We’re excited to announce our 1st Annual Golf Performance Clinic which will be held Saturday June 30th, 2012 from 7:30am – 11:30am.

Meet with our Physical Therapy staff for dynamic analysis of your golf swing. Using video, we breakdown the components of your swing to assess the physical limitations keeping you from having the swing you want.

Our goal is to educate you about your body and give you the tools to move towards a better understanding of how your individual strength and weaknesses effect your swing & your game.

After that golfers can explore the benefits of Health and Nutrition and talk to one of the golf pros from Highland Park County Club at our Gold Expo.

Space is limited and registration is required. Fee: $40

Click here to download the flyer for the event.

For more information and to register online, please go to www.ibjiwellness.com

Most soccer injuries occur to the lower extremity, but approximately one third of reported soccer injuries are in the upper extremity. A vast majority of those reported injuries are fractures to bones in the shoulder, forearm, wrist and hand. Evidence shows that these specific injuries are much more prevalent with indoor soccer than outdoor, and is likely attributed to smaller fields and the boards/walls surrounding the playing area. Due to the increased likelihood that an upper extremity soccer-related injury may be a fracture, it is helpful for parents to familiarize themselves with the most common injuries, so these are not accidentally mistaken for less serious sprains.

Scaphoid Fracture

A fracture to the scaphoid bone, sometimes referred to as navicular bone, is commonly mistaken for a sprained wrist. The typicalmechanism for injury to the scaphoid bone is a fall on an outstretched arm, or a direct force to an extended hand into the ground or boards. After the fall, the athlete may complain of pain in the area (the hand or wrist just above the thumb) and/or have swelling present. Also, it will likely be painful to extend the wrist back or tilt the thumb towards the arm. It is important to have a scaphoid injury immobilized then seen by a physician. It is common for a fracture in this location to not appear on an x-ray, but the physical exam will be sufficient for the physician to properly diagnose the fracture. If the physician’s instructions and immobilization are not followed, it is possible that this fracture may not completely heal. This may result in the possible need for surgery, secondary to decreased blood flow to the area.

Colles’ Fracture

The most common fracture to the forearm, in soccer, involves the distal end of the ulna and radius (two bones that make up the forearm), and referred to as a Colles’ fracture. The mechanism of this injury is a fall on an outstretched arm with a force to ahyperextended wrist. Normally, a Colles’ fracture results in visible deformity at the wrist, with significant and immediate swelling. If this occurs, the athlete should be splinted/immobilized and immediately taken for medical attention. Occasionally, this can injure the growth plates of the bones and require surgical intervention for proper healing.

Clavicle Fracture

The third type of frequently reported upper extremity fracture, in soccer athletes, is to the clavicle bone, commonly called the collar bone. This injury can occur from a fall onto the tip of the shoulder, fall on an outstretched arm, or direct impact to the clavicle (from an opponent or into the boards). An individual suffering from a clavicle fracture will often support the injured arm, and tilt their head towards the injured side. There may also be some mild deformity and swelling. A possibly fractured clavicle needs immobilization and immediate medical attention for an x-ray.

A-C Joint Sprain

Acromio-clavicular sprains are also a common upper extremity injury for soccer athletes. It is a sprain to the joint connecting the scapula (shoulder blade) and the clavicle. The athlete will protect themselves similarly to the way they would with a clavicle fracture, by supporting their injured arm next to the body. It will also have a similar mechanism (fall on an outstretched arm or direct impact to the tip of the shoulder). They will have difficulty bringing their arm across their chest and will have tenderness over the joint. Some athletes may have a deformity at the joint that appears to have a bump protruding upwards. Athletes experiencing this injury should be placed in a sling to protect the shoulder, then see a physician to rule out a fracture. The physician may prescribe physical therapy in order to help strengthen surrounding musculature to return the athlete back to soccer as soon as possible.

About The Author

Bethany Coovert is a Certified Athletic Trainer working with Illinois Bone and Joint since 2010.  She graduated from Eastern Illinois University, where she received her BS in Non-Teaching Physical Education/Athletic Training. She earned her Master’s degree in Athletic Training at Western Michigan University in 2002. Prior to coming to IBJI, Bethany completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY and has worked in the high school setting as an athletic trainer for 8 years.

Whether you recently finished your spring soccer season or you’re gearing up for the fall season, it is important to have soccer cleats that are in good condition and fit properly. If it is time for a new pair of cleats, IBJI would like to provide some important information for you before you head off to the store to purchase a new pair.

In general, cleats are designed with a stiff sole to provide support and allow the studs to be attached to them. The boot should fit snug to provide a good interface between the ball and foot. If additional cushion is required, you will probably need to add some type of insole to the cleat. There are a number of different insoles that you can purchase at any soccer store to fit in the cleat.

