Should You Go to PA School? Deciding if Becoming a Physician Assistant is Right for You

The healthcare industry is booming right now, with nearly all medical professionals in high demand. Physician Assistants are among the most highly sought after graduates and it's a great career choice for people that want to be heavily involved in diagnosis and treatment, but might not want to spend the time and money to become a physician.

One of the benefits of becoming a physician assistant (PA) as opposed to a nurse practitioner (NP) is that a physician's assistant often has more flexibility in his or her career choices after becoming a certified PA. NP's are trained within a specialty, and so if they were to move between specialties, additional training would be required.

Education

Physician assistants require a master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies, Health Science, or Medical Science. To get into a PA program, the applicant has to take the GRE or MCAT, and also needs a bachelor's degree. Typical bachelor's degrees for PA students include nutrition, sports physiology, psychology, biology, and other science majors. Not only will a science based major look better when you're applying to a PA school, but it will also ensure you have taken the required classes and help you on the GRE or MCAT more than a non-science major. Finally, most PA students have a work background in health care, including technicians, medics, nursing assistants, medical assistants, and more.

PA school is usually a two to three year program. According to U.S. News & World Report these are the top 25 PA programs in the country:

1. Duke University
2. University of Iowa
3. University of Utah
4. Emory University
5. George Washington University
6. Baylor College of Medicine
7. Oregon Health and Sciences University
8. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–Newark
9. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center–Dallas
10. University of Washington
11. Quinnipiac University
12. University of Colorado–Denve
13. Interservice Physician Assistant Program
14. Northeastern University
15. Stony Brook University–SUNY
16. University of Nebraska Medical Center
17. University of Oklahoma
18. Philadelphia University
19. University of Texas Health Science Center–San Antonio
20. Wake Forest University
21. Yale University
22. Drexel University
23. Midwestern University
24. Shenandoah University
25. DeSales University

You should pick a handful of schools you are interested in attending and do your research into their requirements for admission to maximize your chances of getting in.

Salaries & Schedule

PA's typically work on salary, as opposed to a nurse that typically works on an hourly basis. If you need the flexibility of an hourly schedule, pursuing an NP career might be more suitable. Your level of pay as a PA will largely depend on the state that you are practicing in and the demand for that particular area, but the median in the United States is $90,000/year according to PayScale.com.

MMAR Medical is a medical equipment retailer that specializes in bracing, DME equipment, diabetic footwear and more. Visit our store for our complete selection.

Hot & Cold Therapy Myths & Facts

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Top 3 Knee Braces for Ski & Snowboarding

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Training Tips & Protective Equipment for Hockey Players

The sport of hockey is vastly popular and played around the world with widespread participation in North America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Russia. Male and female players of all ages and skill levels enjoy the competitive nature of the sport that requires equal parts power and finesse to truly excel. The modern team sport’s origins can be traced back to the 1800’s in Canada where British soldiers passed time playing the game on skates on frozen lakes and ponds. Over the next 200 years the game has evolved to a place where indoor ice rinks and roller hockey rinks are common in cities across the United States.

Organized hockey leagues require a large amount of equipment to protect participants from the frozen rubber puck and other players while playing the game. Basic equipment needed includes a helmet, shoulder pads, neck guard, hockey gloves, padded hockey pants, skates and of course a stick. It is recommended that players invest in hockey specific equipment from a well-known hockey manufacturer due to the risk of injury players expose themselves to every time they step on the ice. While MMAR Medical recognizes the need for specific hockey gear, we also suggest you explore popular hockey rehabilitation equipment to help players recover and perform their best.

Protective padding
 Hockey players travelling at high speeds on wheels or a blade are susceptible to collisions and wipeouts. To cushion the fall and decrease the impact on a player’s knees we suggest investing in Mueller Knee pads. The extra strength knee pads slide up the player’s legs and an elastic material provides a comfortable and snug fit. The lightweight, non-bulky padding allows the player to move freely and not be encumbered by larger pads. These hockey knee pads are recommended for street or roller hockey players looking for more knee protection. Many ice hockey leagues require USA Hockey approved full leg protection available at hockey specific retailers.

