Health Blog

Take Steps to Lower the Risk of ACL Injury this Sports Season

Aug 3^rd  2018 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high school athletes account for about 2 million injuries and around a half-million doctor visits each year. But few of these injuries, says Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge, are as costly to a student-athlete and his or her family that a torn ACL.

“An ACL tear in the knee will often lead to surgery and months of rehabilitation,” said Runge, owner and clinic director of Excel Physical Therapy in Oshkosh. “Often, I’ll see many of these student-athletes during post-surgery rehabilitation, but I’d much rather see them before that – when our goal is preventing this all-too common injury from happening in the first place.”

One of four major ligaments in the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of tissue that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone.

Dog Owners More Likely to Meet Fitness Benchmarks

Jul 5^th  2018 

It turns out our furry friends have more to offer us than companionship and unconditional love. According to Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge, multiple studies show that dog owners are generally healthier and more likely to meet national fitness benchmarks than non-owners. 

How likely? According to the American Heart Association, dog owners are 54 percent more likely to get the recommended level of physical activity each day. 

“In general, pet ownership has proven to lead to a number of great health benefits associated with happiness, reducing stress and lowering blood pressure,” said Runge, owner and clinic director of Excel Physical Therapy in Oshkosh.

Bad posture can ‘sneak up’ as shoulder pain as you age

Jun 1^st  2018 

Shoulder pain in older adults often appears suddenly, as if caused by a sudden trauma or injury. But for some, says Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge, shoulder injuries are often the result of musculoskeletal conditions that occur more often with age,  more specifically worsening  posture and tight muscles.

“Some people may think ‘I slept on it wrong’ or ‘I pulled something in my shoulder,” but the truth might point to something more long-term,’” said Runge, owner and clinic director at Excel Physical Therapy in Oshkosh.

Protect your back in the yard & garden this spring

Apr 27^th  2018 

Longer, warmer days mean more time outdoors – and more time in the yard and garden raking, lifting, digging, hauling, spreading, pushing, and so on. Whether you consider this work enjoyable or intolerable, Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge has a message for all who partake in gardening and landscaping this spring: watch your back.

“When gardening and working in the yard, a lot of your movement takes place in a bent position, which is unnatural on the body and, over time, can lead to lower-back pain,” said Runge, owner and clinic director of Excel Physical Therapy in Oshkosh.

Focus on Strength, Balance Exercises to Prevent Falls

Mar 30^th  2018 

During a time when the U.S. is so focused on reducing the cost of overall medical expenses, Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge shared a staggering number that, according to medical professionals, could be significantly reduced through preventative care: $67.7 billion.

That, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will be the total cost for fall injuries experienced by older Americans (65+) in the year 2020. Medicare and Medicaid will cover about three-quarters of these costs.

Repetitive movements can cause pain, injury in new parents

Mar 2^nd  2018 

While injuries such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow — known as repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) — are often linked to an occupation or some type of sports or recreation activity, Oshkosh physical therapist Stephanie Shoemaker points out that the physical rigors of parenting can often lead to a similar level of pain and discomfort.

The continual lifting, carrying, reaching and twisting so common to parents of babies and toddlers, Shoemaker says, make moms and dads susceptible to suffering RSIs.

Exercise May Improve Your Memory

Feb 2^nd  2018 

Orthopedic professionals such as physicians and physical therapists often refer to the human body’s kinetic chain – the notion that all bones, joints and “links” are connected, and that movement in one area can affect function in all areas. 

While not officially part of the kinetic chain, it turns out the human brain is affected by (and can benefit from) bodily movement and exercise, as well, says Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge. 

“Medical research have long supported the concept that movement is medicine when it comes to aging well and living a long and active life,” said Runge, owner and clinic director of Excel Physical Therapy in Oshkosh.

Be safe by being aware of the signs of overtraining

Jan 4^th  2018 

As the New Year serves as the starting line for many who are bound and determined to get into shape this year, Oshkosh physical therapist Robert Runge is quick to remind well-meaning people that overtraining is a real thing – and if it’s not identified early, it can derail your efforts before they truly get started.

“Being a physical therapist, I understand that when you’re truly motivated to reach a goal – when you want to achieve higher fitness levels quickly – the natural tendency can be to push yourself hard and fast,” said Runge, owner and clinic director of Excel Physical Therapy in Oshkosh.