There are several important factors involved in making the decision on what shoe to buy. Unfortunately the color of the shoe should not be the most important factor in what cleat that you decide to wear. No two players have the same feet and depending upon the type of foot that you have and the surface that you play on, you have to make sure that you purchase a cleat that best suits your needs. Some important things to consider before you make the big decision:

• Do you want kangaroo leather or microfiber? If you choose the kangaroo leather, you need to purchase a shoe that is pretty snug/tight when you buy it because it is going to stretch over time. Microfiber will not stretch, so you should buy a shoe that feels like a normal fit on your foot, not too tight. Some of the microfibers will produce small cracks in the part of the shoe where you bend over your toes.
• Are you going to put an orthotic in the cleat? If so, you need to get a wider soccer cleat. Except for the Nike Total 90, Nike cleats in general tend to run narrower and do not work as well with orthotics. Kelme, Diadora, and Lotto brands tend to run wider so they will accommodate an orthotic easier. If you currently wear orthotics, make sure that you take them with you and try them on in the cleat for a better fit.
• Do you want a boot for game day only? The Nike Mercurial Vapor is an expensive cleat that is a very lightweight (7-7.8 oz) and is designed more for “game day” and not practices secondary to the support being sacrificed for the weight. The Vapor runs narrow so it will not accommodate an insert.
• Adidas has come up with a lighter shoe to match up with the Nike Mercurial Vapor. The Adidas F50 Adizero weighs 5.8oz and has the same type of arch support that is in the Nike. Once again, it sacrifices support/protection for the lighter materials necessary for speed. It is built on a “sprint frame construction” that is supposed to give the player more speed. Adidas does provide extra insoles for shock absorption to put in the shoe but then it makes the shoe heavier.
• The Adizero Prime comes in at 5.1 oz. and is made on a single layer design so that it is meant for speed. There is no foam or lining in this shoe so less protection. This shoe comes in kangaroo leather or microfiber. Both of these cleats are meant for firm natural surfaces and are considered game day shoes and not training shoes. They are expensive and really not necessary for the younger players.
• Many of the higher end Adidas cleats are constructed on a “powerspine” or “powerpole”. This is a bar that runs vertically along the forefoot that is designed to give the player more “power” in their push offs. The Adidas Predator has the power pole, the external heel counter and is a little wider. However, if you wear an orthotic, the powerpole in the forefoot may throw your foot and orthotic off in the shoe so we do not recommend this boot for an individual who needs to wear orthotics. Note: The heel counter is the base of the shoe on which the heel rests.
• Do you want a low profile cleat or not? The low profile cleat is lower around the ankles and is designed to form to the foot when the player is kicking the ball. This may be more beneficial in the older player who has developed good dribbling skills and wants the shoe to feel like a glove on his/her foot. Puma King is a very good low profile cleat.
• Do you need more support in the heel counter? Many cleats are made with an external heel counter to give more support to your heel in the shoe. In theory, the shoe will have a bit of a wider heel to it. The Adidas Predator is a good example of this type of cleat.
• Many of the cleats under $80 do not have a removable insole. In making the decision of choosing a cheaper cleat, you may be risking a less modifiable shoe to your meet your foot needs.
• Are you playing on natural surfaces or turf? The shoes respond differently to the turf/grass and you may want to purchase a cleat that responds best to the surface that you will spend most of your time playing on.
• If you currently wear orthotics, make sure that you take them with you and try them on in the cleat for a better fit.

If you purchase a pair of cleats and are not for sure if they are the best ones for your foot type, you can call us and stop by one of our IBJI locations for a free screening and we will evaluate the shoe and how it fits your foot. Jeannie Grant, ATC and owner of Soccer & More in Northfield, IL, can provide you with excellent advice during the cleat purchasing process. She has many years of experience fitting soccer cleats and working as an Athletic Trainer with high school athletes and can act as another resource for soccer cleat fitting.

To download a printable version of this article, click below:

* Thanks to Jeannie Grant of Soccer & More for working with us to compile this information. IBJI is not affiliated with Nike, Adidas, Kelme, Diadora, Lotto or Soccer & More nor do they receive any financial incentives from them.

About The Author

Cathy Kujawa Irwin PT, OCS, MHS is a physical therapist at the IBJI Glenview facility and Clinical Coordinator for IBJI Rehabilitation. She is a 1985 graduate of Northwestern University where she earned her BS in Physical Therapy and continued on at the Krannert Graduate School of Health in Indianapolis receiving her MHS in Orthopedic Physical Therapy in 1993. In 2004, she became a Board Certified Specialist in the area of Orthopedics. Cathy has been active in the Chicagoland area working with many organizations providing physical therapy consultations: Hubbard Street Dance, Chicago Ballet, CARA Marathon Training Group, local high schools and club teams. Having competed in sports throughout her life, she has a strong interest in preventing injuries and facilitating the injured athlete back to their sport of choice. Her area of expertise is working with foot/ankle, running injuries and prescribing proper shoe prescription.