Skate Insoles
The importance of leg strength to the sport of hockey cannot be overstated. Forwards, defenders and even goalies rely on their leg’s conditioning and power to skate faster and longer than opponents during training and in competition. For players to maximize their play their feet must be comfortable. Much of that has to do with properly fitted and broken in skates. If your skates are not as comfortable as you’d like consider Prothotic Performance Sport Insoles to cushion the often hard skate soles. Choose from a range of men’s and women’s insole sizes to provide exceptional arch and metatarsal rise support and guard against harmful over-pronation. An advanced polyurethane base layer cushions the entire foot and will never flatten or lose comfort over time. The anti-friction fabric will keep the hockey skate insole in one place and even wicks moisture away from the foot, reducing heat and the risk of uncomfortable blisters.

 Hockey Joint Braces 
There is no replacement for a strong and healthy joint but bracing an injured or recovering joint can give you confidence to play the sport you love at a high level. If you suffer joint weakness or pain we recommend adding a hockey knee, wrist or ankle brace to your equipment list. MMAR Medical stocks a wide selection of low profile braces designed to fit underneath your equipment. Most hockey skates provide excellent ankle support when laced properly however if you still require extra ankle support, browse our hockey ankle braces that will give additional muscle and joint stabilization.

Best Exercises for Preventing Ski Injuries

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Top 5 Twitter Accounts to Follow For Physical Therapy Students

Physical therapy is one of the fastest growing professions. With over 25,000 students enrolled in physical therapy programs throughout the United States, it's also becoming a competitive field. Like any medical field, there is constantly changing information and as a student it can be tough to learn established knowledge while keeping up with new research. If you're a PT student, check out these Twitter accounts for PT research and news, career advice, and job listings.

PT Think Tank

PT Think Tank is the Twitter account for PTThinkTank.com, a blog that began by covering many facets of physical therapy, and now hosts weekly Twitter talks for students enrolled in Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. The Twitter chats include professional physical therapists, students, and professors and they often have a featured guest that contributes to the conversation. The talks are hosted by @LaurenrSPT every Wednesday.

Allied Travel Careers

As a student, you will be looking for jobs and internships over the course of your PT education, and assuming you're young and flexible, traveling physical therapy jobs are a great way to spend the first few years of your professional career. @PTtraveljobs is the Twitter account of AlliedTravelCareers.com and they tweet out traveling physical therapy opportunities that are great for recent grads looking for exciting careers.

Physical Therapy Web

Physical Therapy Web posts educational PT articles from their website and other physical therapy sites around the web. They have a lot of articles based on sports physical therapy, so if you're a student specializing in sports PT, this is a great resource to follow for the latest news and research on sports therapy.

American Physical Therapy Association’s Student Assembly

The student resources Twitter page for the American Physical Therapy Association features tweets by PT students on issues they care about including study and educational resources, networking events around the country, and advice for students on how to network and stay connected within the PT community.

Physical Therapy Journal

Finally, the official, peer-reviewed journal of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Physical Therapy Journal, tweets from @PTJournal. This is a great account to follow if you're looking to stay updated on the latest PT research. You have to be an APTA member to read the full research articles, but abstracts are available and they also tweet other content such as videos of lectures and Podcasts.

MMAR Medical blogs about medical topics, including physical therapy, sports health, and more. They also supply a wide range of therapy products in their store at wholesale pricing.

5 Ways to Encourage Your Child through Physical Therapy

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Cold Therapy Systems for Healing and Comfort

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3 Reasons Cold Therapy Systems Help Healing Time

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Moist Heat Therapy for Muscle Relief

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Low Mobility Workouts & Exercises

Exercising and being active is important to everyone regardless of age and current fitness level. A regular exercise routine helps strengthen muscles, relieves stress, controls weight gain and best of all exercise increases endorphins and boosts your mood! Unfortunately patients suffering diabetes, arthritis, obesity and the elderly are prone to mobility restrictions making it difficult for them to get a regular workout the gym. Having a condition that limits your ability to move does not mean you can’t exercise; this article outlines tips and specific exercises that are designed to get you moving and attain your goals!

