Is Joint Replacement Surgery Right for You?

Joint replacement is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed today, with the hip and knee being the most frequently replaced joints. In fact, knee replacements have doubled in the past decade, and not just among the elderly. People age 45 to 64 were 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for knee replacement surgery in 2009 than in 1997.* But joint replacement may not be the best solution for everyone. Many factors will determine whether trading in your aching joint for a stronger, better, faster replacement is the right step for you.

The Nuts and Bolts of Joint Replacement

Joint deterioration has a number of causes. Injuries, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and the general wear and tear that occur over time may all take a toll on the body's joints, causing pain and inhibiting motion. Joint replacement surgery exchanges the worn out part with a prosthesis made of plastic, metal or a combination of both. With successful outcomes in more than 90% of cases,* patients who've had a joint replaced may enjoy better quality of life, relief from pain, stiffness or swelling and improved range of motion. But no surgery is without risks and, although the complication rate in joint replacement is low, patients are susceptible to infection, blood clots and loosening or dislocation of the joint.

When Is Joint Replacement the Right Choice?

The severity of your condition will likely be a significant factor in the decision to have joint replacement surgery. If aching and stiff joints cause constant pain, limit your ability to walk or climb stairs and affect your quality of life, you may be a likely candidate for joint replacement surgery.
In addition to the extent of your pain and lost mobility, your doctor will consider:

• Alternatives to surgery. Depending on the cause of your joint pain, medications, physical therapy or aids such as a brace may be effective treatment options.
• Your age. Little research has been done on the long-term effectiveness of joint replacement for a younger, more physically active generation. Prosthetic joints typically last only 10 to 15 years, making younger candidates more likely to need additional surgeries to have the prosthetic joint replaced.
• Your general health. Certain diseases, such as high blood pressure or heart and lung disease increase the risks associated with surgery. Osteoporosis and bone or joint deformity may affect the success of joint replacement.
• Your weight. Obesity can prolong recovery and affect the durability of the new joint.

Get Back in the Game

If a bum joint has you sitting on the bench, contact the Detroit Medical Center (DMC). Whether you want to get back in the game or simply back to your life, our orthopedic specialists can help you find the treatment option that works best for you.
At DMC, our expert joint replacement team is using the latest technology and techniques to ensure successful outcomes. From specialty diagnostics to customized implants to complete rehabilitation programs, our board certified orthopaedic surgeons can present a variety of options to help you resume an active life. To learn more, call 888-DMC-2500.

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Opens New Neuroscience Unit

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) is excited to announce the grand opening of their newly renovated, $5.5 million, Neuroscience Unit for stroke and brain injury recovery. The 17-bed unit features therapeutic robotic technology, a therapy gym for interactive programming, private and semi-private suites with “Smart Room” capabilities, and enhanced video monitoring equipment for patient safety.

The new unit also features state-of-the-art equipment, especially designed for neurorecovery. RIM is the first hospital in Michigan to own the Zero G and InMotion Arm.

The Zero G is the world's most advanced over ground gait and balance training system. It allows patients to safely practice intensive physical therapy early in their rehabilitation, a factor shown to be related to enhanced outcomes. The InMotion Arm is the first interactive robot designed to treat patients with upper extremity impairments due to stroke, brain injury or other neurologic conditions. The technology was developed at MIT and has substantial research evidence proving that using the InMotion robot to delivery high intensity repetitions required for "rewiring" the brain results in increased motor recovery.

As southeast Michigan’s only freestanding rehabilitation hospital, patients and families turn to RIM for hope when others have given up. In 2011, RIM treated nearly 200 stroke patients and 100 brain injury patients, many of whom are leading meaningful and productive lives thanks to RIM. This new unit will allow us to ensure even more patients have a bright future filled with hope and possibilities.

5 Fun Fitness Ideas for Fall

As the season changes, so can you. Below are some fun ways to add physical activity into your daily routines during the fall season.

