Product recalls are not uncommon in America. Most often you hear it related to automobiles – a part is giving out, or is faulty and needs to be replaced. It’s an inconvenience to bring your car back in for a day, but (aside from finding a ride) isn’t a major issue. But what if …
Discover various rebounder exercises and how they can benefit patients. Learn more from Reflex Knee Specialists. Exercise is often associated with cumbersome equipment, such as treadmills, bulky free weights, and complicated weightlifting machines. However, there’s one aerobic exercise that can be effective while minimalizing joint damage, and all you need to perform it is a …
Rebounding and Trampoline Exercises: Everything You Need to Know Read More »
Gain a better understanding of knee replacement surgery and non-surgical treatments. Learn more from Reflex Knee Specialists. A knee that functions well enables a person to run, dance, climb stairs, and enjoy their favorite hobbies. When something’s not right, it can limit a person’s ability to participate in these activities. Whether it’s chronic pain, a …
For many people, chronic knee pain isn’t just uncomfortable, it can affect their ability to perform even the simplest tasks and hinder their favorite activities. Fortunately, osteoarthritis knee treatments are available for short-term and long-term relief. Two common treatments include steroids and viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid). Here, the team at Reflex Knee Specialists compares these two …
Bracing and strengthening exercises can help reduce sudden knee buckling. Learn more from Reflex Knee Specialists. If your knee unexpectedly gives out with no warning, you may be experiencing a symptom known as knee buckling. This condition, which can be sudden, might be accompanied by popping, catching, or locking sensation in the knee joint. It …
Knee Buckling: Causes, Treatments, and Exercises Read More »
Taking care of yourself when you have knee osteoarthritis (OA) also means taking care of your knee pain. Trying treatments that you enjoy and that reduce knee pain can make your everyday care something to look forward to. Whether your goal is to reduce the amount of NSAID pain relievers you take (like Ibuprofen) or to keep your knees healthy …
Osteoarthritis: Tips on Self-Care Strategies for Knee Pain Read More »
Gas Pedal Knee: Understanding This Common Condition and How to Treat It If you’ve ever taken a long road trip, you’ve probably had the feeling of stiff or sore muscles after being cooped up in the car for hours. As Americans spend more time in their cars, a condition known as gas pedal …
Gas Pedal Knee: Understanding This Common Condition and How to Treat It Read More »
A knee brace can offer pain relief for patients with arthritis or an acute knee injury. Learn more from Reflex Knee Specialists. Offloading Knee Brace: What Is It and When to Use It When it comes to addressing knee pain, surgery can be invasive and requires extensive recovery time. There are several conservative treatments that …
Offloading Knee Brace: What Is It and When to Use It Read More »
One aspect that makes knee osteoarthritis such a terrible disease is that in its earliest stages, this joint-destroying process usually causes no symptoms. By the time symptoms arise, irreversible structural damage has already occurred. Knee Osteoarthritis is an incurable disease that slowly destroys a joint over time. The joint most commonly affected is the knee, …
No Knee Pain? Joint Damage Occurs Before Pain Begins Read More »
If you’re a runner, it’s likely that you have experienced some sort of discomfort, ache or pain along the way. In fact, it has been reported that as many as 90% of runners miss training time each year due to injuries. Fortunately, running pains are not necessarily an inevitability. A good warmup prior to exercising …
It is estimated that between 50-75% of running-related injuries are caused by overuse. You may be wondering if “overuse” simply means running too much… and that can be part of it. However, there’s a lot more to consider than just your mileage. We will go through and discuss each of the primary issues that …
Whether you want to slow the progress of Osteoarthritis or prevent future issues, part of the easy steps to keeping your joints healthy is to add in some Vitamin D! According to Katherine Zeratsky, Registered Dietician at the Mayo Clinic, “Vitamin D deficiency can cause your bones to become thin, brittle or misshapen”. Because …
Congratulations on making the decision to do something about your knee pain and coming in to see us at Reflex! We know in the medical world that a visit to a doctor’s office is not always pleasant. That’s why from the moment you walk in the door, we are here to make your appointment easy …
According to a 2011 Annals of Internal Medicine article, 25% of American adults suffer from frequent knee pain. This can limit work, life, and mobility. In those adults over age 50, osteoarthritis of the knee is the most frequent cause of knee pain. Adolescent athletes injure the knee joint more commonly than other joints. For these young athletes, injuries …
Knee Injury Treatment: How to Manage the Pain and Heal Read More »
A sedentary lifestyle is a known risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). However casual running is, possibly to your surprise, a way to keep your knees healthy. Osteoarthritis is a painful disease that can keep people from staying active, despite the known benefits of keeping your knees moving. The pain of OA leads many people to …
Running with Arthritic Knees: It’s Actually Good for You Read More »
If you have knee pain, chances are the words ‘physical activity’ are not your favorite. Thankfully, several new studies are showing the benefits of simple ways to keep moving and improve knee function. Whether you enjoy group classes or quiet time alone, there is something for everybody! Join the Resistance Aquatic resistance …
