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Welcome to the
Bulletin Board
On it we will keep you updated about new developments in our practice and anything we think you may find of interest
related to your health. New information will be regularly added, so keep checking the bulletin board for updates.
DO YOU HAVE A.......
CHANGE IN YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE? YOUR ADDRESS? YOUR PHONE NUMBER?
Don't forget to notify us of any changes immediately.
This needs to be registered before you see any of the providers in our office
CHANGE IN YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE? YOUR ADDRESS? YOUR PHONE NUMBER?
Don't forget to notify us of any changes immediately.
This needs to be registered before you see any of the providers in our office
SLEEPING PILL AND TRANQUILIZER WARNING:
Older people taking sleeping pills are five times more likely to report problems with concentration and memory, twice as likely to have a hip fracture and twice as likely to have a car accident the next day if they’re driving. They also experience more incontinence.
Please discuss tapering off these medications with your physician. Don't just stop cold turkey if you have been on these for some time.
Older people taking sleeping pills are five times more likely to report problems with concentration and memory, twice as likely to have a hip fracture and twice as likely to have a car accident the next day if they’re driving. They also experience more incontinence.
Please discuss tapering off these medications with your physician. Don't just stop cold turkey if you have been on these for some time.
Angry enough to have a heart attack? It might actually happen.
A new analysis has found that outbursts of anger can significantly increase the risk for irregular heart rhythms, angina, strokes and heart attacks.
Researchers combined data from nine studies of anger outbursts among patients who had had heart attacks, strokes and related problems. Most of the studies used a widely accepted anger assessment scale; one depended on a questionnaire administered to patients.
They found that in the two hours after an outburst of anger, the relative risk of angina and heart attack increased by nearly five times, while the risk of ischemic stroke and cardiac arrhythmia increased by more than three times. The findings appeared in The European Heart Journal.
The researchers stressed that the actual likelihood of having an anger-induced heart attack remains small. Still, for people with other risks for heart disease, any increase in risk is potentially dangerous.
A new analysis has found that outbursts of anger can significantly increase the risk for irregular heart rhythms, angina, strokes and heart attacks.
Researchers combined data from nine studies of anger outbursts among patients who had had heart attacks, strokes and related problems. Most of the studies used a widely accepted anger assessment scale; one depended on a questionnaire administered to patients.
They found that in the two hours after an outburst of anger, the relative risk of angina and heart attack increased by nearly five times, while the risk of ischemic stroke and cardiac arrhythmia increased by more than three times. The findings appeared in The European Heart Journal.
The researchers stressed that the actual likelihood of having an anger-induced heart attack remains small. Still, for people with other risks for heart disease, any increase in risk is potentially dangerous.
It is never too late to get your FLU SHOT, so please call and set this up. Always remember while you may not be personally incapacitated by the flu, it is whom you come into contact with that may bear the brunt of the illness. So those of you who have or come into contact with young kids or the frail or elderly, think how your decision may affect them.
Shoveling Snow Raises the Risk of a Heart Attack!
Researchers found that most heart attacks from shoveling snow result from heavy physical exertion causing trauma to coronary arteries, which ruptures plaques that cut off blood flow. One way to lower the risk, particularly in people who smoke or rarely exercise, is to reduce sudden exertion. Experts recommend shoveling early, when snow is lighter, and taking breaks.Over all, roughly 7 percent of the patients were shoveling snow when symptoms began. About two-thirds of them were men — average age 63 — and they were highly likely to have had a family history of premature cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that most heart attacks from shoveling snow result from heavy physical exertion causing trauma to coronary arteries, which ruptures plaques that cut off blood flow. One way to lower the risk, particularly in people who smoke or rarely exercise, is to reduce sudden exertion. Experts recommend shoveling early, when snow is lighter, and taking breaks.Over all, roughly 7 percent of the patients were shoveling snow when symptoms began. About two-thirds of them were men — average age 63 — and they were highly likely to have had a family history of premature cardiovascular disease.
TYLENOL / ACETAMINOPHEN WARNING:
The FDA is recommending health care professionals discontinue prescribing and dispensing prescription combination drug products that contain more than 325 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen per tablet, capsule or other dosage unit. There are no available data to show that taking more than 325 mg of acetaminophen per dosage unit provides additional benefit that outweighs the added risks for liver injury. Further, limiting the amount of acetaminophen per dosage unit will reduce the risk of severe liver injury from inadvertent acetaminophen overdose, which can lead to liver failure, liver transplant, and death.