Before starting a new workout routine, get medical clearance from your doctor, not a friend or personal trailer. Your medical professional has a complete understanding your condition and can recommend activities that are suitable for you that will not aggravate preexisting conditions. It’s also important to pace yourself when starting with a new activity. Trying to accomplish fitness and exercising goals too quickly can result in an injury and loss of motivation. Setting short-term goals like improving your mental state and reducing stress helps your confidence and gives you more motivation to reach your long-term goals.

Warming up cold muscles and joints is a must before every workout. Starting a workout by stretching and doing slow range-of-motion exercises increases blood flow and reduces the risk of injury. Do not exercise if you experience pain or discomfort as pain is your body warning you that it doesn’t like the way it is being used. The below list’s contain exercises for the lower body, low mobility cardiovascular exercises and specific upper body workouts for people in wheelchairs.

Wheelchair/Upper Body Exercises:
•    Rowing Machines
•    Overhead Fist Punching
•    Elastic Band Resistance
•    Lifting Dumbbells
•    Stationary Arm Cycle
•    Nintendo Wii & Xbox 360 video games

Lower Body Exercises:
•    Stationary Exercise Peddler
•    Yoga/ Tai Chi
•    Wall Squats/Body Weight Squats
•    Aqua Jogging
•    Standing Heel Lifts
•    Sitting knee Extensions

Cardiovascular Exercises:
•    Elliptical Machine
•    Tennis
•    Dancing
•    Water Aerobics
•    Swimming

Save money today with MMAR Medical’s SUMMER SPECIAL deals. Enjoy 10% off Breg, DonJoy and Ossur products using coupon code’s BREG10, DONJOY10, OSSUR10. Please note these coupons are valid on regularly priced inventory and cannot be combined with wholesale pricing discounts or other sale priced coupons. First time customers can use our SHIP75 free shipping coupon with them, though!

Summer Exercise Safety Tips

The summer months allow athletes and rehabilitation patients to move their exercises outdoors and away from stuffy indoor offices and gyms. Extended hours of daylight and warmer temperatures are welcomed by many and help break up the tired routines of a long winter.

There are some safety concerns you should be aware of when exerting energy in the heat. In this post we’ll share tips and warnings to help ensure the time and effort spent outside exercising is beneficial and safe.

Scheduling
Just finding free time to exercise is almost as difficult as some workouts. Work and personal obligations are top priorities for many of us; add kids to the equation and you’ll find yourself wishing for more hours in a day. While schedules often dictate our daily routine there are safer times of the day to spend in the sun. When exercising outside, we recommend going as early in the day as possible before the daily temperatures reach their peak. In the mornings the radiation from the sun is lower and the chances of heat related injuries are greatly reduced.

Hydration 
Extreme temperatures can turn an outdoor workout into a dangerous event quickly if one has not prepared to be in the heat. The #1 Rule when exercising outside is hydration. Before beginning any physical training, indoors or outdoors, your body needs to be hydrated to perform at the highest level. A body will lose fluids through sweat faster in the heat so it is imperative you are properly hydrated before, during and after being outside.

Renee Melton, MS, RD, LD and developer of Sensai recommends drinking >15 ounces of water 1-2 hours before a workout, 8-10 more ounces about 15 minutes right before you start, and continuing with 8 ounces for every 15 minutes of exercise during the workout. Drink lots of water and avoid diuretics like coffee and caffeinated drinks which cause rapid fluid loss. When finished exercising outside you need to re-fuel your body with nourishment in the form of food and vitamins to aid in recovery.

Dress the Part 
Protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays with sunscreen and light colored clothing. Applying SFP 40 or higher will protect vulnerable skin cells from the damaging sun radiation. Wearing light and pastel colors will reflect the UV rays and help to keep you cool in the heat. Avoid dark colors.

