Bartz Bracing Systems - Howie Bartz

Pharmacogenetics and Pain Management – Clinical Use and Interpretation of the Common Pharmacogenetic Tests

In recent years, pharmacogenetic testing has become more common in pain management. During this time, a few cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes have been identified as being particularly important to the metabolism of certain pharmaceutical agents commonly used in pain treatment, such as opioids, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory agents. This article presents an up-to-date status and review of the pharmacogenetic markers that have relevance to pain practice.

http://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/resources/diagnostic-tests/pharmacogenetics-pain-management

Pharmacogenetics And Pain Management This article presents an up-to-date status and review of the clinical use and interpretation of the common pharmacogenetic markers that have relevance to pain management.

How to Treat Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Otherwise Known as Runner’s Knee

In medical terminology, “runners knee” is called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). It is a problem that responds very well to physiotherapy treatment and there is a reasonable amount of research evidence behind what we do. The pain arises from around or under the patella (knee-cap) and can be as a result of it not tracking properly in its groove. There are some common risk factors that can affect how the patella tracks.

Read the full article here: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2015/sep/30/running-into-problems-runners-knee-physiotherapist

Running into problems: runner's knee Continuing our series of common running injuries and how to treat them, physiotherapist Rebecca Christenson examines runner’s knee

New Study: Does taking opioids for back pain delay return to work?

Being prescribed an opioid for low back pain may keep workers off the job longer, according to a new study from McMaster University. Researchers analyzed 1,442 claims from the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and found that workers receiving disability benefits for low back pain were more likely to stay on claim if they received opioids. Back pain is a common problem among working adults in North America, with a lifetime prevalence of 63% and a point prevalence of 21%. After the common cold, low back pain (LBP) is the most frequent cause of lost time from work. Globally, LBP is the primary cause of years lived with disability.

Access the full study here: http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/8/e007836.full?sid=2934fde8-468c-493c-9b9c-06914e1f0003

Association of worker characteristics and early reimbursement for physical therapy, chiropractic... Objective To assess the association between early reimbursement for physiotherapy, chiropractic and opioid prescriptions for acute low back pain (LBP) with disability claim duration.

Take These Steps Before Considering Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery to trim or remove a torn meniscus — the cartilage that cushions your knees — is the most common orthopedic surgery in the United States. About 700,000 of the procedures are done each year, a 50 percent increase in the past 15 years.

But research shows that it’s often no better than physical therapy at easing symptoms. And in a New England Journal of Medicine study, patients who had sham surgery — in which surgeons made a small incision, then simulated the rest of the procedure — fared just as well as those who had the real deal. Other research shows that arthritis is more likely to develop in people who have the procedure than in those who don’t.

Bottom line: If you’re suffering age-related knee pain and an MRI scan reveals a tear, first try rest, ice, a knee brace, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/if-your-doctor-says-you-need-surgery-you-may-want-to-explore-other-options/2015/08/24/111c4120-09fe-11e5-a7ad-b430fc1d3f5c_story.html

If your doctor says you need surgery, you may want to explore other options It may be wiser to handle knee pain, for example, with drugs, physical therapy, rest or a brace.