Your knees are an essential part of your life. Whether playing sports or just walking around the grocery store, your knees help keep you moving. It’s no surprise, that knee pain can very quickly affect your daily routine. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 18 million people a year seek treatment from a physician …
Pain-free traveling is a necessity when heading out for a trip. Changing up your routine with additional walking and standing during a trip can aggravate your knees causing pain. You can prevent many common causes of knee pain while traveling by using the following simple tips; turning that dreaded flight or car ride into …
You should know the difference before you choose Given the cost of private insurance, Medicare can be a retiree’s saving grace. We encounter patients who praise their Medicare Advantage plan and others who swear by their Medicare combined with Medigap (also called supplementary plan or supplement). The plans differences are great in helping …
The Differences Between Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans Read More »
Benefits of an Off-Loading Knee Brace Knee braces designed to off-load the more diseased compartment of the knee have also been used to provide symptomatic relief. These low-risk, noninvasive unloader braces have increasingly been used as a conservative treatment modality for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Characterized by persistent pain, chronic inflammation and limited function, knee …
An international panel of experts has strongly recommended against arthroscopic surgery for nearly everyone with ‘degenerative knee disease.’ The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 5.7 million visits to the doctor each year are due to knee pain. Arthroscopic knee surgery for osteoarthritis is the most common orthopedic procedure …
Pain. We have all experienced it. Although pain is a normal part of life, when it becomes debilitating, it not only makes your job more difficult, it also impacts activities of daily living and can take a toll that goes far beyond joint pain. Causes of Knee Pain Office environments can be harder …
Living with Arthritis The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than 27 million American adults have received an osteoarthritis diagnosis. Since osteoarthritis is a growing problem, it is important that massage therapists know the benefits of touch for their clients who suffer with pain from this disease. Osteoarthritis is a …
Increasing Body Weight On The Rise Obesity is on the rise around the world and has doubled in the last 40 years. Today, about 2 billion people in the world are overweight and about 600 million are obese. This means that about 35% of the world’s population is above a normal body weight. In …
Increasing Body Weight Puts Strain On Knee Joints Read More »
Inflammation in the body is a common response to damage. When the body is injured, it releases chemicals and white blood cells to heal and rebuild. Chronic inflammation is when the body’s inflammatory response is abnormal and goes on for longer than it should. In this situation, inflammation happens even when there is no injury. …
Running Reduces Inflammation and Promotes Knee Health Read More »
The annual rate of total knee replacement surgery (TKR) has nearly doubled in the last two decades, especially in middle-aged patients. One of the reasons for this increase has been allowing patients with less severe symptoms of knee arthritis to undergo surgery. Studies Show Knee Replacement Does Not Significantly Improve Quality of …
Does Knee Replacement Surgery Improve Quality of Life? Read More »
Reflex is committed to providing patients with the best experience possible. As patients ourselves, we understand that the process of seeing a doctor can be cumbersome. The experience can be a stressful, especially if awaiting diagnosis or important test results. Patient Ally aims to change that. Coming new to the Reflex clinic, Patient …
When mentioning osteoarthritis (OA), many people quickly associate it with old age. Though it is less common, OA and early onset osteoarthritis affects a significant number of younger individuals. Because of these age-centered thoughts, an OA diagnosis can be alarming and confusing. While it can seriously affect a person’s life, OA is a treatable condition. …
It is easy to remember the “what” when it comes to dieting; vitamins, minerals, proteins and sugars. These terms go hand-in-hand with healthy eating. It’s not as easy to remember the “why.” Why do we need to eat dark leafy greens? Why should I pick whole grain wheat bread over white? For the informed …
For years doctors have seen that anecdotal evidence clearly shows a correlation between distance running and its relationship with osteoarthritis (OA) for the knees and hips. That has led them to try to determine the causation between the two. We take a look at three different medical journals to try and determine if long distance running …
Promising new treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA) and acute injuries such as meniscal tears are in progress. Researchers are closer than ever to finding the way to regrow cartilage and tissue. But while extensive clinical trials are still underway, regenerative treatments are considered experimental by the FDA which means knee replacement surgery might seem like their best option for many people. Need …
I have been working in wellness for 28 years. I attended the University of Oregon where I received my B.S. in Exercise Science and my M.S. in Sports Medicine with minors in Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics. Finding the Path When I began working in the wellness field, I was an athletic trainer working …
Everyday Athletes : A Personal Trainers Perspective Read More »
