NOVA Pain and Rehab Academy Blog

Dr. Moses, Dr. Dispenza, and the Capitol Hill Runners

2008-09-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

Every few weeks, bright and early on Saturday mornings, Dr. Dispenza and Dr. Moses head out to meet with the Maryland Team in Training group or the Capitol Hill Runners. The groups are full of energy in the mornings as they train for the Marine Corps. Marathon, as well as, some walking events, half’s, ten-K, and the like.

Unfortunately, along with the training some injuries inevitably come up, this is where we come in. Before the runners get started with their stretching and training, we’ll have a line of runners with various maladies, such as shin splints, Achilles pain, back pain, etc...So what we do is set up a treatment table and administer treatment, give tips on taping options, and help them reduce the chance of permanent injury while continuing to train.

Of course, some injuries are beyond our five minute treatment protocol, and the athlete may need to rest the injury, and put off training for a while. When the final runners have arrived, we cover the runner’s injury prevention tip of the day. Topics usually pertain to the injury that we have treated or talked about for most during the morning. Going over treatment and prevention for Achilles pain, hip flexor tightness, shin splints, lower back pain…etc is also covered. The group’s are always attentive and ask insightful questions afterward. Then they go off on their training run that day, armed with the knowledge that will keep them running. We get to run a bit with the group before heading on back to the office for a 9am appointment

Marshall A. Dispenza D.C.

Michael Moses D.C.

Gait Analysis

2008-07-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop for the personal trainers from Gold’s gym in Clarendon. As a seasoned triathlete and marathon runner I instructed the trainers on how to properly assess the gait of their clients who are training for a fall marathon.

Some of the topics that were discussed and demonstrated were:

1. A static and dynamic biomechanical assessment of joint and muscle flexibility / strength

2. Gait Analysis from several angles at various

3. Running/walking technique and tips to help coach their clients to a faster, smoother running/walking stride.

4. Analysis of current footwear and recommendations for shoes/orthotics if necessary

The goal of performing a runners gait analysis is to identify specific weaknesses in strength and flexibility which affect efficiency of a runner. I use a video camera in my office to give a great visual as to how a runners gait has adapted to compensate for specific weaknesses in their muscles over time. There is no extra charge for the gait analysis and anyone is welcome to make an appointment. Please contact Dr. Michael Moses at caprehab@gmail.com for any questions.

Sciatica Alert - Things You Need to Know!

2008-07-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

Wow - another busy day at work today. It seems there’s no end to the people who hurt themselves….While sitting in their chair at work.

This morning I performed an exam on a 40 year old man who has had sciatica in one leg or the other for the past 15 years. Having been a Chiropractor for almost 13 years now, one of the biggest rehab challenges I have seen my patients struggle with the “why me” mindset. Having sciatica is life altering - no 2 ways about it - but you have to admit to yourself that a problem exists and, give it all you’ve got to eradicate the cause of the problem. Sitting around taking medicine and moping day after day will only prolong you’re problem. With that in mind, here is my stab at helping people with a common ailment called sciatica.

Sciatica can be debilitating, it can at times be helped by you and other times you need help. There are things you need to know so you can understand what you can do or whether you need help.

Sciatica is often confused. It can be a serious condition or it may be an irritation that is easily corrected. How do you know? Answer three questions, and then decide whether you can correct your sciatica yourself or you need to seek help.

Questions:

1. Does your sciatica radiate?

The sciatic nerve can be irritated in the lower back, pelvis, and as a result of muscular tightness in the buttock. If you have lower back pain and the pain travels out to the buttock, this can still be sciatica. It is just a lesser form and easily corrected with various lower back stretches, exercises orthotics and joint adjustments. If your lower back pain travels down the leg to your foot or ankle, then the sciatic nerve is irritated at a greater level. The further your sciatica travels, generally speaking, the worse the condition. If this sounds like you, professional advice and treatment is indicated.

2. What type of sciatic pain to do you have?

Pain type is indicative of severity. Most people with sciatica will experience pain, it may be a gnawing, and toothache feeling or it may throb or shoot down the leg. Others will have a numb feeling and some may experience the muscles not holding their strength. If you assess the type of pain, you can see how serious it is. Nerves, when irritated, exhibit definite pain patterns. The outer fibers of the nerve create what is called paraesthesia – which mean altered sensation. You may experience tingling, the gnawing feeling, and a sensation of numbness. The numbness is a sensation not a reality. You can check this by pinching the area or using a pin prick. If you still feel pain with these then you have paraesthesia not true numbness.

The deeper layers of the nerve then cause the sharper, definite pain. The deepest levels will cause actual numbness and loss of muscle power, strength and endurance. If you experience symptoms of the deeper layer disturbances, then professional help is essential. The lesser pain types can be usually corrected with many self help exercises and the use of ice.

3. What caused your sciatica?

If you have had a fall or injury then sciatica needs attention. Sciatica at times is caused by disc injuries and spinal conditions that relate to joint instability. These need to be assessed and treated accordingly. Although the majority of sciatic nerve irritation comes after situations that appear completely normal. Your normal daily activity should not cause sciatica, however a build up of tension can lead to sciatic nerve problems. A good example of this would be sitting in a poorly designed chair 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week.

If you have not had trauma, and your health is generally okay, your sciatica will most likely respond to some simple core strengthening, daily icing and stretching exercises that you can use at home. It can ease and disappear quickly. Sciatica is common and easily corrected. Email Dr. Moses for you’re sciatica eliminating exercises or question at caprehab@gmail.com

Nova Pain and Rehab Tames Cape Fear Rugby

2008-07-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

54 teams competed in the Cape Fear Rugby Sevens tournament over the July 4^th weekend. Dr. Moses performed Physio duties for both the NOVA men’s and NOVA woman’s rugby clubs during the 2 days of hard hitting rugby action. Dr. Moses had the opportunity to work with members of the select Fiji army rugby club who lost to the NOVA men in an entertaining closely contended final. Players from the Kenyan and Samoa national teams were also in attendance.

On the woman’s side, NOVA scored on the last play of the match to narrowly beat a select team from the North East. Despite some nagging injuries and bruises, the girls were able to hang in long enough to take home the cup.

The post game party was sponsored by Billy Gardner at his beach house in Wrightsville beach. The Fiji Army team stormed the party, sang songs, drank and danced for a few hours. Several NOVA players were overheard talking about what a great party it was, but no details are allowed to be discussed here . I guess what happens in Wrightsville beach stays…..