Saturday, April 6, 2013

Book Review - the School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister & Read by Cassandra Campbell


Imagine stories of healing through subtle flavors and textures of food and drink! Imagine that lives are healed in the kitchen! Not just any kitchen....but in Lillian's kitchen and School of Essential Ingredients. Can you smell the difference between peppermint and spearmint and wintergreen? Can you smell or taste the difference between Mediterranean basil and regular no name basil? Subtle, yep. The differences are subtle (slight, delicate, faint, fine). This book is about subtle flavors and techniques used in cooking that also heal the soul.

Woven around the ingredients found chopped and simmering in Lillian's restaurant cooking class are snippets of the stories of healing for nine people. The first story is about Lillian, the restaurant owner. She learned to cook to help heal her mother's withdrawal after her father left when Lillian was four. To Lillian, food, the colors, textures, aromas and flavors could awaken sleeping memories, stir emotions and heal the heart. She now owns a very successful restaurant and offers a monthly Monday night cooking class. There are eight students in the class. Carl and Helen have been married forever. They have a secret that is tender to the heart. Have you ever been a young mother? Lost your identity in the process? Well, Claire is and has and finds herself among the dishes, spices, wines of the class. There is Tom, a lawyer who lost his beloved and lost himself. Then there is Antonia, who is new to America.

She is an Italian kitchen designer who finds her way in America in the sweetest of ways. Lillian has a knack for knowing how to pick the right student to help with the right dish with the right ingredients to stir deep healing. How about a journey in baking a white on white cake, that provokes wistful thoughts of delicate love. Or how to make pasta, a garlic red sauce, choose the best wine, and find that it is the catalyst that breaks apart your relationship, setting you free. Tuck yourself in a corner of Lillian's kitchen, or a corner table in the restaurant. Imagine having a dark espresso with sweet textures of tiramisu. You can taste this just from listening or reading this delightful book. Erica Bauermeister is that good. Her words and descriptions make the meals, the students and the stories come vividly to life in your mind and senses.

This is a must book for students and practitioners of energy healing. Healing occurs in all situations: in the doctor's office, on a healers table, and in the kitchen. We all would do well to remember that even a slight shift in perception, attitude, taste or activity can and will make a profound difference in one's life.

Prevent Or Reduce Knee Pain Naturally


Knee pain is a common problem especially among older people. It may be a result of overexertion of knee muscles, arthritis, or even an injury. Whatever the cause, knee pain can actually be reduced and prevented. The main key to prolong the health of your knees is physical activity.

You need to stay active if you want to avoid knee pains. Just make sure you do not overexert your knees as overexertion can result to a wear and tear of the knee joints and tendons. Stay active but choose light exercises just enough to keep your knees strong and healthy.

Since muscle groups support your knees, strengthening these particular muscle groups will help reduce your risk for knee pains. Perform exercises for your quads, calf, and hamstring on a daily basis especially if your job requires you to sit on the chair all day long.

If you are overweight, you have a higher risk to develop osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that is caused by overworking of the joints. Your muscle strength weakens with too much body fat; add to that the fact that the knees get strained from carrying excess weight. If you want to lose weight, do it gradually with moderate exercise so as not to cause further implications on the knee joints.

Whether you are working out in the gym, running in the oval, or getting busy at the office, make sure you are wearing proper footwear. Using the wrong shoes when training can result to serious problems to the knee joints so make sure your shoes have proper cushion to absorb shock for your ankles and knees. For women, flat shoes are preferable to wear since high-heeled stilettos can create tension to the calf muscle, resulting to knee pain.

Aside from regular physical activity, knee pain can also be prevented and cured with the help of anti-inflammatory foods. These foods may include omega-3 rich salmon, berries, ginger, avocado, flaxseeds, and soy. It is indeed possible to prevent and treat knee pain even with the absence of drugs and medication.

Arthritis Treatment: Your Knee Pain Is Not Arthritis, It's Bursitis


Knee pain is one of the most common problems seen in clinical practice by both rheumatologists as well as orthopedic surgeons.

While the typical trauma related knee problem is easy to identify- an athlete who suffers a severe injury on the playing field and has to be helped off- non-traumatic knee pain is more difficult to diagnose.

This article will focus on bursitis (B) which is a very common cause of pain in the knee.

B is due to inflammation of bursae, small sacks of fluid which cushion joints. There are multiple bursae that surround the knee joint. When they become irritated or traumatized, they can begin to develop swelling, redness, heat, and pain.

Some of the more common types of B are:

Anserine B. This is a type of B that is relatively common in middle-aged, obese people who also have osteoarthritis of the knee. The pain is felt along the inside part of the knee approximately two inches below the joint line. It is aggravated by walking and climbing stairs. Because it is a frequent accompaniment to osteoarthritis of the knee, it is often missed or ignored.

The treatment involves local measures such as topical anti-inflammatory drugs, ice, physical therapy and occasionally steroid injection. Steroid injection should be administered using ultrasound guidance.

Prepatellar B affects the bursa in front of the patella- the kneecap. It is predominately related to pressure and is seen in people who are on their knees a lot as a result of their occupation. Examples would be plumbers, electricians, and carpet layers. Gardeners are also at increased risk. The key point is that infection needs to be ruled out because it can be medical emergency. An infected bursa needs to be treated with antibiotics.

Infrapatellar B refers to B affecting the bursa located below the knee cap. It also is seen in people who kneel as a result of their work. Traumatic injuries can also be a cause. Infection also needs to be excluded in patients with infrapatellar B.

Suprapatellar B refers to B affecting the bursa located above the knee cap. It is relatively uncommon but can occasionally be seen in patients who have inflammatory forms of arthritis.

Most type of B will respond to conservative measures such as ice, rest, physical therapy, knee pads, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some patients will require steroid injection administered using ultrasound guidance.

Key points that should be emphasized are that B is a different condition than arthritis and that it is imperative that infection be ruled out before initiating treatment.

Total Knee Replacement, Three Tips on How to Develop Speed and Quickness in the Knee After Surgery


Life after a knee replacement does not mean you cannot live an active life. Sure you may not be snow boarding down the alps or, jumping from an airplane though I am sure you will find some people that have had a knee replaced may have tried it. It will not be recommended however. Your goal will be to live life again pain free and, to have your new knee replicate your original knee as much as possible. To get the knee to feel more like your own you also want to develop speed and coordination into the joint during your rehabilitation process. That can be done in three easy steps that is pain free and effective.

1. Marching In Place: During your rehabilitation process you will want to get some work in this area. You simply stand by the kitchen counter or somewhere were there is a stable structure and begin marching in place. You start out slowly then progress to a faster pace then, revert back to a slower pace again. Constantly changing marching speeds builds the speed and coordination in your knee and also helps you build endurance as well in the joint.

2. Power Walking: Once you have the ability to walk without an assistive device outdoors, it's good idea to start power walking. Stepping up your pace by taking smaller steps then follow with larger steps on a even surface like a sidewalk or outdoor track, you instill more coordination and proprioception in the knee itself. Power walking will not only build more flexibility, speed and coordination but, it will also develop more power in the surrounding muscles that encompass the knee. The larger steps are more for strength building, the smaller steps for speed.

3. Stationary Biking or Bicycle: The stationary bike in my opinion is the best exercise tool for a knee replacement on the market today. A bicycle also is great tool as well. Younger adults will benefit more from the bicycle as their balance will not be impaired as much as someone elderly for instance. The biking motion builds speed, coordination, and stamina in the quadriceps. Also the benefit of increasing the range of motion in your knee from the movement will pay dividends as well.

As a younger adult you plan on getting back to enjoying your life as soon as you can. By building the strength and coordination in your new knee or knee's, you improve your quality of life, get more out of the knee in regards to stamina, and, it will give you more of a natural feeling as if the knee never had been replaced.

Three Questions to Ask Before Your Knee Surgery


The time leading up to knee surgery is an uncertain time for many people who need to undergo a knee procedure. This being the case, it is important to have as much information as possible prior to your operation. There a number of important questions to ask your doctor before your surgery takes place, and knowing the answers to these questions will help you to know what to expect from your procedure.

What Will the Surgery Involve?

There are a variety of types of knee surgery that a patient can require. These range from the very extensive, such as a complete reconstruction, to the relatively minor, such as arthroscopic surgery. It is important to talk openly with your surgeon during your consultation in order to get a feel for precisely how extensive your procedure will be. Having an understanding of the invasiveness of your procedure will help you to prepare yourself for the recovery period after the surgery.

Recovery

Another important piece of information that you'll want to ask your surgeon is this: "What can I expect during the recovery period?" Every knee surgery is different, so, every recovery is different as well. This being the case, you'll want to find out how long the recovery is expected to take as well as how much pain you can expect to experience. Surgical methods have become quite advanced, and the pain that is associated with them has been greatly reduced as a result. Never the less, it is important to know what to expect prior to undergoing the procedure.

Rehabilitation

Finally, it is important to ask your doctor to explain the rehabilitation process to you. Since knee surgery affects such an important joint, rehabilitation and therapy are often necessary in order to ensure that you regain the range of motion and the strength that you had prior to your injury and subsequent surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy regimens vary greatly. Some must be done daily and can be very strenuous while others are intended to be done much less often and are less strenuous. Be sure to ask your doctor to explain your rehabilitation regimen to you before your procedure. Doing so will allow you to prepare for the weeks after your surgery.

It can be difficult to prepare for knee surgery. However, knowing what questions to ask your surgeon in the days leading up to your procedure can help you to get past some of this uncertainty. Understanding the procedure that you'll be having as well as the expected recovery and rehabilitation schedules will help to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that accompanies surgery.

Hip Resurfacing and Physical Therapy Rehabilitation


Total hip replacement is one of the most common joint replacements surgeries performed. Due to society aging and the fact that many older adults are more active, hip osteoarthritis has become more prevalent. For more active individuals there is a type of procedure that is known as hip resurfacing that may be more appropriate.