A part of our treatment plan for a vast majority of our patients is physical therapy. Ensuring that the body functions properly is essential to maintaining mobility and eliminating or preventing pain. But after completing physical threrapy patients are often not sure what the next step is in their health and fitness journeys. You finished Physical Therapy, now …
Gas Pedal Knee and Runners Knee are the two overuse injuries we see most commonly in our clinic. This week we take a look at what causes them, how they differ from each other, and how to treat them. What are Overuse Injuries? Overuse injuries are most common in individuals over the age …
If you’re experiencing knee pain at night, this is a common symptom, and may be a sign, of osteoarthritis (OA). Activity throughout the day can cause knees with any level of degeneration to tire and inflammation to increase, causing pain at the end of the day. If this pain keeps you from getting quality sleep at night, your …
Waking up on her 30th birthday to pain in her thumbs, later associated with osteoarthritis (OA), came as no surprise to Dr. Fran Lawson. “With OA, it’s genetics. My mom [who went to medical school as well] understood what it was and she had OA everywhere; her spine, her hands, her knees, she would medicate with NSAIDs, but …
The Life and Language of Osteoarthritis – Part 1 Read More »
Health experts say we should walk 10,000 steps a day, bust most Americans average only half that many. Walking regularly is great for your health and can help reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Thanks to tracking products like Fit Bit and Vivoactive monitoring your step count has become all the rage …
In our last blog entry for our Understanding Health Insurance series, we discussed the general differences between a secondary plan and a supplemental plan. This week, we are taking a look at how it works when Medicare is your secondary payer. How do you know when Medicare is your Secondary Payer (MSP)? As we …
Medicare as a Secondary Payer – Understanding Health Insurance, Part 6 Read More »
Did you know that in addition to your primary health insurance policy, you can also have a secondary or supplemental plan? While a secondary or supplemental plans sound similar to each other, they function very differently. In this week’s blog, we break down the differences between these types of insurance policies, so you can …
Secondary Plans – Understanding Health Insurance, Part 5 Read More »
The last time you visited the doctor’s office or were treated for a medical issue, you may have received a document in the mail from your insurance company clearly marked, “NOT A BILL.” Although this paperwork can indeed appear as an invoice at first glance, it is actually what your insurance company refers to as …
What is an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)? – Understanding Health Insurance, Part 4 Read More »
Be Active on your Road to Recovery Prior to a procedure for your knee, your independence will be limited because of the following symptoms: swelling, difficulty bending and straightening your knee, and decreased strength. These limitations will contribute to difficulty with walking, squatting, and negotiating stairs – in addition to higher level activities …
Previously on the Reflex blog, we discussed out of pocket costs and preauthorization, as they relate to your health insurance coverage. Today we’d like to cover another common question: Where should you turn when it comes to insurance questions? While most people have a tendency to call the doctor’s office, the most efficient route to immediate …
Customer Service – Understanding Health Insurance, Part 3 Read More »
Looking far ahead in my life, I want to be able maintain a level of activity and mobility that will allow me to enjoy the things that I love doing today. In my mind, being active and being mobile go hand-in-hand, be that in a round of golf or exploring a new city on a …
The Necessity of Being Proactive with Your Knees Read More »
Due to changing health care laws over the past couple years, the Reflex team has seen many health insurance companies change their requirements and coverage for Joint Fluid Therapy (HA Injections). Many insurance companies now require pre-approval or preauthorization before any practice can treat you. Pre-authorization is an extra step that many insurance companies require for their plan …
Preauthorization – Understanding Health Insurance, Part 2 Read More »
Time and time again at Reflex, we have witnessed the effectiveness of off-loading knee braces in reducing pain and increasing functionality for patients struggling with uni-compartmental osteoarthritis (OA). And the tool’s benefits are backed by other experts in our field – the Journal of Sports Health and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons both report that including …
Looking for Relief? Learn the Benefits of an Off-Loading Knee Brace Read More »
At Reflex, we’re determined to help people dealing with knee pain get back to life through our non-surgical treatments, but many patients have questions about their insurance policy and its’ coverage for our services. To help you deepen your understanding of insurance complexities, we are launching a series of blog posts. These will guide you in choosing the best plan …
Understanding Health Insurance – Determining Out of Pocket Costs Read More »
Some exciting news was published earlier this year in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatology – researchers from the University of Iowa have discovered that a synthetic gel capable of repairing cartilage may also prevent development of osteoarthritis (OA). James Martin, Ph.D., assistant professor of orthopedics and rehabilitation at the University of Iowa, and …
On the Horizon: A Potential Breakthrough in Cartilage Regeneration Read More »
