Better Health - December 2022

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Better Health D

EVENTS: NightWood at the Mount runs to Jan. 1, D9 MOVIES: The story behind “A Christmas Story,” D9 PROFILE: Wmass author writes for the love of it, D9

| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022

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Sports Medicine (PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK IMAGES)

By CORI URBAN

platelet rich plasma (PRP), light to stimulate a process at the University of Minnesota by hundreds of professional, stem cells and anti-inflamcalled photobiomodulation, Medical School in Minneapcollege and Olympic sports matory properties in bone which triggers increased olis. teams nationally and interDr. Connor G. Ziegler of He also offers laser theranationally in treating injuries New England Orthopedic Sur- marrow aspirate and cartilage cellular metabolism that can transplantation,” the doctor decrease inflammation and py, a non-surgical, drug-free and aiding in post-activity regeons describes himself as a pain and promote tissue heal- treatment that is adminiscovery,” he said. “We at NEOS longtime former athlete with explained. For qualifying vested interest in wellness, patients, these can be used ing,” Ziegler explained. tered directly to the skin over now offer this very same in treatment as stand-alone The benefits of regenerathe injured or painful body technology here in Western healthy habits and recovery tive medicine are numerous. part using a hand-held rollMass for our patients.” matched with strong interests injections, enhancements to in science and medicine, so surgical procedures or surTissue healing, pain relief and ing-ball applicator: “It feels For people dealing with improved recovery are the like a warm massage or ‘laser chronic pain related to their “it was a seamless segue into gical procedures themselves (cartilage transplantation). primary benefits. “Regenermassage.’” injury, Laser treatment “offers becoming a sports medicine-specialized orthopedic “More specifically, PRP can ative medicine also expands It is administered by a high- a completely safe and non-insurgeon.” enhance the body’s natural the options available to ly trained technician in the vasive option that can replace ability to heal and reduce patients seeking alternatives office. Treatments typically the need for medications and He is board certified in inflammation in arthritto surgery,” he said. “The po- last 4-7 minutes depending on the potential side effects from orthopedic surgery with ic joints and tendons,” he tential drawbacks are few, but the size, soft-tissue depth and these medications,” Ziegler sub-specialization in sports continued. PRP starts with in some cases regenerative chronicity of the condition be- said. “Laser treatment can medicine. a patient’s blood draw after medicine alone is not enough, ing treated. “The settings for also replace the need for injecIn practice for four years with New England Orthopedic Surgeons, he is affiliated with Baystate Medical Center.

One of Ziegler’s areas of special interest is regenerative medicine, which is focused on developing and applying new treatments to heal tissues and organs and restore function lost due to aging, disease, damage or defects. “Regenerative medicine has a role in - Dr. Connor G. Ziegler of New England Orthopedic Surgeons treating conditions that affect soft tissues such as disease or injury to tendons and ligaments,” he explained. “Such conditions are often referred Above: Connor Ziegler, M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon with a sub-specialty in Sports Medicine/Arthroscopy; Shoulder, Elbow, to as tendinopathy or tendon- Hip & Knee Surgery and practices at New England Orthopedic Surgeons. (PHOTO COURTESY OF NEOS) itis including patellar tendonitis, tennis elbow or Achilles which platelets are isolated and surgery with or withthe amount of energy delivtions and offer an alternative using a special device called out regenerative medicine ered are tailored individually to surgery for patients seeking tendonitis.” enhancement (PRP or bone to allow therapeutic doses to nonoperative treatment.

Regenerative medicine also a centrifuge. Platelets are has a role in conditions affect- then injected directly into the marrow aspirate) is necessary be achieved quickly,” Ziegler For people recovering from ing nerves (neuropathy) and patient’s damaged area. depending on the injury or said, describing orthopedic surgery, laser can also be used chronic pain related to arthri“Research suggests that the condition.” laser treatment as a unique to help decrease pain and What patients benefit most treatment modality that is swelling and promote healing. tis, degenerative disc disease best patients for biologics are in the early stages of osteofrom regenerative medicine used to treat muscle pain and Laser can also help accelerof the spine and myofascial arthritis or have persistent depends on the goals of the inflammation caused by acute ate recovery in athletes after conditions. tendon injuries,” he said. patient and whether the and chronic conditions as well training and competition.

There are different treat“They have exhausted other injury or condition is acute or as post-activity recovery.

There are so many applicament options within regenerative medicine. Biologics nonsurgical treatments such chronic. “Tendinopathy/tenIt uses focused light to stim- tions, which makes laser such is a subset of regenerative as rest, physical therapy and donitis conditions including ulate photobiomodulation a powerful treatment tool.” cortisone injections but are patellar tendonitis or tennis in which photons enter the Patients choose laser thermedicine that refers to cells, blood components, growth not yet thinking about joint re- elbow are conditions particu- injured tissue and trigger a bi- apy over traditional treatfactors, human donor tissue placement or other surgeries.” larly suitable for regenerative ologic cascade that leads to in- ments/procedures because, Another unique offering medicine along with muscle creased cellular metabolism, as the doctor noted, with and other natural substances that replace or harness the at NEOS is orthopedic laser strains,” said Ziegler, who did which can decrease pain and orthopedic laser treatment, body’s own power to promote treatment. “Orthopedic laser his internship and residency inflammation and accelerate there is no risk: “You will not healing and decrease inflam- treatment is a non-invasive at University of Connecticut tissue healing. “There is good get burned or injured doing it.

