The Spring 2006 West Valley College Sports Medicine Symposium was held May 5th. The symposium was organized by John Kao MD for an audience consisting of physical therapists, athletic trainers, and physicians. The purpose of the Sports Medicine Symposia series is to continue improving the standard of orthopedic medicine here in the Bay Area by providing orthopedic professionals an opportunity to share their knowledge with one another and with other medical practitioners. This year’s spring symposium focused on current challenges of treating the lower extremities.
The following local professionals gave presentations:
- John T. Kao, M.D.
- Grady L. Jeter, M.D.
- Robert S. Nishime, M.D.
- Thomas Elardo, D.P.M.
- Paul Christensen, DPT, OCS, ATC
- Rob Naber PT, OCS, ATC
- Ross Nakaji PT, OCS, ATC, CSCS
- Fabrice Rockich, DPT, OCS, CSCS
- Paul Starks, MA, ATC, PTA, CSCS
Physical Therapy of Los Gatos principal Rob Naber spoke about the evaluation and treatment of problems affecting the knee. Rob began by noting the value of recent knee research and the bearing of research findings on the practitioner’s approach to knee conditions and injuries:
“The knee is often the weakest link that defines and limits an athlete’s total competitive capacity. The knee is needed for speed, power and strength, but is also vulnerable to injury. A knee injury not only means missing practice or competition but may also lead to the loss of scholarship support and potential professional opportunities. Extensive research of the knee, and improved diagnostic, rehabilitation, and surgical methods have brought new hope to athletes and clinicians dealing with the challenges of the injured knee.”
– from Current Issues in Sports Medicine: The Knee presented by Rob Naber PT, OCS, ATC
One of the key takeaway messages from Rob’s presentation was the importance of quantifying the capability and condition of the knee while the joint is in motion. In the evaluation and treatment of anterior knee pain, for instance, measuring the concentric vs. eccentric torque capacities of the knee is critically important as a diagnostic aid and as a reliable indicator of treatment progress. In rehabilitation following surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, videographic analysis of lower extremity angles during landing and jumping provides data the therapist needs to design and carry out a course of treatment that brings about rapid restoration of function and corrects neuromuscular control deficiencies that would otherwise invite re-injury.
Using the links below, interested individuals can view visuals and handouts from Rob Naber’s presentation to the Spring 2006 West Valley College Sports Medicine Symposium. For more information about Physical Therapy of Los Gatos’ approach to the evaluation and treatment of knee problems, please call the clinic at (408) 358-6505.
Current Issues in Sports Medicine: The Knee (view presentation visuals)
Current Issues In Sports Medicine: The Knee (download text)
Jump Strength Training Program (download program description)
Jump Strength Training Glossary (download glossary)
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