In many areas around the country Yoga is growing in popularity, and Portland is no exception. Despite your perceptions of yoga, it’s not just for health nuts and hippies. This ancient practice of stretching, fluid movement, breathing, and meditation is accessible in a variety of ways, and can not only help improve overall bodily function …
A new study out of London is changing everything to do with a naturally occurring protein circulating in human blood, known as C-type natriuretic peptide, or ‘CNP’. CNP plays a role in the repair of damaged tissue and also reduces inflammation. Until now, there was little hope that it would be useful in conditions such …
On The Horizon: New Microcapsule Technology Offers Hope Read More »
= If your knee pain has led to weight gain, you are not alone. Individuals suffering from recurrent or chronic knee pain are often caught in a relentless cycle: knee pain begins to limit activity, which leads to weight gain. For every pound of weight, 5 pounds of loading force are passed on through the knee during activities such as …
Are you on a recreational soccer team? Do you enjoy hitting the Crossfit gym and fighting through a ‘workout of the day’? Perhaps you just enjoy running and cycling on a regular basis. Anyone who’s passionate and committed to physical activity is an athlete. At Reflex, we believe knee pain should never keep you from being …
Many of the diagnostic tools currently available have historically made accurately diagnosing knee injuries a challenge. Traditionally, X-ray images have been used to diagnose some knee injuries and conditions—however, such testing exposes patients to potentially harmful radiation. In addition, X-rays are only able to detect bone injuries—thereby leaving out any muscles, cartilage, and other joint structures …
Injuries can happen in any work environment. You could fall off a ladder, drop a tool on your foot, trip over a computer cord, or slam your finger in a drawer. All of these are examples of acute injuries, which occur from a single, sudden, specific incident. No one is safe from these potential injuries, …
With the New Year right around the corner, soon you’ll be making resolutions to get healthier, work out more and eat better. While it would be nice to drop a couple pant sizes… what’s more important is how that exercise is actually affecting your health. Regular exercise is essential for preventing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain …
How Much Exercise Do You Really Need to Be Healthy? Read More »
Over the counter pain relievers are fantastic for the occasional headache or injury. But because these medications are so readily available, it can be easy to overuse them. Most are classified as NSAIDS – Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: They’re intended to relieve mild to moderate pain, lower fevers, and reduce inflammation or swelling. NSAIDS do this by …
Get the Facts About Over the Counter Pain Relievers Read More »
It’s an old wives’ tale that actually has a kernel of truth behind it. Your knee pain actually can get worse when it’s rainy or cold. Most research has linked this phenomenon to the change in barometric pressure in the atmosphere, which in turn affects the pressure in your knee joint. Decreased pressure in the air …
Knee Pain and the Cold: 3 Things You Need to Know Read More »
How many of your friends or family members do you know have had knee surgery? The number of Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgeries being performed in the U.S. has tripled over the past decade and is projected to grow another 673% by 2030! Researchers have ascribed this meteoric rise to a combination of factors …
The end of the year holds a lot to look forward to, pumpkin spice, turkey dinners, and fancy decorations. But it also means Open Enrollment season for insurance companies. Now is the time when you can change your health insurance plan or company. The end of the year holds a lot to look forward to, …
Welcome to the new ReflexPortland.com. Those of you who have spent time with us know how passionate we are about empowering people suffering from knee pain to get back to life. That means out of the house, on the move, embracing time with the people and activities you love. That’s why we’re thrilled to unveil our …
Pain from scar tissue associated with trauma and surgery, or from chronic tendonitis (tendinopathy) can be a very debilitating experience. Pain from scar tissue associated with trauma and surgery, or from chronic tendonitis (tendinopathy) can be a very debilitating experience. It can keep a person from moving normally and from being able to participate in …
Astym: the Remedy for Painful Scar Tissue or Tendinopathy (Tendon Injuries) Read More »
In our society, it can be difficult to weed out what new information we learn is accurate and worthwhile, versus what the newest fad is. Are Superfoods really ‘super’ and should you be joining a cross fit gym to get into shape? It’s hard to sort out the quality information from the trendy filler, as …
There’s no magic weight loss pill – one that reduces your adipose load while sitting in front of the TV for 6 hours a day while snacking on bags of chili-cheese Fritos. If such a pill existed you would have found it by now. That pill doesn’t and probably never will exist. So what …
Platelet-rich plasma therapy better known as PRP, is becoming an increasingly popular option for people who don’t want to go under the knife, or on prescription drugs for knee and joint pain relief. The therapy is quick, non-invasive, and has little to no side effect risk for those who go through with it. The therapy …
Limitations to your daily activities can be frustrating, especially if pain is involved. Injuries, repetitive motions, faulty movement patterns, tissue degeneration, and surgeries can damage areas of connective tissue in our body, resulting in scar tissue or adhesions. This damage to our tissues results in pain and limited range of motion, which in turn limits our …