It is a safe treatment altermation. “The biologic options and completely non-harmful Health Center in Farmington scientific evidence for this modality that uses focused and attended medical school treatment, and it is utilized native that can help patients our physicians offer include Special To The Republican

“It is important to have multiple treatment options for our patients to help them achieve the best possible results. Laser treatment is an integral component of what we are able to offer our patients here at NEOS.”

avoid or diminish the need to take medications and thereby avoid unwanted side effects.”

Laser can also be used in combination with other treatments and be part of a multimodal pain and recovery plan to restore function and quality of life.

Laser therapy and regenerative medicine have enhanced the lives of patients by relieving pain. “Relieving pain is an extremely powerful thing for many people improving their mental and physical wellbeing. The power of diminishing pain and restoring function cannot be understated,” Ziegler said. “It is important to have multiple treatment options for our patients to help them achieve the best possible results. Laser treatment is an integral component of what we are able to offer our patients here at NEOS.” Ziegler takes a personal interest in biologics and providing multimodal care. He was the recipient of the 2019 American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Excellence in Research Award for his research in biologics.

The project and publication for this award is “Characterization of Growth Factors, Cytokines and Chemokines in Bone Marrow Concentrate and Platelet Rich Plasma: A Prospective Analysis,” which was published in 2019 in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

New England Orthopedic Surgeons is made up of 18 physicians, 29 physician assistants and advance practice registered nurses and 180 employees. Serving the region for more than 30 years, it has a strong tradition of community support and charitable giving.

For more information, go to neortho.com.

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D2 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Exercise Safely to avoid injury during workouts

How to avoid

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ny time is a great time to get in shape. People with more time on their hands may want to begin an exercise regimen right away.

When proper form is followed, exercise can be highly effective. However, failing to exercise properly can result in injuries that sidetrack fitness plans.

Exercise is a significant component of a healthy lifestyle. The U.S. Surgeon General, the Institute of Medicine, the American Heart Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine all say that daily physical activity is necessary, but recommendations from these groups vary in regard to how much exercise is best.

Harvard Medical School says most people should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise or 15 minutes of intense exercise a day.

As important as duration of exercise can be, proper form is a must. The following are some ways to avoid injury while exercising.

Speak with a doctor before beginning an exercise regi-

men, especially if it has been some time since you last exercised. A physician will tell you if there are certain workouts or activities you should avoid, or give you a green light. Discuss exercise each time you get a physical.

Consider a personal trainer Many people do not know where to start their exercise journeys. A personal trainer can help you begin safely and structure a fitness plan that becomes more challenging as your body acclimates to exercise. Personal trainers also can hold you accountable. Many trainers work independently and may offer guidance remotely through services like Skype, FaceTime or Zoom.

intensity gradually can help prevent some of these injuries. Choosing non-impact exercises, such as swimming, or using an elliptical machine, can be helpful if you have a preexisting condition like arthritis or osteoporosis or a history of injury.

Warm up

Don’t start workouts cold.

Spend several minutes stretching and gradually increasing your heart rate.

Exercise caution

when lifting weights. Get instructed on the proper form for lifting weights, as there is a risk for serious injury when not following form. Spotters are key when lifting heavy weights or if you’re jittery after an intense routine. Ask a friend or family member to spot you any time you’re Begin slowly doing strength training. This Harvard Medical School excan prevent injuries and perts say that sprains, muscle emergencies. strains, tendinitis, knee injuNovices need to learn the ries, and rotator cuff tears are ropes when they begin to exercise for the first time or some of the more common exercise- and sports-related after a long pause in physical activity. injuries. Slowly wading into the water and building up

Repetitive Strain Injuries R

epetitive strain injuries can upset workflow and compromise exercise routines. Though such injuries are often characterized as nuisances, for many people they’re much more than a minor inconvenience.

Data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration indicates that repetitive strain injuries (RSI) affect roughly 1.8 million workers in the United States each year.

Such injuries are common across the globe, as researchers in Sweden estimate that roughly one in 50 workers is suffering from the symptoms of RSI. These injuries also are not limited to adults, with one study from researchers at Australia’s University of Technology finding that 60 percent of children suffered discomfort when using a laptop.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that RSI most commonly affect certain parts of the body, including fingers and thumbs, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders and

knees.

These areas of the body are vulnerable when people routinely engage in activities in which they repeat the same motions. For example, office workers who spend eight hours a day typing away at their computers may develop RSI in their fingers, thumbs, wrists, and/or elbows. Such workers need their jobs, so what are they and others who suffer work-related RSI to do? Prevention of RSI is not always so easy, but individuals can try various strategies to reduce their risk of developing RSI.

neutral position and alleviate wrist pain that results from typing all day. Mouse rest pads serve a similar function and can be equally effective.