For endurance athletes training in the sweltering heat we recommend CEP Arm Cooler Sleeves which are designed to shield athletes from the sun. These non-compressive arm sleeves are manufactured with high-density knit structure and UV absorbing yarn which provides over SPF 50 protection. CEP’s Cool-Cell technology reduces the skin temperature by up to 6 degrees, keeping the athlete comfortable and reducing fatigue while training. These cool arm sleeves come in pairs and are perfect for runners, triathletes, cyclists and other outdoor endurance athletes.

Educate Yourself
Even the most vigilant person and in-shape competitor can be overwhelmed when exercising outdoors, so it’s important to understand the risks and symptoms of heat related illnesses. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious medical illnesses common for anyone outdoors during hot summer months.

• Heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of water and salt; symptoms include: headaches, heavy sweating, dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting. If you or someone you’re feel feels these symptoms, it’s recommended to find a cool, shady place to rest and drink lots of water. 
• Heat stroke is a much more serious condition that may cause death or permanent disability if not treated. When a body is going through heat stroke and unable to cool itself down, warning signs include: warm dry skin, body chills, hallucinations, high body temp, confusion, slurred speech and throbbing headaches. It is imperative 9-1-1 is called ASAP and the sufferer is moved to a cool area until help arrives.

Exercise safely at a bargain this summer with MMAR Medical’s SUMMER SPECIAL deals. Enjoy 10% off Breg, DonJoy and Ossur products using coupon code’s BREG10, DONJOY10, OSSUR10. Please note these coupons are valid on regularly priced inventory and cannot be combined with wholesale pricing discounts or other sale priced coupons. First time customers can use our SHIP75 free shipping coupon with them, though!

Breg Freestyle OA Knee Brace Review: A Comfortable Knee Brace for Active Lifestyles

For active people and athletes, osteoarthritis of the knee can become a debilitating condition that can alter their entire lifestyle. What’s worse is that because they put stress on their joints more often, active people tend to develop osteoarthritis earlier in their lives and, if they continue to remain active, can have it worsen more quickly once they are diagnosed. It’s simply the nature of joint overuse that causes this, and of course can become more of an issue if other knee injuries have also occurred.

The Breg Freestyle Osteoarthritis Knee Brace aims to alleviate pain and performance issues that stem from osteoarthritis and also prevent osteoarthritis from worsening. For athletes, runners, and others that live active lifestyles, having an OA brace that allows them to keep participating in the activities they love is essential.

Light and Comfortable Design

The issue with many OA knee braces is that wearing them becomes a chore. Not only are they clunky, but they are also uncomfortable and can sometimes create more issues than they are solving. The Breg Freestyle OA Brace features a low profile hinge that doesn’t interfere with activity or get in the way of your opposite knee. The brace is secured with a set of soft, comfortable Velcro straps. The Velcro attachments allow the brace to remain free from snagging on clothing and the brace can be worn just as easily under pants as it can with shorts.

The Performance Athletes Need

Athletes, particularly long distance runners, will love the performance that the Breg Freestyle Brace provides. Whether you’re in need of a lateral or medial brace, the Breg Freestyle gives your knee proper support by providing firm but gentle pressure to the joint, preventing your knee joint from grinding. This OA knee brace model features a numbered adjustable wheel on the hinge that allows you to change the amount of offloading easily and quickly.

Visit our store today for full specifications on the Breg Freestyle Brace. For a limited time, we are offering a summer discount for 10% off “Our Price” on all Breg products. Simply enter the coupon code BREG10 at checkout and receive 10% off today!

Orthofeet Naples Diabetic Sandals Review

Orthofeet Naples diabetic shoes are one of the highest selling and most stylish products offered by MMAR Medical. These shoes are made with comfort and safety in mind. They are specifically designed to optimize breathability and support to help reduce pressure. Naples diabetic sandals are also designed with a wide, easy open design. This design helps the user easily slip the shoe on or insert custom insoles.

Breathability:

Most shoes are made with material that doesn’t allow an adequate amount of air on to the foot. Without adequate air and an increase in pressure the foot begins to sweat and blisters can form. The blisters caused from sweat and too much pressure can turn into extremely painful foot ulcers. Orthofeet Naples diabetic sandals allow increased airflow, so skin irritations and blisters due to sweat is dramatically reduced.