In years past patients no matter what their age were given the only option of a total hip replacement. With a total hip replacement, your ability to participate in strenuous activities was taken away due to the high incidence of hip replacement failure. With a procedure known as hip resurfacing, you are able to get back to most of your prior activities without the fear of causing unnecessary prosthetic failure.

The advantages of a hip resurfacing procedure is the fact that there is less femoral bone removal.With less bone removal, the chances of dislocation are greatly reduced and, the ability of the orthopedic surgeon to go back in if needed to complete a total hip replacement at a later date is improved.

The majority of hip resurfacing procedures are done using a posterior approach much like a total hip replacement therefore, physical therapists will find similar post operative procedures and precautions to initially follow regarding rehabilitation.

There have not been an established therapeutic protocol to follow after surgery however many orthopedic surgeons may have designed one themselves for the rehabilitation staff to follow. For the most part once you begin receiving physical therapy you will be followed the same as if you had received a full hip replacement.

With this procedure being so new, most patients regarding physical therapy are followed on a case by case basis however.

Though with resurfacing the recovery may be a little faster, it is for the most part followed closely in initial recovery time like a total hip replacement.

Hip resurfacing patients may also experience slightly more pain after the procedure. The reason being that most patients that qualify for hip resurfacing are very active and, need continued education on not stressing the new implant too quickly after surgery which could affect the overall healing process.

Hip resurfacing seems to be a procedure that will only expand further due to the fact that younger more active adults are opting for the procedure that will not only allow them to resolve their hip pain but, also gives them back their freedom in regards to continued exercise and maintaining a high level of activity.

If you are interested into looking further into hip resurfacing, understand that the resurfacing success is closely related to the physicians experience with this procedure. Take the time to research the orthopedic surgeon and find out how proficient they are in this type of surgery.

No doubt more research will be needed in the areas of physical rehabilitation and what the long term affects of high physical participation is on hip resurfacing prosthetic components.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Should You Buy Liquid Glucosamine?


Evidence collected from randomly done studies seem to support using glucosamine for treating osteo-arthritis. It's thought that glucosamine helps in the protection, regeneration, and strengthening of the joint cartilage.

Liquid glucosamine is often used to treat arthritis with only very minor rare complications. In many cases, glucosamine can be used to effectively treat joint issues and then prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) are not needed.

NSAIDS tend to be effective and fast acting but should be avoided if possible due to the many serious side effects, such as: shortness of breath, retaining fluid, liver disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, and dizziness.

With age, the normal natural production of glucosamine in the body declines. However, a steady supply of glucosamine is still necessary for the body to keep joints and cartilage flexible as well as pain/injury free.

Glucosamine supplements have been tested in animals and people. Studies found effectiveness and safety for glucosamine for treating the following conditions. One should always ask a doctor for specific information about personal circumstances.

General Osteoarthritis

- Animal and people studies report benefits of liquid glucosamine for treating osteoarthritis for many joints in the body. Evidence shows glucosamine is particularly beneficial for knee pain. Benefits included better joint functionality and also as relief of pain.

Knee Rehabilitation after injury

- Glucosamine improved the flexibility of athletes with acute injuries in the knee; however, the amount of pain relief was not helped. Rheumatoid Arthritis

- Glucosamine improved the symptoms, namely swelling and joint pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mild to Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis.

- Evidence supports using liquid glucosamine to treat knee osteoarthritis.

Dosage

Liquid glucosamine is more readily absorbed by the body and therefore is the preferred method of consummation. The liquid formulas are also easier to administer to animals and people who dislike taking multiple pills. 1500 mg is the recommended daily dose. Specific dose is dependent on individual weight.

Warning, Side Effects, and Allergies

Glucosamine is made using the shells of crab, shrimp, as well as other kinds of shell fish.

Although glucosamine is considered a safe and effective supplement, consult a medical professional before taking glucosamine supplements if any of these conditions are present: An allergy to shell fish, sensitivity to iodine, pregnant or breast feeding, asthma problems, those under the age of eighteen.

Side effects are rare but may include:

Stomach upset, Headache, Diarrhea Constipation, Rash

Liquid glucosamine relieves joint pain faster than pill or powder forms. How fast the pain is improved depends on the consistency of the dose and the overall health of the patient.

Many dogs and cats have relief in just a matter of days to a several weeks. People usually tend to take a bit longer...a few weeks to several months. Remember the glucosamine is not just masking the pain, but it's working to repair the joint damage.

That's a critical difference between slower-acting and less side-effects glucosamine compared to the faster-acting more serious side-effects NSAIDS. Always ALWAYS check out the side effects of supplements and medications before taking them yourself or giving any to your family or pets!

ACL Surgery and ACL Repair - 7 Facts You Should Know From an Orthopedic Surgeon


The ACL or the anterior cruciate ligament, a ligament in the knee, helps provide stability to the knee during activities that involve jarring, turning, twisting and jumping.

ACL injury is a very common sports injury treated by orthopedic physicians - especially in sports like soccer or basketball or tennis, where players make quick direction changes, sometimes forcefully twisting and turning the knee.

If you are suffering from a moderate to more severe ACL injury, chances are you may be considering ACL surgery or ACL reconstruction. ACL injuries can be quite painful, often accompanied by noticeable swelling and a restricted range of motion.

Unfortunately, when the ACL tears, it does not get better on its own. ACL injuries can be very serious, and as with many medical conditions, if you have an ACL injury, you should seek out the qualified advice and treatment of a medical professional like a board certified orthopedic physician.

If your ACL tear requires ACL surgery, repair and reconstruction, it is helpful to note that surgery for an ACL tear is outpatient. The arthroscopic procedure completed by an orthopedic surgeon typically last about sixty minutes.

When an ACL is torn, it must be reconstructed. The ligament cannot be sutured back together. Orthopedic surgeons use a graft to reconstruct the ACL. Orthopedic surgeons either use an Autograft or an Allograft. An Autograft comes from the patient's own body. An allograft comes from a donor/cadaver. Your orthopedic physician will help guide you as to the best type of graft to use to reconstruct your anterior cruciate ligament.

Here are 7 more facts about ACL surgery, repair and reconstruction:


  1. The ACL is the 6th most common procedure for orthopedic surgery.

  2. There are more than 100,000 ACL surgeries every year.

  3. ACL reconstruction helps to improve stability and function of the knee.

  4. ACL reconstruction reduces the risk of chondral and meniscal injuries.

  5. ACL reconstruction does not protect the knee from degenerative joint disease.

  6. Autografts are often recommended for patients under 40 years of age.

  7. Allografts are typically used with older patients and for ACL revision surgery.

If you think you have an ACL injury, you may want to consult a board certified orthopedic surgeon for a thorough exam and more information about your treatment options.

You may be required to have an MRI Scan which is often considered the gold standard for diagnosis of an ACL tear.

More emphasis needs to be placed on preventing ACL injuries, especially among athletes, to try to decrease the number of people that experience this painful injury. There are a number of ACL injury prevention programs already in practice that can be very beneficial in helping athletes avoid injury and damage to the anterior cruciate ligament.

Knee Pain Controlled Using a Wheat Bag to Provide Heat Therapy


Sometime during their lifetime, nearly all people will feel knee pain. The causes of knee pain are numerous, some are: arthritis, injured ligaments, meniscal tears, patellar tendonitis, and dislocated kneecaps. Sometimes an injured knee can be fixed with an operation; but there are some that need physical therapy plus a lot of time to heal. Other ailments, like an arthritic knee, can actually cause simple activities like going for a walk to be painful. Thermotherapy, or heat therapy using a wheat bag is one of the most beneficial treatments in alleviating knee pain, whatever the symptoms.

A wheat bag has been shown to help knee pain considerably. Heat therapy opens up the blood vessels, and as a result more oxygen is supplied to the body which helps repair damaged tissues. This improvement in blood circulation through the knee will provide additional oxygen, protein and nutrients which will help promote healing. Using a heated wheat bag offers relief from the pain when the skin's pain sensors are stimulated. Heat actually lessens the intensity and number of pain signals sent to the brain.

Heat therapy helps with knee pain by relaxing and loosening the tissue around the knee. Muscles, tendons, as well as the ligaments are free to move, so this decreases the risk of additional injury. Heat therapy is a good treatment also for decreasing stiffness and increasing limberness for sufferers with arthritis.

Using a wheat bag provides the most benefit during the first fifteen minutes that it is applied, most physicians and physical therapist recommend this. Heat therapy is also advised before exercise as well as additional activities that could result in pain. Heat applied following exercise is a good remedy to avoid pain and hurting, also. Swelling is usually one of the symptoms of an injured knee and heat therapy works very well to decrease the inflammation.

Heat therapy is different from ice therapy because it is not restricted to just the initial 48 hours following an injury. The hotness from the heat can be applied anytime when pain is experienced, someone feels stiff, has decreased flexibility, or inflammation. Using a microwave heated wheat bag at the beginning of the day, can reduce arthritis pain measurably, so a person can make it through the day.

Many options are available for heat therapy, but many of these options are complicated to apply, making it difficult to keep the heat applied directly and correctly. A wheat bag for microwave use is a nice substitute for some items, since it conforms itself to shape of the area that is affected. The heat pack provides this extra flexibility to wrap around the area of pain.

Millions of people deal with knee pain, from a minor pain to a debilitating pain. Heat therapy using a wheat bag or heat pack is able to bring relief for the discomfort, swelling, stiffness and loss of flexibility. Keep in mind that, when you apply heat therapy, it is most effective during those first fifteen minutes. Also, using heat before a physical workout or activity greatly decreases the risk of additional injury.

Knee Braces for Sport


It is a common sight to see not only amateurs, but also professional athletes wearing a knee brace or support. The knee is a very complex joint which is commonly injured both through a sudden force or impact on the joint, or through repetitive strains, known as overuse injuries. When running, it is estimated that forces of around 4 times an individual's body weight are passed through the knee joint with each step, so it is not surprising that so many people choose to wear a knee support for sport and exercise.

