Friday, March 30, 2012

Standing right: Mary Kneiser on back pain

Physiatrists such as Mary Kneiser state that proper posture prevents the onset of back pains.


Mary Kneiser Photo Credit: backpainpro.info



Most people pay little or no attention to the way they sit, stand, and walk. It is only when they feel back pain that they begin to think about having a correct stance. When a person is not standing or sitting properly, the back muscles are strained, and the spinal discs are heavily impacted. The discs wear out faster due to the uneven stress placed on them, and the cushioning effect of the discs is lessened. Most of the pain is centered on the lower back, where majority of the body’s weight is supported.


Physiatrists such as Mary Kneiser state that good posture habits can help in the prevention of muscle and lower back pains. Practicing good posture benefits the person in a host of ways, such as leading to improved nervous system functions, blood circulation, and digestion, among other things. To practice proper posture, certain steps can be observed such as:


Checking of the curves -- the stance usually becomes exaggerated with age; some muscles lengthen while some shorten. Some exercises can help both in stretching shortened muscles and tone lengthened muscles.

Developing posture awareness -- individuals should develop an awareness of the position of their bodies.


Mary Kneiser Photo Credit: bhls.wordpress.com



Doing posture checks -- checking one’s stance at several intervals during the day

Doing several simple posture exercises every day


Mary Kneiser Photo Credit: gamerfitnation.com


Want to know more about Mary Kneiser and proper posture? Follow Dr. Kneiser’s updates on Twitter.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Mary Kneiser: Remediating the effects of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is not the end of life. Noted physiatrist and physical rehabilitation expert Mary Kneiser, MD, offers therapy programs designed to help patients adapt to the changes attendant to PD, thereby reducing the emotional and physical pain resulting from the disease.



Mary Kneiser Photo Credit: Scienceinclusive.com



According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the disease belongs to a category of conditions known as “motor system disorders,” resulting in the stoppage of the production of dopamine in the brain cells. Parkinson’s disease has four prime symptoms:


1. Trembling in the hands, feet, arms, legs and face
2. Rigidity (stiffness in the trunk and limbs)
3. Slowness of movement (bradykenisia)
4. Postural instability



Mary Kneiser Photo Credit: Nutritionalmagnesium.org



Should the condition prove resistant to medication, surgery is one of the avenues that doctors opt to use to relieve the effects of PD.


Dr. Mary Kneiser is recognized as one of the leading authorities in the practice of physical medicine and rehabilitation, owing to her numerous awards and accolades in her chosen field. She offers therapy programs to people with musculoskeletal injuries and motor function disorders, in lieu of surgical procedures, for people with neurological ailments, including those afflicted with PD.


Parkinson’s disease is considered to be a chronic and degenerative disorder, in that the condition is long term in nature and gradually increases in severity. Though the condition afflicts both sexes, the condition is more prevalent in males and is usually seen in people over 50 years old. In the United States, it is estimated that 50,000 people are afflicted with the disease each year.



Mary Kneiser Photo Credit: Sciencedaily.com



Compensatory treatment strategies: Noninvasive treatment for PD



Therapy programs cannot stop the onset of PD nor provide a cure. But with therapy, or compensatory treatment strategies, Kneiser states that patients with PD can learn to adapt to new techniques to help them move about and learn to use specialized equipment to help with mobility to compensate for the effects of PD. Patients are taught to adapt to the effects of the disease and reduce complications, rather than resorting to surgery, which may not be the best option given their weakened physical conditions.


Do you want to know more about compensatory treatment strategies and Parkinson’s disease? You can follow Dr. Mary Kneiser on Twitter