Ohio Orthopaedic Surgeons at OAZ Offer Knee Replacement Options

February 4th, 2010 Posted in Ohio Orthopedics

OAZ’s Ohio orthopaedic surgeons agree knee replacement surgery is the most common joint replacement procedure. However, knowing the right time for surgery can be difficult. Luckily there are options.

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that is performed when the knee joint has reached a point when painful symptoms can no longer be controlled with non-operative treatments. In a knee replacement procedure, your surgeon removes the damaged joint surface and replaces it with a metal and plastic implant.

Partial knee replacement is a surgery that may be considered for appropriate patients for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Traditionally, patients have undergone total knee replacement for severe arthritis of the knee joint. In a total knee replacement, all cartilage is removed from the knee joint, and a metal and plastic implant is substituted. The partial knee replacement entails a smaller incision and faster recovery than traditional total joint replacement surgery.

To discuss your options, call OAZ’s Ohio orthopaedic surgeons today.

Tags: Ohio Orthopedic, Ohio Orthopedic doctor, Ohio Orthopedic Doctors, Ohio Orthopedics, Zanesville Ohio Orthopaedic Surgeon, Zanesville Ohio Orthopedic Doctor

Ohio Physical Therapists Treat Torn Rotator Cuffs

February 2nd, 2010 Posted in Ohio Physical Therapy

A rotator cuff injury is an injury to one or more of the four muscles in the shoulder. A chronic tear can usually be treated with rest and acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Occasionally, injections of steroids into the shoulder joint are helpful.

If pain persists, OAZ has one of the best teams of physical therapists in Ohio to perform passive range-of-motion exercises. Those with continued pain may require surgery and follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon.

Indications for surgical treatment:
• Usually for people younger than 60 years of age
• For complete tears
• An option after failure to improve after six weeks of proper treatment
• If the person has a job that requires constant shoulder use

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or a rotator cuff injury, see OAZ’s Ohio physical therapists.

Tags: Physical Therapy Columbus Ohio, Physical Therapy Zanesville Ohio, Zanesville ohio physical therapy

Ohio Sports Medicine Specialists Promote Martial Arts Training

January 29th, 2010 Posted in Ohio Sports Medicine

Dr. Karl Saunders, head of OAZ and its Ohio Sports Medicine team, is a world-class martial artist. As a trained athlete, he shares the many benefits of martial arts.

1. Self defense
2. Cardiovascular fitness
3. Toned muscular system
4. Improved flexibility
5. Mental tranquility / relaxation

If you’re interested in learning more about martial arts, stop by and talk to Dr. Saunders and OAZ’s Ohio Sports Medicine team.

Tags: Columbus Ohio Sports Medicine, Ohio Sports Medicine

Prevent Back Strain with Shoveling Tips from Ohio Orthopaedic Experts

January 27th, 2010 Posted in Ohio Orthopedics

Don’t become a victim of back injury while shoveling snow this winter. Ohio orthopaedic experts at OAZ provide the following tips to prevent back strain.

First, choose the right shovel for you.
• Ergonomically correct: Many retailers stock ergonomically designed snow shovels with a curved handle. These shovels help keep your back straighter, reducing spinal stress.
• Small, plastic blade: To reduce weight, choose a small, plastic blade, which puts less strain on the spine.

Next, watch your technique.
• Warm up: Warm muscles work better. So take some time to stretch to prepare your body for activity.
• Get the right grip: When gripping the shovel handle, don’t put your hands close to one another. Create some distance between the hands. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to lift snow.
• Watch your posture and stance: Think about good posture and maintaining the natural curve of your spine. Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart to maintain balance. Try to keep the shovel close to your body. Bend at the knees—not the waist or back. Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow. Lift with your legs—not your back. Do not twist your body. Dump the snow in front of you. If you need to move the snow to the side, move your feet—do not twist!
• Pace yourself: Take frequent breaks to stretch your back and extremities.

The Ohio orthopaedic experts at OAZ wish you a safe and enjoyable winter season!

Tags: Ohio Orthopedic, Ohio Orthopedic doctor, Ohio Orthopedic Doctors, Ohio Orthopedics, Southeastern Ohio Orthopaedics

OAZ’s Ohio Physical Therapy Team Reminds Patients of the Benefits of Stretching

January 4th, 2010 Posted in Ohio Physical Therapy, Ohio Sports Medicine

Stretching is the act of lengthening muscles in order to increase muscle flexibility and joint range of motion. OAZ specializes in Ohio physical therapy and reminds patients that stretching activities are an important part of any exercise or rehabilitation program.

The Mayo Clinic recently released a list of the top five benefits of stretching and OAZ agrees that these benefits are important for people of all ages to consider. Keep in mind that warming up the body prior to activity decreases the risk of injury as well as muscle soreness.

The top five benefits of stretching are:

1. Increased flexibility and joint range of motion:

Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring. Flexibility tends to diminish as you get older, but you can regain and maintain it.

1. Improved circulation:

Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Blood flowing to your muscles brings nourishment and gets rid of waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can help shorten your recovery time if you’ve had any muscle injuries.

1. Better posture:

Frequent stretching can help keep your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture. Good posture can minimize discomfort and keep aches and pains at a minimum.

1. Stress relief:

Stretching relaxes tight, tense muscles that often accompany stress.

1. Enhanced coordination:

Maintaining the full range-of-motion through your joints keeps you in better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls, especially as you get older.

The Ohio physical therapy experts at OAZ remind patients that stretching is one of the most important parts of the rehabilitation process.

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