Do I need to have ACL surgery?

Let me tell you a secret; not everyone who tears their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) needs to have an ACL reconstruction. The fact is that in a room full of orthopaedic surgeons, you can't throw a cat without hitting a few who have ACL tears and chose to avoid surgery. The "honest" surgeon doesn't operate on every knee with a torn ACL; rather, the surgeons should assess the likelihood that an ACL reconstruction will actually benefit the patient based on his or her activity level, age, and risk for continued instability or ongoing injury to the knee. A very simplified grouping algorithm looks like this:

November 5, 2021

Ben Wobker

Bump & Move

Congratulations if you’re pregnant!

Depending on which stage of pregnancy you are currently in, you may be experiencing some positive side effects such as glowing skin and stronger, healthier hair. And you may be experiencing or have experienced some of the more challenging side effects of pregnancy like tiredness, morning sickness and nausea, heartburn and low back pain.

June 23, 2021

physical therapy, Growing Pains, Pediatric

Ben Wobker

Growing Pains

You have probably heard the term “growing pains” used to describe an ache or throb in children’s legs during their growing years. They are generally thought to be an uncomfortable, but unavoidable fact of life that children will grow out of, but should they always be ignored? When is it a sign of a more serious problem? And when should you consult a PT or pediatrician about your concerns?

Generally, “growing pains” are an aching or throbbing sensation in the thighs, calves, or behind the knees, and on both legs. The pain may come and go, and be difficult to pinpoint on the body, but tends to occur in the late afternoon to evening.