1.       Back to School Isn’t Just for the Kids

Fall doesn’t have to be a time when only the kids and college students go back to school to learn something new - so can you. Have you ever wanted to learn belly dancing or try a TRX class? Now is the time. Better yet, when your body is unaccustomed to an activity, you burn more calories. Look around for local gyms and recreation centers that may offer some classes. Some other ideas include, Zumba, yoga, kickboxing, cycling, tennis, racquetball, and boot camp. Couples can look into dance classes or join a recreational team like a hockey league or indoor soccer team.

2.       Enjoy the Weather

The cooler temperatures and less humidity make the perfect storm for brisk walking, jogging, running, or cycling. Look around your area for parks that have paved paths to avoid traffic and take a friend. Be sure to prepare for the darkness. Just because it is 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. and it is still dark doesn’t mean that you can’t workout. The key is to be smart about it. Wear a reflective vest or carry a flashlight in the event you are by roads. If you decide to cycle, make sure to attach a light or helmet to your bike. As the fall slowly turns into the winter, be sure to dress in layers. Your body will heat-up once your blood gets pumping and you may want to shed a layer or two. Try to keep the layer closest to your body a moisture wicking material like “Dri-Fit”. If you’re exercising in the afternoon, don’t forget your sunglasses. The fall sun can be blinding at times.

3.       Family Activities

If you’re looking for something to do with the family, local farmers often times offer corn mazes that are fun for you and the kids, or you and your significant other. Challenge your friends or family to a corn maze race; time each other and see who can get through the maze the quickest. Some other fun fall outdoor ideas include paintballing and archery. Closer to Halloween try pumpkin picking. Ask the workers if you can walk back to the patch rather than hitching a ride on the tractor or hay wagon. If you want to incorporate healthy food and activity, look for an apple orchard in your area. After walking around and picking apples, try your best to avoid the donuts at the shop, and focus on going home to have a fresh picked apple as a snack; they’re great with peanut butter.

4.       Become an Active TV Watcher

Many of us get antsy for the fall premiers of our favorite TV shows. If you’re planning to park your behind on the couch for a couple hours several nights a week – this could be detrimental to your physical activity goals, so become an active TV watcher. During commercials do some body weight exercises. To warm up you can start with marching or jogging in place. Plan on doing things that don’t take up much space like lunges, squats, push-ups (modified push-ups on your knees), and crunches or sit-ups. For higher intense cardio you can add in some jumping jacks, burpies, mountain climbers, or high knees.

5.       Exercise and Work – It Can Happen

The next time you have a meeting with a co-worker or supervisor, ask them if they want to have a traveling meeting. Find a route around the building you are in, or better yet, walk outside your building. You may find yourself more awake and alert and coming up with better ideas and solutions to problems during the ‘traveling’ meeting. As you walk, you increase your circulation and blood flow. Increased blood flow carries more oxygen and nutrients to your brain and cells making you feel more energized and focused. 

There are many things you can do to increase your physical activity levels, so get out and enjoy this fall.

By: Erica Hirsch - MPH, CPT

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan 

Wheelchair to 5K: The Frank Amprim Story

“I know I can count on my son for just about anything now.  Because of him, I’m here today,” says Frank Amprim.

Frank and his son were riding ATVs while vacationing in Utah.  Frank’s vehicle flipped, he fell off and the ATV landed on top of him.  Frank was unconscious when his son made the tough decision to leave his dad’s side and go for help.

“They airlifted me to the Las Vegas Medical Center two hours away.  My back was broken and they put in a titanium cage, screws and bolts.  Doctors said I would never run or kick box and would always have difficulty walking.”

Two weeks after his accident, Frank was flown to Detroit to begin inpatient rehabilitation at DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM).  “They got me up and walking and by the time I left, I was using a walker.”

Frank started outpatient rehab at a center closer to his home but progress was slow.  He remembered seeing RIM’s Center for Spinal Cord Recovery, and said, “This is the place I need to be.”

“From that first day, they just pushed and pushed me.  Therapy was intense, but I got better.  One day my therapist said we were done with my walker and I’ve never used one since.”