Summer has finally arrived and many people are swimming either recreationally or competitively. Two of our therapists at our Des Plaines location, Crystal Smuk, PTA and Katie Fisher, PT, DPT, will be holding a lecture about Common Shoulder Injuries and Prevention Techniques for Swimmers (PDF).

• Where: Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, Physical Therapy in Des Plaines (900 Rand Road, Suite 110)
• When: Saturday, June 25th, 2011 at 1:00pm

** Please RSVP to Crystal at (847) 954-7639 **

Twelve member of the IBJI Rehabilitation staff recently took part in a build day at Habitat for Humanity of Lake County.

After learning about the safety requirements from the Habitat staff members, we were off to work. Our staff began by shingling one of the sheds that accompany each Habitat house. After completing the shed (in record time according to the Habitat staff), we moved on to framing walls for the houses that Habitat provides to Lake County residences.

Throughout the rainy Saturday, the IBJI staff worked hard but had a great time. Everyone was very familiar with how to hammer a nail and learned to work as a team more effectively. At the end of the day, our staff felt a sense of accomplishment in addition to the aches and pains from the hard work.

We would like to thank Habitat for Humanity for allowing us to volunteer and recommend anyone interested in helping a worthy cause to contact the Habitat for Humanity of Lake County. They can only provide help to those in need with our help!

How do you picture the stereotypical athlete? A tall, muscular young man, dressed in basketball shoes, driving a ball down the court? Or maybe a petite female wearing fleece and ice skates, leaning into a double axel on an ice rink? But what about a middle-aged man in glasses, dressed in a tuxedo and leaning over his cello under the hot lights of a concert stage? The truth is, each of these people is an athlete in his or her own right…but the man in the tux is also a musician!

Webster’s dictionary defines an athlete as “a person possessing the natural or acquired traits–such as strength, agility, and endurance–that are necessary for physical exercise or sports.” Musicians require an intricate balance of these traits in order to master their instruments. They are legitimate athletes who experience pain and dysfunction related to their musical practice and performance routines.

All too often, however, musicians’ pain is overlooked because they are not considered “athletic” injuries. Music-related injuries are much more common than one might think. There are several reasons for this—one of the most significant is that musicians usually start intense practice schedules at a very young age, which can take a toll on developing bones and muscles. Intrinsic factors influencing pain are body structure, joint laxity, and overall conditioning levels. External factors like the demands of a specific instrument, the amount of time spent practicing, playing posture, and the level of musicianship can also increase the risk of injury.

The injuries most common to musicians are repetitive overuse injuries, such as TMJ dysfunction, shoulder tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis, and low back pain. Due to the demands of hectic rehearsal and performance schedules, many musicians do not make the time to participate in a regular overall conditioning program, leading to poor postural control and decreased overall endurance. Some musicians suffer from bad habits picked up from years of practicing in awkward positions.

It is unfortunate, then, that many musicians do not seek medical help for their injuries, instead continuing to play through their pain. They may fear that health professionals do not have the technical knowledge needed to relate to a musician’s job-related problems. Or, they may also fear that admitting to injury or pain could put them at risk of losing a job.

As movement dysfunction experts, physical therapists are well positioned to advise musicians on how to reduce their playing-related pain. A personalized physical therapy evaluation and treatment program will provide expert analysis of an individual musician’s pain and dysfunction. Once these deficits are identified, the therapist can then make appropriate recommendations for strength and flexibility exercises to alleviate the physical stress caused by playing an instrument. The therapist can also suggest ways to adapt rehearsal seating to minimize back pain, recommend appropriate pacing for practice sessions, and provide hands-on therapeutic techniques to reduce muscular tightness. The therapist will often have the musician bring his or her instrument into the clinic to analyze playing posture and suggest appropriate modifications.

Musicians should never be afraid to seek out medical care for their injuries. Ignoring the pain could lead to a more severe, chronic issue…or even cause serious problems with musical technique. Fortunately, physical therapy is a wonderful resource for those struggling with pain and dysfunction related to making music. If you are playing in pain, see a physical therapist who focuses on orthopedic issues to receive a personalized evaluation and treatment program…and get back on the road to making beautiful, pain-free music!

About The Author

Tara Banick has a doctorate in physical therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is also a musician, having played violin, viola, and piano for over 22 years. She has played in the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Bradley University Chamber Orchestra, and she continues to play with her own string quartet for weddings and recitals. She practices therapy at the IBJI Libertyville location.

