Author: Dr. John De Noyelles
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Shoulder Pain: “Why does it hurt so much?”
There exists a lack of association between findings on MRIs and pain. In other words, what is seen and reported from an MRI may have all or nothing to do with the pain you are experiencing. There is plenty of evidence that people who have no pain will have positive findings on an MRI. Much…
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Access Your Ankles – Reduce Pain and Enhance Performance
Do you wish you could squat like that? Proper ankle mobility is important for most of our functional and higher level movements. Specifically, decreased dorsiflexion, or bending of the ankle (the foot getting closer to your shin), will likely add undue stress on joints up the chain including knees, hips, and the spine. If you…
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Let the Kids Play
“Let the Kids Play” (#LETTHEKIDSPLAY) was a marketing campaign released by Major League Baseball to put a spotlight on its young superstars. It encouraged a fun but competitive, trash-talking, bragging atmosphere normally seen in sports such as basketball and football. Given that Major League Baseball is paused due this pandemic, it’s time to borrow the…
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Coronavirus Conundrum
Our amazing healthcare workforce is working overtime – and in the thick of unprecedented circumstances. Many are stuck inside. Kids are home. Families are together. Moms, dads and grandparents are homeschooling. “Essentials” continue to work. Many have lost jobs. As I sit with my family on a Sunday night I am reminded of OUR situation. It is…
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Mobilizing Nerves: How Does That Work?
We strengthen, stretch and massage our muscles. Dry skin is moisturized. We load our bones and feed our organs. Nerves are extremely important structures in our body. What do we do for them? Not much… at least not intentionally. Nerves require clear paths to and from our brain and spinal cord to their many destinations…
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The Definition of Insanity
Have you spent weeks, months, or even years performing the same exercises prescribed by your previous provider? Hamstring stretching for low back pain? Piriformis stretching for sciatica? Banded rotator cuff exercises for shoulder pain? How about pills? You may find temporary relief from these activities, however your pain continues in the long-term. Pills seem to…
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What’s a Treatment Session Like?
Each treatment session may be a little different, but there is typically a pattern. After arriving and signing in, the first few minutes involves discussing the following with your therapist: response to your previous treatment, changes you are experiencing, your progress toward your goals and the plan for that session. Your therapist will then assess…
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Mobilization Over Stretching
Stretching is the most common and touted way to increase flexibility and it may be the least effective. Immediate gains made during stretching are a result of stimulating nerves that are also on stretch. Your nervous system will reach a point of over-stimulation and begin to relax. Once relaxed, your muscles are calmed down and…
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Post-Surgical Rehab Should Not Be a Cookie-Cutter Approach
Sometimes surgery for orthopaedic conditions is unavoidable. Have you recently undergone surgery? …Or did you undergo surgery a long time ago and still don’t feel fully restored? Your surgeon likely gave you a general rehab protocol designed for all and then you underwent standard, one-size-fits-all, “cookie-cutter” physical therapy. If the surgery was unique and…
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Why Your Doctor May Not Recommend Physical Therapy
There are many instances with common orthopaedic conditions in which a physician (MD) may not suggest physical therapy. They may even say you shouldn’t go… and I can’t blame them. Many patients have returned to their physician in worse condition after weeks of physical therapy. Why is this? Standard physical therapy, at times, may consist…