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MISI opens new comprehensive spine care facility in Las Colinas

The Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, one of the most advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities for back and neck pain as well as spinal disorders in the United States, has opened a comprehensive spine care facility in Las Colinas to offer both holistic and traditional approaches to spine care, advancing physician practices by forever changing the patient experience.

2 Feb 2010

Xiaflex receives FDA approval for treatment of Dupuytren's contracture

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) as the first drug to treat a progressive hand disease known as Dupuytren's contracture, which can affect a person's ability to straighten and properly use their fingers.

2 Feb 2010

Simulation training may help improve driving skills of Parkinson's disease patients

In a first-of-its-kind study, Medical College of Georgia researchers are testing whether simulation driving can reduce Parkinson's patients' threefold increased risk of car accidents.

2 Feb 2010

New approach may help in fighting Cerebral Palsy

On average, a child is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy every hour of every day in the United States. It's a disease that can affect everything from a child's vision to their ability to walk. Therapy for these kids is tough and frustrating as this is a chronic health condition.

2 Feb 2010

Strength of distal leg musculature contributes to SCK difficulty in older adults

Decreased muscle strength is associated with difficulty in performing functional activities such as stooping, crouching, or kneeling (SCK) in older adults, according to an observational study published in the January issue of Physical Therapy (PTJ), the scientific journal of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). These researchers found that adults with SCK difficulty had significant decreases in adjusted strength measurements of trunk extensor, knee extensor, and ankle flexion muscles.

2 Feb 2010

Study shows majority of patients gain weight after knee replacement surgery

You'd think folks who've had knee replacement surgery -- finally able to walk and exercise without pain -- would lose weight instead of put on pounds, but surprisingly that's not the case, according to a University of Delaware study.

30 Jan 2010

Suture Express sold to Diamond Castle Partners

Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC ("CHS") announced the sale of Suture Express, Inc., a portfolio investment of CHS Private Equity V LP and Linden LLC, to Diamond Castle Partners, a New York-based private equity firm.

29 Jan 2010

Quinnipiac University to open a medical school to meet global health needs

Quinnipiac University President John L. Lahey announced today that the University would begin the complex process of opening a medical school, with an emphasis on primary care and global health.

28 Jan 2010

Workers' compensation status may affect treatment outcomes for herniated disks

Surgery provides better results than nonsurgical treatment for most patients with back pain related to a herniated disk—but not for those receiving workers' compensation for work-related injuries, reports a study in the January 1 issue of Spine.

28 Jan 2010

Health organizations urge Congress to protect Medicare beneficiaries' access to critical rehabilitative services

A coalition of organizations representing consumers, health professionals and providers recently sent a letter to Congressional Leadership, calling for the immediate reinstatement of the exceptions process for Medicare Part B outpatient therapy services. Without such efforts, thousands of Medicare beneficiaries will exceed arbitrary limitations on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services.

28 Jan 2010

UF researchers work out to find new treatments for Pompe disease

As scientists work to find new treatments for Pompe disease - the devastating genetic "villain" that drives the efforts of the main characters in the new film "Extraordinary Measures" - University of Florida researchers are hopeful that gene therapy will help patients in the late stages of the disease breathe on their own.

27 Jan 2010

First U.S. facial transplantation procedure: Functional, psychological, and social outcome excellent

Detailed information on the first facial transplantation procedure performed in the United States is presented in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, and pharmacy.

23 Jan 2010

Mirror therapy before amputation may prevent phantom limb pain

A simple technique called mirror therapy seems effective in preventing phantom limb pain in patients undergoing amputation of an arm or leg, suggests a study in the February 2010 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS).

21 Jan 2010

Taking opioids long term could hold small risk of addition

Coping with chronic non-cancer pain is a way of life for millions of Americans. Unfortunately, many older adults, in particular, hesitate to take opioids — a kind of narcotic — for fear of addiction. However, a new review finds that taking opioids long term is associated with clinically significant pain relief in some patients with a very small risk of addition.

20 Jan 2010

Enterprise, National Community Fund I closed on $22.3M NMTC transaction

Enterprise Community Investment, Inc. (Enterprise), a national leader in affordable housing and community development, and National Community Fund I, LLC, an affiliate of United Fund Advisors, LLC, recently closed on a $22.3 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) transaction. This will finance the new construction of the Harrison Circle Building at the Morris Heights Health Center (MHHC) in Bronx, N.Y.

20 Jan 2010

Tips to prevent injuries during winter season

"There is always a risk of suffering injuries during physical activities, and skiing and snowboarding are no exception," said orthotraumatologist Wade Smith, Vice-Chairman of Orthopedics for Geisinger Health System. "Due to the nature of these sports, many of the injuries that skiers and snowboarders suffer are serious and require immediate medical attention."

13 Jan 2010

Abe's Garden raises $3.5M to include a facility to care for adults with Alzheimer's disease

Abe's Garden, a non-profit organization that seeks to establish a national model of residential living and daycare programs for those suffering with Alzheimer's disease, has raised $3.5 million toward its $9 million capital campaign announced today.

12 Jan 2010

Interest in studying psychology on the rise

"I hope I will be able to touch the lives of people when they most need help and to offer them advice and guidance."

9 Jan 2010

Physiotherapy not "alternative" medicine or "voodoo", says CPA

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) was surprised and dismayed to read articles in two of North America's most prestigious newspapers which question the use of certain commonly used physiotherapy treatments for musculoskeletal injuries. The articles, titled "Some physical therapy may be a stretch" and "Treat me, but no tricks please" suggest that ice, heat, ultrasound and other modalities are "voodoo" treatments.

9 Jan 2010

Concentra Urgent Care launches redesigned website to educate people on various health conditions

The launch of Concentra Urgent Care's redesigned Web site is just in time for the start of winter and those unexpected sniffles and sneezes that are common during the coming months. With a focus on ease-of-use for the consumer, the new site offers navigation features aimed at streamlining the online experience.

7 Jan 2010