ASTYM Treatment: What your Connective Tissues Ordered Read More »
Osteoarthritis is one of the oldest common ailments known to man. It affects nearly 12% of all people from their early teens to mid-70’s. It occurs when the wear and tear of age, injuries, and/or everyday life breaks down the cartilage cushion between joints (cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones and …
If you are like most people, you probably haven’t heard of hyaluronic acid (HA), yet it is vital for all of us to move and function normally. HA is a major substance in all joint fluid and is essential to maintain joint health and function. HA serves three important functions: HA lubricates our joints to keep …
As years go by, Americans are becoming more health conscious to things that used to be ignored. Sure, we’ve known about counting calories, exercising, and vitamins forever, but now we’re becoming cognizant of extremely important things that weren’t common knowledge in the past. Case in point: gut health. Health professionals are now encouraging their patients …
Just about any time supplements, health practices, or nutrition are brought up in conversation we hear about one thing in particular: fish oil. In fact, it’s become such an essential part of our health practices that fish oil is now one of the best selling supplements in the world. We all know we should take …
Tired of knee pain and hoping a total knee replacement is the answer? According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, many Americans think new is better: over 600,000 total knee replacement surgeries are performed in the United States each year. This number is sure to increase with the “Baby Boomer” generation wanting to stay …
Rehab Following a Knee Replacement: What Does It Take? Read More »
A common misconception we hear from patients is that they think their pain will eventually go away. It’s true that some days can be less painful than others, but that does not mean the problem causing the pain has gone away. In fact, the longer you put off treatment, the more damage is done to the knee joint. Knee pain can be shown as a …
Knee Osteoarthrits Treatments: A Cost Comparison Read More »
Athletes and people who exercise regularly are susceptible to a variety of knee injuries that may damage the ligaments surrounding the knee; these supportive ligaments are crucial in protecting the joint against abnormal types of motion. The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the human body. It is made up of various components …
Health supplements are a hotly contested subject in the medical community. While some doctors and research studies report that various brands of health supplements are ineffective, different doctors, studies, and brands are reported to be highly beneficial. With so much conflicting data it can be difficult to decide whether you need a multivitamin or …
Have you been told that you have both osteoarthritis (OA) and a meniscus tear? Before you schedule a surgery, take a look at this recent research… Dr. Jeffry Katz, of Harvard University, and his colleagues performed research and recorded their findings in an article titled Surgery versus Physical Therapy for a Meniscal Tear and …
Guest Blog: Improving Knee Function with a Comprehensive Physical Therapy Program Read More »
The shoes you wear affect how you walk, and how much shock your knees absorb. Shoes only provide the right level of support for a certain amount of steps, so even though the sneakers you bought in 2002 still look alright, they aren’t doing anything for you anymore. Time to get new ones! The best shoes for …
There are simple things you can do every day to make sure your knees stay healthy as long as possible. Although this isn’t an exhaustive list we’ve outlined seven steps that can help keep your knees in good shape. There are simple things you can do every day to make sure your knees stay healthy as long as possible. Although this isn’t an …
Healthy knees are easy to take for granted, but the second you injure them you realize how dramatically you rely on them to do just about everything from getting out of bed to driving the car. While some injuries are serious and may need professional medical attention, others can be healed through home remedies. This …
One of the most commonly asked questions we receive here at Reflex is “What should I anticipate after my first Hyaluronic Acid injection?” When Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is injected directly into a knee joint it helps reduce inflammation as well as cushion and lubricate the movement of your knee. It is important for patients to understand the preventative …
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability in the United States, and individuals with the disease experience a great amount of pain and loss of function. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability in the United States, and individuals with the disease experience a great amount of pain and loss of function. Interestingly, studies show …
Why Is Osteoarthritis in Women More Common Than in Men? Read More »
It has been well documented for years now how bad smoking is for your health. Smoking related diseases are the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. It has been well documented for years now how bad smoking is for your health. Smoking related diseases are the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United …
For physicians, it is always an invaluable and humbling experience to change roles and play the part of patient. Dealing with a chronic injury is frustrating to say the least, and having your symptoms suddenly worsen can be downright scary. For physicians, it is always an invaluable and humbling experience to change roles and play the part of …