The reason that an individual may choose to wear a support will vary depending on their circumstances, however the main reasons include:

• Following injury

The athlete may have had a previous injury and be using the support to prevent it returning, or to help get them back into full training.

• Prevention

A knee support may be used in an attempt to prevent an injury in particularly demanding sports (such as skiing) or where the knee may be more susceptible, although nothing is guaranteed to prevent an injury!

• Reassurance

Many people like to wear something on the knee just to help reassure them and make the knee feel more comfortable and supported. This is more common in older athletes where there may be a degree of wear and tear (osteoarthritis) in the joint.

There are many different types of knee support and brace available depending on the specific injury and the amount of support required. Some braces are also not suitable for certain sports.

• Hinged Braces

These have a solid metal or plastic hinge on each side of the knee brace. They provide a high level of support to the knee and are ideal for moderate to severe injuries and sports such as skiing. They are not suitable for sports with a contact element, such as Rugby or Football, due to the potential for injury to an opponent.

• Stabilised Supports

These have a metal or plastic stay or spring embedded into the side of the support. They are more lightweight and less bulky than a hinged support, although offer less resistance against twisting and sideways movements. Provided there are no exposed solid parts, these supports can be used for contact sports. They are also ideal for sports such as Tennis and Badminton, as they are comfortable, lightweight and do not restrict movement.

• Simple supports

These have no extra reinforcement and so provide low level support, along with compression and heat retention. They can be worn for any type of sport or exercise.

• Straps/Bands

Knee straps can be worn in place of a full knee support and are particularly suitable for certain injuries, such as patella tendinopathy (jumper's knee) and IT band syndrome (runner's knee). Again, these can be worn for all types of sport.

When choosing knee braces for sport, it is important to consider what type of support is suitable and permitted for your sport, that it provides the level of support you require and most importantly, that it is comfortable to wear!

Knee Strengthening Exercises: A Must for Athletes, Seniors, and Invalids


Knee strengthening exercises stretch and strengthen the surrounding muscle groups to prevent injury, decrease recovery time from an injury, and maintain alignment of the joint. These exercises help athletes, seniors, and invalids increase support of the knee joint and help reduce or eliminate knee pain.

Strong flexible joints are better able to handle the stresses and demands of sports like running, football, and cycling. Specific exercises focus on rehabilitating the injury to get you back on your feet faster. And just like the front end of a car, knee joints function better and last longer when they're properly aligned.

Athletes, seniors, and anyone recovering from injury or illness can benefit from knee exercises. Gymnasts, runners, and cyclists understand the importance of maintaining proper conditioning of the knees and other joints. They know how an injury can set back their training programs and even prevent them from competing in major sporting events.

Seniors and invalids recovering from a long illness are two groups that can really benefit from exercises to improve their overall condition and mobility. Seniors may not realize how much strength, flexibility, and balance they have lost over the years as their activity gradually decreases. It is amazing how muscles atrophy so quickly when people are sedentary for long periods. And most people do not realize the many simple exercises they could do to improve their quality of life.

People who have been seriously injured are usually under the care of a doctor or physical therapist and have an exercise program to help them recover. It is especially important to do exercises correctly and at the right time. Do things too early, incorrectly, or too often and you can cause re-injury; too late or too little and you may have to undergo more therapy to regain proper function and flexibility of the joint.

Muscle groups must work together (the knee bone is connected to the thigh bone) as a system to support the knee and any imbalance in strength or flexibility will cause problems. Knee exercises focus primarily on the large muscle groups in the legs, hips, and buttocks. Don't worry, all the other muscles will be exercised in the process.

In conclusion, knee strengthening exercises increase the strength and flexibility of muscle groups that support the joint and prevent injury. Athletes, seniors, and invalids can all benefit from these exercises. There are many simple exercises you can do to improve and maintain your physical condition. You need to exercise all muscle groups to balance the knee support system. And it is very important for you to do exercises correctly, at the right times, and not overdo them. Remember you are doing knee pain exercises to avoid injury not to cause yourself more.

How to Design Physical Therapy Flooring For Comfort


Designing your physical therapy flooring can be a fun project when you are starting out or remodeling your place.

Most gyms have hardwood floors or concrete floors that are unsafe and uncomfortable for those who have physical limitations.

Here are a few tips to help design the best flooring for comfort when performing physical therapy for yourself or rehabilitation clients.

Tip #1

Physical therapy flooring should be thick to absorb impact from falls. Patients who are recovering may occasionally fall and need a cushioned surface that will prevent further injuries.

One option is rubber floor tiles that come in thicknesses of 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inches. Choosing a thicker density to lay under your work benches and around other equipment can prevent serious injuries from falls.

In bathrooms and areas where clients may have to change clothing, rubber flooring tiles will provide cushioning if a client accidentally falls.

Tip #2

Use rubber flooring mats. Commercial therapy gym flooring rubber mats have anti-slip properties. This helps keep sweat and spills from creating a slick spot which can very easily lead to a fall.

These mats are interlocking tiles that not only look great but provide safety as well. Extremely easy to install, the rubber mats are designed to be installed without adhesive and come in 5 standard colors: Solid Black, Grey, Blue, Tan or Red Speck.

You can even make your own design since the tiles are available in border tiles, center tiles can corner tiles.

Tip #3

Design your flooring so that it flows well. Place rubber floor mats underneath and around all equipment while leaving the walking area covered in smooth surfaces such as wood or laminate flooring.

Have rubber floor tiles in areas where floor therapy will be done. This provides a soft surface for clients to work out on. Create a smooth transition from the wood floor to the rubber flooring with tiles that gradually slope up.

Tip #4

Therapy often involves working with clients who are unstable or may have vision problems. Design your flooring with a unique color design to help them distinguish between areas.

Create a border around the workout stations by using a different color. You can even have custom logos printed into the rubber tiles. You can them have these tiles placed in prominent areas.

Designing your physical therapy rubber flooring should take in the needs and comfort of those who will be using the area. Safety and comfort will provide your clients a better sense of security during a time of recovery.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Arthritis Knee Pain - What Can You Do?


When you are suffering from arthritis knee pain, you know how painful it can be just to stand up or sit down on a chair, walk up or down stairs, or ride a bike. With arthritis knee pain, you might be more comfortable sitting in the same position for a long time. Unfortunately, this is not the best idea if you want to relieve the pain in your knee.

Sitting stationary for long period of time can cause arthritis to get worse. It is important that you continue to use the joints that are causing you pain, or they can only get worse. Luckily, there are many other things you can do to help relieve the pain and build up the joint.

Exercise the joints regularly. From a sitting position, practice extending your leg and straightening it in front of you, and then lowering it back down slowly. It may hurt, but it is good for the joint so that you do not lose your range of movement even more than you have already.

Take a great supplement like Family VitaHealth bone and joint relief, and you will be able to relieve a lot of the pain while still being able to help repair the joint. This supplement has many valuable ingredients in it that can help build up bone and joint tissue, so that you feel a lot less pain in the long run.

You may want to try changing your diet. By ensuring that your body has everything it needs to repair damaged tissues, your arthritis can become increasingly better.

Arthritis knee pain can be extremely painful, but it is important to push through that pain so that you do not lose your range of movement. If you want to improve your life, follow the tips above.

The Meniscal Tear And Treatment Options


A meniscal tear, also known as torn cartilage, is usually the result of a traumatic injury to the knee or in older patients, a degenerative process is involved due to cartilage that has become brittle. No matter which way the meniscal tear happened, it can be quite painful.

Symptoms that can be expected from this type of tear will include: knee pain, swelling in the knee, limited motion of the knee joint, tenderness or a pain sensation if the meniscus is pressed on and any type of popping or a clicking sound originating within the knee.

The first and most important step is to ice the knee immediately. The knee should also be immobilized either by wrapping a magazine around the knee or by wrapping the knee with an ace bandage until the person is able to visit their physician. Do not wrap the knee too tight, so as to allow for the swelling.

The person should go to their family physician who will evaluate the patient's knee for a possible tear of the meniscus. During the physical exam and history, the doctor will have a better idea of what they are dealing with. If the doctor determines that the patient has a probable tear and not another condition like arthritis, he will have an x-ray and possible MRI, if warranted.

The x-ray will show if there is any evidence of arthritic or degenerative changes happening in the knee. An MRI allows for visualizing of the meniscus.

If a tear is seen in the meniscus, surgery is not always the first option. Depending on the severity and several other factors will determine the best treatment option for the meniscal tear. Some of the factors will include: the type and place of the tear, the normal activity level of the patient and how the patient responds to simple treatment plans such as ice and heat applications, immobilizing the knee and physical therapy. Another non-surgical procedure is to use anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone shots, physical therapy and joint supplements.

If surgery becomes the only option for the meniscal tear, arthroscopic surgery is being used more often now. The use of this procedure requires a small incision where a camera is fed into the joint. One or two other incisions are made to allow for surgical instruments to reach in and remove the torn cartilage. It is an outpatient procedure, requires less anesthetic and the recovery process is reduced tremendously.

The most common surgical treatment is a procedure called a partial meniscectomy in which the doctor trims the torn portion of the meniscus away. This procedure is chosen if the patient is having too many symptoms of discomfort and it inhibits their normal lifestyle.

Another surgery option is a meniscus transplant. This transplantation uses a cadaver donor from which the cartilage was removed and transplanted in the patient. This surgery has become more common now for patients who have previously had their meniscus removed and they begin to develop knee pain from the joints rubbing together without the cartilage there to cushion the joints. If the age of the patient is relatively young and they are very active in sports, the meniscus transplant is the better option over a total knee replacement.

Once a patient has a meniscal tear, their prognosis for further injury or damage is heightened because the joint loses its shock absorbing ability. There is always an increased threat of developing wear and tear arthritis.

The patient can make changes that will help in preventing the risk of developing this arthritis by losing weight if that is an issue, using low-impact exercising to prevent trauma to the joint and abstaining from any sport activities that place a strain on the knee by quick twisting and turning maneuvers.