Frank says he never would have improved to the extent he has without RIM.  “My therapists are always right by my side.  If I’m running up and down stairs, they are too.  If I’m lifting weights, they are too.  It’s one year later and I’ve signed up for a 5K, guess what?  My therapist is running with me.  I don’t know where else you could get that kind of support.  They’re amazing.”

Follow the rest of Frank’s story as he prepares to finish a 5K at the Detroit Free Press Marathon on October 21, 2012. Go to our YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/RehabInstitute to watch our “Wheelchair to 5K” video series.

5 Tips for Eating Healthier on the Go!

Wake up at the crack of dawn, get the kids ready for school, drop them off at school on your way to work, work your non-stop eight hour shift, pick the kids up from school, take them to practice, go home and cook dinner, eat dinner, wash the kids, put them to bed, and then fall asleep immediately afterward.  Sound familiar?  Exhausted just reading that?  There didn’t appear to be much room or thought in that crazy busy schedule for healthy eating.  Healthy eating is important for retention of a healthy mind, body, and soul. Here a five ways to eat healthier on the go.

1.  Plan Ahead

Eating healthy requires a little bit of preplanning. Make time by scheduling about 2-3 hours on Sunday each week for shopping and cooking.  Create a meal plan for the whole week with your family, and even allow the kids to have a say in what they eat, but make sure it’s a healthy choice.  Then, use a grocery list based on your meal plan to only buy fresh foods for that week.  Make the grocery store a Sunday family ritual and allow the kids to “find” each thing on the list.  Getting everyone involved in healthy eating will make it more fun and easier to get them to eat it.  Next, prepare any meals that you can for the week on that Sunday. You can store them in containers and refrigerate or freeze. For example, you could bake several chicken breasts and yams, steam a pot of brown rice and hard boil a couple dozen eggs.  Also try blending together a stir fry with lean turkey, mixed vegetables and quinoa or some other form of whole grain. 

2.  Eat 5-6 smaller meals per day

Eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day keeps your metabolism up and burns calories.  If you’re constantly on the go, pack healthy snacks in your briefcase or purse. You can eat these snacks in between meals to prevent getting hungry and to avoid eating a high calorie snack.  For example, you can pack dried fruit, nuts, trail mixes, fresh fruit, or nutrition bars, and if you have a refrigerator at work, bring yogurt, cheese cubes, baby carrots, celery sticks and all natural peanut butter.  You can even keep some healthy protein bars in your car for hunger emergencies.

3.  Always eat breakfast

Studies have shown people who eat breakfast regularly tend to have a healthier diet.  Choose breakfast foods that have fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates to keep you full longer and more satisfied.  Avoid sugary, fatty, or salty foods that will only make you hungry for more of that bad food shortly after you eat it because of a drop in blood sugar levels.  Plan ahead by setting aside 15-20 minutes each night to prepare lunch and breakfast for the next day.  You’ll be glad you did because you can just grab and go in the morning without a second thought.  For example, grab two pre-made, hard-boiled eggs and half of a whole grain bagel on your way out the door and eat on your way to work. 

4.  Drink plenty of water

Water is vital because it transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body as well as regulates various bodily functions necessary for life.  Always carry a reusable water bottle with you and drink often.  Be aware, sometimes hunger is mistaken for dehydration.  If your stomach is still hungry after you’ve had some water, then go ahead and eat something. 

5.  Keep only healthy foods in the house

If you don’t have access to unhealthy foods, you can’t eat them.  Replace junk food with fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, nut butters, frozen fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, cottage cheese and yogurt.  Remember to eat in moderation though. You can still have a slice of pizza or a piece of chocolate cake once in awhile, but only have 1 slice or only 1 small sliver of the cake.  Just make sure you eat healthy the rest of the day- don’t drive yourself crazy over cravings!