Support:

Support is crucial when searching for diabetic shoes and that’s exactly what Orthofeet Naples diabetic sandals offer. These diabetic shoes have several different areas of support. The heal of the shoe has a custom designed heal fitting strap that allows for reduced heal slippage. Also equipped with extra support padding this diabetic shoe ensures that your feet are comfortable throughout even the longest days of walking.

If you’re looking for a great diabetic shoe for men or women then look no further. The Orthofeet Naples diabetic shoe offers superior support, breathability, and comfort. At only $99 these shoes are a deal you can’t pass up. Keep your feet comfortable and safe with our phenomenal diabetic shoes.

At MMAR Medical our goal is to provide you with the best medical products at a price you can afford. If you have any questions about our Naples diabetic shoes, please contac
t us at 800.662.7633 and we’ll be more than happy to help you.

Products & Strategies to Reduce Hip Pain

Relief from hip pain may seem impossible when you are in the middle of an intense pain cycle after injury. There are strategies, however, that can reduce if not eliminate your level of discomfort so that you can return to your normal activity level. If you find that stretching, exercise, weight loss and ice/heat therapy are not enough, then you may need to invest in braces, proper shoes or other supplies for a more intensive rehabilitation.

A regimen of basic leg stretches and daily exercise can work wonders for someone who has a sedentary job and may be experiencing more hip pain through the years because of osteoarthritis or other issues. In other cases, too much exercise or rough play on the field or in practice can lead to muscle strain. This type of strain may settle into the piriformis, a muscle that can affect the sciatic nerve and cause pain to radiate through the hips and the back of the legs. In these cases, regular icing and heat can be beneficial. For pain such as this, you may want to use a cold therapy system that controls the temperature in a more efficient manner than ice for a deeper, consistent level of pain relief.

For more intense support, braces and rehab supplies can give hips the protection they need in recovering from falls, sprains and strains or other injuries. One of the more common injuries is hip flexor strain. This type of pain can be debilitating if left untreated. Various hip protector garments, compression gear and hip abduction orthosis can assist to stabilize the affected muscles, which will help you get back on your feet or on the field as an athlete.

Weight loss also can be instrumental in reducing the amount of stress placed on your hip muscles. With an increase in exercise, you may not only see overall pain reduction in your body, but also the subsequent weight loss can bring an added amount of hip pain relief. Weight loss is an important tool in battling the symptoms of chronic disease such as diabetes. As part of disease management, therapeutic shoes can be essential for circulation and balance to help maintain even weight distribution in your daily activities. With the stylish types available from manufacturers specializing in this footwear, you will find that these types of shoes look just like any other shoe. The one difference is that these shoes can provide a superior level of comfort and quality.

MMAR Medical can assist you with finding the right high-end orthopedic rehab and sports medical products for hip pain relief.

Best Waterproof Knee Brace for Waterskiing

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The 5 Worst Athlete ACL Injuries of All Time: Recovery (Part II)

Injured professional athletes have some of the most incredible recoveries from the most devastating injuries. In our last blog post we talked about the 5 worst ACL injuries in recent sports history, but how did they recover? In this blog post we’ll cover how the recovery went for these five athletes and highlight some of the amazing recoveries modern sports therapy has achieved.

Tom Brady’s “Unprecedented” Recovery

Tom Brady’s ACL tear in 2008 marked the first time the star quarterback missed games in 15 years of his career. The doctor who oversaw his surgery and recovery said, “With regard to his recovery of strength, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. With an average person, it would have taken probably twice as long.” Even after getting an infection after the procedure, Brady was still able to keep his rehab on track. Brady went on to play the entire following season with a knee brace, was named the 2009 NFL Comeback Player of the Year and won the AFC East title.