As summer approaches, more and more people are out enjoying a nice bike ride. Whether you are going for a 75-mile bike ride, training for a triathlon or out for a leisurely ride with your grandson, proper bicycle fit is important. Proper bicycle fit can decrease aches and pains, increase aerodynamic advantages, and increase overall comfort.

To learn more, click below to download the IBJI Proper Bicycle Fit article!

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of four major knee ligaments and is the primary restraint that limits how far the tibia (shin bone) slides forward in relation to the femur (thigh bone). The ACL is critical to knee stability, and people who injure their ACL often complain of symptoms of their knee giving-out from under them. Read more to learn treatment and rehabilitation methods for these type of injuries.

An ACL tear is often a sports-related injury and about 80% of sports-related ACL tears are “non-contact” injuries, with most ACL tears occurring when pivoting or landing from a jump. Women are three times as likely to suffer an ACL injury then males, and eight times as likely as a female soccer player due do different lower limb biomechanics.

Symptoms of a torn ACL include an audible “pop” at the moment of injury, and the slippage of the knee out of its joint, accompanied by severe swelling and painful movement. Common signs of this injury will be the athlete on the ground grabbing their knee and not being able to lift their leg. Before moving the athlete, a possible fracture must be ruled out. Complete diagnosis and treatment will be outlined by your physician.

Treatment

Treatment may be nonsurgical or surgical, depending on the patient’s desired lifestyle. If a patient’s goal is to continue an active lifestyle, surgery may be the treatment of choice because the injury will not heel on its own. Nonsurgical therapy consists of a period of protective bracing with progressive return to range of motion and muscle-strengthening exercises. The goal is to create natural stability for the knee by developing the musculature around the knee.

Rehabilitation

The goals of rehabilitation are to restore range of motion and to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, which help stabilize the knee. Precautions you can take at home for minor ACL injuries include:

• Reduce activity during the acute phase.
• Ice the injury multiple times per day.
• Compress the knee with a bandage or wrap.
• Elevate the knee above the level of the heart.
• Use anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery.

Rehabilitation Exercises

• Quad sets: Sit with legs extended and fully contract the muscles of the front thighs. Hold contractions for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times for three sets.
• Straight leg raises (hip flexion): Lie with one leg extended and the other bent at the knee. Lift the entire leg from the hip so that the heel is about five inches above the floor. Hold this position for five to 10 seconds and then slowly lower the leg. Repeat 10 times for three sets.
• Backward leg raise (hip extension): Lie on stomach with legs straight. Lift one leg as high as possible and hold for five to 10 seconds and then slowly lower the leg. Repeat 10 times for three sets.
• Hip abduction: Lie on side of uninjured leg, so that the injured leg is on top of the uninjured leg. Lift the injured leg at the hip away from the body. Lift the leg as high as possible and hold for five to 10 seconds, then slowly lower the leg. Repeat 10 times for three sets.
• Hip adduction: Lie on side of injured leg, with uninjured leg bent at the knee and foot flat on the floor. Lift the injured leg at the hip toward the other leg. Hold for five to 10 seconds and then slowly lower the leg. Repeat 10 times for three sets.
• Half-knee bends: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly lower the body weight by bending the knees. Do not perform a full squat, but rather stop at about half of the full squat position and then fully extend the knees. If there is pain before achieving the half-squat position, stop downward travel at that point. Repeat 10 times for three sets.

ACL Injury Prevention Program

Several prevention programs have been developed in an attempt to decrease the incidence of ACL injuries. The focus of current prevention programs is on proper proprioceptive and muscle control of the knee incorporating plyometrics, balance, and strengthening and stability exercises for the lower limbs.

Illinois Bone & Joint’s ACL prevention program utilizes a combination of state of the art testing that is hard to find anywhere else. A combination of functional testing, strength testing, Proprio 5000 evaluation, and Sportsmetrics™ comprises our rigorous testing regimen. Sportsmetrics™ is the first ACL injury prevention program scientifically proven to decrease serious knee ligament injuries in female athletes. Starting with testing to identify the baseline jumping/landing knee position, the program incorporates a warm-up, flexibility training, plyometrics, strength training, and agility work. It is best used for offseason or preseason training due to the time commitment.

IBJI’s staff has conducted testing for a number of the Chicagoland area Colleges, High Schools, and club soccer teams. Please contact us for more information regarding team or individual testing and analysis.

About The Author

Matt Repa ATC/L, CES has been a Board Certified Athletic Trainer with Illinois Bone and Joint for the past 3 years. Matt is a graduate of Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he earned his bachelor degree in Athletic Training and Physical Education. As a senior he received the prestigious “Wallace Award” for excellence in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine. His soccer work experience includes DIII Collegiate Soccer, Olympic Development Program, Illinois State Cup, US Club, and Great Lakes Soccer Association.