Centers of Excellence

Category Archive: Recovery

1. Get Concussion Smart

   May 14, 2013 4:15 pm
   
   

   Football players get most of the press coverage about concussion these days, but did you know that young athletes in other sports can also suffer from a concussion? Kids who play contact sports like soccer, hockey, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, rugby can get a concussion but so can kids in non-contact sports like baseball, water skiing or mountain biking.

   What is a Concussion?

   According to the CDC, (Centers for Disease Control) “a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury or TBI caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works”.

   Parents often don’t realize that concussion can also occur from a blow to the body that makes your child’s heads “snap” back and forth violently. The CDC cautions that even a “ding” or “getting your bell rung” – incidents that seem to be only a minor blow to the head can be serious.

   Stand Up and Protect Your Child’s Long Term Health

   Dr. Willa Fornetti, a non-surgical sports medicine and sports concussion specialist at the Kennedy Center in Ripon, WI encourages parents and coaches to have young athletes fully evaluated by a medical professional if they are thought to have suffered a concussion. As a parent, stand up for your child and have them pulled from the game or activity immediately and seek professional medical treatment. Any athlete who is suspected of having a concussion, at any level of competition- whether they are in professional, collegiate, high school or youth sports- should be immediately pulled from the game or practice. This is the current recommendation based on scientific research that is endorsed by multiple medical groups who specialize in sports concussion management.

   There should be no “playing through pain” when it comes to a brain injury or a concussion. Playing smart and pulling any athlete who appears to have suffered a concussion is the best way to prevent further injury and potentially more serious long damage to athlete’s brains. Athletes have died after sustaining repeated sports concussions when they should have been taken out of the game.

   Rest Athletes for Long Term Results

   Concussion is a serious condition. Research shows that rest – both mental and physical – is the key to recovery after a concussion.

   If your child has a concussion, their brain requires time to heal. The Wisconsin State Sports Concussion Law and the CDC advocate that coaches and parents not allow their athlete to return to play the day of the injury. Not “until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says they are symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first – usually within a short time period (hours, days, weeks) – can slow recovery or increase the chances for long-term problems.”

    

2. Healing After Surgery: What Patients Need To Know

   January 16, 2013 10:40 pm
   
   

   Although healing from joint surgery can seem challenging, following your recovery plan is vital for a successful outcome. Your doctor will give you important instructions about exercises, physical therapy, and rest so that you can safely begin using your joint again. Once you return home, you are in charge of realizing the full benefits of your surgery.

   Whether you’ve had a hip, knee or shoulder replacement or arthroscopic surgery like ACL or an MCL, you and your healthcare team are partners in your recovery plan. Your instructions can include restricting certain activities. If you are an active person, avoiding strenuous tasks and overwork can be tough. It can even feel like dropping the ball during an already difficult time. While the temptation to push yourself is understandable, keep in mind that rest and limited exercise are part of your doctor’s instructions and essential for healing. The more you commit to your plan, the more quickly you can resume your normal life.

   You may also work closely with a physical therapist. Physical therapy is crucial to regaining your strength and flexibility after surgery. Depending on the type of surgery and rehabilitation, you will meet regularly with your therapist, as well as exercise at home. You may have days when you will be tempted to ease up on the regimen because of fatigue, pain, or a busy schedule. Doing so without medical advice can delay your recovery. Instead, speak with your doctor or physical therapist about any concerns.

   When managing a lengthy recovery, good planning can keep you on track. Map out the goals of each rehabilitation step with your surgeon or physical therapist. Understanding recovery milestones will enable you to see your progress and stay motivated. To help you stick with your schedule, consider asking a friend or relative to be your accountability partner.

   It is also important to plan for your needs after surgery. Many common activities such as driving will likely be off limits for several weeks, and your home setting may need to be modified. Orthopedic experts recommend that if you do not have help at home, arrange for assistance prior to surgery so that you can focus on healing afterward.

   To learn more about joint surgery, contact the trusted Wisconsin orthopedic surgeons at the Kennedy Center today by calling 920-223-0123 or toll free at 800-322-2141. Orthopedic specialists can advise you on options and what to expect with treatment and recovery. With commitment and planning, you can master your healing and achieve your fullest quality of life.

3. Exciting News at the Kennedy Center: Welcome Dr. Schaufelberger!

   November 14, 2012 9:35 pm
   
   

   Our medical director Dr. McLaughlin is excited to announce the addition of Kenneth Schaufelberger, MD as the newest member of the Kennedy Center at Mercy medical team.

   As one of the only Fellowship-trained hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeons working in the Oshkosh area, Dr. Schaufelberger truly complements the range of orthopedic services offered at the Kennedy Center.

