have football again. As a doctor, I feel for the sports docs of every team…time for another season of sports injuries! One injury in particular is Sports Concussions. I had a short conversation with...
HURRICANE IRENE HAS LANDED ON THE EAST COAST !!! Besides what you have already done, must do:– Secure and lock all outside doors and windows.– Fill bathtub. Water will be used for washing and flushing if needed– 5-gallon pail with lid (for toilet if needed – if power failure stops...
KOBE BRYANT SHOULD STAY HOME As many of you may of heard Kobe Bryant went to Germany for PRP (platelet rich plasma) on his right knee (1). Rumor has it that KOBE BRYANT has ongoing issues with his meniscus. The menisci are the special cushions that your thigh bone and your leg bones use so...
On Saturday, June 11, the team at Performance Spine & Sports Medicine will be participating in the Relay for Life event at the Sawmill YMCA in Hamilton, NJ. Together with our patients and colleagues, we have raised almost $1000 for the American Cancer Society. With the event little more than...
LADY GAGA DOES IT! YOUR FRIENDS ARE DOING IT! THE BEST DESIGNERS FROM MANOLO BLAHNIK, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, AND JIMMY CHOO MAKE ALL WOMEN DO IT What am I talking about? I am talking about women everywhere since the beginning of fashion will suffer through PAIN and DISCOMFORT to look sexy...
Abdominal BracingA lot of people do strength training for their abdominals, but are you really doing any good? All of the sit-ups and crunches in the world aren’t going to train your body as much as this one simple exercise:Abdominal bracing strengthens the transverse abdominous muscle which is an overlooked...
Fish oil supplements are safe for children and have been shown to help malnourished children get the essential fats they need. (1) Research shows that fish oil supplements can help kids with dyslexia (reading difficulties), dyspraxia (problems with co-ordination), and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). (2) But what about the...
(from Left to right: Dr. Joseph Jimenez, Ras-I Dowling, Dr. Emily Splichal) CONGRATULATIONS TO RAS-I DOWLING! HE WAS SELECTED BY THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS IN THIS YEAR’S 2011 NFL DRAFT. PERFORMANCE SPINE & SPORTS MEDICINE ALSO THANKS DR. EMILY SPLICHAL, founder of the Evidence Based Fitness Academy, FOR HER SUPPORT IN THIS YEAR’S...
MEDICAL STUDIES show Acupuncture helps with Back Pain!! MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE using the Integrative NeuroMuscular Acupoint System (INMAS) combines modern Chinese acupuncture theory with Western medical approach to TREAT BACK pain without drugs or surgery. The most recent studies have shown that ACUPUNCTURE EFFECTIVELY TREATS BACK PAIN (see references at the...
What are Shin Splints? Shin Splints are the common term for pain in the front of your lower leg along your tibia, commonly known as the “shinbone.” This pain may be from a stress fracture of the bone or micro-tears in the muscles. Common complaints are pain on the inside...
Here is a simple exercise that you can do at home with no exercise equipment.It works the longus capitis, longus colli, SCM (sternocleidomastoid) muscles.The purpose of this exercise is to increase neck strength and muscular endurance.The benefits are improved stability, functional strength and injury prevention.Begin by lying on the back...
Here is a simple exercise that you can do at home with no equipment.It works the biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus muscles.The purpose of this exercise is to increase knee strength and muscular endurance.By doing this exercise you can have the benefits of improved stability, functional strength and injury prevention. Begin...
Here is a simple exercise that you can do at home with no equipment.It works the gluteus medius/minimus, piriformis and hip lateral rotators muscles.The purpose of this exercise is to Increase hip strength and muscular endurance. By doing this exercise you can have the benefits of Improved stability, functional strength...
Dr. Palmer gives examples of both common and uncommon reasons why someone may need a physical therapist. Do you have problems that concerns your health? See your chiropractor today.
Headaches can vary in intensity and duration but many headaches, particularly migraine headaches can be quite disabling. Many people rely on over the counter medications initially and likely followed by prescription strength headache medications if symptoms do not improve. What many do not realize is Physical Therapy can effectively help...
Here is a simple exercise that you can do at home with no equipment.It works the peroneus longus/brevis, tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, gastrocnemius, soleus muscles.The purpose of this exercise is to improve muscular endurance, ankle strength, and proprioception.By doing this exercise you can have the benefits of Improved stability, functional...
Not long ago, I took a course about techniques for treating back pain. It was a great course and I learned a lot, but there was one thing in particular that the instructor said that really made me think. He said that most American people live in a constant state...
I have a confession to make. I have not been living up to my end of the bargain. I have not been able to make 10 minutes a day to go for a walk. In the morning I get up most days at 5:08 and by the end of the...
Eating healthy, daily exercise, meditation and relaxation – all great ideas… in theory! As a working mom I struggle everyday with how to keep my family and myself as healthy as possible. The trouble is, who has the time. As a physical therapist and yoga instructor by day, people come to...