Robert Griffin III’s “Superhuman” ACL Recovery

Robert Griffin III’s season ending ACL injury was heartbreaking for Redskins fans after the team rallied to win 7 games at the end of the season, winning the NFC East title. Dr. James Andrews has called RG3’s recovery “superhuman,” leading many to believe he will be ready for Week One of the 2013 season. It’s still too early to tell, as RG3 is still in recovering, but his appearance at a draft party in early May, complete with jumping jacks, suggests that he is well ahead of schedule.  (We hope he’s wearing an ACL brace under those jeans for support!)

Tiger Woods “Double Bundle” ACL Surgery

As a professional athlete you typically have access to the newest and most innovative procedures in the medical community. When Tiger Woods tore his ACL in 2008, he underwent ACL surgery that consisted of repairing both parts of the ACL, which isn’t done with conventional ACL surgery. Though studies have to gauge performance over time to determine if this is a superior surgery, the thought is that it establishes a more natural motion post-surgery. With a win at the 2013 World Golf Championship, if looks like Tiger is doing just fine.

Adrian Peterson’s Incredible Return After ACL Tear

Adrian Peterson wasn’t expected to return until the middle of the 2012 season following an ACL tear in 2011. Eight months after his surgery (which was done a risky 6 days after it was injured), Peterson was on the field for Week One of the 2012 NFL season. He went on to have the best season of his career, finishing with 2,097 rushing yards, the second most in NFL history. Orthopedic surgeon Leon Popovitz notes Peterson is the exception for this kind of recovery stating, “Adrian is so special. Not only is he physically, just exceptionally gifted, he has the mental makeup that will give him confidence and extreme concentration.”

Derrick Rose’s Slow Recovery

Derrick Rose spent the NBA playoffs on the Bulls’ bench, despite being cleared to play. Rose was injured in the 2012 playoffs, and sat out the entire 2012-2013 season during his recovery process. Even as the Bulls entered the playoffs, Rose displayed extreme patience in his recovery saying, “I'm not coming back until I'm 110%. Who knows when that can be? It can be within a couple of weeks. It could be next year.”

MMAR Medical supplies orthopedic braces for a range of injuries, including ACL and MCL injuries and for a range of sports including basketball, football, and golf.

Have you had ACL surgery? How did your recovery go?  Which one of these recoveries is most impressive to you?  Comment!

The 5 Worst Athlete ACL Injuries of All Time (Part I)

ACL injuries that will never be forgotten. 

Rarely do people consider how much athletes put their bodies through to perform at the professional level. Sure, it sounds great to get paid to play the sport you love, however, athletes spend countless hours in the gym, conditioning and training. Rightfully so, athletes need all the strength training they can get to help prevent major and common injuries.

According to a leader in proactive wellness, Core Performance, 70% of ACL injuries occur during the planting and cutting movements used in all sports. In addition, girls and women are 4 to 10 times more likely than boys and men to sustain ACL injuries. However, as we’ve seen in professional sports, ACL tears can happen to even the best and strongest athletes.

Below is our list of top 5 sports related ACL injuries. Please be advised that some of the injuries listed are difficult to read or watch.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady with knee brace after ACL injury. Image by CBSSports.com

Tom Brady’s injury is an example of how injuries can occur in many ways. In contact sports, things are moving so quickly that some injuries are unavoidable. This is exactly what happened to Tom Brady in the first game of the 2008 NFL season when Bernard Pollard landed on Brady’s knee, tearing both his ACL and MCL. Despite severely injuring this knee and fighting an infection, Brady was able to come back and play the next season.

Check out Tom Brady’s knee injury on YouTube.

Robert Griffin III (RG3) 

RG3 with support brace during practice. Image by NFL.com.

 In the 2012 NFL season, RG3 suffered from two severe knee injuries, including the PCL sprain in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens, and the inexplicable looking injury against the Seattle Seahawks. Since the injury, Robert Griffin III has made great progress towards rehabilitating his knee and looks to continue playing.

See RG3’s knee injury against the Seattle Seahawks for yourself on YouTube.

Tiger Woods 

Tiger Woods experiencing knee pain. Image by ScientificAmerican.com.