A keyboard and mouse pad should be low enough to allow users to relax their shoulders.

Consider replacing your desk and/or chair

Desks and chairs also could increase risk for RSI if it they are not compatible. Office workers should be able to pull their chairs beneath their desk when they’re sitting and working. If the desk is too Make adjustments to small or low to the ground to allow that, or if the chair your workstation is not adjustable so it can be Individuals whose RSI are a pulled up to the edge of the byproduct of sitting at a desk desk while working, workand working on a computer ers’ posture could suffer, as they will be forced to lean all day long can adjust their workstations to see if this into their desk and narrow helps reduce strains. For extheir shoulders when typing. ample, a keyboard wrist rest is The Cleveland Clinic notes an inexpensive accessory that that improving posture helps can be placed between users people avoid putting extra stress on their bodies that can and their keyboards to keep their wrists contribute to RSI. in a

Get up and walk around

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Hampden Hearing Center in East Longmeadow recently welcomed a new Audiologist to its staff.

Jamie Conti earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences with a minor in American Sign Language and a Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from the University of Connecticut. She worked as a Staff Audiologist at an Ear Nose and Throat practice in New Haven, Connecticut, before joining the team at Hampden Hearing Center. Dr. Conti is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is certified through the American Board of Audiology. She is licensed as an Audiologist by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the state of Connecticut.

Dr. Conti Is Accepting New Patients 200North NorthMain MainStreet Street• North • North Building 200 Building Suite103 103• •East EastLongmeadow, Longmeadow, MA Suite MA

413-525-7979 413-525-7979

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Prolonged periods of sitting can increase the risk of RSI. Sitting at a desk all day long without taking routine breaks means those parts of your body vulnerable to RSI, such as the wrists, elbows and shoulders, are not moving all day. The strain that puts on these parts of the body increases RSI risk, which underscores the importance of taking routine breaks.

Stretch before sitting down Stretching may be something associated with a workout routine, but the principles of stretching also apply to sitting at a desk. Exercise enthusiasts stretch to loosen and protect their muscles and tendons from injury, and the same idea can safeguard office workers as well. Some simple stretches throughout the day can keep muscles and tendons in the hands, elbows and shoulders loose and reduce the risk of RSI. Individuals vulnerable to repetitive strain injuries can employ various techniques to reduce the likelihood that these painful and potentially debilitating conditions develop.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022 | D3

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Lowering young athletes

Injury Risks A

(PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK IMAGES)

thletes are at risk of injury any time they step onto a field or court or into another competitive arena. Adults competing in sports may recognize that risk, but children often do not, which can make it difficult for young athletes to cope with injuries that prevent them from playing their favorite sports.

Stanford Children’s Health notes that roughly 30 million children in the United States participate in some form of organized sports every year.

Data from the Aspen Sports Institute indicates that youth sports participation in Canada

has been in decline over the last decade. However, that same data indicates that more than 52 percent of girls between the ages of six and 12 and roughly 61 percent of boys in that same age group participate in organized sports in Canada.

Modern parents may not be as quick to encourage participation in certain sports as their own mothers and fathers were. That could be due to the increased availability of information about the long-term effects of injuries suffered in contact sports like football, field hockey and even soccer. For example, the risk of head injuries, and a

growing amount of research as to the long-term effects of such injuries have led many parents to discourage their youngsters from participating in football.

Such decisions can be difficult. Parents who want their children to get all the benefits of organized sports participation can take steps to reduce young athletes’ risk of injury.

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even those who haven’t suffered injuries, to recover.

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Increase flexibility.

Stretching should be part of everyone’s daily fitness routine, and young athletes are no exception.

Stretching exercises after games and practices can increase flexibility. The Mayo Clinic notes that stretching may improve range of motion in the joints and decrease risk of injury.

Schedule down time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to plan at least one Make sure the right day off from training per week techniques are foland at least one month off lowed and the right from training per year. These gear is worn. The AAP advises breaks allow young bodies, parents to ensure kids follow

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the correct techniques when performing exercises. Poor form in the weight room can increase young athletes’ risk of injury. Coaches often supervise strength-training regimens on campus, but parents should keep watchful eyes on youngsters who work out at home or without the supervision of a coach. The right gear, which includes protective cups, eyewear and mouthpieces, also should be worn at all times. Parents can periodically inspect gear to ensure it’s not worn down.

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athletes often cite the necessity of playing through pain. But young athletes should never play through pain, as their bodies are still developing and could suffer considerable damage if they try to play through injuries, however minor such injuries may seem.

Parents must work together with their children to reduce youngsters’ risk of suffering sports-related injuries. More information about reducing youth sports injuries can be found at www.aap.org.

Discourage the attitude to “play through pain.” Professional

New England Orthopedic Surgeons is the regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. NEOS® is the only sub-specialized comprehensive orthopedic surgical practice in Western Massachusetts.

® neortho.com

413-785-4666

300 Birnie Avenue, Suite 201, Springfield, MA 265 Benton Drive, East Longmeadow, MA 975 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA 325B King Street, Northampton, MA 1 Moody Street, Ludlow, MA