Category: Physical Therapy

Knee Joint Manipulation – Part I

Dr. Jeffrey Carlson

Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD Knee replacement surgery is equivalent to having a construction project completed on your leg. Planning, measuring, sawing, drilling, and hammering take place to remove a diseased knee joint and implant a shiny new prosthesis.  Some patients glide through the inevitable pain, swelling, bruising and stiffness after a knee replacement, taking it… Read more »

Why Does My Knee Feel Like it is Giving Out and Getting Weak?

Image of Dr. Boyd Haynes

Boyd W. Haynes III, MD A very common complaint I hear in the office, especially from my older patients, is “my knee is feeling weaker and weaker and sometimes it just gives out when I’m walking.  Why is that happening to me?” When arthritis of the knee progresses, the cartilage in the joint space erodes. … Read more »

Will my Compressed Spinal Nerve Heal or be Damaged Permanently?

Dr. Carlson

Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD, CPE, FAAOS Every day, I see patients for arm or leg pain and numbness related to pinched nerves in their spine.  These patients all have differing degrees of pain and dysfunction from their back and neck problems.  Each patient deals with their symptoms individually, so there are varying degrees of dysfunction… Read more »

Untreated Bone Fractures – Finally, The Treatment – Part III

Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD CPE In the last two articles, I’ve reviewed the reasons why bone fracture can go untreated and what happens to the human body as a result.  In this last segment, I will address what can be done for those fractures that are finally given proper medical attention. Non-union – this means… Read more »

Vascular vs. Neurogenic Claudication

Dr. Carlson in dark suit jacket

Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD, CPE (Originally published in Hampton Roads Physicians’ Magazine) When muscles don’t get enough blood flow due to obstructed arteries, cramping pain can result simply from walking or using one’s arms. Vascular claudication (VC) is a condition typically caused by peripheral artery disease and is a debilitating problem that worsens over time…. Read more »

Cervical Dislocation Fracture – Part IV – Rehabilitation and Life After Injury

Mark W. McFarland, DO After the emergent phase of injury and the immediacy of treating life-threatening injuries, after the surgeries have been performed and the subsequent acceptance of a new way of life, comes the challenge – living life after a cervical dislocation fracture.  In this article, I’d like to address those realities, but also… Read more »

What is a Segmental Fracture and How is it Treated?

Dr. Boyd Haynes, III

Boyd W. Haynes III, MD A segmental fracture is one where there are at least two fracture lines in a bone and a “segment” of separated bone in-between those fracture lines. Sometimes these medical definitions make sense!   They typically happen in the long bones of the arms and legs but can happen elsewhere in the… Read more »

What is a Comminuted Fracture and How is it Treated?

Dr. Burrow demonstrating the knee to a patient

John D. Burrow, DO One of the more complicated types of bone fracture to treat is the comminuted fracture.  This is where the bone breaks into three or more pieces, typically caused by a high-force accident or trauma, such as a fall from a height, a motor vehicle crash, or a contact sports injury.  Often… Read more »

Transverse Process Fracture of the Spine

Jeffrey R. Carlson, MD, CPE Most of you are familiar enough with human anatomy to know that the spine has bones called vertebrae that are stacked upon one another, sandwiched between vertebral discs that help us walk upright, bear our weight, bend, and even let us perform gymnastics if necessary. However, many people don’t know… Read more »