We’re diving into getting to know the team at Orthopedic Institute (OI), introducing you to some of our illustrious team members.
Today’s featured team member is Dr. K.C. Chang, one of our physicians. Dr. Chang graduated from Florida State University before attending medical school at University of Florida. With 25-plus years of experience treating neck and back pain in orthopedic patients, he’s an incredibly valuable part of the staff.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what Dr. Chang loves most about his work and how he approaches his work at OI.
1. How did you decide to become a physician?
I think I decided to be a physician when I was really young – around six years old. I remember being at the clinic with my dad in Malaysia. I had been riding my bike, and it started to rain. I was close to the clinic, so I went there. Suddenly this guy came in carrying someone who is bleeding everywhere from his head down – he’d been in a car accident. My dad was able to perform suturing and control the bleeding. I realized, “Wow, that was amazing. I want to be a doctor.” From then on, I never questioned what I was going to do. It is a rewarding and noble profession.
2. What led you to join OI?
I was in Orlando, Fla., practicing with 12 other orthopedic surgeons for about 10 years. I was pretty happy with what I was doing, but the group had ran into some difficulties and the group was slowly dissolving. I decided I needed someplace different to work. My brother-in-law let me know that Orthopedic Institute was looking for a muscular skeletal specialist. So I interviewed and loved it here. That was in 2001. I just love it.
3. What is your favorite part of your job?
The best part of my job is to be able to help people control their pain without surgery. I try to control pain by providing them with different ways to treat it – acupuncture, injections, epidural injections, physical therapy. I am so happy when the patient feels better, and I can end some of their pain and suffering.
4. What are the strengths of the OI physician team?
We are all well-trained. We are all experts in each of our subspecialties. We have a comprehensive offering of all types of care from very conservative to the intricate work of specialized surgeries. Our doctors care about the patient – we have compassion for our patients, and they realize that.
5. What is the best part about working with patients?
The best part of working with patients is when they come in with pain and then are so grateful after the treatment you provide and how much relief you give them. To me, that is the best. When you know you did something to help them – it is so gratifying.
6. What would you consider your career highlight?
Joining Orthopedic Institute back in 2001 was the highlight of my career. I really like it here. My son Michael was one year old at the time. He was the youngest, and, even though he was born in Orlando, all he knows is South Dakota. A few months ago he asked me, “Dad, are you going to sell the house when you retire?” I told him “Maybe, I don’t know.” So he said, “Well if you don’t sell the house, can you give it to me? Because I love Sioux Falls!” My other kids say, “I want to go somewhere warm.” But Michael – I take him to New York, and he hates it. He always wants to come back to Sioux Falls!
7. How do you spend your time when you’re not at OI?
I like tennis, so I play singles on Mondays and doubles on Tuesdays. I was actually the No. 1 player on my high school tennis team in Florida. Right now, I am not that good, but I love to exercise! I like to read books and watch movies and travel.
8. What was the last book you read?
The Book of Joy by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. It’s an interesting book about how to find happiness and identify the meaning of joy. I enjoy reading non-fiction.
9. What is your go-to movie snack?
I like action movies. And I like the popcorn at the movies, but my wife does not. She thinks it is too salty, so when we go, she say’s “No butter, no salt.” Then we have to get a small box and not a medium one. (You have to make your wife happy.)
10. If you could have dinner with one person living or dead, who would it be?
Gandhi I think is one person I would like to meet and talk about how he got into this non-violent thing and how he helped people. And Martin Luther King and JFK – those three people who influenced the world and changed the world for the better.
A Parent’s Guide to Spring Family Outdoors Time
/in News, Orthopedic Institute /by Christopher HolmanThe warmth has finally arrived. So while the weather is still moderate before summer sets in, it’s time to take advantage of some family time outside. There are plenty of activities you can engage in with these last few weeks of spring, but how about trying something new?
Here are a few ideas for some spring family outdoor time.