Although there was a lot of speculation as to the extent of Tiger Wood’s knee injury, it’s an observed fact that knee injuries can occur in non-contact sports. It was reported that Tiger tore his ACL and received an advanced form of reconstructive surgery. To achieve a powerful swing, professional golfers tend to place a high amount of pressure on the knee joints in order to add rotation into their swing. With time, wear and tear can occur on both knees.

Adrian Peterson 

Adrian Peterson with support knee brace after knee injury. Image by ABCNews.com.

Not all ACL and MCL injuries end on bad notes. Adrian Peterson is one of the most notable athletes to make a nearly 100% recovery after his knee injury to almost break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. Despite the odds against him, Peterson shocked both the medical and sports communities when he was nominated for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player the very next year. Chek out Adrian Peterson’s season ending knee injury on YouTube.

Derrick Rose 

Derrick Rose ACL support brace. Image by Madeira.org.

Although there has been a lot of speculation about the appropriate length of recovery of Derrick Rose’s ACL tear, it should always be treated with care. Most doctors recommend 6-9 months recovery time for non-athletes, but for professional athletes this time is usually scaled down due to the fact that they have more time for rehabilitation. Nevertheless, Derrick Rose’s knee injury is still in our top 5 worst injuries.

Take a look at Derrick Rose’s devastating knee injury on YouTube. Which sports related injury do you think was the worst? Did we miss any? Share with us in the comments!

Support Braces for Knee Injuries & Injury Prevention 

If you are rehabilitating an ACL or knee injury, then proper support is needed. MMAR Medical specializes in ACL braces and knee injury prevention braces.

Have a question about a particular knee brace? Contact us or comment below to ask your question or share your personal injury stories! Be sure to check back in the future for the 2nd part of this blog where we talk about how these amazing athletes are recovering from their ACL injuries.

Back Injury Prevention: 5 Simple Techniques

Did you know that one of the most common reasons for missed work is back related injuries? In fact, it is estimated that up to 90% of US residents will experience some sort of back injury during their lifetime! Many of these issues stem from work related injuries, but regardless of where the injury takes place, the pain can cause major problems in everyday life.

The key is to prevent the injury from the start. To help, we’ve compiled a list of simple and effective techniques that you can implement to keep your back healthy.

1. Lifting and moving objects.

One of the most common causes of back pain and injury is moving and lifting objects. Most of us know that we should be lifting from our knees, but sometimes we seem to forget this simple step. Even if an item doesn’t appear very heavy, throwing your back out can happen very easily. Be sure to follow the squat technique and if an item seems extremely heavy, ask for help!

2. Sleeping support.

You wouldn’t think that sleep could cause back pain. In reality, if your bed isn’t supporting your back, you might wake up with problems. Make sure that you have a bed that offers the right amount of support. If you notice that you often wake up in pain, it may be time to re-evaluate your sleeping arrangements.

3. Exercise and stretch.

There are many muscles throughout your back that need stretching and exercise on a regular basis. Strengthening your back supports your spine and helps it to work properly. Be sure to keep your back flexible and strong for optimum support.

4. Relieve stress.

For many people who are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, they are holding that tension in their back. If this is you, find a way to release your stress levels, so your back can also feel the release. Getting a nice message can help alleviate back pain and stress levels.

5. Diet and health.

If you happen to be carrying extra weight in your belly, your back will feel the effects. Keeping yourself fit and healthy will also keep your back in shape. So make sure you eat the right foods and get enough exercise each day. Strengthening your core and lower back muscles can help take pressure off your lower back.

If for some unfortunate reason you do experience a back injury or pain, MMAR Medical is here to help. We specialize in back support and spine bracing. From lumbar belts to complete spinal braces, we are ready to give your back the support it deserves. Have a question about a particular back brace? Ask below using our comment section.