Doctors have many treatment options at their disposal now to correct meniscal tears. This is a great benefit to the patient's recovery process.

Quick Ways to Reduce Kneecap Pain


The complex structure of the knee joint gives a prominent role to the kneecap in ensuring the stability of the joint. The kneecap is therefore involved in every movement that you make with the joints in your knee. This makes the kneecap susceptible to pain as a result of the repeated forces that are placed on it during the course of a normal day. The following are four of the most effective and simple ways to reduce kneecap pain:


  • Set your seat height at your workplace so that your legs are bent at right angles and your feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest. Your legs should be under the work surface so that you do not subject your knee to excessive stress while sitting at your desk for long periods of time. If you are overweight, you should also take measures to reduce your weight by doing exercises as even small increases in your body weight can have a significant impact on your capability to reduce kneecap pain.

  • Some of the professions that involve long periods spent kneeling can push the kneecap out of alignment causing pain. Placing a soft rubber mat under your knee when performing tasks that require you to kneel down can help kneecap pain reduce. A period of rest with a course of anti-inflammatory drugs can help to assist in the recovery from pain in the kneecap. Those who experience knee problems should not play sports that involve twisting and turning movements as they place an inordinate amount of stress on the kneecap.

  • If you feel pain or swelling in the knee and find it difficult to straighten the knee, it is likely that you have problems with your kneecap. Strengthening the muscles around your knee, especially the quadriceps muscle that runs along your inner thigh will improve the balance of your kneecap and will help you to effectively reduce kneecap pain.

  • Knee braces help you to stabilize your knee by supporting your ligaments and the opening around the kneecap. These braces help to keep the bones in the joint in the proper position and help you to reduce kneecap pain to a great extent. It is advisable to wear these braces during any activity that puts stress on the knee. You may also benefit from starting an intake of supplements to enhance the strength of the connective tissues that support your kneecap.

Knee Manipulation - What to Expect


After having your knee replaced you will find the toughest aspect of the rehabilitation is getting the flexibility back in the knee. As a patient, you must be ready not only physically but mentally to endure the discomfort that is experienced to get functional knee flexion and extension.

In rehabilitation the primary focus will be strengthening the surrounding muscles around the knee, decreasing pain and, inflammation and, working on getting a functional gait or walking pattern back. Over time these areas return to normal and you will find in 4-6 weeks things starting to improve. Working on knee flexion and extension and getting the full potential out of it will greatly determine how successful the surgery will be.

If during the course of rehabilitation your find you are not progressing past the 90 degree mark after a couple of weeks you may find that your orthopedic surgeon may consider manipulation.

This time frame can vary of course and the patients age and prior level of function are all taken into account in the decision making process.

You as the patient are taken back to the operating room put under a general anesthetic and the surgeon applies pressure to the knee to break loose the scar tissue and adhesions that are preventing you from bending the knee. This process takes very little time and the patient once stabilized can be sent back home. There is no surgical procedure done or loss of blood.

It will be imperative that both you and your physical therapist set up an aggressive exercise program to not only maintain the range of motion that was gained back in the manipulation but, to supersede those numbers to get your knee back to a functional range of motion.

You will need at least 110 degrees of flexion to drive go up and down stairs and carry on other activities of daily living. Getting an extension figure of 0 degrees is what you want to get a smooth gait pattern. Your may have some increase in pain after the manipulation however with the use of pain medication taken as prescribed and the use of cold therapy you should keep it under control.

This is the time to be aggressive with the exercises. if you have been unwilling to bend the knee in your first attempt at rehabilitation, following that pattern again will be unacceptable.

Please remember you will be living with your knee for the rest of your life make the exercise count. If you do your part here you will have a knee that create a whole new lease in life for you that will be pain free.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.

Osteoarthritis - Identification of Osteoarthritis


Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in older people. It is sometimes known as degenerative joint disease because in Osteoarthritis the cartilage of the joints continues to degenerated causing pain, stiffness and swelling as bone scrapes over bone.

People often have limited movement and pain but there is no redness, heat nor does it affect the internal organs like other arthritic diseases do. Osteoarthritis is the most frequent cause of disability in older adults. It affects more men before age 45 and more women after age 45. The disease causes not only changes in the person abilities but also their lifestyle and finances.

The joints commonly affected are the knees, hips, hands and spine. Patients start to notice a difference in their comfort level as they rise to standing from a sitting position, in the morning getting out of bed or after exercise.

Warning signs of Osteoarthritis include crackling joints, stiffness after getting up from a chair or from bed in the morning, pain, swelling, and tenderness. In Osteoarthritis there isn't redness or heat from the joint.

Doctors don't have a single test that will identify this disease. They rely on several methods to identify the changes and determine a course of treatment.

They will take an indepth clinical history to determine when the symptoms started, how they've been treated thus far and how they affect the patient's lifestyle.

Doctors will also include a physical exam, x-rays and other tests. X-rays aren't conclusive since most people over 65 have osteoarthritis in the joints but are not symptomatic. Blood tests can help to rule out other diseases that cause joint pain and swelling. Joint aspiration may also be performed to evaluate the fluid in the joint.

Osteoarthritis happens in the hands greater in women than men. There also appears to be a genetic factor as it seems to 'run' in families. Medication, splinting and moist heat give patients with arthritis in their hands the most relief.

Osteoarthritis in the knees is very common since the knees are the largest weight bearing joint and therefore commonly affected. The arthritis is not symmetrical and can occur in one knee or the other but not usually both at the same time. The knee becomes stiff, swollen and painful but isn't red or hot. The pain can lead to significant disability and a disruption in the patients lifestyle.

Therapy for Osteoarthritis in the knee often includes medications, necessary weight loss, walking aids and in extreme cases a joint replacement. Over weight and obese patient have an increased rate of Osteoarthritis. Decreasing the weight load that the knees and hips carry will treat the pain and disability of the disease. In fact, people who are over weight will decrease their chances of having painful Osteoarthritis just by maintaining a healthy body weight.

Osteoarthritis in the hip can be felt as pain in the hip, knees, groin, inner thigh or buttocks. When arthritis settles in the hip it can cause stiffness, pain and severe disability. The pain limits movement and bending which makes dressing and caring for the feet a real challenge.

Patients with Osteoarthritis in the hip often respond well to medications, exercise, walking aids and in severe cases a joint replacement. Again, patients with Osteoarthritis in the hip respond very well to weight loss.

Spinal Osteoarthritis may cause numbness or weakness in the arms or legs. Patients often report relief when sleeping on a firm mattress, using back support when sitting in a chair, and warm moist heat. Exercise can be incorporated to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects four different joints in the body; knees, hips, hands and spine. With the proper identification and therapy people suffering from arthritis can delay the progression and pain of the disease.

What Is Knee Arthroscopy?


Arthroscopic surgery is procedure which enables the surgeon to observe inside the joint. It uses some instrument such as surgical instrument, scope, and sterile fluid. With the instruments which are inserted to small incisions in a triangular, the surgeon can avoid performing open surgery. Arthroscopic knee procedures are able to diagnose and repair the injuries.

By using a scope, the surgeon will be able to see inside the knee joint. This instrument comprises a camera, a magnifying glass, and a fiber-optic light source. This scope will project the images inside the knee joint to the monitor.

There are some common reasons why arthroscopic surgery is carried out such as torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments, torn meniscus, misalignment of the knee cap, inflamed synovial membrane, and loose bodies such as bone and cartilage. The procedure for this type of surgery includes repairing and removing the damaged cartilage, repairing and removing the meniscus, and realigning the knee cap. In addition, this type of surgery can also be used for managing pain. Commonly, the surgeon performs lavage and debridement during the surgery to identify and removed the loose body or displaced tissue.

The recovery of arthroscopic knee surgery solely depends on the individual or the types of surgery. Surgeries which don't involve ligament repair can recover quickly. Most of the patients can go home in the same day of the surgery. However, you still have to perform the treatment to help you totally recover from it such as RICE treatment including rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Furthermore, after the surgery, your leg is able to bear weight. However, it is dependent upon the pain tolerance of each individual. Normally, patients use crutches for about three up to seven days. You will need about a week to be able to drive on your own. However, if you need to do your job dealing with heavy weight on your leg, you need more time for recovery.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Offbeat Treatments for Osteoarthritis of the Knee


Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common arthritis problems seen by rheumatologists.

The treatment varies according to the severity of disease. Conventional approaches include topical and/oral anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics (pain relievers), glucocorticoid injections ("cortisone"), viscosupplements (lubricants), bracers, exercises, physical therapy, weight loss, and the list goes on.

Proponents of alternative therapies also tout the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin- the so-called nutriceuticals as well as omega oils, herbal remedies such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, frankincense, stinging nettle, boswellia, and bromolein.

The purpose of this article is to introduce some not so well known but potentially effective remedies that aren't so well known.

The first are leeches. Leeches have been used for centuries for a variety of medical problems. However, one little known area of research is their use to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. In two separate studies, one at Beth Israel Hospital in New York, and the other in Germany, leech therapy, termed hirudo medicinalis, was studied. Leeches were applied in a four quadrant distribution to a patient's knee. Leech saliva apparently contains a variety of substances including hirudin, hyaluronidase, vasodilators, collagenase, and other chemicals that block inflammation.

Bee venom is another type of treatment that has been touted as effective for arthritis. The term for bee venom treatment is apitherapy. Apitherapy has been studied for both its acupuncture like effect as well as for chemical compounds present in bee venom. Its use is particularly common in Korea. Bioactive compounds found in bee venom apparently have profound anti-inflammatory effects.

Another not so weird but intriguing one is the use of pulsed electrical fields to treat arthritis pain. A company called Bionicare makes a device that fits around your knee. Electrical impulses using special wave forms are then delivered to the cuff. Clinical trials have demonstrated improvement in pain that is statistically better than placebo. How it works is still not clear.