Mini-Golfing
While your littlest family members might not quite be up for a round of golf on a full-on course, a miniature golf course might be just the ticket to not only gear them up for a future on the links, but also to get the whole family outside for an hour or two. Not only does it give them the opportunity to hone some skills with aim and precision, but it keeps your blood flowing from the walking (and the adrenaline rush of anticipation for that big round-winning putt).
Gamifying Chores
With spring comes plenty of opportunities for cleaning and other chores. But how do you get your youngest family members excited about getting these tasks accomplished? It’s all about gamification. Need the car to get washed? Make it a contest between two of your children to see who can get their half of the car cleanest. Need to get your garden planted? Have your kids make their own markers for the garden and then set a regular time each week to check on and track the progress of their plants. It’s all about finding fun ways to teach your children good habits they can take into adulthood.
Kite-Flying
Why not take advantage of our very windy state? Flying a kite is a great way to engage your whole family in a deceptively active pastime. Find a field or park where you can avoid trees and power lines and give it a go. You can even make it a bit competitive, if you like. It’s estimated that you burn about 100 calories from kite-flying for approximately 22 minutes, so even the parents can get a little bit of a workout out of the deal.
Farmer’s Markets
Getting some outdoors time in doesn’t just have to be about exercise. In fact, there are other ways you can instill some positive habits in your kids during the springtime. It’s a prime time, in fact, to bring the family to a farmer’s market or two. Use the opportunity to take in some fresh air and teach your children how to pick out fruits and vegetables and get them excited about eating healthily. If they get to pick out their own, they’re more apt to giving them a try when you serve them later.
Prize Package: Golf Medicine Experience ($350 Value)
/in Orthopedic Institute, Sports Medicine /by Christopher HolmanThe giveaway has closed. If you have already entered, a winner will be announced the week of August 1, 2017.
You love golf. Or maybe you are intrigued by golf. But did you know that there are methods, tools and techniques that can make it even more valuable for your health and wellness than you expected? Orthopedic Institute (OI) is here to guide you through the world of golf medicine.
And we’re doing it by offering up a $350 prize package to get you started on your new health journey.
Prize Details
Enter to win one of OI’s Gold Golf Medicine Packages, which include:
What’s TPI? It’s the world’s leading educational organization dedicated to the study of how the human body functions in relation to the golf swing. Learn more here.
Case in Point
According to our own in-house golf medicine aficionado Adam Halseth, DPT, TPI M-2, this program has proven successful for golfers of all skill levels.
An Answer for All Ages
It’s the perfect way for golf enthusiasts and aspiring golf enthusiasts alike to dive into golf medicine. Plus programs can be designed for golfers of all skill levels and ages.
5 Everyday Tips for Fighting Off Knee Pain
/in Fractures and Trauma, Knee /by Christopher HolmanWe all experience aches and pains now and again. But it’s about how we treat these pains and respond to them that helps us to truly prevent future ongoing conditions. Knee pain is a particularly common one—but what can you do to fight off this common ache?
Here are just a few examples of how to change up your everyday habits to fight off knee pain.
Injury Awareness
Have you ever been dealt a blow to your knees from a fall, an accident or a tumble during physical activity? If so, you might occasionally experience lingering pain. Sometimes injuries even happen and you don’t realize it. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of common knee pain symptoms that can be a sign of injury. If you experience pain from a confirmed or suspected injury for more than a few days, it could be time to be seen by a physician.
Pre-Exercise Routines
If you regularly (or not so regularly) exercise, odds are you may encounter some aches and pains overnight that might hinder your routine the following go-around. Post-exercise knee pain might be a sign you’re not taking the proper precautions before you begin working out. It may be worth a visit to your doctor to diagnose the problem and heal or treat it through physical therapy. The causes could include a lack of stretching your hip flexors, hamstrings, IT bands, etc., before you begin exercising.