The FDA is recommending health care professionals discontinue prescribing and dispensing prescription combination drug products that contain more than 325 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen per tablet, capsule or other dosage unit. There are no available data to show that taking more than 325 mg of acetaminophen per dosage unit provides additional benefit that outweighs the added risks for liver injury. Further, limiting the amount of acetaminophen per dosage unit will reduce the risk of severe liver injury from inadvertent acetaminophen overdose, which can lead to liver failure, liver transplant, and death.
ALCOHOL:
A lot of us are drinking too much, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called us on it. More than eight drinks a week for women and 15 drinks a week for men can get you into trouble, the CDC warned.
Public health officials are particularly concerned about people who binge drink, which the CDC defines as more than four drinks at a sitting for a woman, and five drinks for a man. About 1 in 6 Americans binge drink, according to another CDC study. That's 38 million people. In that study, people defined binge drinking as downing nearly eight drinks in a session, four times a month.
A lot of us are drinking too much, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called us on it. More than eight drinks a week for women and 15 drinks a week for men can get you into trouble, the CDC warned.
Public health officials are particularly concerned about people who binge drink, which the CDC defines as more than four drinks at a sitting for a woman, and five drinks for a man. About 1 in 6 Americans binge drink, according to another CDC study. That's 38 million people. In that study, people defined binge drinking as downing nearly eight drinks in a session, four times a month.
YOU CAN REDUCE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING SHINGLES (H.ZOSTER) and its complications.
The new Shingrix vaccine is strongly recommended for all people over the age of 50. It is given twice. Initial shot and then second and final shot 2-6 months later.
From the financial standpoint it is better to get it while you have commercial insurance rather than Medicare as the coverage depends on your drug benefits.The shot costs about $175 each.
The new Shingrix vaccine is strongly recommended for all people over the age of 50. It is given twice. Initial shot and then second and final shot 2-6 months later.
From the financial standpoint it is better to get it while you have commercial insurance rather than Medicare as the coverage depends on your drug benefits.The shot costs about $175 each.
You can now request authorization for REFERRALS to specialists ONLINE using the BMA website.
www.belmontmed.com
As long as you give us 48 hours notice we can get this done for you. Remember it is almost impossible to get a referral authorized retroactively, so ask us first, before you see a specialist or therapist.
www.belmontmed.com
As long as you give us 48 hours notice we can get this done for you. Remember it is almost impossible to get a referral authorized retroactively, so ask us first, before you see a specialist or therapist.
WANT TO SAVE TIME? KNOW THE EXTENSION NUMBER.
Our new phone system allows you to bypass the operator and call your doctor's secretary directly using their extension number.
Our new phone system allows you to bypass the operator and call your doctor's secretary directly using their extension number.
- When you call and request a prescription refill, please clearly state your name, date of birth and your telephone number
- Always clearly pronounce or spell the name of the medication, the strength, instructions and the amount and number of refills needed.
- Always leave your pharmacy telephone number
- It is the RULE in this office that covering doctors will NOT fill prescriptions for narcotic pain medications on nights and weekends.
Increased nut consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
In two large, independent studies the frequency of nut consumption was inversely associated with total and cause-specific mortality, independently of other predictors of death. The bottom line: EAT MORE NUTS!
In two large, independent studies the frequency of nut consumption was inversely associated with total and cause-specific mortality, independently of other predictors of death. The bottom line: EAT MORE NUTS!
ARE YOU DIABETIC?
It is strongly recommended that you have a thorough foot examination by a podiatrist at least once a year to prevent the long term foot complications associated with diabetes.
It is strongly recommended that you have a thorough foot examination by a podiatrist at least once a year to prevent the long term foot complications associated with diabetes.
ANOTHER GOOD REASON TO TAKE LOW DOSE ASPIRIN
High-risk pregnant women who took a daily low-dose aspirin—50 milligrams to 160 milligrams a day—had a 24 percent lower risk of developing preeclampsia during their pregnancy. Women at increased risk include those who had preeclampsia, placental problems, fetal growth restrictions or fetal death in previous pregnancies; those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, chronic hypertension, kidney disease, or certain autoimmune diseases are also at increased risk.