Another "weird" treatment is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). DMSO is an industrial solvent found in paint thinner. It was popular in the 1950's as a topical cure for many ailments. Studies showed deleterious changes in the lens of test animals and the FDA eventually approved DMSO only for treatment of a rare bladder condition, interstitial cystitis. Since it comes in both industrial as well as medicinal strengths, it's a substance that should be used very cautiously. DMSO has remained popular among veterinarians who use DMSO to treat racehorses affected with joint inflammation. Interestingly, DMSO has found a niche as the vehicle that drives diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug, through the skin by pushing the drug through the small lipids (fats) in the skin. This combination medicine is marketed as Pennsaid.

So in this brief article I've outlined a few weird but potentially effective remedies. Nonetheless, it's important to check with your doctor before considering any type of new treatment.

Make This The Year to Rid Yourself of Public Speaking Fears!


Have you ever thought that you would rather jump off a bridge than to get up and deliver a verbal presentation in front of your peers? If that thought ever entered your mind, relax. You are not alone. Studies show that the fear of public speaking ranks right up there!

The other studies show that the person who has the capability to deliver an effective verbal presentation will earn more money, advance faster and be highly recognized in the business field.

Regardless of how much training you have, it is natural to have a bit of fear.  Experts say that fear makes you more aware of your delivery, thus put more practice into the program to make it better!

It is important to realize that when you have the capability to get up in front of a crowd and speak intelligently that you instantly gain expert status. Why? Because you have the courage to state your convictions and be subject to scrutiny. Now, keep in mind that you do not need to be a world-wide expert on the topic, but if you know more than the others in the room, and can convey that knowledge properly, you at least are on your way to a higher degree of respect. Fear is common whenever you do something new for the first time. Your knees may even knock as mine once did, but at least you are beginning the process of conquering the fear.

Have the courage to be a speaker at the next public event that takes input from the audience. It's your first step.

Knee Arthritis - Osteoarthritis and Knee Replacement


Do you suffer knee pain? Do you notice abnormal knee swelling after walking or light physical activity? Do you have osteoarthritis and are avoiding the doctor because you don't want knee surgery? Surgical knee replacement is a highly successful treatment for arthritis. Many patients regain up to 90% of mobility and quality of life after surgery. You may suffer from cartilage tears (meniscus tears). There are two menisci in your knee, made up of tough cartilage conforming to your bones. If these tear or wear down, the bones rub against each other and cause severe pain. If cartilage tears are caused through age and not traumatic injury, the symptoms can appear arthritic. Whether you have a meniscus tear or osteoarthritis, you may need knee replacement surgery.

Prior to any operation for knee pain or cartilage tears, you will need to discuss a range of issues with your doctor or surgeon. He/she will make an assessment of your knee including x-rays or other imaging techniques. Drugs such as aspirin that you are taking to deal with the pain and knee swelling may affect the body's ability to clot blood - be sure to let your doctor know. Your doctor may refer you to a surgeon for knee arthroscopy - where a small camera is surgically inserted into the knee so your orthopedic surgeon can diagnose the best procedure.

Knee replacement surgery has made great strides in 50 years. Patients used to be happy with 100 degrees of knee flexibility. Now, many patients find they get up to 155 degrees of flexibility with a greater sense of knee rotation and complete relief of cartilage tears, knee pain and knee swelling. Aggressive physiotherapy is necessary after knee arthroscopy and replacement surgery to gain this much mobility. Activities such as cycling and swimming promote the strength building in the hamstrings and quadriceps.

Recovery from knee arthroscopy and replacement surgery is quicker now because the operation is less invasive. Only a small 9cm incision in needed and no incisions into the quadriceps are required. Knee replacement surgery is not as unbearable as you might think - in fact the relief of knee pain and knee swelling greatly improves the quality of life. There are things you should be aware of and steps you will need to take when the surgery is over to get back your mobility, but the result will be a better quality of life.

While there have been great advances in medical technology, a successful outcome is determined by the patient's attitude and willingness to do the necessary therapy. Based on their experience, many doctors have somewhat low expectations for recovery and may not be very encouraging. It is up to the patient to find and follow an exercise program that has already shown proven results. Equally important is finding a trainer or mentor who has a positive attitude toward recovery from knee surgery and who can teach anyone the same mindset. Believing it can be done and working with someone who has already achieved the desired results is the key to returning to normal activities and remaining free from pain.

Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms


Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints. This disease is categorized as an autoimmune disease because people suffering from this condition have antibodies in their blood that target their own body tissues. As a result, the joints are mistakenly attacked by the body's own immune system. The condition is likely to occur in people between the ages of 40 and 50. It is very common in the US and not less than 2 million Americans are diagnosed with this disease. In fact, it is the most common type of arthritis in the US. Women are more prone to rheumatoid arthritis than men at a ratio of 3:1.

Rheumatoid arthritis can attack various organs and tissues in the human body. However, it mainly attacks synovial joints in the hands, wrists, ankles, and knees. Common arthritis symptoms include fever, weight loss, malaise, as well as muscle ache and pain. People suffering from arthritis are also likely to experience the feeling of tiredness, lack of sleep, the inability to use the hand or walk properly, and difficulty in moving their joints especially in the morning.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include the ones mentioned previously as well as other specific signs which differentiate this type of arthritis from other types such as osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis. Besides the above mentioned symptoms, people with this disease will suffer from joint pain, joint stiffness, joint swelling and joint tenderness. They will also feel warmness around the affected joints. The pains are likely to occur symmetrically. For example, if you feel pain in one knee, you will also feel pain in the other. The sufferers can also find lumps under their skin, usually on the hands or elbows, which are called the rheumatoid nodules. This type of arthritis can also cause joint space narrowing and bone erosion as well. Other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms also include anemia, increasing ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), ulnar deviation, rheumatoid factor, swan neck, and hand deformity.

Hand deformity is a common occurrence in people suffering from this condition. Hand deformities in people with this disease occur when ulnar deviation happens. Ulnar deviation is the condition when the fingers deviate towards the ulna (the inner bone of the forearm). The disease can also prevent the fingers from functioning properly due to ruptured tendons. As mentioned before, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that it can't be cured. However, surgery may be helpful to correct deformities caused by this disease.

The Role of Spa Baths in Arthritis Treatment


A spa might give you unexpected relief from arthritis pain.

Soft bones or osteomalacia means that you experience extreme pain when you put pressure on the bones. Likewise osteoarthritis of the knee means that you are not in a position to do conventional exercises. That is why osteoporosis patients have sometimes turned to spa baths as one of the ways in which they can get relief. In the Edwardian age, many members of the upper classes thought that these spas could treat the symptoms of Paget's disease of the bone even if they were not yet clear about the sources of that condition. Some people suffered from Patellofemoral pain syndrome. This was characterized by knee pain in young adults. Spas have been recommended for Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), dermatomyositis and Polymyositis. Some of the benefits reported include:

1. Soothing effects on the bones: Although the scientific research on this is rather sketchy, some patients claim that they get relief from the spas. The bones are excruciatingly painful when you suffer from arthritis and therefore the anecdotal evidence has to be taken at face value. Patients are the best source of information about their symptoms because they feel the pain.

2. Relieving muscle tension in the body: Sometimes the arthritis patient will not get a chance to move their muscles about. That will lead to tension and the infamous muscle pull. Bathing in a spa will relax these muscles and give them some pain relief. It might be necessary to stretch after the treatment in order to maximize the benefits.

3. Dealing with aching joints: Often arthritis patients will complain of chronically aching joints. It is important that there are different options in addition to the non steroidal ant inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Spas have been known to provide relief for aching joints.

4. Reducing insomnia: The intensive pain that is felt by arthritis patients might lead them to suffer from insomnia. This is a debilitating condition because the patient will always feel tired and yet they have no means to rest. Bathing in a good quality spa might induce sleep and reduce the incidence of insomnia.

Although spas might be considered to be ancient techniques with little scientific research, the reality is that many people swear by them. You can go on a warm spa in order to warm up your bones in the winter. It is also a good way to get out of the house and exercise those bones in a safe manner.

Electromyography and How It Tests Muscle Activation


Electromyography (EMG) is the newest groundbreaking technology to hit the fitness industry. EMG is used not only in the fitness industry, but also in the medical profession. EMG relates to the testing of muscles with tiny electrodes that are inserted into the belly of a muscle.

Throughout this report EMG will be broken down into easy to understand basics so that the general public will have a fair idea of Electromyographical Research and its benefits for general fitness and wellbeing.

What are EMG tests used for?

Doctors use EMG to diagnose medical conditions that are directly associated with muscles, such as muscular dystrophy and Myasthenia Gravis. EMG is also used, in the clinic, for the identification of nerve disorders such as paralysis, involuntary twitching or weakness within a muscle. While doctors use EMG research to differentiate between a neurological disorder or a muscle disease physiologists used it for an entirely different reason.

Physiologists use EMG research and the results to find out which exercises cause the most amount of electrical stimulation within a certain muscle. The higher the stimulation, the more muscle fibers are recruited therefore resulting in a gain in muscle size and strength.

Why have an EMG test?

Sometimes people who have a hip replacement or knee surgery and after being on crutches or a cast for so long their leg gets smaller due to reversibility. The patient then starts to train again and although the leg has regained its size it still looks really small and feels relatively weak. Doctors will do an EMG tests and see how much electrical activity is going on, if there is not much activity then the client may need to be referred to a specialist. If the test comes back as fine then the client just needs to be doing more exercise to strengthen it back up by doing additional exercises on the affected muscles.

What does the test involve?

Before having an EMG test conducted on you the doctor requests that twenty four hours prior the patient doesn't consume alcohol, smoke and caffeine because all of these substances affect the amount of electrical activity taking place within the muscles. For instance, Caffeine and smoke speed up signals while Alcohol has the opposite effect.