Spending a little time each day to be conscious of what you’re eating will go a long way.  It may be tough at first, but keep it going for a couple weeks and before you know it, you will have created a new healthy lifestyle and will feel so much better

By: Cassie Kish, CPT, Rehab Trainer, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

How to Choose a Physical Therapist

As you would choose a physician to help you with a specific ailment, you need to find a physical therapist (PT) which will compliment your injury.  PTs have many types of backgrounds and education from pediatric to neurological (stroke, head injury, spinal cord), to orthopedic.  Each therapist in each area of PT is also different.  When researching a PT, call a hospital or clinic and ask the following:

• If you want a “seasoned” PT then ask, When did they graduate?  Recent graduates may not have all the ‘experience’ yet to treat all diagnoses and progress them efficiently and effectively.

• What is their area of expertise?  Ask if the PT specializes in the area for which you are being treated.  Many PTs specialize in several areas.  If you have knee pain, you want to see a PT who specializes in orthopedics, not pediatrics. 

• Does the PT have any specific credentials?  Most PTs will take continuing education classes to enhance their own skills.  Some programs will allow the PT to earn an advanced certification (OMPT, NDT). 

• Will the PT that is assigned to me be the primary treating therapist?  If you want direct care from the PT then this needs to be asked. Some facilities ‘pass’ patients to PT Assistants or Athletic Trainers. You could be going to a great PT but if the assistants are performing the majority of your care, then are you?  PT Assistants and Athletic Trainers are great assets to PTs. They are educated and licensed to help under the supervision of a PT.  Physical Therapy Aides/Technicians are trained on the job and are not licensed.  You want to go to a facility that has the PT doing the majority of your treatment.

Know what your insurance covers.  There may be some limitations as it relates to physical therapy.  Be motivated to work hard to get better. You are not just a patient, you’re an important member of the rehab team.

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan has over 30 locations throughout southeast Michigan. To find a physical therapist near you visit us at www.RIMrehab.org

By:  Suzanne Schmidt, MPT and Jon Nettie, PT, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

Water versus Sports Drinks: Which is Better?

This has been one of the hottest summers on record and staying hydrated is extremely important when you are trying to beat the dog days of summer.  I get asked a lot of questions about the best way to stay hydrated; what should I be drinking, are sports drinks like Gatorade or PowerAde better to drink than water when it’s really hot.  The simple answer is no.  Unless you are an elite level athlete who has a team of scientist monitoring your fluid and electrolyte balances, you can pass on the sports drinks. 

Parents, if your kids are playing outside in the heat, give them popsicles and Kool-aid.  A little sugar isn’t going to hurt them and that’s the same thing that is in the popular sports drinks.  You can freeze bananas or give them watermelon, mango, or other juicy fruits.  This is not just for kids; you can do the same thing for yourself, as well.  Even with the heat, if you drink water consistently throughout the day and have some salty and sweet snacks, you should be ok. 

If you are participating in strenuous activities or sporting events lasting over 60 minutes, than it is ok to add in some sports drinks at a 2:1 water to sports drink ratio.  This is more important for activities that will cover multiple hours or multiple days; like soccer or baseball tournaments.  You do not have to have sports drinks though, you can still supplement with popsicles and snacks with the same effect. 

Sports drink companies do a very good job at marketing their products to make us think that we need them to perform at our optimum level, but quite frankly, the average person does not need them.  Sports drinks boast that they have electrolytes and that is what we need to perform at our highest level and I don’t disagree with their claims about the importance of electrolytes.  Electrolytes are in important component to our hydration status, but we don’t need to rely on sports drinks for them.  Sports drinks generally have 20-35 grams of sugar and while they do have some essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium, but we can get our essential electrolytes through what we eat without the large quantity of sugar.   

At the end of the day, drinking water and having some snacks throughout the day will be more beneficial than sports drinks from a hydration stand point and it is the more cost effective option.

By: Benjamin Davis, Rehab Trainer, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

Ms. Wheelchair Michigan to visit DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

On Wednesday, July 18, the Detroit Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan will welcome Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2012, Stephanie Deible.