High-risk pregnant women who took a daily low-dose aspirin—50 milligrams to 160 milligrams a day—had a 24 percent lower risk of developing preeclampsia during their pregnancy. Women at increased risk include those who had preeclampsia, placental problems, fetal growth restrictions or fetal death in previous pregnancies; those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, chronic hypertension, kidney disease, or certain autoimmune diseases are also at increased risk.
ARE YOU A DIABETIC?
It is strongly recommended that you have a thorough examination by an eye care specialist at least once a year to check for evidence of diabetic eye complications.
Your vision is important and the development of blindness can be devastating.
It is strongly recommended that you have a thorough examination by an eye care specialist at least once a year to check for evidence of diabetic eye complications.
Your vision is important and the development of blindness can be devastating.
SOME FRUITS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS
Eating fruits is good for you, but new research suggests that some fruits may be better than others, and that fruit juice is not a good substitute.
Recent studies have found that eating a greater variety, but not a greater quantity, of fruit significantly reduces the risk for Type 2 diabetes. This made researchers wonder whether some fruits might have a stronger effect than others.
Using data from three large health studies, they tracked diet and disease prospectively over a 12-year period in more than 185,000 people, of whom 12,198 developed Type 2 diabetes.After controlling for many health and behavioral factors, researchers found that some fruits — strawberries, oranges, peaches, plums and apricots — had no significant effect on the risk for Type 2 diabetes. But eating grapes, apples and grapefruit all significantly reduced the risk. The big winner: blueberries. Eating one to three servings a month decreased the risk by about 11 percent, and having five servings a week reduced it by 26 percent.
Substituting fruit juice for whole fruits significantly increased the risk for disease.
“Increasing whole fruit consumption, especially blueberries, apples and grapes, is important,” said Dr. Qi Sun, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard and the senior author of the study. “But I don’t want to leave the impression that fruit is magic. An overall healthy lifestyle is essential too.”
Eating fruits is good for you, but new research suggests that some fruits may be better than others, and that fruit juice is not a good substitute.
Recent studies have found that eating a greater variety, but not a greater quantity, of fruit significantly reduces the risk for Type 2 diabetes. This made researchers wonder whether some fruits might have a stronger effect than others.
Using data from three large health studies, they tracked diet and disease prospectively over a 12-year period in more than 185,000 people, of whom 12,198 developed Type 2 diabetes.After controlling for many health and behavioral factors, researchers found that some fruits — strawberries, oranges, peaches, plums and apricots — had no significant effect on the risk for Type 2 diabetes. But eating grapes, apples and grapefruit all significantly reduced the risk. The big winner: blueberries. Eating one to three servings a month decreased the risk by about 11 percent, and having five servings a week reduced it by 26 percent.
Substituting fruit juice for whole fruits significantly increased the risk for disease.
“Increasing whole fruit consumption, especially blueberries, apples and grapes, is important,” said Dr. Qi Sun, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard and the senior author of the study. “But I don’t want to leave the impression that fruit is magic. An overall healthy lifestyle is essential too.”
The nation’s largest cardiovascular health organization has a new message for Americans: OWNING A DOG MAY PROTECT YOU FROM HEART DISEASE.
The unusual message was contained in a scientific statement published by the American Heart Association, which convened a panel of experts to review years of data on the cardiovascular benefits of owning a pet. The group concluded that owning a dog, in particular, was “probably associated” with a reduced risk of heart disease.
“Several studies showed that dogs decreased the body’s reaction to stress, with a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and adrenaline-like hormone release when a pet is present as opposed to when a pet is not present,” Dr. Levine said.
Pet owners also tended to report greater amounts of physical activity, and modestly lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some research showed that people who had pets of any kind were also more likely to survive heart attacks.
The unusual message was contained in a scientific statement published by the American Heart Association, which convened a panel of experts to review years of data on the cardiovascular benefits of owning a pet. The group concluded that owning a dog, in particular, was “probably associated” with a reduced risk of heart disease.