The EMG test involves the patient coming into surgery and lying down on a bed a relaxing. The doctor will then place a small flat disc (approx 4cm wide) is placed close to the muscle being tested. Then a small needle (with an electrode on the tip) is inserted through the skin and into the muscle being tested. The needles used a smaller than a normal syringe but the patient will experience some discomfort on insertion. On the top of the needle is a small wire that carries the signal from the needle into the monitor (Oscilloscope) and then the monitor displays how much electrical activity is going on by a line graph that looks similar to a life support but more sporadic. The doctor may ask for the patient to contract and relax the muscle in order to get a really good electrical stimulation.

What do the results mean?

If, while looking at the monitor, there is a lot of movement and the line graph is going up and down like a mad thing, this means that there is a lot of stimulation happening inside that muscle. On the other hand if there is not to much activity while contracting and relaxing the muscle then this means you have a negative result.

If found negative the doctor will have to refer the patient to a specialist who could correctly identify exactly what is the problem.

What are the Risks?

The only risk associated with EMG testing is an infection at the needle insertion points or a sore muscle for the next couple of days. Even so, these risks are so unlikely to happen because the test is conducted in a hospital environment where everything is sterile and cleaned afterwards.

If patients are nervous about the muscle soreness the day afterwards, doctors advise to ice the muscle when getting home to reduce any swelling that may have occurred from the needle insertion.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Is Arthroscopic Surgery Right For You?


Knee pain can be one of the most debilitating injuries that can happen to you. Without the ability to move our knees, we can not walk, not to mention run. The knee joint is the largest and most complex of the hinge joints in our body. In addition to bending and straightening, they must twist and rotate. This makes the knee joint, on the average, the most vulnerable joint in the body to injury.

If you have an injury, one of the options available to you is arthroscopic surgery. Your doctor or orthopedic surgeon will examine your injury and determine if you qualify for arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is a technique that involves a few small incisions in the area of the knee. It may be used to remove loose bodies from your knee joint, or to repair torn or damaged cartilage, reconstruct torn ligaments, and occasionally correct damage from degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis.

One of the major advantages to arthroscopic surgery is that it is less invasive and the healing time is shorter. Because it is less invasive the pain will be much less. Even so, recovery from ligament and meniscus surgery is often slow and will require a strong commitment from you for physical therapy.

Other options that are open to you include partial knee replacement surgery and total knee replacement. In addition to surgery, other options are open to you--including conventional and non-conventional treatments.

It is imperative that you have an open discussion with your surgeon, prior to having surgery, as to what options are available to you, the rehabilitation therapy needed after surgery, and the long term effects the surgery will have on you.

Born Again


First grade was the watershed year of my life, and a rainy afternoon in April, 1952, was the divide. All the seven years and three months I had lived before that turning point, I had been a horrible sinner. But then, I was born again. It happened when my brother Paul and I found ourselves locked up all alone in the Cleveland, Tennessee, National Guard Armory.

It was a twelve block walk from our house to Arnold Elementary School, and the route offered almost limitless opportunities for adventure and mischief. That year, the Korean Conflict was dominating the news. From my classmates, I had heard tantalizing tales about the soldiers who drilled regularly at the Armory across the street from the school. One fateful afternoon I suggested to my brother, Paul, that we go over to the Armory and check things out for ourselves.

Paul was just 11 months younger than me and was also in the first grade. That was always a source of embarrassment to me, having a younger brother in the same grade. People thought I must have flunked, when actually we had been born in the same year. I was born in January and he in December of 1945, and thus we started school together.

Paul liked my idea of exploring the Armory so after school that afternoon, we boldly found our way over to the massive gray stone building and pushed hard against the big double doors. They grudgingly creaked open and we slipped inside. The doors clicked behind us as we excitedly began to inspect the premises. The place was cold and empty, just a big hollow gymnasium -- with no soldiers. We must have picked a bad day; we promised ourselves we would return tomorrow.

Then, when we went to pull the big doors open again, they wouldn't budge. We were locked up in this strange, spooky building. The windows in the front door were high over our heads, so the only way we could see out was to stand on a table in the lobby and jump with all our might. There, for a fleeting moment in mid-air, was our only glimpse of freedom, before we came crashing back down to the table with a thud.

In quiet panic, we searched the rest of the building. Every strange creak of the floorboards or the sound of the wind on a high overhead window sent a shiver up our spines. Every door we found leading to the outside was firmly locked, as well as the interior doors behind which we hoped we might find a telephone from which we could call for help.

Finding our way back to the front lobby, we sat down on the bare tile floor to ponder our dilemma. From Sunday School, we remembered the story of Paul and Silas in the Phillipian jail. We identified with them; their example seemed to be our best hope. We would do as Paul and Silas had done, sing and pray, and wait for God to send an earthquake to bust us out.

After a few rounds of Victory in Jesus, and I'll Fly Away, we began to sing "Give me that old-time religion ... It was good for Paul and Silas and it's good enough for me." Soon we were improvising: "And it's good enough for Paul and Stephen."

Before long we were standing on the table, clapping our hands, stomping our feet, and singing as if we were having camp-meeting. The noise and vibrations from the table sounded like the thunder of God, heightening our expectations for an earthquake. Between verses, we would jump for a glimpse out the window. Then we would hop down onto the floor, prostrate ourselves, and pray for a miracle. We prayed the way folks at our church prayed -- loudly and in unison. After several rounds of seemingly futile prayer, Paul had an idea which we both agreed might make our prayers more effective. We needed an altar, the old fashioned mourner's bench kind of altar we were accustomed to at church. But, except for the table, which was way too high, the lobby was bare.

"I've got it," Paul announced, "let's take turns. You be the altar and I'll pray on you. Then I'll be the altar and you can pray on me." It was definitely worth trying. I dutifully got down on my hands and knees and Paul hunkered over me, wailing aloud to Jesus.

While I was being the altar, essentially pretending that I was a plank of wood, I had time to think of how scared I really was. First, I was afraid of the spanking I would surely receive from Dad if we didn't get out of there before he found out. Then, I was afraid we might not be delivered at all. Maybe there would never be an earthquake or no one would ever come and find us. Maybe we would stay locked up until we either starved or froze to death in this cold spooky prison.

It was what might happen after we died that gave me the greatest dread of all. Hell! There was no doubt in my mind that if I should die at that moment, I would go straight to the everlasting "lake of fire" because I was a sinner. In fact, I had committed the most terrible sin of my life that very afternoon.

"Hell-fire and brimstone" were not the constant theme in the preaching I heard as a child, but the subject did come up often enough that the prospects of eternity in Hell often occupied my thoughts. The God I knew about was a lot like my daddy. He could be very loving and caring most of the time. Then without my understanding why, He could become stern, harsh -- even cruel.

Most of the time, when I thought of God, I pictured Him as a kind, loving, Heavenly Father. But sometimes He appeared in my imagination with a sinister gleam in His eye. From His perch high above, He was watching my every move and reading every thought. I imagined Him leaning over the banister of Heaven, pointing a long menacing finger, and with the twitch of His hand consigning lost souls to the damnation I was sure they justly deserved.

In church, I was told that God had created Heaven for His children and Hell for Satan and his demons. But if we made the slightest transgression against God's law, as spelled out in the church teachings, we were making our own decision to spend eternity in Hell with the devil.

Hell was an indescribably horrible place. The fire was hotter than anything known on earth, the pain excruciating, the stench unbearable, and the screams of the tormented unending. I never heard my father preach a sermon specifically about Hell. The descriptions came mostly from traveling evangelists, Sunday school teachers, and others who cared for my eternal soul.

Dad did have one sermon which caused my imagination to soar, and at the same time scared me senseless. I heard the sermon more than once, because as editor of a Christian magazine, The Lighted Pathway, Dad traveled extensively as a guest preacher at different churches, often taking us children with him. The message was called simply "Eternity," and to describe it Dad would talk about Stone Mountain, Georgia. I had been to Stone Mountain with my granddaddy who lived in Atlanta, and I knew that this huge monolith was the largest exposed chunk of granite in the world.

In his sermon, Dad would ask the congregation to imagine there was a great bird that lived in a far distant galaxy of God's big universe, and that bird made a round-trip to planet Earth which took one thousand years to complete. From the peak of Stone Mountain, the bird would peck a single grain of sand, then fly back to deposit it in that distant galaxy from whence it had come. Suppose the great bird made another thousand year journey to collect a second grain of sand, and repeated the feat endlessly. When Stone Mountain was finally, completely erased from the face of the earth and where it stood there was now only an empty level plain, eternity will have just begun.

I thought often of eternity and the concept of forever-and-ever was hard for my imagination to grasp. Also, I sometimes thought of the fires of Hell, and on occasion I had held my forefinger over a candle's flame just to see how long I could bear it, which was only a split second. How then did I expect to endure the torment of eternal damnation in the infinitely hotter fires of Hell over by entire body, while I waited the excruciating intervals of time until the great bird came back for another grain of sand?

On one particular occasion, the truth of Dad's sermon, in conjunction with the eternal fires of Hell, was etched indelibly on my young mind. Dad was preaching a revival meeting at the East Cleveland Church of God, just about a mile from our house. I was with him on that particular evening, along with Mom and several other siblings. The youngest children had stayed home with a babysitter.

During Dad's sermon, I noticed a red glow began to illuminate the windows on the right side of the church. A man in the congregation got up and went out to investigate. In a moment he came back into the church with an anxious look on his face, gathered up his family, and left in a hurry. Dad just kept on preaching.

Soon a second family left -- then a third. The pastor, Brother Yates, was sitting on the platform behind Dad. I watched the concerned, nervous expression on his face. He glanced out the window of the church, then over his dwindling congregation, and back again to Dad. Unfazed, Daddy was droning on and on about the great bird laboriously making its way back from outer space for another grain of sand.

There must be an ethic practiced by anointed preachers that says neither Hell, high water, nor the town burning down can stop the word of God from going forth. By the time Dad finished preaching, hardly anyone was left in the pews, so an altar call seemed futile. Brother Yates dismissed the service, and the few of us who were still there went outside to see what was causing all the commotion.

Looking in the direction of our house, the entire night sky seemed to be ablaze. Dad loaded us children into the car and he and Mom commented on how big the fire was. The closer we got to home, the more anxious they became -- and for good reason. Stivers Lumber Company was on fire.