Deible, 21, from Grant, Michigan, was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan on March 3. She has cerebral palsy and has been an advocate for people with disabilities since she was in high school.  Last year, Deible drew media attention after she was advised to leave a bridal boutique and denied access to a fitting room because of her wheelchair. She contacted area TV stations to bring awareness to discrimination issues she and others face.

As Ms. Wheelchair Michigan, Deible travels across the state, visits advocacy groups and makes public appearances to create awareness, acceptance and understanding of disabilities to the general public.

While at DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM), Deible will be meeting and speaking to newly disabled patients and their families.

“I want to encourage people with disabilities to overcome any obstacles they may face. At the same time, I’ll use my title as a tool to educate society about disabilities and about being in a chair,” says Deible.

When she is not traveling the state as Ms. Wheelchair Michigan, Deible attends Grand Valley State University where she is majoring in journalism and will graduate in December. After graduation she hopes to pursue a master’s in sports management.

Deible will compete for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America 2013 in Rhode Island, August 6-12, 2012. Her platform in the competition is focused on empowering youth with disabilities to set and achieve their goals.

The pageant is not a beauty contest; instead the abilities, endeavors and achievements of women who use wheelchairs are recognized and honored in this annual pageant.

If you are interested in more information about the Ms. Wheelchair Michigan, Inc. organization please visit http://www.mswheelchairmichigan.org/

Stay Fit When It's Hot Outside

Hot summer weather doesn't need to sideline outdoor exercise. But it does become more important to modify your routine in order to exercise safely in hot, humid weather.

Combining physical activity with hot temperatures and bright sunshine increases stress on the heart and lungs. Not only does the heart have to work harder to deliver blood and oxygen to exercising muscles, but it also must circulate more blood to the skin where it can be cooled off through sweat evaporation. If the humidity is also high, your body can't be cooled as effectively from its own sweat either.

When exercising outdoors during summer months, it becomes important to adjust your routine to the cooler morning or evening hours – to avoid the midday sun. Some other tips to help keep you safe:

Stay well-hydrated. Drink lots of water when you're exercising, even if you don't feel thirsty. If your workouts are lengthy, consider alternating sports drinks with your water intake. Such drinks help replace important nutrients you are losing through sweating.

Take it easy as you start working out. As your body gets used to the heat, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.

Dress appropriately. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing does a better job of keeping you cool. Dark colors soak up the heat, so avoid wearing them. Wearing a hat with a brim can reduce sun exposure.

Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. This reduces sunburn risk. Apply liberally 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply during extended workouts.

Choosing the right exercise for your age

Exercise is a key component to any healthy lifestyle; it helps reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.  Exercise also makes you feel good by reducing stress, reducing weight, and increasing energy.  The focus of a well rounded fitness program changes throughout ones lifetime.

20's through 30's

During your early adult years, it’s important to establish healthy habits by establishing an active lifestyle and developing healthy eating habits.  The high metabolism of your teenage years will begin to slow, dropping 1-2% each year after 20. Be sure to include both cardio and resistance training in your workout program.  During the 20’s age group, one is able to recover faster from workouts and most capable to build muscle mass.

30's through 50's

Between 30 and 50 years of age exercise can fall by the wayside when life takes over.   It's easy to find ways of doing exercise in everyday tasks.  Run and play with your kids, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk briskly instead of a casual stroll, and standing with a good posture.  Women are generally finished with pregnancies after their 30's and 40's, so incorporating activities such as Pilates will help to tighten everything back up where it belongs!

During these decades, exercise is a key component in preventative medicine--lowering the risk factors of many diseases.  Weight-bearing exercises are very important during these decades to maintain healthy levels of bone density.  For people ages 30-50,  it is ideal to perform one hour of weight or resistance training 3 times a week, and 45 minutes of cardio 5 days a week.  This is more exercising than in your 20's because of your lowered metabolism and lower hormones requires your body to work harder to reap the same benefits.

50’s

Those who maintained an active life might feel the effects of wear and tear on the body. The benefits of proper body mechanics, proper warm-up, and a proper stretching program will show. Those who didn’t maintain an active lifestyle will begin to feel the results of inactivity. These may include aches and pains from excessive weight through the joints, poor posture, and decreasing strength.