“Several studies showed that dogs decreased the body’s reaction to stress, with a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and adrenaline-like hormone release when a pet is present as opposed to when a pet is not present,” Dr. Levine said.
Pet owners also tended to report greater amounts of physical activity, and modestly lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some research showed that people who had pets of any kind were also more likely to survive heart attacks.
This life saving procedure should be booked when you turn 45. Don't put it off because of embarrassment and fear. Speak with anyone who is dealing with colon cancer. They will tell you that COLON CANCER IS A PREVENTABLE DISEASE.
We can make an appointment for you to have this done. Please ask
We can make an appointment for you to have this done. Please ask
GET YOUR SKIN CHECKED REGULARLY!
Lots of sun exposure?
A change in a mole?
A non healing skin growth?
All the more reason to book an appointment with one of our three experienced dermatologists.
Lots of sun exposure?
A change in a mole?
A non healing skin growth?
All the more reason to book an appointment with one of our three experienced dermatologists.
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY IN YOUR FUTURE?
If you are planning on having orthopedic surgery for a replacement of your shoulder, knee or hip, please schedule an appointment with for a physical therapy assessment BEFORE the surgery, so that they can advise you about pre-operative exercises you can do, what to expect post-operatively and how they can improve your outcome.
If you are planning on having orthopedic surgery for a replacement of your shoulder, knee or hip, please schedule an appointment with for a physical therapy assessment BEFORE the surgery, so that they can advise you about pre-operative exercises you can do, what to expect post-operatively and how they can improve your outcome.
QUITTING SMOKING: What are the benefits over time?
20 minutes after quitting
Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
12 hours after quitting
The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2 weeks to 3 months after quitting
Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
1 to 9 months after quitting
Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) start to regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.
1 year after quitting
The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a continuing smoker’s.
5 years after quitting
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. Stroke risk can fall to that of a non-smoker after 2-5 years.
10 years after quitting
The risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking. The risk of cancer of the larynx (voice box) and pancreas decreases.
15 years after quitting
The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker’s.
These are just a few of the benefits of quitting smoking for good. Quitting smoking lowers the risk of diabetes, lets blood vessels work better, and helps the heart and lungs. Quitting while you are younger will reduce your health risks more, but quitting at any age can give back years of life that would be lost by continuing to smoke.
20 minutes after quitting
Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
12 hours after quitting
The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2 weeks to 3 months after quitting
Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
1 to 9 months after quitting
Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) start to regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.
1 year after quitting
The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a continuing smoker’s.
5 years after quitting
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. Stroke risk can fall to that of a non-smoker after 2-5 years.
10 years after quitting
The risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking. The risk of cancer of the larynx (voice box) and pancreas decreases.
15 years after quitting
The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker’s.
These are just a few of the benefits of quitting smoking for good. Quitting smoking lowers the risk of diabetes, lets blood vessels work better, and helps the heart and lungs. Quitting while you are younger will reduce your health risks more, but quitting at any age can give back years of life that would be lost by continuing to smoke.
VITAMINS:
Should We Toss Our Vitamin Pills?
One in two adults takes a daily vitamin pill, and Americans spend tens of billions of dollars each year on supplements. Now, a small coterie of physicians writing in a leading medical journal has offered this blunt advice: “Stop wasting money.”
In an unusually direct opinion piece, the five authors say that for healthy Americans worried about chronic disease, there’s no clear benefit to taking vitamin and mineral pills. And in some instances, they may even cause harm.
The authors make an exception for supplemental vitamin D, which they say needs further research. Even so, widespread use of vitamin D pills “is not based on solid evidence that benefits outweigh harms,” the authors wrote. For other vitamins and supplements, “the case is closed.”
“The message is simple,” the editorial continued. “Most supplements do not prevent chronic disease or death, their use is not justified, and they should be avoided."
Should We Toss Our Vitamin Pills?
One in two adults takes a daily vitamin pill, and Americans spend tens of billions of dollars each year on supplements. Now, a small coterie of physicians writing in a leading medical journal has offered this blunt advice: “Stop wasting money.”
In an unusually direct opinion piece, the five authors say that for healthy Americans worried about chronic disease, there’s no clear benefit to taking vitamin and mineral pills. And in some instances, they may even cause harm.