Recently, the New York Times indicated that through the latest evidence, static stretching (stretching while the body is at rest) does not prevent injuries as so commonly thought. Recently, the New York Times indicated that through the latest evidence, static stretching (stretching while the body is at rest) does not prevent injuries as so commonly thought. Based on two recent studies, …
Researchers have found time and time again that people who possess a generally positive mental attitude are more likely to lead healthier and longer lives. If you’re happy, you’re healthy, and vice-versa. The truth is that our thoughts play a significant role in our health. Your mind can be your own worst enemy …
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy. It is a newly emerging procedure that was previously only available to elite athletes such as golf’s Tiger Woods, tennis’s Rafael Nadal and basketball’s Kobe Bryant. Fortunately, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is now becoming available in the United States for people who suffer from chronic joint pain caused by arthritis. Newer treatment …
Strengthening your knee muscles can help to reduce joint pain and increase function. That’s because stronger muscles are better able to absorb the pressure placed on the joints in weight bearing. Strengthening your knee muscles can help to reduce joint pain and increase function. That’s because stronger muscles are better able to absorb the pressure placed on the …
Guest Blog: Strengthening to Help Manage Knee Joint Pain Read More »
The Bionicare system was first approved by the FDA in 2003 as a non-surgical treatment option for patients suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. The Bionicare system was first approved by the FDA in 2003 as a non-surgical treatment option for patients suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. While …
Bionicare: Electrial Stimulation for Osteoarthritis Read More »
It’s no secret that many studies have shown that drinking a glass (for women) or two (for men) of red wine per day when coupled with positive changes in our diet and lifestyle aid… It’s no secret that many studies have shown that drinking a glass (for women) or two (for men) of red wine …
You may be surprised to learn that the knee is the largest joint in the human body. The knee is a hinge joint and moves in two directions: flexion and extension. The femur, tibia, and patella are the bones directly involved in the knee joint. The tibia and femur roll on each other to create this …
Here at Reflex we believe that you need to be an active participant in your health. Eating right and being active are some of the best ways to make sure you live a long and happy life. In an effort to always be improving ourselves, we’ve decided as an office to participate in the 10 day …
There is a lot of information floating around out there about knee surgery and chronic knee pain. It can be hard to know what your symptoms are saying about whether you have arthritis or an injury, which can make it even harder to know what types of treatments are right for you at any given …
Many people who experience chronic knee pain and joint osteoarthritis may not realize that their walking mechanics have dramatically changed as result of this pain. Many people who experience chronic knee pain and joint osteoarthritis may not realize that their walking mechanics have dramatically changed as result of this pain. Video gait analysis is an …
Many people with joint pain resulting from osteoarthritis feel trapped because they are told that becoming more active, stronger, and losing weight will help reduce their symptoms; however, joint pain makes movement and exercise difficult. Many people with joint pain resulting from osteoarthritis feel trapped because they are told that becoming more active, stronger, and …
The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity cannot be ignored. Luckily, these benefits are available to everyone — regardless of age or physical ability. Have you ever heard the expression “use it or lose it”? Well, it’s true! Our bodies are meant to move and they actually crave a variety of activity …
What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning? Without even thinking about it, you stretch. It is a natural and instinctual behavior we do on a daily basis, but many people don’t loosen up enough. Keep reading to find out what all that stretching is doing …
We’d like to thank everyone who came out on the 5th to our “Better Living with Arthritis” seminar; especially Cindy from the Arthritis Foundation for all her help organizing and promoting the event. We’d like to thank everyone who came out on the 5th to our “Better Living with Arthritis” seminar; especially Cindy from the Arthritis Foundation for all her help organizing and …
Haley from KGW’s Greater Portland Today came out to talk to Dr. Carroll about the clinic and what non-surgical options are availble for people struggling with osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain. Haley from KGW’s Greater Portland Today came out to talk to Dr. Carroll about the clinic and what non-surgical options are availble for people …
You may have never heard about Phyto-4 before visiting Reflex. Phyto-4 is one of the supplements we recommend to many of our patients who are experiencing inflammation associated with arthritis. You may have never heard about Phyto-4 before visiting Reflex. Phyto-4 is one of the supplements we recommend to many of our patients who are experiencing inflammation associated with arthritis. It …
Phyto-4: Combatting Chronic Inflammation and Pain Read More »
Your sleep schedule, bedtime routine, and daily lifestyle choices can make a huge difference in the quality of your sleep. Regardless of your age proper sleep is imperative to overall health. Your sleep schedule, bedtime routine, and daily lifestyle choices can make a huge difference in the quality of your sleep. Regardless of your age proper sleep is imperative …