At 50 years of age the rate of muscle lose accelerates, resulting in a 20-40% loss by the age of 60-65. In females there is also a higher loss in bone density. These are the areas that you will want to gear your fitness program towards. You’ll want your resistance training to focus on maintaining or increasing strength in muscles and bones. Be sure to gear your cardio program towards low impact activities such as walking, swimming, biking, or elliptical.

60’s and beyond

The rate of muscle loss into the 60’s and beyond continues. By the age of 70, one can expect to lose about 33% of skeletal muscle. As a result movements become slower, fatigue comes on sooner. Posture, balance, walking, and function are all affected.

The emphasis in the exercise regimen should shift towards function based activities. Try standing on one foot while washing the dishes, walking up and down stairs several times, or even reaching overhead. Activities such as tai chi or Pilates might be ideal for maintaining strength, balance, and function without a high risk of injury.

You should continue to do the low impact cardio activities that were done in the 50’s but not as vigorous. Always be aware of any pain and avoid exercises that hurt. Meet with a physical therapist, athletic trainer, or personal trainer to get further individualized training and weight training routines.  Always consult with your physician prior to beginning an exercise routine.

By: Megan D. Smith, DPT and Alejandro Zavala, DPT, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

The DMC’s Sports Medicine Program and Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan are staffed with the same specialists treating Detroit’s best pro athletes, and they’re ready to treat you like a pro, too. If you or a member of your family has a sports injury and you are not sure what to do, for immediate attention or to schedule an appointment, call 313-910-9328 to get in touch with DMC Sports Medicine physician 24/7 regarding your injury. Get more tips and advice from our trainers by following Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan on Facebook.

Robotic Legs at DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Help Wheelchair Users to Walk

This week, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) became the 8^th rehabilitation hospital in the U.S. to receive Ekso, a wearable, robotic exoskeleton that powers people with lower extremity paralysis or weakness to get them standing up and walking.

Made by Ekso Bionics, Ekso is a ready-to-wear, battery-powered bionic device that is strapped over the user’s clothing. The combination of motors and sensors, along with patient assist with balance and body positioning, allow the user to walk over ground with reciprocal gait.

RIM has been instrumental in the final development and testing of Ekso.  RIM was among the first 10 rehabilitation centers in the country selected by Ekso Bionics to conduct investigational trials and partner in ongoing research. Physical therapists at RIM’s Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery will be using Ekso to primarily treat spinal cord injury patients for balance, posture and gait training.

“The Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery has a history of seeking out the most innovative and state-of-the-art technologies and therapuetic treatments for improving function and quality of life after a spinal cord injury,” says William H. Restum, PhD, President, RIM. “We believe Ekso is an exciting opportunity to further advance the functional recovery of the patients we serve.”
 

Earlier this year, six RIM patients; five paraplegics and one quadriplegic, participated in an investigational trial of Ekso at RIM. All six patients were able to walk using Ekso. Their emotional first steps were documented on video at http://youtu.be/vv3WH9E1sP4

Ekso Bionics plans to market a unit for personal use in latter 2014. For more information about Ekso at RIM, call 313-745-9932.

RIM Nurse to Receive Prestigious 2012 Nightingale Award

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s (RIM), Maria Bobo, MSN, RN, WHNP-BC, will be honored with the 2012 Nightingale Award in the category of Long-Term Care/Rehabilitation Nursing at the 24th Annual Nightingale Awards for Nursing® on May 10^th at the San Marino Club in Troy. 

The awards are presented annually by Oakland University’s School of Nursing and its Board of Visitors, and recognizes exceptional nurses who are “leading the way” from all over the state of Michigan and Canada.

Bobo, a Detroit native, has been working in the nursing profession for over 17 years in various health care settings. She graduated from Grand Valley State University’s nursing program and received her MSN at Wayne State University (WSU). She is also finishing her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at WSU.

