Author: Julie Onofrio

Definitions: lateral curvature of the spine A curve is identified by the side of the convexity (the side it sticks out to) and the area that it affects (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) Types: congenital scoliosis idiopathic (unknown cause) infantile (birth-3 years), juvenile(3-9years old), adolescent (10-19 years old) scoliosis.  Most common is adolescent girls.  A young girl…

Definition:  Chronic Strain of the anterior and/or posterior tibialis muscles. (also may be anterior compartment syndrome or stress fractures of  the tibia) Causes: overuse syndrome from repetitive stressful movements such as running or jogging.  May be a result of imbalanced posture:  poor arch support , poor flexibility of anterior and posterior compartments, posterior tibialis tendonitis,…

Definitions: Tendonitis – inflammation of tendon ( can be Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, elbow tendon, wrist tendon, shoulder tendons aka the rotator cuff),  Tenosynovitis – inflammation of the gliding surface of the tendon and the surrounding sheath; Sheathed tendons are usually found in the wrist and ankles where tendons pass close to the bone. Calcific…

Definition:  dysfunction of the temporal mandibular joint (jaw): displacement of cartilage disk TMJ syndrome refers to dysfunctions of the temporal mandibular joint capsule. TMD also includes other conditions involving the jaw structure and the muscular system such as occlusal interferences, muscular disorders, neurological disorders and biochemical imbalances. Other terms for this condition include myofascial pain…

The thoracic outlet is the area of the shoulder/neck where the nerves (brachial plexus) and blood vessels (subclavian vessels) pass from the cervical area toward the axilla.  Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a set of symptoms due to compression and/or irritation of these vessels and nerves.  There is much controversy among physicians and diagnosing this…