When we pull a muscle or strain a tendon the soft tissues in that area are damaged. Immediately following the injury, fibers of the muscle, tendon, or ligament affected become disturbed. When we pull a muscle or strain a tendon the soft tissues in that area are damaged. Immediately following the injury, fibers of the muscle, tendon, …
Inflammation: is it helping or hurting? The inflammatory response is a part of our immune system and is characterized by the following symptoms: redness, heat, swelling, and pain. It is part of a powerful biological response our body activates in reaction to destructive stimuli such as germs, injured cells, or irritations. Inflammation is …
Get Moving Profile: Tom Carey “I have been passionate about waterskiing for most of my 59 years. When you talk about waterskiing, most people picture someone on two skis cruising down the lake. When you add competition to the equation, things get intense. Slalom waterskiing is very demanding. When I was in my …
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a calculation based on a person’s height and weight to determine if they are at the ideal body weight, underweight, or overweight. BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a calculation based on a person’s height and weight to determine if they are at the ideal …
Physical Therapy is an important part of our treatment program at Reflex. Physical Therapy is an important part of our treatment program at Reflex. We have partnered with key physical therapists in the North West area to create a program specifically designed for patients with knee osteoarthritis in conjunction with the other treatments at Reflex. …
Your doctor’s appointment should solve your problems and not add to the pain. That’s why the entire Reflex team works to make your appointment as enjoyable as possible! All you need is 20 minutes and then you are back to your life. Your doctor’s appointment should solve your problems and not add to the pain. …
What to Expect at Your Knee Injection Appointment Read More »
For many people, summertime means vacation. And that can mean hours with your legs spent crumpled in an airplane seat or stuck in one position on the gas pedal – both of which can make your knee pain worse. For many people, summertime means vacation. And that can mean hours with your legs spent crumpled …
Tips for Preventing Excess Knee Pain While Traveling Read More »
Consuming a balanced diet that meets the recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, essential fatty acids, and lean sources of protein still may not ensure ample nutrient intake due to changes in our food supply. Consuming a balanced diet that meets the recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, essential fatty acids, and lean …
Certain occupations with repeated squatting, kneeling, and heavy lifting can place a lot of stress on your knees. Over time, this can cause deterioration of your knee cartilage and lead to osteoarthritis. Certain occupations with repeated squatting, kneeling, and heavy lifting can place a lot of stress on your knees. Over time, this can cause …
High-Activity Occupations at Risk for Knee Osteoarthritis Read More »
Inside your joints, cartilage is undergoing a constant process of breakdown and repair. The body requires the building blocks of cartilage to be present and available. Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) are three of these natural substances found in and around the cells of cartilage that help this process. Glucosamine Glucosamine is …
Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM: Alleviating Knee Pain Read More »
If you’ve been told the only way to fix your knee pain is with knee-replacement surgery, now there’s another option — Reflex Knee Clinic. KATU’s Tammy Hernandez spoke with Clinic Director, Dr. Greg Carroll, about their game-changing approach to treating knee pain forever — without surgery! You can click here to watch the interview on KATU’s …
Reflex Knee Clinic’s Dr. Greg Carroll Featured on KATU’s AM Northwest Read More »
One of the most commonly asked questions here at Reflex is, “How painful are HA injections?” Nobody likes pain, and we take several measures to prevent as much discomfort as possible. Here are several steps that we add to the injection process to minimize knee injection discomfort: Numbing: Before injection, the area is prepped, sterilized, and …
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are polyunsaturated fats that our bodies need but cannot produce. Therefore, they must be consumed through food or supplements. There are two families of EFAs: omega-3 and omega-6, which need to be consumed in a balanced ratio. Our body must receive a balanced supply of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs to ensure proper …
What Are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAS) and What Do They Do? Read More »
Hyaluronan (HA) is a naturally-occurring protein in our synovial fluid (joint fluid). There are several HA products on the market. They differ by: molecular weight, number of injections needed, and the manufacturing/production process. There are five forms on the market right now: Synvisc, Orthovisc, Hyalgan, Supartz, and Euflexxa. All of these products utilize either …
Knees are the most commonly injured joints in the body. We use our knees every day, whether walking, running, jumping, and just getting out of bed. Knees are the most commonly injured joints in the body. We use our knees every day, whether walking, running, jumping, and just getting out of bed. This daily wear …
Choosing the right vitamin, mineral, or nutritional supplement can be frustrating. Supplements are not all created equal – since the FDA does not regulate supplements it is hard to know exactly what you are getting. With thousands of supplements in the marketplace, some are well made, but many are not. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous vitamin …