Maria joined RIM as a clinical nurse specialist in 2009. Her primary role has been to help RIM achieve Magnet recognition. The Magnet Recognition Program is operated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and recognizes healthcare organizations that provide excellence in nursing. It is considered the highest recognition for nursing excellence.
"Maria's energy and dedication to creating an environment of shared governance on our quest to achieve Magnet recognition is truly dynamic. Since her arrival at RIM and implementation of various initiatives, the value of nursing has improved and we are grateful to have her on our team," says Bridget A. Leonard MSN, RN, MBA, CRRN, Manager Nursing Office, RIM.

Nominees were nominated by their peers, supervisors, friends or patients for their superior service and contributions in one of eight specialty areas. Each winning recipient receives a check for $1,000, a bronze statue of Florence Nightingale and a pin.

DMC’s Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan is one of the nation’s largest hospitals specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The Institute is home to many innovative programs, including the Southeastern Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury System (SEMTBIS), one of only 16 federally designated centers of excellence in the U.S. for the treatment of brain injuries, and the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery, a world-class facility designed to implement and study innovative treatments in spinal cord injury recovery. RIM is one of eight hospitals operated by the Detroit Medical Center (DMC). The DMC is proud to be the Official Healthcare Services Provider of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Pistons.

5 Most Common Running Injuries

Running is great exercise, however, it can cause repetitive strain on body parts and be a source of injury. Here are the top 5 most common running injuries, how they occur and the best ways to treat them.

1. Runner's Knee

Runner's knee is a wearing away of the back of the kneecap, causing pain in the knee. This can occur because of strength and flexibility imbalances, or shoes that do not give proper support. Typically, the condition is treated with correct shoe selection, orthotics and strengthening / stretching exercises. Talk to a sports medicine doctor about getting into physical therapy and learning about the best exercises to heal runner's knee.

2. Stress Fractures
Stress fractures can be caused by overtraining, a shortage of calcium, or by some basic biomechanical flaw -- either in your running style or your body structure. Common stress fractures in runners occur in the tibia (the inner and larger bone of the leg below the knee), the femur (thigh bone) and in the sacrum (triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the metatarsal (toe) bones in the foot.  See a doctor who specializes in running injuries.  Pool running is often a safe alternative to training while recovering from a stress fracture.

3. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
Marked by a sharp, burning knee or hip pain, ITBS is a very common running injury among marathoners. Indeed, it's responsible for as many as 80% of all overuse pains on marathon day. The ITB runs along the outside of the thigh -- from the top of the hip to the outside of the knee. It stabilizes the knee and hip during running, but when it thickens and rubs over the bone, the area can become inflamed or the band itself may become irritated -- causing pain.  ITBS may be caused by running on a banked surface that causes the downhill leg to bend slightly inward and stretches the band; inadequate warm-up or cool-down; running excessive distances; increasing mileage too quickly, or certain physical abnormalities may cause it.

4. Shin Splints
The most common type of shin splints happen on the inside of legs. These medial shin splints are a running injury that results from a biomechanical flaw in your foot (which can be made worse by a shoe that doesn't offer enough support) and/or overtraining.  Begin by making sure you have a foot evaluation to determine the correct shoe for your foot type.  Flexibility problems at the foot and ankle are also a common cause of shin splints.  Make sure you stretch your calf muscles before and after every run.

 5. Plantar Fasciitis
Also known as pain in the middle of the arch of the foot, plantar fasciitis is a running injury most frequently caused by an abnormal motion of the foot or too-tight calf muscles. Treatment should focus on determining your foot type and selecting the correct running shoe and orthotics if indicated.  A good stretching program, with emphasis on the calf musculature should be done before and after every run.

To learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of common running injuries, download the Detroit Medical’s Center’s FREE running App: Run with DMC. Visit the App’s video library for great advice on selecting shoes, stretching and warm-up exercises to enhance your running performance and maintain your running health. You can also use the app to locate a DMC physical therapist or sports medicine physician near you.