Product Spotlight: CEP Calf Compression Sleeves

Over the past few years, compression gear has become popular among athletes, particularly runners who are training for long distances including marathons. One of the more effective pieces of compression gear is calf compression sleeves, and they have been gaining popularity for their performance and recovery enhancing effects. Many users also cite the benefit of calf compression over long compression socks during the summer months, as it gives your ankles and calves a bit more breathing room. Some of the benefits of wearing calf compression sleeves include:

• Reducing soreness during and after training
• Increasing blood flow, resulting in improved recovery time
• Improving running time
• Decreasing vibration and muscle strain making for an easier run
• Reducing injuries

The CEP Calf Compression Sleeves are one of the newest entrants to the market, and feature the latest compression technology. Other brands include SKINS, Zensah, and RecoFiT, but CEP (Compete, Endure, Perform) is regarded as the best fitting and best performing of these brands, probably due in large part to their medically influenced technology. All of CEP’s products are backed by research performed by reputable scientific journals, such as The Journal of Strength and Conditioning, and the calf sleeves are no different.

So how specifically do these calf compression sleeves differ from the competition? CEP calf sleeves are made of higher quality compression material and hold their tightness for a longer amount of time. It’s important to order your correct size, which will require a measurement of your calf circumference. After all, compression sleeves can’t work properly if they aren’t compressing your muscles.

One of the main benefits of CEP compression gear is that it tends to fit a bit more snug than other similar products, but it’s never constricting. This results in a feeling of stabilizing your muscles, actually making you feel stronger and allowing your muscles to endure tougher workouts. Another benefit is in comfort. CEP’s are made from one solid piece of material, so there are no irritating seams that will rub against your legs and distract you from training.

Finally, minimalist runners who use Vibrams will love these compression sleeves. Since wearing long compression socks is not an option with Vibrams, it gives the benefit of leg compression. But it also shortens the longer recovery time associated with using Vibram running shoes by reducing vibration and improving blood flow to the calves.

CEP Compression Calf Sleeves are available in our store at a great price and in your choice of six colors. Shop today for free shipping on your order of $75 or more.

Running After an Injury: How to Get Back In Running Mode

Returning from an injury is an uphill battle. Not only does the injury itself hold you back, but you will have decreased muscle mass in the injured area, and will most likely be in less-than-great shape, increasing your chances of sustaining a new injury. Here are a few things to keep in mind so you can get back to full strength after an injury.

 Stick to your Physical Therapy Routine 

When you’re recovering after a serious injury, you should always listen to your physical therapist and stick to the routine he or she outlines for you. These exercises are designed to help you recover quickly and effectively, and also prevent future injuries. Your physical therapist will also be able to tell you when you’re healthy enough to start running again.

Take It Slow 

Once you have to go-ahead to get back to training, it’s important to take it slow. When you are fresh off an injury, the chances are high that you can re-injure yourself, or even cause an entirely new injury. Warming up, stretching, and performing any other pre-workout exercises that your physical therapist recommends is essential.

Once you start running, begin with a light jog, or even a brisk walk. It’s also a good idea to supplement your running with cross-training on a bike or by swimming. It’s crucial to listen to your body very carefully during these early stages so that you don’t injure yourself again.

Don’t Get Discouraged....And Don’t Push It 

Many times athletes will become discouraged after an injury because they compare their previous performance to their post-injury performance. This is mistake. There’s simply no way for you to perform at the same level that you were performing before your injury, at least not without weeks (or sometimes months) of post-injury training. This might also cause you to want to push through intense workouts even though your body is telling you not to. Again, listen to your body and recognize “good pain” versus “bad pain.”. Another good way to keep from getting discouraged is to set short term goals that you can reach every week or even every day. Having goals to look forward to and achieve will also keep you on track in the long-term.

Get Proper Rest and Recovery 

You might find that you need more time to recover from workouts than before your injury. If you’re feeling particularly sore from a run, don’t be afraid to take a day or two off to let your body recover completely. A healthy diet that includes the proper amount of protein and carbs for effective recovery will also help you stick to a training regimen.

Over the ensuing weeks and months, you will eventually get back up to where you once were, and hopefully even surpass your pre-injured self.

MMAR Medical carries a wide selection of running braces and supports from respected orthopedic brands. They also offer educational articles on everything from wrist and hand injuries to sport specific injuries including football, baseball, and golf.

The Suspicions Are True: ACL Tear Rates Are Higher on Artificial Turf

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