Our knee joints are surrounded by the synovial membrane, which forms a capsule around the ends of the articulating leg bones. This membrane secretes a liquid called the synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is a viscous fluid with the consistency of motor oil. Hyaluronanic acid (HA) or Hyaluronan is a naturally-occurring protein in our …
What Is Hyaluronan and How Does It Help Knee Pain? Read More »
Running in cold weather can be extremely challenging if you’re not adequately prepared. Due to blood flow restriction, cold weather running can increase your chances of cramping, muscle spasms, and joint injuries. Because of this, it’s important to dress warmly, warm-up, and stretch. What to Wear Layering is key! Wear a base layer …
As we mentioned in our previous blog post on Omega-3 fatty acids, increasing one’s intake of Omega-3 fatty acids is a well established way to decrease the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. As we mentioned in our previous blog post on Omega-3 fatty acids, increasing one’s intake of Omega-3 fatty acids is a well established way to decrease the inflammation associated with …
What is Glucosamine? Its chemical composition is C6H13NO5. And, as the name suggests, glucosamine is composed of glucose and an amine, one of the building blocks of protein. What is Glucosamine? Its chemical composition is C6H13NO5. And, as the name suggests, glucosamine is composed of glucose and an amine, one of the building blocks of …
How Glucosamine Helps Your Joints and Connective Tissue Read More »
There is a large body of research evidence that dietary fatty acids have an influence on inflammatory joint diseases. The Omega-6 and Omega-3 families of fatty acids play primary roles in the body’s inflammatory process. The proportion of specific fatty acids in inflammation mediating cells is determined directly by our diet. Omega-6 Fatty Acids are …
Anti-inflammatory Nutrients: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Read More »
Knees are brilliantly designed and amazingly functional. Why are the knees so vulnerable to injury? There’s a fantastic article on Runner’s World about the design of the knee and its inherent vulnerabilities. It discusses the pounding our knees take every day, especially in runners or other athletes. Here’s a small portion of the article: I …
Why Are the Knees So Vulnerable to Chonic Injury and Pain? Read More »
Our very own Dr. Greg Carroll was recently featured on GetFit Radio. He describes the causes of knee pain and the range of non-surgical treatments available at Reflex Clinic. It’s a great show, so be sure to listen. You can also get the file here: http://getfitnow.cascadiaaudio.com/getfitnow182.mp3 Call us to set up your free knee …
Reflex Dr. Greg Carroll featured on GetFit Radio Read More »
After one of Reflex’s patients completed a marathon this spring, I decided to sign up for the Portland Marathon. As my training progresses, I’ll give regular updates. I encourage everyone to sign up for some organized athletic event this summer. It’s a great time of year to get out on the trails, track, or …
The Reflex team recently participated in a teleconference with orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Kauffman, who has been a principle investigator in multiple clinical research trials on chronic knee pain and osteoarthritis. The Reflex team recently participated in a teleconference with orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Kauffman, who has been a principle investigator in multiple clinical research …
The FLEXX Teleconference with Dr. Jeffrey Kauffman Read More »
As an avid runner and a physician that treats knee pain, I am often asked about the long term effects of running on knees. Several research studies have looked at the effects of long term moderate running activities on degenerative knee arthritis. As an avid runner and a physician that treats knee pain, I am often asked about …
There is a common myth that the only treatment options for arthritis of the knee are Tylenol, Ibuprofen, steroid injections, or surgery. Amazingly, few people are aware of the many effective non-surgical treatments available for osteoarthritis in the knees There is a common myth that the only treatment options for arthritis of the knee are Tylenol, Ibuprofen, steroid injections, or …
A recent article in Arthritis Today, suggests that regular yoga may also reduce body wide inflammation – the driving force behind many conditions, including arthritis, heart disease and type-2 diabetes. A recent article in Arthritis Today, suggests that regular yoga may also reduce body wide inflammation – the driving force behind many conditions, including arthritis, heart …
Some people say the ancient therapy of acupuncture really works to relieve pain – now research backs them up It’s been about 2,000 years in the making, but acupuncture may now be propelled into the mainstream. New research shows that the two most common forms of arthritis – rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis – are …
Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis Relief Read More »
What you should know before walking to Ease Osteoarthritis Pain Starting a walking program isn’t that difficult, but there are several steps that anyone should follow before hitting the road for the first time. First, check in with a doctor or physical therapist who can assess your levels of strength, flexibility and pain. For …
Start a Walking Program to Ease Osteoarthritis Pain Read More »
An Arthritis Foundation-funded study shows obesity increases the risk of advanced knee osteoarthritis. If you have knee osteoarthritis and could stand to lose weight, a new study, which was presented this week at the 2008 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, gives you more reason to start a weight-loss program sooner …
