Eat Well for Good Joint Health #Seattle #Health #Fitness

Since bones are living tissues that are constantly working to regenerate and produce new tissue material, the food that we ingest and how remain physically active is vitally important to the maximized production of healthy bone and tissue.

Below are some foods that help boost healthy bone and tissue:

Soy-Based Foods: Foods like tofu and edamame are low in fat and high in protein and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve joint pain and help with bone and tissue regeneration.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:  Extra virgin olive oil has been associated with increased levels of bone formation and regeneration. In its pure form, olive oil has a lot of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Fish: Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, herring, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. About 3-4 ounces twice a week will benefit those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Dairy Products: Low-fat milk products such as cheese and yogurt are packed with calcium and vitamin D,  which increases bone strength.

Sweet Potatoes:  a rich source of potassium and magnesium which can aid in boosting bone health.

Grapefruit: This fruit is high in vitamin C, an important vitamin that helps prevent bone loss.

Broccoli: Besides containing a high amount of vitamins C and K, broccoli also contains the compound sulforaphane, which helps slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.

Eating a diet full of these foods will aid in maximizing your bone and tissue regeneration, allowing for you to experience better range of motion and likely better quality of life.

Can an “old” treatment find new life for rotator cuff repair treatment? #AAOS #Health #Seattle

A study that was presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has demonstrated that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may reduce the pain scores and opioid use after rotator cuff repairs.  In this study, 37 patients were randomized to use either an active or a sham TENS unit during the first week after a rotator cuff repair.  
Electrical stimulation for pain control was first used in ancient Rome.  The first modern, patient wearable TENS unit was patented in the United States in 1974.  It was initially used for chronic pain patients but its use has expanded to other areas.

TENS unit

Following  arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the use of a TENS unit during the first postoperative week was associated with significantly lower pain scores and opioid pain medication use when compared to patients who received the sham TENS unit.

I have used the this treatment  as part of my shoulder pain protocol after rotator cuff repair surgery with good results.  I continue to research ways to decrease postoperative pain and improve the overall outcomes of my patients after shoulder surgery.  The study is encouraging and may provide an inexpensive and safe way of improving pain control after surgery.
 

New tech may improve overall health #Seattle #Health #Fitness

A volunteer demonstrates Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Credit: CU Boulder

As many of the know, I focus most my research time on shoulder and elbow conditions, space medicine, and reducing musculoskeletal pain, however, occasionally I will come across an article about general health that I find fascinating.  I read an article today about a 5 minute breathing treatment that was shown in a recent study to lower blood pressure, improve vascular health, boosts fitness and sharpen memory.  The treatment is called Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training.  Here is a link to the article if you would like more information.  This is a technology that I will research more as it may be a good treatment to recommend to my patients, especially those with high blood pressure or interested in increasing there fitness.