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Gardening is a joyful hobby that keeps us active and connected to nature. However, spending hours tending to plants can take a toll on our bodies if we don’t take care of them properly. To help avid gardeners stay healthy and pain-free, we’ve put together some simple stretches to incorporate into your gardening routine. 1. Overhead Side Reach Stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and reach your arms overhead. Hold one wrist with the opposite hand and gently lean to the side. Feel the stretch along the side of your body. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch sides. 2. Touch Your Toes Stretch: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed at your sides. Slowly bend at the waist and reach forward, aiming to touch your toes or reach as far as you comfortably can. Let your arms hang loosely. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds, then slowly return to standing. 3. Alternating Forward and Backward Shoulder Circles Durability Exercise: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed at your sides. Slowly roll your shoulders forward in a circular motion, then switch to rolling them backward. Focus on loosening up any tension in your shoulders and upper back. Repeat this exercise for 10-15 repetitions in each direction. 4. Cat and Cow Stretch: Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists aligned under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale as you arch your back, lifting your chest and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow Pose). Exhale as you round your back, tucking your chin to your chest and drawing your belly button towards your spine (Cat Pose). Continue to flow between Cat and Cow poses for 5-10 repetitions, moving with your breath. Incorporating these stretches into your gardening routine can help improve flexibility,

Medically reviewed by Randolph J. Sealey, M.D.Bunions can be a real pain – both literally and figuratively. If you’ve been grappling with the discomfort of a bunion, you’re not alone. Many individuals find themselves longing for relief and a return to pain-free steps. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology offer a ray of hope, particularly in the realm of “MIS” – minimally invasive surgery for bunions. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how the Arthrex system, a favorite of OrthoConnecticut Foot & Ankle specialist, Dr. Randolph Sealey, is revolutionizing bunion surgery, making the journey to comfortable and pain-free feet more accessible than ever.

Medically reviewed by Justin C. Paul, M.D., Ph.D. Kyphoplasty is a revolutionary procedure for treating spinal fractures, providing both rapid relief and efficient recovery. At OrthoConnecticut, our skilled orthopedic specialists have extensive experience in performing kyphoplasty with a dedicated focus on precision and patient well-being. Prioritizing patient comfort and convenience, we offer kyphoplasty as an in-office procedure, ensuring a stress-free environment and recovery at home, which facilitates a positive experience throughout the entire process. Understanding Kyphoplasty Kyphoplasty is a specialized medical procedure designed for vertebral compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis or traumatic injuries. The process involves a small incision, inserting a balloon-like device into the fractured vertebra, gently inflating it to create space, and injecting medical-grade bone cement to stabilize and restore the bone’s height. Benefits of Kyphoplasty 1. Swift Recovery One of the primary advantages of kyphoplasty is its quick recovery period. Unlike traditional open surgeries, this minimally invasive procedure allows patients to resume normal activities sooner, promoting a faster return to a normal daily routine. 2. In-Office Convenience OrthoConnecticut takes pride in offering kyphoplasty as an in-office procedure. This means patients can receive expert care without the need for a hospital stay, ensuring the comfort of a familiar environment for the procedure and recovery at home. 3. Pain Reduction Kyphoplasty provides rapid relief from the severe pain associated with vertebral compression fractures. By stabilizing the fractured vertebra, most patients experience immediate alleviation of discomfort, enhancing overall quality of life. Why Choose OrthoConnecticut for Kyphoplasty Choosing OrthoConnecticut for kyphoplasty ensures access to highly skilled orthopedic specialists with extensive experience in performing this procedure. With a dedicated focus on precision and patient well-being, our commitment to providing exceptional care is unwavering. Orthoconnecticut Spine Specialist, Dr. Justin Paul, is excited to offer this procedure which helps so many of his

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and is often accompanied by the skin condition psoriasis. Doctors help patients identify the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Early diagnosis and management are key and there are many treatment options to alleviate discomfort and slow disease progression.