Change Your Jogging Habits
Speaking of exercise, jogging is a fitness routine that highly impacts your knees. For avid runners, knee injuries account for 42 percent of all related injuries. Why is that? A lot of these injuries have to do with how you jog. This primarily has to do with form, foot strike and, commonly, an inherent hip dysfunction. Want a personal take on how your running habits are affecting your knees and feet? Contact us to set up an appointment for a running analysis.
Workplace Stiffness
Sometimes knee pain is a direct result of the nature of your regular job. If you have an office job that entails being at a desk for most of your day, don’t sit for great lengths of time. Time out opportunities to take a stroll around the office on a regular basis to keep stiffness from setting in. Or consider looking for ways to stand and work throughout the day. Many offices have employed “sit-stand desks” to combat these types of conditions from setting in.
Know Your Feet
Your knee pain may be about more than just your knees. Your feet can have a dramatic effect on the wellbeing of your knees. What shoes you choose to wear, particularly during training or exercise, can have a big impact on your knee conditions. Luckily there are ways to pinpoint where you’re going wrong with shoe selection—stopping in to see our pedorthist Reid Herrboldt is a great first step. Want some guidance on the best types of shoes? Contact OI, and our pedorthist Reid Herrboldt will set up a running analysis/walking analysis to see what shoe might be right for you.
Need to Be Seen?
If you’ve experienced knee pain from an injury, you can set up an appointment to see a physical therapist or specialized D1 trainer to establish an injury-prevention program to strengthen your core, hips, hamstrings and other lower extremities to positively impact your flexibility and strength.
When to See a Doctor for Your Shoulder Injury
/in Orthopedic Institute, Shoulder and Elbow /by Christopher HolmanWhether you’re an avid athlete or do a lot of heavy lifting, shoulder pain isn’t always such an uncommon symptom for many of us. (And since each and every one of us is aging, it becomes increasingly more likely as we get older.) But when does pain merit a visit to an orthopedic physician?
Here are a few signs that it might be time to make an appointment.
Swelling and Redness
Physical symptoms that go beyond just “feeling sore” can be a sign that you should seek out medical assistance. (Depending on the severity and whether or not it was spurred by an injury, immediate attention might even be in the cards.) If your shoulder joint is visibly swollen or if it is tender or warm to the touch, you should strongly consider having it looked at – particularly if symptoms persist over long periods of time.
Home Remedies Failed
When you experience joint pain in an area of the body like the shoulder, your first instinct is likely to try out some home remedies to help the symptoms subside. But if over-the-counter pain reducers, a nice long nap or applying cold or hot compresses don’t seem to be doing the trick (or if they only offer a temporary reprieve), it’s probably a good plan to set up an appointment at OI.
Lifting Pain
Many injury-related shoulder pains can be linked to harm to your rotator cuff. That’s why one surefire way to determine whether your pain is something that needs a physician’s care is to try lifting your arm over your head. If this or other everyday activities, like getting dressed in the morning, increase your pain level, you may be experiencing a tear or strain that needs to be treated. (Just make sure that you stop at the first sign of pain – there’s no need to overdo your arm-lift test and risk making the condition worse.)
Lengthy Symptoms
Some temporary, home-treatable conditions will last a day or two and subside. However, if your shoulder pain prolongs over several days or even weeks, regardless of the pain level, it may be the result of something chronic such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis or bursitis. If you’re experiencing even moderate symptoms that last longer than a week, consider scheduling an appointment with an OI physician or physical therapist.
10 Questions with Dr. K.C. Chang
/in Orthopedic Institute, Pain Management, Physical Therapy /by Christopher HolmanWe’re diving into getting to know the team at Orthopedic Institute (OI), introducing you to some of our illustrious team members.
Today’s featured team member is Dr. K.C. Chang, one of our physicians. Dr. Chang graduated from Florida State University before attending medical school at University of Florida. With 25-plus years of experience treating neck and back pain in orthopedic patients, he’s an incredibly valuable part of the staff.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what Dr. Chang loves most about his work and how he approaches his work at OI.
