Team Equiliberaters Wii Fit Board

This week I wanted to post an article on a research project involving the Nintendo Wii Fit Board at Rice University. As you know from reading our blog we like to utilize and adapt video game technology for therapeutic purposes. With Nintendo announcing this week that they will release a new video game system early next year there is a lot of excitement over what 'adaptions' will be possible with the new system once the specifications are released at the E3 gaming conference this June.

Follow the link to enjoy this inspiring story...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcDUL_O4-GU

And for more information on healthy living, or to schedule a consultation for physical therapy, feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406 or visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc@nycap.rr.com.

Brendan Sullivan, PT, CSCS

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition affecting around 5 million people in the US. People generally experience pain and “stiffness” into their muscles; however, it tends to be widespread and not just affecting one muscle group. Joints and organs are not damaged through this disease, but the aches and fatigue can take its toll on activities of daily living.


What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Fibromyalgia are: Fatigue, Sleep issues, Anxiety or depression, tender points.

Who is at risk?

Women are 10 times more likely to develop Fibromyalgia than men. Women between the age of 25-60 are at the highest risk of developing this disease although no direct cause has been found researchers suspect genetics to play a role in its manifestation.

How Fibromyalgia is diagnosed

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based on a assessment of symptoms and 18 specific tender points. You must demonstrate 11 out of 18 of these tender points in order to confirm this diagnosis. There are no lab tests for Fibromyalgia, but your doctor may want to perform some tests in order to rule out other diagnoses.

How do you treat Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can be treated through medication; however, it has been written in the literature that low-level exercise is very beneficial. It is important to remember that too much exercise can have an opposite effect on a person’s body so it is good to seek out help through a medical professional such as a physical therapist. A physical therapist will be able to listen to your concerns and symptoms and help you develop a daily routine to accomplish your long-term goals.

For more information regarding Fibromyalgia and other related disorders please visit http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/slideshow-fibromyalgia-overview

And for more information on healthy living, or to schedule a consultation for physical therapy, feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406 or visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc7@nycap.rr.com.

William Milhizer, DPT, PT

Triathlon Night this Wednesday at Fleet Feet

Abby Gillard, DPT & Brendan Sullivan, PT, CSCS will be available at Triathlon Night to answer any of your questions about utilizing foam rollers to reduce injury risk and to aid recovery.

One Last Storm to Shovel Out!

Here is some food for thought during this last snowstorm of 2011! During the winter of 2008, 70,000 people were treated for back injuries sustained while shoveling snow. This is an extremely large number considering injuries while shoveling or snow blowing can generally be avoided. Injuries sustained normally consist of but are not limited to lumbar and shoulder strains and sprains. Some helpful tips to prevent injuries are:

● Check with your doctor to see if you are healthy enough to be performing this task. If there is any doubt you may consider hiring someone for snow removal.
● Warm up before you begin. Start with about 10 minutes of light exercise to “warm up” your muscles before the strenuous activity.
● Take frequent breaks, if you feel yourself getting too hot or cold stop and resume when you are feeling better. The snow is not going anywhere. It is important to take you time and think of yourself first.
● Buy a shovel that is comfortable to use and facilities good posture while shoveling.
● Take smaller loads of snow on your shovel. It may take longer to complete the task, but you will feel much better when you are finished.
● Be careful not to twist or throw snow over your shoulder while shoveling. Many injuries are sustained with a heavy load and a twisting motion combined.

For more information on snow removal safety please visit: http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/News/Daily-News-Watch/AAOS-Be-Careful-When-Shoveling.aspx

And for more information on healthy living, or to schedule a consultation for physical therapy, feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406 or visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc7@nycap.rr.com.

William Milhizer, DPT, PT

Fighting Fatigue

Why are you so tired during the day? There are many factors that can disrupt your sleep cycle create the feeling of fatigue.







1. Not getting enough sleep
a. Adults should get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. It is important to make this a priority since it can negatively affect your health and concentration. A simple tip it to get rid of all laptops, TVs, or cell phones from the bedroom.
2. Fuel
a. Not eating enough or making poor eating choices can be a problem. This generally leaves you feeling sluggish and can have an adverse reaction on your blood sugar.
3. Anemia
a. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all of your tissues and organs. If you are Anemic you may not be getting the optimal amount of oxygen to your tissues. In some cases this may be due to an iron deficiency. In this case, a diet of iron rich foods may aid in supplementing your iron intake.
4. Coffee
a. Coffee in moderation can have healthy benefits. Too much coffee can raise blood pressure and heart rate leaving you edgy and hyper. Although this may be great in the short term, it may leave you tired and going back for coffee all day long.

For more information on fatigue and potential causes of fatigue during the day visit http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/slideshow-causes-of-fatigue-and-how-fight-it

And for more information on healthy living, or to schedule a consultation for physical therapy, feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406 or visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc7@nycap.rr.com.

William Milhizer, DPT, PT

Colds vs. Flu

What should you do if you think you have the flu? How do you know? Have you had your flu shot? All of these are good questions and it is important to know the difference between being sick with a cold or the flu. The outcomes and infection opportunities may be very different and you will a have a better recovery if you can start treating the flu within the first 48 hours of symptoms.



1. There are many overlapping symptoms between the flu and colds.
a. Headaches, coughs, and ear aches.

2. There are some symptoms that are normally specific to a cold
a. Sore throat and a stuffy nose.

3. Some of the important symptoms to be aware of are flu specific.
a. Fever, rapid onset, and generalized fatigue (that may last for weeks).

Using these simple guidelines may give you an idea if you may have the flu or a cold. If there is any question at all you should contact you physician immediately. Medical treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten your rehabilitation time.

For more information of discerning between the flu and the common cold: please visit http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/slideshow-cold-or-flu#

And for more information on healthy living, or to schedule a consultation for physical therapy, feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406 or visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc7@nycap.rr.com.

William Milhizer, DPT, PT

Salt Intake Guidelines

Salt has been a household item for many years. Recently new federal guidelines were released on how much salt Americans should intake. The major aspect is for the average individual to consume less than 2,300 mg and if you are 51 or older 1,500 mg. To put this into perspective, a 6 inch sub at subway can have around 1,200mg of sodium. Following these guidelines requires a keen eye and knowledge of what you are eating. Prepackaged food generally consists of a high salt content without adding table salt. My suggestion, watch what you are eating and eat healthy foods in moderation. Don't look at these guidelines as an impossible; however, realize your salt intake and attempt to lower it. This week feel free to posts questions or comments. How do you feel about these new changes?

And for more information on healthy living, or to schedule a consultation for physical therapy, feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406 or visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc7@nycap.rr.com.

William Milhizer, DPT, PT