Stivers Lumber covered an entire block which was bounded on the west side by the Church of God International Offices and Publishing House and on the east by the railroad tracks. The north side of the lumber company, however, was the main concern of the hundreds of people who were watching from a vacant field a block away. There, right next to the stacks of burning lumber, was an oil company with huge storage tanks. Firemen in trucks with lights flashing were focusing their efforts on that side of the blaze. It was impossible to get too close to the fire because of the heat. The firefighters had already given up trying to extinguish the mountains of dry lumber which were an uncontrollable inferno. Instead, they were spraying water on the fuel tanks in an effort to keep them cool enough that they wouldn't explode. Immediately on the other side of those fuel tanks was a wooden office building, and then our house.

By the time we arrived home, Mama and Daddy were frantic. The baby sitter was standing on the front porch with all the babies bundled up and ready to leave. We didn't even go inside the house. Dad whisked them off the porch and drove us all to safety.

We joined what seemed like the whole town of Cleveland, gathering along Montgomery Avenue, a safe distance from the fire. From there, we watched Stivers Lumber Company burn until the wee hours of the next morning, when Mom and Dad were assured by the firemen that it was safe to return home.

It was a week before no more wisps of smoke could be seen coming from what was now a square block of nothing but ashes. Until this very day, the vivid memories of the Stivers Lumber Company fire define my mental image of Hell.

All this was rushing through my mind that fateful afternoon as I was playing like an altar and waiting for an earthquake. That's when I made the decision that if I should die in this cold stone building, at least I would go to Heaven and not to Hell. Silently I prayed now that even if God didn't deliver us from the Armory, would He please come into my heart and forgive me of my sin.

That very afternoon I had succumbed to temptation and committed the first deliberate sin I could remember. Miss Dugan, my first grade teacher, had asked me if I had finished an assignment. I looked her right in the eyes and told her a lie. "Yes ma'am," I had said aloud. Then, as a pang of guilt hit me, I muttered under my breath with lips barely moving, "I finished all of it I wanted to do." I hadn't wanted to do much.

Many times at church I had heard it preached that, "All liars shall have their part in the lake of fire...." That was me; I was a blatant bald faced liar. "Oh God," I now implored softly, "Please forgive me and save me and I will never tell another lie again -- never."

At that moment, I was born again. I didn't feel anything special. I just believed it; I knew it. I was born again as surely as all those radiant people at the North Cleveland Church of God. For years I had heard them give testimony of what awful sinners they used to be until God in His mercy reached way down into the horrible pit they were in, lifted them out of the miry clay of sin, and planted their feet on the solid rock of salvation. As I tried to comprehend the wonder of my new birth, I sensed such a relief that I really wasn't concerned, at that moment, whether God burst the doors open or not. I was on my way to Heaven, and for as long as eternity rolled, I would be praising Jesus. Forever!

Paul was still praying loudly above me when we heard the knock at the door. Glancing up through the window, our eyes met those of three eighth graders, looking down on us. We thought they looked like angels. These older boys were on their way home from basketball practice after school when they heard our commotion. Somewhere they found someone with a key and soon we were walking (skipping, jumping, running, laughing) home.

The buds of the maple trees were swelling in anticipation of warmer weather and everything was dripping from a just ended rain. It seemed that winter had suddenly turned to spring. I had never noticed the world being so beautiful before. Even the mud puddles looked lovely. I felt so light and free and good all over that I burst into song, and Paul joined in:

If you're saved and you know it, say "Amen."

AMEN!

If you're saved and you know it, say "Amen"

AMEN!

If you're saved and you know it then your life will surely show it,

If you're saved and you know it say "Amen."

AMEN!

Three Exercises to Improve Your Balance After a Knee Replacement


Getting your balance back in your legs after a total knee replacement is one of the factors that can be over looked at times. During rehabilitation if you were to go to a skilled setting you generally will receive the necessary exercises and activities to get both static and dynamic standing balance back. if you are doing the rehabilitation on your own depending on your insurance coverage, most people will over look these activities. We get obsessed with the bending and straightening of the knee and do not consider balance.

Static standing balance is when you are doing activities standing still and, dynamic standing balance is when you are doing activities like walking for instance. Both need just a little bit of work to assure you are able to walk safely on all types of surfaces both indoors and outdoors.

Following are three exercises you can do at home on your own at the kitchen sink. I like to use the kitchen sink due to its stability and the fact it will not move or shift on you leaving you exposed to a fall.

1. Heel and Toe Raises: Standing at the kitchen sink with your hands on the outer edge of the sink and your arms at full extension, get up on your tip toes as high as you possibly can and hold that position for a slow count of five. Slowly return to the starting position and go back onto your heels with your toes in the air and hold again for a slow count of five. Do these 15 times. Important here is to keep your back as straight as possible.

2. Single Legged Raise: Standing at the kitchen sink with both hands on the counter, lift one leg at time and hold that for a count of five. Then, repeat that with the opposite leg again hold that position for a slow count of five. Standing on the operated leg by itself will build strength in it as well as develop better balance skills and proprioception in the joint itself. You can do this 15 times also.

3. Partial Mini Squats: Start out by holding onto the sink with both hands lower yourself with both legs to about 45 degrees of knee bend and hold that position for a slow count of five. This will develop strength in the thigh muscles along with getting a stretch in the calve muscles if you heels remain on the floor.
Once you feel comfortable with that, then try it without holding on to the counter. Complete this exercise 15 times.

These exercises are geared more for your static balance which you want to develop before advancing to more skilled activities for the dynamic aspect of balance. There are a multitude of exercises that you can do to get the same results however, these are exercises that all my patients use in the home health setting and, get excellent results. Once you feel comfortable with these then move on to more skilled activities like the modified lunge to work on your dynamic balance skills.

Getting your balance back is just one of several key areas that you will want to implement in your total knee replacement exercise protocol.

The Weakness of Brazilian Jujitsu and Sport Fighting for Self-Defense


Anybody who has at least any experience in martial arts or street-fighting can agree that learning how to defend oneself on the ground is ABSOLUTELY needed in order to survive on the streets or in the ring. Oftentimes we fall or can be taken to the ground. Once taken to the ground, the average street fighter will most likely start punching you in the face, or get you into a headlock. What about triangle chokes or arm bars? Not likely... Lets go over some cold hard facts that many Jujitsu and sport fighters may not like, but are the simple truth. I will try to make this short and to the point as possible.

Rape awareness, Child-abductions, and overall self-defense:

If you were teaching your wife self-defense, in order to prevent her from being abducted, which techniques would you teach her? If you were teaching your child techniques in order to keep them from being raped or abducted, which techniques would you tech them? Jujitsu? Boxing?...maybe a little, but not likely.

If someone is trying to force you into a vehicle or put you into a position to be raped or kidnapped, the last thing you want to do is try to take your opponent to the ground. You are actually helping them succeed in their conquest. Also consider that many child-abductors and rapists do not work alone. Many female joggers are often pulled into moving vehicles by 2 or 3 attackers. Even if you did bring one to the ground, the other 2 are going to make you pay.

Or here is another example using fictional characters. "Billy" is a 12 year old boy who is 5'1 and weighs 105 lbs with a Jujitsu Black belt, and expert boxer. A 30 year old man who is 6'1 and 190 pounds approaches the boy and attempts to apprehend the boy and kidnap him. The boy gets the attacker on the ground and sits on his chest and attempts to punch him in the face. The oversized attacker flips the boy over, and simply punches him once in the face. The boy is knocked out cold, and is later abused and kidnapped...

What the boy should have done was attack the kidnapper with several strikes to stun him in vulnerable areas (testicles, eye's, biting, headbutt) and ran like hell screaming to the top of his lungs! The problem with MMA, Jujitsu, western Boxing, and Kickboxing is their mentality. They teach their students to fight. Plain and simple. To fight until the very end. But, this attitude is very machismo and egotistic way of fighting. From a self-defense aspect, the goal should always be to stun the attacker, and get away. Their are only very few situations that warrant fighting until the attacker is completely knocked out.

Modern Martial arts vs Traditional...

Anytime you get a grappler against any opponent who isn't skilled in grappling, the Jujitsu man will win 99% of the time in ordinary circumstances. In a kickboxing or MMA environment any traditional martial artist will be most likely embarrassed. But, what will the jujitsu man do if the Karate man pulls out a sword, or a long stick? What will the MMA man do is he meets a knife fighter? The fact is, in traditional martial arts like Kung Fu and Karate, unarmed tactics were only secondary forms of fighting. A man would always rely on his sword or knife before his fists.

If a jujitsu black belt threatened my life and challenged me to a fight, I would not assume a boxers stance. I would simply walk away. Yet if he proceeded to walk towards me, I would simply pull out my Tactical Baton that I ALWAYS carry with me. Thats right, I carry a weapon? But, thats not fair! Why not? This isn't the UFC or a boxing match. This is my life we are talking about! If my life is on the line, I have no problem using a sword, stick, gun, bitting, heabutting, or hitting the groin of my attacker.

Preparing for an attack against a street fighting, not a MMA fighter...

The fact is, most people don't train in martial arts. Maybe 10 out of 100. And thats being liberal. Jujitsu men spend hours learning how to defend against armbars, triangles, leg locks...etc. But, these are techniques that you will almost never see from an untrained street fighter. The average street fighter is going to come at you with aggressive (and sloppy) Boxing, coupled with sloppy wrestling tactics, coupled with a box cutter, coupled with a gun, and he may have a couple of buddies, and he may hit you with a cheap shot from behind. At first, he didn't sound so dangerous huh? In a street-fighting scenario, you don't want to have a "contest" with your attacker. Screw the Knockout. And forget the submissions. You want to stun him, and get away. Simple as that.