1. How did you decide to become a physician?
I think I decided to be a physician when I was really young – around six years old. I remember being at the clinic with my dad in Malaysia. I had been riding my bike, and it started to rain. I was close to the clinic, so I went there. Suddenly this guy came in carrying someone who is bleeding everywhere from his head down – he’d been in a car accident. My dad was able to perform suturing and control the bleeding. I realized, “Wow, that was amazing. I want to be a doctor.” From then on, I never questioned what I was going to do. It is a rewarding and noble profession.
2. What led you to join OI?
I was in Orlando, Fla., practicing with 12 other orthopedic surgeons for about 10 years. I was pretty happy with what I was doing, but the group had ran into some difficulties and the group was slowly dissolving. I decided I needed someplace different to work. My brother-in-law let me know that Orthopedic Institute was looking for a muscular skeletal specialist. So I interviewed and loved it here. That was in 2001. I just love it.
3. What is your favorite part of your job?
The best part of my job is to be able to help people control their pain without surgery. I try to control pain by providing them with different ways to treat it – acupuncture, injections, epidural injections, physical therapy. I am so happy when the patient feels better, and I can end some of their pain and suffering.
4. What are the strengths of the OI physician team?
We are all well-trained. We are all experts in each of our subspecialties. We have a comprehensive offering of all types of care from very conservative to the intricate work of specialized surgeries. Our doctors care about the patient – we have compassion for our patients, and they realize that.
5. What is the best part about working with patients?
The best part of working with patients is when they come in with pain and then are so grateful after the treatment you provide and how much relief you give them. To me, that is the best. When you know you did something to help them – it is so gratifying.
6. What would you consider your career highlight?
Joining Orthopedic Institute back in 2001 was the highlight of my career. I really like it here. My son Michael was one year old at the time. He was the youngest, and, even though he was born in Orlando, all he knows is South Dakota. A few months ago he asked me, “Dad, are you going to sell the house when you retire?” I told him “Maybe, I don’t know.” So he said, “Well if you don’t sell the house, can you give it to me? Because I love Sioux Falls!” My other kids say, “I want to go somewhere warm.” But Michael – I take him to New York, and he hates it. He always wants to come back to Sioux Falls!
7. How do you spend your time when you’re not at OI?
I like tennis, so I play singles on Mondays and doubles on Tuesdays. I was actually the No. 1 player on my high school tennis team in Florida. Right now, I am not that good, but I love to exercise! I like to read books and watch movies and travel.
8. What was the last book you read?
The Book of Joy by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. It’s an interesting book about how to find happiness and identify the meaning of joy. I enjoy reading non-fiction.
9. What is your go-to movie snack?
I like action movies. And I like the popcorn at the movies, but my wife does not. She thinks it is too salty, so when we go, she say’s “No butter, no salt.” Then we have to get a small box and not a medium one. (You have to make your wife happy.)
10. If you could have dinner with one person living or dead, who would it be?
Gandhi I think is one person I would like to meet and talk about how he got into this non-violent thing and how he helped people. And Martin Luther King and JFK – those three people who influenced the world and changed the world for the better.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation for Your Back and Neck Arthritis
/in Neck and Spine, Radiofrequency Ablation /by Christopher HolmanArthritis pain can keep you from enjoying hobbies you love or getting the rest you need. If you’re not interested or able to pursue advanced surgical options, there are alternatives. One such alternative is a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) also known as a “rhizotomy.”
Read on to learn more about RFA and how it can help treat your arthritis.
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat severe, chronic pain associated with arthritis of the spine. The procedure uses heat, concentrated on specific nerve tissues, to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.
A physician uses X-ray guidance to direct a specialized radiofrequency needle along the targeted nerves. A small amount of electrical current is used to target the correct nerves and to help align the needle. Then radiofrequency waves are sent through the needle to heat its tip and disrupt the nerve’s ability to send signals.
Additionally…
How does it help treat arthritis?
