What’s New at AOSMI

Gentle Exercises for Post Op Patients

Physical therapy plays a critical role in every healing journey. It is important to stay active and most patients report quicker healing when physical therapy is included in the treatment plan. A strategic exercise routine is imperative to your healing process especially for those who have undergone surgery.

While the physical therapist will determine the best exercises based upon your injury, we have listed below a few general low-impact, gentle, exercises that may be recommended to help your body recover. The goal is strength and flexibility, so you can get to your life and to your loved ones.

Gentle Exercises

  • Heel Slides: Lie on your back, slowly bend and straighten each knee 5 times.
  • Wall Squats: Lean against a wall, place your feet twelve inches in front of your body, slowly bend your knees so that you are at a forty five degree angle, hold for a few seconds, slowly lift yourself back up and repeat 5 times.
  • Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the ground, place your legs in front of you, and gently reach for your toes.
  • Leg Raises: Lie on your back, keep one leg straight, the other bent at the knee. Lift the straight leg a little off the ground, hold for a moment, and release gently. Repeat with other leg.
  • Knee to Chest Stretch: Lie on your back, slowly bend your right knee and pull your leg up to you chest. Wrap your arms around your knee or shin, and gently pull the knee towards your chest. Hold for ten seconds and slowly extend the leg to starting position. Repeat three times each leg.

Many orthopedic conditions require physical therapy in order to achieve the most successful outcomes. If you’re looking for physical therapy that brings a new dimension to the practice of orthopedic care and sports medicine, the onsite sports injury rehabilitation center at Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute is your solution.

Read Full Article

Demystifying Broken Ankles

An ankle fracture is a very common injury in children and adults. A debilitating injury, broken or fractured ankles can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint, and some people may go weeks without knowing their ankle needs professional medical attention.

Ankle fractures are quite common among children between the ages of 8 and 15, this is due to the higher levels of activity associated with sudden movements that are prone to twisting ankles. Furthermore, with growth plates still shifting, it is important to identify if the ankle has indeed been fractured.

An X-ray is the ideal method for identifying where the bone placements are, if any changes are detrimental, and if indeed there needs to be further medical attention. Ankle fracture symptoms include:

  • Tenderness
  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Deformed or crooked appearance
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Pain when touched or moved

Because an ankle fracture, or even sprain, can limit mobility, it is critical to get to an orthopedic physician as soon as possible. Once an X-ray is completed, we can determine what type of treatment would be best, whether it be crutches, physical therapy, or a combination of treatments, it’s best to get help as soon as possible.

Read Full Article

Dr. Alan Nasar Talks With Hillel Yeshiva Students As Part of School’s Health Week

Dr Alan Nasar

Dr. Alan Nasar, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and physician at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, spoke with the third and seventh graders at Hillel Yeshiva elementary school on February 27, 2017, as part of the school’s annual health week activities. Rabbi Avi Bodlander, Assistant Principal at Hillel Yeshiva, introduced Dr. Nasar to the students. For the third-graders, Dr. Nasar gave a talk on bones, safety tips, and fracture healing. He even placed the cast on one of the children for demonstration.

For the seventh graders, Mr. Dowling, science teacher, brought in a full-size skeleton and Dr. Nasar reviewed the names of the bones on the skeleton. He also discussed treatment of fractures with casting, external fixation and open reduction, and internal fixation. He then narrated a surgical video demonstrating total knee replacement. At the conclusion, there was an enthusiastic question and answer session. Both classes were very excited about the subject matter.

At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Ruth Katz, Head of School, thanked Dr. Nasar for his long-standing commitment to Hillel Yeshiva and his attendance at health week for multiple consecutive years.

“It is important to teach our children at an early age how their body works and how to keep it healthy,” said Dr. Alan Nasar. “It helps them decrease their chance of injury and may inspire the children to become the next generation of physicians.”

To learn more about Dr. Alan Nasar or the services provided at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, please visit www.aosminj.com or call 732-720-2555.

Read Full Article

What is Spinal Fusion?

The spine is one of the most essential parts of the human body; without it we wouldn’t be able to function. Unfortunately when spinal injuries occur, it causes a series of complications throughout our entire body. The spine is responsible for posture, head movement, and upper body movement.

The spine is made up of individual vertebrae, and each vertebrae is independent of each other. While this is necessary for a healthy moving and functional spine, there are patients who can benefit from the joining of two or more vertebrae to relieve pain. This procedure is called spinal fusion.

If movement is identified as the primary source of pain in the spine, the spinal fusion procedure is sometimes the answer. The procedure essentially fuses together two or more vertebrae to create a solid link, limited movement in that particular area, easing pain.

Spinal fusion may be used to treat:

  • Herniated disk
  • Scoliosis
  • Degenerative disk disease
  • Weakness, instability, and fractures

While surgery is never the first solution, a complete evaluation and alternative treatment plan is suggested before exploring the surgical route. Our team of orthopedic specialists can help you find ways to cope with back pain. Contact us today to get started on your healing journey today.

Read Full Article

Common Basketball Injuries

43619766 - young man with a basketball

Basketball is a popular sport played throughout the country by professionals, student athletes, and laypeople alike. Fun as it may be, basketball has been known to produce any number of  injuries. Five common injuries specific to basketball include:

  • Ankle Sprains. Ankle sprains involve the tearing of ligaments in the ankle, occurring when a person receives a blow to that joint, steps the wrong way, or experiences a sudden twisting motion during play.  Two types of ankle sprains–lateral inversion and medial inversion–can lead to sprains ranging in degree from mild pain and bruising to severe pain and mobility loss.  Proper stretching before play can reduce the risk of an ankle sprain.
  • Overuse Injuries. These injuries occur because of repeated use that puts immense pressure on tissue, muscles, or joints.  To avoid an overuse injury, players must get sufficient rest and stay hydrated.  Untreated injuries can lead to tendonitis.
  • ACL Injury. One of the four major ligaments of the knee is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which assists in holding the knee together.  The ACL provides rotational stability by connecting the femur to the tibia.  The knee can be abnormally twisted from suddenly stopping or altering direction, improperly landing, or through direct impact
  • Meniscus Tear. The meniscus, a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee, provides protection and stability to the knee. Symptoms of a tear include pain, stiffness, and impaired motion and occurs due to stress on the knee.  It can be avoided with proper nutrition, hydration, and rest.
  • Muscle Strain. Strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is pushed past its capacity, ranging from a grade one strain to a grade three strain, which indicates a complete tear.  Basketball players commonly experience muscle strains in their calves, which can be avoided through stretching before play and regular exercise between games and practices.

Because of the nature of the sport, basketball makes players susceptible to specific injuries.  To reduce the possibility of an injury, a proper training regimen is necessary.  If injury does occur, it is suggested that the player immediately visit an orthopedic specialist to treat injuries and enhance recovery.

Read Full Article