Medically reviewed by Abiola Atanda, M.D. Have you ever experienced a shooting pain, tingling, or weakness in your neck, shoulder, or arm? If so, you might be suffering from cervical radiculopathy or more commonly the term: “Pinched Nerve”, a condition that can be both uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily life. Fortunately, there are solutions available to help you regain your quality of life, and the Spine Center at OrthoConnecticut is here to provide comprehensive care, including surgical and non-surgical options. Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when a nerve in the neck, often due to compression or irritation, causes symptoms to radiate down the arm. This condition can be caused by various factors, such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or degenerative changes in the spine. The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, weakness, and numbness in the affected arm. Non-Surgical Options Surgical Options Why Choose the Spine Center at OrthoConnecticut? We are a premier destination for individuals suffering from cervical radiculopathy. Here’s why you should consider us for your spinal care: Cervical radiculopathy can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the expert care provided by the Spine Center at OrthoConnecticut, you can find relief and regain your quality of life. Whether you opt for non-surgical treatments or require surgical intervention, our team is here to guide you through the journey to recovery. Don’t let cervical radiculopathy hold you back – contact the Spine Center at OrthoConnecticut and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Related Resources:

Quadriceps tendon repair is typically needed for individuals who have sustained an injury or tear in the quadriceps tendon. Read on to learn more about general post op protocols, what the best sleeping options are post op, when one can expect to walk and exercise post op, as well as tips on speeding up recovery. The quadriceps tendon is a thick, strong tendon that connects the quadriceps muscles in the thigh to the patella (kneecap). This tendon is essential for normal knee function and allows for movements such as running, jumping, and walking. Quadriceps tendon injuries can be sustained due to a number of reasons, including: Individuals who may require quadriceps tendon repair often experience symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, difficulty walking or extending the knee, and a noticeable gap or indentation above the patella where the tendon has torn. Quadriceps tendon surgical repair is typically recommended for individuals who have significant tears or complete ruptures of the tendon. What does typical Quadricep tendon repair post op protocol look like? The postoperative recovery for Quadricep tendon repair may vary depending on the surgeon’s preferences, the extent of the injury, and individual patient factors. A general outline of a typical postoperative protocol for quadriceps tendon repair looks something like this: Immobilization Following surgery, the knee is usually placed in a hinged knee brace or a cast to protect the repair and promote healing. The immobilization period may last for several weeks, during which weight-bearing is restricted or completely prohibited. Ice and Elevation Ice therapy and elevation are commonly recommended to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Ice packs or using an ice machine can be applied to the surgical site for 15-20 minutes at a time and elevating the leg above heart level can help in the early stages of recovery.

Cracking or popping your neck occasionally is generally considered harmless for most people. It is commonly associated with the release of gas bubbles within the joints, specifically the facet joints in the neck. This release of gas can create a cracking sound. However, cracking your neck excessively or forcefully may have potential risks and should be avoided. What are some of the reasons people crack their neck? People may crack their neck for various reasons, including: What are the benefits of neck cracking? Can Cracking Your Neck Be Bad? How Can OrthoConnecticut Relieve Neck Pain? It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and what may be harmless for one person could cause issues for another. If you experience chronic neck discomfort or feel the need to crack your neck frequently for relief, it is recommended to seek professional help. OrthoConnecticut’s orthopedic specialists and chiropractors can assess your condition, provide appropriate treatment, and guide you on safe and effective ways to manage neck-related concerns. Related Resources:

World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day is an observance held on October 19th each year. The day aims to raise awareness about pediatric musculoskeletal conditions, promote early detection and treatment, and emphasize the importance of bone and joint health in children. World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day focuses on various conditions affecting the bones and joints in children, such as fractures, growth plate injuries, scoliosis, developmental dysplasia of the hip, and other musculoskeletal disorders. The goal is to educate the public, healthcare professionals and policymakers about these conditions and their impact on children’s overall health and quality of life.

Medically reviewed by Paulina Piekarska, D.P.M. A.A.C.F.A.S. Recovering from bunionectomy surgery requires time and proper care to ensure optimal healing. Here are some top tips to help you during your recovery: 1. Follow post-operative instructions: Strictly adhere to the instructions provided to you by your surgeon or healthcare provider. This includes guidelines on wound care, dressing changes, weight-bearing restrictions, and medication usage.

Juvenile arthritis (JA) refers to a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that affect children and teenagers. An autoimmune condition, the exact cause of juvenile arthritis is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is important to work with a doctor to help guide you and your child through JA. The discussion of medication, pain management, physical activity, emotional support, and diet is critical to the overall well being of your child. It can seem overwhelming, but one of the easiest changes to make in the life of a child with JA is through food.