A rhizotomy procedure can be beneficial to facet or spondylosis arthritis in a few ways. While the joint will still be arthritic, the pain will be relieved significantly. The pain relief is also considered long-lasting. The average steroid injection provides about three to four months of relief, whereas an RFA provides 10-12 months. As a result, people get an increase in mobility and can be considerably more active.
It’s also a great alternative to surgery, especially for people with certain medical complications in which they can’t have surgery or surgery hasn’t been effective in the past. Others might be too young or not have enough pain to warrant a surgery. RFA can be particularly beneficial for these people.
8 Joint-Friendly Foods to Strengthen Your Mobility
/in News, Orthopedic Institute /by Christopher HolmanOn the hunt for ways to eat healthier and keep your joints operating in tip-top shape? There are plenty of delicious and versatile foods to add a joint-healthy spin to your daily diet. We’ve compiled some awesome options for you—take a look.
Berries
Berries are a great source of antioxidants with inflammation-fighting properties. You have plenty of options to choose from, and they taste great with a variety of foods or as a snack by themselves. Try them in yogurt or smoothies, or use them to add extra flavor to cereals.
Red Apples
Red apples are sweet and crunchy treats that get their reddish color from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants found among the healthiest properties of drinks such as green tea, cocoa and red wine. They are actually known to be often twice as powerful an antioxidant as Vitamin C and can be easily spotted due to the bright red-orange or blue-violet color they give a fruit or vegetable that contains them. Add red apples and Dijon mustard to your next turkey sandwich for an easy lunch.
Nuts
What food serves as an amazing source of protein, vitamin E, calcium, zinc and magnesium? The answer—nuts. Not only will they help combat your arthritis, they’re great for your heart and a must for anyone looking to lose weight. Give pistachios, almonds or walnuts a try.
Oily Fish
If you love fish, you’re in luck. Certain types of fish are filled with Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids excel at fighting off inflammation. Salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring are excellent Omega-3-rich fish. It’s recommended to eat three to four ounces of fish a couple times a week, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
Orange Vegetables
Carrots, butternut squash and sweet potatoes—they’re rich with vitamin A and beta-carotene, and they help keep inflammation at bay. Combine the three in a pan, top with olive oil (plus your spices of choice) and lightly brown them in a 400-degree oven. Now you have a tasty side dish or afternoon snack.
Leafy Greens
Leafy veggies such as kale and spinach have antioxidants that help slow the progress of arthritis and relieve arthritis-related pain. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also good green veggies to consider.
Onions
Onions are a good source for quercetin, which was found to decrease arthritis symptoms in mice, according to this 2006 study. While that doesn’t mean it will act as effectively as a treatment in humans, adding onions to your meals won’t hurt. They’re great with burgers, steak or served up sauteed on their own.
Food Oils
Extra virgin olive oil immediately comes to mind. Not only is it good for your heart, but it also contains substances that act similarly to non-steroid-based, anti-inflammatory medicines. While olive oil is a popular choice, you should also consider avocado, safflower oil and even walnut oil. Walnut oil actually has 10 times more omega-3 than olive oil.
Kid-Friendly Fitness Activities to Keep Your Family in Motion
/in Sports Medicine /by Christopher HolmanIf you struggle to get the motivation to exercise, it can be hard to also convince the rest of your family to be physically fit. To help you out, we have a few ideas about activities that your youngsters can engage in while also adding some exercise and outdoor time into your daily life.
Check out some of these kid-friendly fitness activities.
Gardening Team-Up
Do your children love playing in the dirt? Unleash them on your garden to help turn over the soil and put new plants in the ground. It gets everyone outdoors and moving around. Having your children help water and take out the easy weeds will keep them invested throughout the season. It can also spark their appetites for the fruit and vegetables they nurtured.
Dog Time
If you have an energetic dog, having your children run around in the backyard or a park with their canine pal can be excellent and entertaining exercise. Playing fetch (or keep-away if that’s more of your dog’s game) should have you and your kids on the move.