The authors make an exception for supplemental vitamin D, which they say needs further research. Even so, widespread use of vitamin D pills “is not based on solid evidence that benefits outweigh harms,” the authors wrote. For other vitamins and supplements, “the case is closed.”
“The message is simple,” the editorial continued. “Most supplements do not prevent chronic disease or death, their use is not justified, and they should be avoided."
SUNBURN:
* The best way to treat a sunburn is to prevent one using sunscreen liberally and often.
* If you should get a sunburn, then it is best to apply cool compresses or have luke warm baths with oatmeal.
* Apply aloe vera and 1% hyydrocortisone frequently
* Take ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief
* Avoid the sun
* The best way to treat a sunburn is to prevent one using sunscreen liberally and often.
* If you should get a sunburn, then it is best to apply cool compresses or have luke warm baths with oatmeal.
* Apply aloe vera and 1% hyydrocortisone frequently
* Take ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief
* Avoid the sun
When can I stop having PAP SMEARS?
Women over 65 who have had recent regular Paps with normal results and those who have had total hysterectomies and no longer have a cervix, no longer need to have the screening test.
- per American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Cancer Society
Women over 65 who have had recent regular Paps with normal results and those who have had total hysterectomies and no longer have a cervix, no longer need to have the screening test.
- per American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Cancer Society
A MAMMOGRAM is an x-ray picture of the breast. Screening mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Diagnostic mammograms are used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found.
Screening mammography can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 70.
Potential harms of screening mammography include false-negative results, false-positive results, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and radiation exposure.
NCI recommends that women age 40 or older have screening mammograms every 1 to 2 years.
Screening mammography can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 70.
Potential harms of screening mammography include false-negative results, false-positive results, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and radiation exposure.
NCI recommends that women age 40 or older have screening mammograms every 1 to 2 years.
Q. What can elderly people do to PREVENT FALLS?
A. One is to improve the strength of the legs and sense of balance. Exercises that specifically strengthen muscles and sensory systems can help one stay upright.
The second is to look at medications that are taken; do any of them cause dizziness, loss of balance, or a drop in blood pressure while standing? Many older adults take multiple medications that could have cumulative effects.
The third step is to evaluate the home and make adjustments for safety, such as removing clutter and scatter rugs that can cause one to trip, replacing low toilets with higher ones that make it easier to sit and stand, and installing sturdy grab bars in the bathroom. Consider hazards outside the home, too.
The final area of concern is fear of falling. When an older person is overly afraid of falls, they tend to maintain a much more sedentary lifestyle and all that does is cause the lower extremities to get weak. Physical therapy can help someone who is hesitant regain confidence in daily activities.
A. One is to improve the strength of the legs and sense of balance. Exercises that specifically strengthen muscles and sensory systems can help one stay upright.
The second is to look at medications that are taken; do any of them cause dizziness, loss of balance, or a drop in blood pressure while standing? Many older adults take multiple medications that could have cumulative effects.
The third step is to evaluate the home and make adjustments for safety, such as removing clutter and scatter rugs that can cause one to trip, replacing low toilets with higher ones that make it easier to sit and stand, and installing sturdy grab bars in the bathroom. Consider hazards outside the home, too.
The final area of concern is fear of falling. When an older person is overly afraid of falls, they tend to maintain a much more sedentary lifestyle and all that does is cause the lower extremities to get weak. Physical therapy can help someone who is hesitant regain confidence in daily activities.
WHY INFANTS SHOULD SLEEP ON THEIR BACKS:
Since 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics has said that babies should sleep on their backs, even if being put down for a short nap.
Although causality has not been shown, sleeping on the stomach is one of the known risk factors associated with sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, along with general stress, exposure to tobacco smoke and overheating. After the academy’s widely publicized “Back to Sleep” campaign was begun in 1994, a 1998 study found that the prevalence of infants placed on their stomachs declined by 66 percent, and the rate of SIDS fell about 38 percent.
Since 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics has said that babies should sleep on their backs, even if being put down for a short nap.
Although causality has not been shown, sleeping on the stomach is one of the known risk factors associated with sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, along with general stress, exposure to tobacco smoke and overheating. After the academy’s widely publicized “Back to Sleep” campaign was begun in 1994, a 1998 study found that the prevalence of infants placed on their stomachs declined by 66 percent, and the rate of SIDS fell about 38 percent.
