Progressive Resistance Training: A Way to Combat Persistent Pain after Breast Cancer Treatment
Persistent pain is among the most common adverse effects to breast cancer and its treatments. It affects 25-60% of patients and can linger for several years as a source of considerable physical and psychological distress. Among other things, pain after breast cancer is a primary source of upper limb dysfunction and has been associated with […]
Waste No Time: A standardized approach to the collapsed athlete
As emergency medicine and sports medicine physicians, we have advocated for all sideline providers to not just be basic life support (BLS) certified but consistently prepare themselves mentally to manage the complex and emotionally charged scene of the collapsed athlete. All sports medicine providers and sideline personnel should reflect on the event that unfolded on […]
Adolescents with Sport-Related Concussion Recover Faster When They Adhere to an Aerobic Exercise Prescription
Patients with sport-related concussion have traditionally been advised to employ strict physical and cognitive rest until all of their symptoms resolve, i.e., until they become asymptomatic. This “cocoon therapy” was based largely upon animal research showing that early uncontrolled physical activity delayed recovery from simulated concussion. Emerging evidence over the past decade, however, demonstrates that there is […]
When Should I Get an X-ray for My Foot or Ankle Injury?
Follow these guidelines when evaluating an ankle injury, shared by Kyle Samyn, D.O.
Cancer Survivors with Chronic Fatigue Display Rapid Impairments in Muscle Function During Exercise
Cancer-related fatigue (C-rF) is a debilitating symptom that affects around one-third of people for months or years after cancer treatment. While the etiology of C-rF remains uncertain, it has been demonstrated that cancer survivors with C-rF display impaired exercise tolerance compared with those without C-rF, with the degree of exercise intolerance associated with chronic fatigue […]
Low Fit Patients with Breast Cancer May Not Complete Chemotherapy
Several international guidelines and position statements have recommended that exercise should be embedded as standard practice in cancer care. The main argument for this has been symptom control, in particular for fatigue. Exercise during or after cancer treatment also improves quality of life, physical and role functioning, and reduces anxiety and depression. Following the 2018 […]
The Role of Acute Physical and Mental Activity in Concussion Recovery
The debate over the best methods for concussion recovery has been a key challenge to sports medicine providers over the last several decades. While rapid return to play, particularly when still symptomatic, is obviously inappropriate, the early recommendations suggested complete rest. This is sometimes referred to as “cocoon therapy,” where the patient is instructed to […]
The Importance of Sleep for Health
When we think about the most important actions that we can take to protect our health, we usually consider behaviors such as partaking in regular physical activity or eating a nutritious diet. Yet, an often-overlooked aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is sleep. Sleep has serious implications for your physical and mental health. Adequate sleep […]
Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer
This chart outlines the effects of exercise on health-related outcomes in those with cancer. The guide features evidence-based physical activity recommendations and the associated benefits for specific symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatments.
Training the Nervous System after Stroke
Neurotraumatic injury such as stroke is not typically symmetrical. So, it is no surprise that such damage results in a more affected side, which results in more dramatic muscle weakness and spasticity. However, evidence suggests that some human movements have conserved neural linkages even post-stroke. Thus, training the more affected side made indeed enable the […]