If your fighting multiple opponents, Jujitsu will be even worse. Against multiple opponents you will want to use footwork, low kicks directly to the knee joint, pushes, trips, all while trying to run away. If three men are trying to attack you, it would be suicide to tie up with one of them and try to take them down. I once saw a video of a Russian Heavyweight boxer who actually defended himself against multiple attackers. He back peddled away, and counter punched each of them, knocking them down with a single blow.

If an attacker grabs your wrist, does it make more sense to grab his body, wrestle around for 2-3 minutes, and get him down, or just punch him in the face 1 or 2 times? You be the judge.

In the Ring, you are prepared, in the street, maybe not?

When you fight in the ring, both you and your opponent are in neutral corners. Both of you agree not to use any "foul" tactics, and the referee stands between you. You have breaks between rounds also and doctors at ring side. An MMA fight sometimes lasts for over 15 minutes. A boxing match can last more than 30. Yet, a street fight or self-defense scenario only lasts between 10 seconds to no more than 2 minutes. And its between those 10 seconds and two minutes that you can be killed. All the training in the world can't prepare you for a surprise attack. Martial arts will not make you invincible. It will only increase your chances of survival. That's it. In the streets, there are no guarantees. My training has helped me survive some fights. While other times, my training was useless.

Especially in situations where I was held up, and had to negotiate. The UFC has a famous catch phrase with their company, its "As real as it gets". Yeah...in a controlled environment, MMA is the most realistic form of televised fighting. But, its still not the street. The "Dog Brothers" hold the honor of "most realistic fighting competition" because they have no weight classes, no gender classes, and they use weapons. But, they are still not trying to "kill" each other. They still have someone to "pull" the opponent off when things go to far. There are no substitutes for the real thing. No matter how realistic...

Different goals for different people...

All martial arts are beneficial to a person in one way or another. Self-defense is only one aspect of martial arts. The sport, the self-defense, and the spiritual aspects all important. Each martial art gives you something unique. No matter what the style, any martial arts can help. This article is not intended to promote or disprove the practice of any art. They all help us achieve something special within ourselves.

Is Jujitsu any good as a martial art? Should it be trained?

Without question!!!! Jujitsu is one of the best martial arts around. Just like any single style, it has pro's and con's. When I teach women's self-defense, I do teach them how to reverse a full-mount, how to get out of headlocks, and other common grappling methods. If you are grabbed or taken to the ground, you must know how to to defend yourself. And Jujitsu will help you achieve that. Also, Jujitsu is a great restraining art for Police officers and Military personal. If you simply want to apprehend someone and not hurt them, Jujitsu is also a wonderful art. Many jujitsu tactics are practical for self-defense, especially the chokes and escapes. Chokes are much more practical and easier to achieve than many joint locks. Japanese Jujitsu and many Kung Fu systems actually promote small-joint manipulations (breaking of the fingers), which is banned in MMA. Below I will quickly discuss the differences between Japanese Jujitsu and Brazilian Jujitsu

Which styles of martial arts are best suited for the streets?

If you train ANY style of martial art, you will be better off than some couch potato that doesn't exercise. But, the best styles of martial arts are the onces that are aggressive, direct, and give you many options. Here are some good examples

1. Non-sportive Muay Thai- Knee strikes (groin), elbows, also teaches footwork and long range tactics. In traditional muay thai, you may also learn "Krabi Krabong", the weapons system.
2. Wing Chun- Very quick and progressive punching to the centerline. Attacks are aimed at the eyes, throat, chin, groin, and kicks to the knee joints. Wing chun also has knife and stick training
3. Kali- Teaches you how to fight with sticks, knives, and also some standing wrestling/clinching tactics mixed with basic yet brutal striking like headbutting.
4. Judo/Japanese Jujitsu- One solid hard throw to the concrete and you wont have to go to the ground, because your opponent will be broken. Japanese Jujitsu covers different ranges (striking, weapons, and grappling) of fighting unlike the Brazilian version that only focuses on the ground.
5. Krav Maga- gun defense, knives defense, tiger claw, eye pokes, knee strikes, you name it! A military martial art.

These are just a FEW martial arts that I enjoy for self-defense. Although with the right mind-set ANY style can be made effective. Xingyiquan, western Boxing (the footwork), and many other styles can give you attributes as well. That's why I like to learn from everyone. Fighting is very unpredictable. Each style has pro's and con's. I enjoy practicing wing chun, xingyiquan, and western boxing more than anything in my free-time. But I am not an idiot. I realize that other skills must be learned. That is why I remain humble and have spent time cross-training with Krav Maga, Kali, Jujitsu, and other martial arts. I don't care what style of martial arts you practice. If you are realistic, and have great knowledge, I want to learn from you! In this world, the only way to learn is to be humble and honest. In fact, you may not even agree with this article. And that's fine. I respect all opinions. Enough of that, let's move on...

Mindset and conclusion...

Self-defense requires an "escape" mentality. It may not win you any championship belts, but it will keep you alive. The only time you need to fight to the end, is if your opponent is extremely tough, or if you are protecting a 3rd party (wife, sibling, friend, etc). If you wish to be an MMA fighter or Boxer, you are expected to "finish" the fight. Its two different worlds, and two different mindsets.

Self-defense vs sport fighting. Consider that MMA has over 30 rules. A good analogy is...self-defense is a 50 yard dash. And being a ring fighter is like being a marathon runner. They are two different worlds. If you put one in the other, his chances will not be good. Self-defense is a deep topic. Legal issues, and many things must be considered. Love me or hate me, I love all martial arts, and I never want to see anyone be put down because of their choice of music, martial arts, or religion. Everything has value. Mindsets vs Skill-sets are basically what this article comes to.

Aviation Headsets: Eight Simple Ways to Protect Your Investment


A quality pair of aviation headphones is a necessary expense for general aviation (GA) pilots. Earphones facilitate crucial communications and protect users' hearing from the harmful effects of engine noise. To maximize the benefits provided by ear sets, aviators should be prepared to spend sufficient money to obtain high-caliber headphones.

Reputable aviation headsets can command a fairly expensive price. As such, pilots should take every effort to protect their investments and maximize the longevity of their earphones. By following the suggestions outlined below, aviators can increase the chances their headphones will soldier on for years to come.

1. Use a Headset Case: A headset bag is an inexpensive way to reduce the chance of damage to your earphones. Headset protection can consist of a padded headset bag, an external hard shell case, a flight bag, or some combination of the three. Headset cases help protect your earset if dropped and keep it out of the elements during inclement weather. Many headphone vendors include cases with headset purchases. Otherwise, several options are available for purchase from the popular pilot shops. Whatever your choice, consider a dedicated headset case a cheap form of insurance to protect your investment.

2. Don't Leave Your Headset in the Aircraft: Many pilots, particularly aircraft owners, opt to leave their headsets in their aircraft at all times. While not necessarily a bad choice, it does come with additional risks. For starters, a high-end headset will probably attract attention from other airport users. Leaving it in the aircraft could attract vandals. Besides theft, a headset left in the aircraft is subject to the effects of heat, cold, sunlight, and moisture, particularly if the aircraft is parked on an airport ramp for extended periods. Even if hangared, most hangars are not climate-controlled. Take your headset with you when not flying to reduce the possibilities of theft or climate-related stress.

3. Unplug When Not in Use: If you choose to leave your headset in the aircraft, be sure to unplug it after each flight. A plugged-in earset is a tripping hazard, particularly among passengers new to GA. In addition, the tight confines of GA cockpits allow plenty of opportunities for headphone cables to get caught in seat rails, slammed in doors, or otherwise unintentionally damaged. By unplugging and wrapping up the cables after each flight, you reduce the risk of damaging your cords.

4. Go Wireless: In connection with #3 above, consider using a wireless headset. Wireless headsets negate the tripping hazards and cable damage their corded brethren might incur. Wireless models also remove the possibility of connection problems due to faulty cables. For your next headset, consider the benefits offered by wireless models.

5. Don't Hang Headphones on the Yoke: Hanging earphones from the control yoke is a common practice in GA cockpits. Unfortunately, it's not the best practice for the headset or the aircraft. During preflight operations, pilots must be able to move the control surfaces from inside and outside the cockpit. A headset positioned on the yoke can impede control movement. In addition, movement of the control surfaces, whether by the pilot or wind, can knock a headset into the floor. This introduces the possibility of an aircraft occupant stepping on the earset. For the sake of the headset and the aircraft, refrain from using the control yoke as a headset hanger.

6. Don't Place Headsets on the Dash: Like the control yoke, the dashboard is not a good place to set your headphones. The main concern here is that the headset might scrape the windscreen, resulting in nicks and scratches. A headset left on the dash can also absorb a significant amount of sunlight and heat, leaving it too hot for the user to wear. Over time, repeated exposure to excess sunlight will fade the earcups and possibly degrade other headset components. Avoid these possibilities by ignoring the dash as a headset holder.

7. Never Leave a Headset in a Seat: Leaving earphones in an aircraft seat is an invitation for trouble. If you ever fly with non-pilots, the chances are good they will leave an impression on your headset, and not in a good way. Most GA aircraft aren't known for being particularly easy to board, especially for back seat passengers. For new passengers, boarding a light aircraft is awkward to say the least. Your passengers will likely have their arms, knees, and posteriors in the aircraft seats, though not necessarily the seats they're trying to board. Leaving a headset in an unoccupied seat is like placing a target on it. Though you might get lucky the first few times, fly with passengers enough and a headset will get bent, squashed, or otherwise destroyed. To avoid this, have passengers board and get strapped in before handing them their headsets.

8. Keep Your Earphones Clean: This is an often-overlooked strategy for keeping your headphones in prime condition. Keeping your headphones clean is a simple task that requires minimal effort. From repeated use, your earphones accumulate sweat, dust, hair, and other unpleasant grit. Wipe them down periodically with a damp cloth to remove these unwanted accumulations. This simple action will keep your headset looking pristine long after its first flight.

Aviation headsets are invaluable tools for cockpit communication and noise reduction. High-quality models are easily worth the investment, but can represent a sizeable expense for aviation consumers. Follow the steps outlined above and you're likely to maximize the potential return on your headset investment.