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BECOME MORE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
Offering hope and encouragement to the many adults who have somehow neglected to exercise for the past few decades, a new study suggests that becoming physically active in middle age, even if someone has been sedentary for years, substantially reduces the likelihood that he or she will become seriously ill or physically disabled in retirement.
Offering hope and encouragement to the many adults who have somehow neglected to exercise for the past few decades, a new study suggests that becoming physically active in middle age, even if someone has been sedentary for years, substantially reduces the likelihood that he or she will become seriously ill or physically disabled in retirement.
WEATHER RELATED OFFICE CLOSING :
If you are concerned about the weather and you wonder whether the office is open, this information will be prominently displayed on the home page of this site. Click on the "Weather ALERT" photo and you will be automatically directed to the dedicated information page.
If you are concerned about the weather and you wonder whether the office is open, this information will be prominently displayed on the home page of this site. Click on the "Weather ALERT" photo and you will be automatically directed to the dedicated information page.
What are muscle “knots” ? How do they happen and how can they be prevented? Are they harmful and should they be treated?
Surprisingly, no one knows definitively what muscle knots are made of — and some researchers question whether they even exist at all.
Many experts believe that the knots, often referred to as myofascial trigger points, are “specific areas of contraction within the muscle fiber,” said Rob Grieve, a senior lecturer in physiotherapy.
The knots seem to develop when a muscle tenses repeatedly and “are normally not caused by a specific, traumatic event,” he said, “but by muscle overuse or faulty biomechanics.” (This is also known as slouching.)
It is thought that these small bits of hyper-tensed muscle cause discomfort and pain by “blocking some of the normal blood flow to the affected tissue,” said Jan Dommerholt, a physical therapist in Bethesda, Md.
But writing in the March issue of Rheumatology, scientists from Australia and the United States pointed out that muscle knots rarely show up on scans, leaving researchers with “no scientific basis” for believing that knotted muscle fibers make us sore. Instead, the researchers contend, the soreness is likely neural, involving the brain and irritated nerve endings.
Regardless of the possible cause, most therapists feel that the best treatment for purported muscle knots is to pummel them. Vigorously massage the sore spot with hands, Dr. Grieve said, or use a small, hard ball (such as those used for lacrosse) or a foam roller.
If the soreness persists, Dr. Dommerholt said, consult a doctor or physical therapist, who may suggest acupuncture or injections of anesthetics, both of which have shown some benefit. Injecting an empty needle into the sore spot, a treatment called dry needling, also often reduces pain, he said, although whether by breaking up knotted tissue, calming inflamed nerves or prompting a robust placebo effect, no one knows.
Surprisingly, no one knows definitively what muscle knots are made of — and some researchers question whether they even exist at all.
Many experts believe that the knots, often referred to as myofascial trigger points, are “specific areas of contraction within the muscle fiber,” said Rob Grieve, a senior lecturer in physiotherapy.
The knots seem to develop when a muscle tenses repeatedly and “are normally not caused by a specific, traumatic event,” he said, “but by muscle overuse or faulty biomechanics.” (This is also known as slouching.)
It is thought that these small bits of hyper-tensed muscle cause discomfort and pain by “blocking some of the normal blood flow to the affected tissue,” said Jan Dommerholt, a physical therapist in Bethesda, Md.
But writing in the March issue of Rheumatology, scientists from Australia and the United States pointed out that muscle knots rarely show up on scans, leaving researchers with “no scientific basis” for believing that knotted muscle fibers make us sore. Instead, the researchers contend, the soreness is likely neural, involving the brain and irritated nerve endings.
Regardless of the possible cause, most therapists feel that the best treatment for purported muscle knots is to pummel them. Vigorously massage the sore spot with hands, Dr. Grieve said, or use a small, hard ball (such as those used for lacrosse) or a foam roller.
If the soreness persists, Dr. Dommerholt said, consult a doctor or physical therapist, who may suggest acupuncture or injections of anesthetics, both of which have shown some benefit. Injecting an empty needle into the sore spot, a treatment called dry needling, also often reduces pain, he said, although whether by breaking up knotted tissue, calming inflamed nerves or prompting a robust placebo effect, no one knows.