   The Kennedy Center, home of some of the most dedicated orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin, continues to lead the region in the highest quality surgeons and staff available. We have board certified and fellowship-trained surgeons in hip and knee replacement, orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and now hand, wrist, and upper extremity care including full or partial shoulder replacement surgery.

   Dr. Schaufelberger graduated from the University of Wisconsin Medical School, in Madison, where he also completed his internship and residency in general and orthopedic surgery in 2005.

   Since 2006, Dr. Schaufelberger has been an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He was awarded the Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Professor of the Year Award in 2009 for his work. In addition, Dr. Schaufelberger has been a practicing surgeon in the Fox Cities area since 2007.

   Aside from his medical work, Dr. Schaufelberger also enjoys hunting, fishing, football, softball, weight lifting, carpentry and automobile restoration.

   On behalf of everyone at the Kennedy Center, we welcome Dr. Schaufelberger and the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder expertise that he will bring to our team of experienced surgeons.

4. Swimming: The Ideal Exercise for Arthritis Sufferers

   July 26, 2012 5:06 pm
   
   

   When you think of swimming, you probably picture summer days at the pool or lake. Swimming is more than just a fun summer activity, however. It can also be a natural way to strengthen your muscles and improve your health.

   Exercise is necessary for anyone with arthritis, a recent ACL surgery, or a hip or knee replacement. Regular exercise helps keep weight down, reducing strain on the joints and ligaments. People who have had knee replacement surgery, ligament or joint injuries, or who suffer from arthritis, may have initial trouble with high-impact exercises. Swimming provides a chance to burn calories with minimal stress on your joints.

   Swimming is a whole-body workout. Not only do you use your arms and legs, but your core muscles are constantly working to keep you afloat. At the same time, the water helps support your weight to lessen the impact of exercise on your body. Walking, aerobics, biking and running all involve repeated impact to the joints, which can cause more pain. For many people with arthritis, swimming and other low impact workouts are excellent ways to continue exercising without contributing to joint pain.

   Swimming not only helps you get in shape, but it also improves joint mobility and range of motion. As you swim, you strengthen the muscles and tissue surrounding the bones and joints. As a result, you will have greater bone strength and improve balance and stability, reducing the chances that you will cause further damage to your joints.

   Emily Kellogg, a recent surgical knee patient at the Kennedy Center, enthusiastically endorses swimming as wonderful, pain-free exercise: “I have arthritis in both knees and walking on hard surfaces like sidewalks had become too painful. Since I’ve begun swimming four to five times a week, my whole body feels better, not just my knees. My back, hips and shoulders feel stronger and the muscles are more relaxed. An added benefit is that I’m sleeping much better, too.” For many arthritis sufferers, swimming in a pool heated to at least 83 degrees helps reduce pain and stiffness. If you’re not a swimmer, you can still take advantage of the low-impact benefits of water by walking or jogging in the shallow end of the pool.

   Doctors at the Kennedy Center advocate swimming as a great way to relieve your arthritis pain while burning calories. And the best thing about swimming is that being in the water is just plain fun, helping you reduce mental as well as physical stress.

5. Proper Methods for At-Home Recovery After Knee Surgery

   March 13, 2012 6:26 pm
   
   

   A torn anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, can cause swelling of the knee and severe pain, making it nearly impossible to walk. In the past, surgeons would make a large incision to conduct knee ligament surgery. Now, most of these procedures are done as an arthroscopic surgery using tiny incisions around the knee. The recovery period is much shorter with this method and patients are often released from the hospital a few hours after surgery.

   Once home, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions. Patients are given details on wound care, pain relief, icing, elevation and leg movement. Skipping the early post-operative stretches can greatly increase the time it takes for the knee to return to normal function. Plan to be on crutches for about two weeks as the leg regains strength. Some doctors prefer that patients wear a leg brace or immobilizer for a short time after the surgery.

   Experts have found that the best way to shorten your recovery time is to work on extending your leg as soon as possible after surgery. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery, even before the leg can bear weight. Several times a day, practice contracting your thigh muscles, lifting your leg, and flexing and rotating your ankle. You may need several appointments with a physical therapist during the first 12 weeks to monitor your progress and direct your recovery.

   It’s normal to be in some pain or discomfort and have fluid around the knee after surgery. The nurses will give you a list of signs that could point to a problem, including increased redness or swelling, bleeding or excessive or increasing pain. Be sure to call your doctor if you have any questions about your condition.

   Don’t let knee or hip pain keep you from enjoying your life. A Kennedy Center orthopedic specialist in Wisconsin can evaluate your symptoms and advise you on options for knee ligament surgery or partial knee replacement. Modern surgical techniques make it easier than ever to recover from hip and knee replacement surgeries.