When you visit the doctor because you are in pain, one of the treatment options they may offer you is called a “TENS Unit.” It’s a small, handheld device that uses a mild electrical current for pain relief. What Does TENS Mean? The word TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation....
The “Spine” or your Vertebral Column is formed by 26 bones and is generally thought to be divided into 3 different segments. The names we are most familiar with are the following: the CERVICAL Spine, the THORACIC Spine, and the LUMBAR Spine. Let’s count the number in each segment. The...
What is the rotator cuff? Your rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and several tendons in your shoulder. These muscles form a cover around the head of the humerus which is the upper arm bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. These muscles and tendons work...
What is Physical Therapy? Physical therapy which is also know as physiotherapy, is a health profession in which trained individuals use their knowledge to assess injuries and then provide varies services to help restore, develop, and maintain functional movement in patients that have lost it one way or another. Physical...
Although it’s not everyone’s favorite thing to talk about, urinary incontinence can affect anyone at some point in life. It can happen at different times and for different reasons, but when it does happen its something that you will want to take care of! What are some causes of incontinence?...
Fibromyalgia is a rather uncommon condition that currently affects around 2 percent of the population. However, that statistic could be wrong due to the unpredictability of symptoms that can identify this condition. Such symptoms that can ultimately stem from fibromyalgia include pain that is not exclusive to a single part...
Here is a simple exercises that you can do at home with no equipment.It works the multifidus, erector spinae, transverse abdominus, oblique muscles.The purpose of this exercise is to Increase low back strength and muscular endurance. By doing this exercise you can have the benefits of Improved stability, functional strength...
Involves no equipment. This exercise works the abdominal, oblique internal/external, iliopsoa muscles. The purpose is to increase abdominal strength and muscular endurance. The benefits include improved stability, functional strength and injury prevention. Begin lying on floor. Lift knees so that a 90º position is attained at hip and knees. Place...
For our patients, please login to PERFORMANCE SPINE AND SPORTS CUSTOM PROGRAM to view your customized exercise program!! If you have any questions, please contact us
Performance Spine & Sports Medicine offers an innovative treatment for sciatica called “lysis of epidural adhesions”. The name implies that there is scar tissue in the epidural space and it is approved for the treatment of scar tissue. However, it can also be used in patients that have not had...
BACK PAIN CAN BE CAUSED BY A HERNIATED DISC WHICH CAN PINCH A NERVE LEADING TO LEG PAIN. MANY PATIENTS KNOW THIS CONDITION AS “SCIATICA”. ONE PROMISING NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT IS SPINAL DECOMPRESSION WITH THE DRX 9000. THE DRX9000 CAN RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON THE HERNIATED DISC THEREBY RELIEVING THE PRESSURE...
EXERCISE #1:PELVIC TILT Lie on your back, legs together, knees bent, feet flat on the floor, with your arms above your head. Push the small of your back flat to the floor, at the same time tightening your abdominal muscles and buttocks. Hold for 20 seconds and relax Pelvic tilt....
Low Back Pain treatment: Sacroiliac Joint as the cause of Back Pain by Dr. Wiederholz of Performance Spine and Sports Lawrenceville NJ What is a Sacroiliac Joint Injection? A sacroiliac joint injection is an injection of an anesthetic with a long lasting steroid (“cortisone”) in the Sacroiliac joint(s.) The sacroiliac...
Low Back Pain causes and Treatment: Dr. Wiederholz of PSSM discusses Facet Syndrome What is a Facet Joint Injection?A facet joint injection is an injection of an anesthetic with a long lasting steroid (“cortisone”) in the Facet joints. Facet joints are located in the back and neck at each vertebral...
Causes of Back Pain and Herniated Disc: Dr. Wiederholz of PSSM in Lawrenceville NJ The epidural steroid injection is the placement of cortisone, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, into the epidural space, which approximates the disc and spinal column. The epidural injection has been used for over 40 years as...
This is the introduction to the talk I gave to a group of engineers wanting to know about nutrition. Learn the basic knowledge and secrets to having a long and healthy life with nutrition and the basic knowledge to prevent disease, to live pain free and to maximize fitness and...
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Hope for patients with back pain AFTER BACK SURGERY in Lawrenceville NJ, Princeton NJ and Hamilton NJ Have you had back surgery? Do you still have pain in your lower back or leg? You’re not alone! At Performance Spine & Sports Medicine we see many...
Introduction to PSSM in Lawrenceville NJ and Mercer County: Dr. Wiederholz shows how to stop neck pain without surgery
Hello Lawrenceville! Dr. Joseph Jimenez and the staff of Performance Spine & Sports Medicine welcome you to our PSSM blog. The purpose of this blog is to share tips and information with you. If you are not a patient, please go to our website and check out our “New Patient Specials” or...
Fall is here and with it comes chillier weather! With the cooler weather hitting the city, who doesn’t like to enjoy a nice, hot bowl of stew?! Here’s a recipe for a healthier beef stew (more veggies, low-sodium beef broth) that you can make in your slow cooker for your...