Commercial Fitness Breaks
Putting your kids in front of the TV is an easy way to keep them entertained, but don’t let that stop them from being active. During commercial breaks or between episodes, have the family play an “exercise game.” Name the exercise after the show, like “Spongebob sit-ups,” or do a follow-the-leader-style activity incorporating simple exercises.
Simple Walks
Don’t over-think it. Walks are an excellent, simple activity with which your kids can keep up. Better yet, add an element of scavenger hunting to it. Give yourself a list of things to spot, from easy to maybe a little more difficult (i.e., four dogs, two maple leaves, three robins, etc.). Take a walk around the neighborhood or down the road before or after meals. Think about taking a hike along a bike trail or down a country road for those in a rural area. Cool summer evenings make for great walking times.
Sports Night
You should also consider having a family sports night. Practice dribbling basketballs, kicking around a soccer ball or playing catch. You might even get a child’s golf set and make a game out of hitting wiffle balls around the yard. Not only are these fun exercise activities, but they also make for a nice introduction into competitive sports later in life.
Free Guide: Home Remedies for Back & Neck Pain
/in Neck and Spine, Pain Management /by Christopher HolmanWe’ve all had that moment first thing in morning where neck or back pain (or a combination of the two) are making us feel like we’ll be down for the count that day. The truth is, it’s hard to remedy consistent back and neck pain without guidance from a professional who can tell you what to do and, more importantly, what not to do.
Luckily Orthopedic Institute (OI) has a book jam-packed with home remedies for just that.
“The Home Remedy Book for Back and Neck Pain” includes tips to:
And best of all, all the techniques in the book are physician-approved, safe and effective.
How to Tell When Your Child Needs an Orthopedic Visit
/in Fractures and Trauma, Pain Management /by Christopher HolmanBumps and scrapes—every kid experiences them thanks to their penchant for physical activity in the outdoors. But when does a bump or a scrape turn into something worth visiting the orthopedist for? Not all symptoms are equally serious, so when should you take your child in to be examined?
Here are a few common symptoms that, if persistent or frequent, can be a sign it’s time to visit the orthopedic physician.
Injury-related pain
This one is the most clear-cut symptom – if your child experiences pain in an area in which he or she encountered a collision in a sporting event or a tumble in the backyard or any other directly associated injury event, it’s likely worth a clinic visit. Most impacts such as these will have immediate symptoms such as redness, soreness or swelling, but if they linger or continue beyond a couple hours, it might be a sign of a more serious injury.
Morning stiffness
As parents, we all have experienced that stiff and sore feeling when we get out of bed. But when our children start to experience it, it could be a sign of illness beyond just “sleeping too hard.” If this stiffness is regular or affects your kid’s day-to-day activities that used to come more easily (even tasks as basic as reaching for a cereal box or brushing his or her teeth), it could be a sign of the onset of juvenile arthritis. If symptoms are frequent or regular, check with your doctor.
Bruising
When a child has a broken bone it might not always be obvious. Depending on the severity of the fracture, he or she might not exhibit obvious symptoms like searing pain or restricted movement. A fracture is still a serious ailment that needs to be treated quickly, though. One of the easiest ways to tell if a bone is possibly broken is bruising in an area that may have been impacted. If a bruise appears that is accompanied by tenderness or difficulty in moving limbs or joints in the surrounding area, it might be worth a visit to the orthopedist to get an X-ray.
Warmth and swelling
One sign of a joint condition in a child (or anyone for that matter) is a joint feeling warm or appearing visibly swollen. As outlined above, this is normal in the immediate time after an injury, but persistent or unexplained hotness or redness might be a calling card of an inflammation that needs to be treated. If swelling sticks around for more than a few days or keeps returning time and again, ask your doctor about a possible inflammatory condition.
Persisting pain
One-off joint pain can sometimes be attributed to basic growing pains, particularly in pre-10-year-old children, but if the pain is persistent and continues beyond a night or two it might be a sign of lasting ailments, such as childhood arthritis or various types of infections. If pain lasts for a week or more, it’s time to set an appointment with an orthopedic physician to eliminate any serious complications.