By Laura Ramus, PT, ATC, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan

Former Detroit Lion, Mike Utley, to Fund Therapy for SCI Recovery

Former Detroit Lion, Mike Utley, is offering a person with a spinal cord injury (SCI), the opportunity to maximize their recovery and improve their quality of life, by providing a scholarship to DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.

Through the generous support of the Mike Utley Foundation, Utley will be funding a scholarship to Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM). The Mike Utley Rehabilitation Scholarship (MURS) provides one free month of intense sessions designed to help the person engage in health, fitness and rehabilitation at the highest level after the program is completed.  The program will include physical therapy, biofeedback therapy, personal training and nutrition consultations. 

As a leader in the treatment of spinal cord injury, RIM sees more SCI patients than any other program in Michigan, including the most complex cases. RIM is also home to the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery (CSCIR). The CSCIR is one of the first hospital-based programs of its kind in the U.S. to provide long-term, high-intensity, activity-based therapy, to optimize health and function in persons with spinal cord injury. The program incorporates the latest scientific research and innovative therapeutic techniques, in the quest to make recovery from spinal cord injury a reality.

Utley, was paralyzed during an NFL game in 1991. In the years since his injury he has inspired others with his own drive, determination and incredible motivation to strive for optimal physical performance.

Applications are now being accepted for the Mike Utley Rehabilitation Scholarship. To download the scholarship application form, please visit http://www.rimrehab.org/ and click on the “Community Programs” tab.  The deadline for submitting the application is May 1, 2012. 

About the Mike Utley Foundation

The Mike Utley Foundation was established January 2, 1992 to provide funding for research, rehabilitation and education for those living with spinal cord injuries. The Mike Utley Foundation encourages those disabled by such injuries to expand their potential through rehabilitation, physical training, education and a determined pursuit of personal goals. In addition to innovative research, the Foundation financially supports rehabilitation projects, patient and family assistance programs, patient equipment, patient and family education and therapeutic recreational programs.

Win a Brand New Wheelchair Accesible Van

Millions of people with disabilities face mobility challenges every day.To call attention to this important issue and bring it front and center to the general public, May 2012 marks the inauguration of National Mobility Awareness Month! 

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) and MobilityWorks are taking part in celebrating the upcoming National Mobility Awareness Month. The awareness month will focus on increasing independence and the quality of life for people with disabilities. It will serve to communicate that people with disabilities can enjoy mobile, active lifestyles through safe, reliable Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles.
As part of the awareness campaign, NMEDA is giving away 3 handicap accessible vans: A Chrysler Town & Country, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna - all wheelchair accessible conversions from leading manufacturers BraunAbility and VMI.
If you or someone you know has overcome the challenges of dealing with a disability then it's time to share your story with the world. Submissions can be either a video (1 – 3 minutes) or in a written format (Up to 400 words) with a picture of the nominee.
Anyone in the community can qualify to enter – a caregiver, veteran, or person with a mobility disability.

To submit a local hero story, go to the local hero tab at http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/ where videos and written essays will be accepted from March 18 through May 13th. Each dealer in the NMEDA program is given a special number to use when submitting information. MobilityWorks – Madison Heights, MI is 885. If you use this code when voting for local hero nominations, 5 bonus points will be given to your nominee.

New Mobile App for Runners

Have you already abandoned your New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, get in shape and become more fit? If so, the Detroit Medical Center's (DMC) new running app can help you get back on track.

Whether you’re taking a jog or running a marathon, “Run with DMC” is the perfect training companion. Brought to you by the DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan and DMC’s Sports Medicine experts, the app is available on iPhone and Android platforms.

The FREE app features a Running Log to record all the details of your run and offers expert advice from the physical therapists of the DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, including videos and info about shoe selection, warm-up exercises and stretching to help enhance your running performance. Run with DMC also contains helpful info from DMC Sports Medicine medical experts on causes, symptoms and treatments for various running injuries. You can also use the app to track other forms of exercise, including walking, biking, etc.

Give it a try – just search for “Run with DMC” in your smartphone’s marketplace!