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Spurs’ Patty Mills tears rotator cuff

7/28/2014

Most sports fans keep up with scores and the winning teams, but what many fail to look further into are injuries. Sports injuries are very common among all athletes. Recently, Patty Mills, a NBA player for the Spurs, tore his rotator cuff.

The rotator cuff is located in the shoulder, and it helps keep the arm in the socket of the shoulder. It consists of four different muscles and their tendons. Its function is to both connect the humerus to the shoulder blade and to allow movement. Patty Mills tore his rotator cuff, so this prevented his tendons from fully attaching to his bone. This can cause a lot of pain, restricted arm movement, and weakness, among other things.

As for most injuries, there are many different treatment options. Although Patty Mills chose to have surgery, a platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection would have been another option. For this injection, blood is initially draw from a patient. Next, platelets and growth factors are isolated from the blood sample and injected into the area of injury. This process helps increase and promote blood growth to the area of injection, and in response the healing is accelerated through a natural process.

-- By Gurleen Sangha ~ An undergraduate student at Occidental College pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology/Biology, and aspiring to be a physician. She is a very motivated volunteer at Dr. W.C. Lee's office.

W.C. Lee, M.D., is a UCLA-trained board certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. She is an expert in platelet rich plasma non-surgical treatments. She specializes in the non-surgical treatment of muscle, arthritis, and nerve injuries and conditions. She received her M.D. from University of Wisconsin Medical School.

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Lakers’ Metta World Peace injures meniscus in knee

3/27/2013

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Lakers' forward Metta World Peace has injured his left knee. He was found to have a tear in his lateral meniscus in his left knee. He will leave the Laker team's four-game road trip to return to Los Angeles for further evaluation. A recovery timeline for his left knee meniscal injury will be announced on Wednesday after he is examined. We wish the best to Metta World Peace.

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Dodgers' Zack Greinke flies back to LA to receive Platelet Rich Plasma treatment for elbow injury

3/11/2013

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Dogders' right handed pitcher Zack Greinke returns to Los Angeles from Phoenix to receive Platelet Rich Plasma treatment for his right elbow injury Monday March 11, 2013. The wealthy right-handed pitcher (worth up to $159 million) was diagnosed with inflammation in the back of his pitching elbow. An MRI performed in Arizona last week showed there was no structural damage to the ligaments or tendons of the elbow. Greinke received an injection of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and anti-inflammatory medication and put on rest for 2-3 days with plan to return to a progressive throwing program.

PRP is platelet-rich plasma, which is taken from the patient's blood and injected into the affected area in a concentrated dose to promote healing. It has become relatively common for injuries such as this and made popular by elite athletes like Kobe Bryant, Hines Ward, and Tiger Woods.

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Los Angeles Lakers Dwight Howard to receive Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for his Shoulder injury.

2/4/2013

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The Los Angeles Times reported on Friday that Lakers All-Star center Dwight Howard will be flying back home to Los Angeles from Minneapolis to undergo a platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment for his right shoulder injury. Dwight Howard aggravated his torn shoulder labrum Wednesday night during a game.

PRP consists of isolating platelets and growth factors from a patient's own blood in a blood draw like for a simple lab. These growth factors are then injected back to an injured area to accelerate the body's natural healing. This non-surgical procedure has a short recovery time and can be as short as a 30 minute office visit.

We are wishing Dwight Howard all the best and look forward to having him rejoin the LA Lakers soon.

W.C. Lee, M.D., is a UCLA-trained board certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. She is an expert in platelet rich plasma non-surgical treatments. She specializes in the non-surgical treatment of muscle, bone, and nerve injuries and conditions. She received her M.D. from University of Wisconsin Medical School.

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New study shows Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment is superior to placebo for knee osteoarthritis

2/4/2013

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In a new study from the American Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers in India were able to show that patients receiving platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatments had better alleviation of their pain compared to patients that received only saline (water). There was a mild deterioration of those improvements at 6 months. This level 1 randomized placebo controlled study showed that PRP injection for knee osteoarthritis is safe and effective. The study also noted that patients with more mild degrees of cartilage damage did better than those with advanced arthritis. It showed that the patient group that were treated with PRP had better results than did the patient group injected with saline only.

W.C. Lee, M.D., is a UCLA-trained board certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. She is an expert in platelet rich plasma non-surgical treatments. She received her M.D. from University of Wisconsin Medical School.

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ASK DR. LEE: Non-surgical treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

1/22/2013

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Question: I have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome with pain and numbness in both my hands from my office work where I type a lot. I was told to have surgery for carpal tunnel release but I don’t want surgery. I haven’t tried any other treatments yet. What are some non-surgical options for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Dr. Lee's response: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressively painful hand and arm condition caused by a pinched nerve in your wrist. There are a number of contributing factors to carpal tunnel syndrome, including the anatomy of your wrist, certain underlying health problems and possibly patterns of hand use.

It is the most common entrapment neuropathy in America with an incidence rate of over 6 million Americans each yearnce rate of over 6 million Americans each year.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway bound by bones and a ligament called the transverse carpal ligament. It is about as large as your thumb located on the palm side of your wrist. This tunnel protects a main nerve, known as median nerve, in your hand and nine tendons that bend your fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is cause by the pinching of this median nerve in this tunnel. This produces the numbness, pain and, eventually, hand weakness that characterize carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fortunately, for most people who develop carpal tunnel syndrome, proper treatment by a physician specialist can usually relieve the pain and numbness and restore normal use of their wrists and hands.

There are a few nonsurgical options for carpal tunnel syndrome. This may include using wrist splints, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, therapeutic exercises, activity modification (ergonomic modification of your work space), vitamin B-6, or dynamic stretching of the transverse carpal ligament by manipulation or specialized splinting.

A promising new treatment consists of using a dynamic splint prescribed by a physician specialist. This dynamic splint provides a stretch of the transverse carpal ligament and thereby opens the carpel tunnel and releases pressure on the median nerve. This comfortable dynamic splint can be worn 15 to 30 minutes twice a day at home. Research has shown significant relief of pain and numbness after two months of treatment with this prescription dynamic splint.

It is important to have your carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed by a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician specialist that can perform the appropriate testing to determine the severity of your carpal tunnel syndrome and develop the appropriate treatment plan for you.

Wei-Ching Lee, M.D. is a UCLA-trained board certified physician specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Arc Motion Rehab Medical Clinic at 55 E. Huntington Dr, Suite 219, Arcadia, CA 91006, where she provides non-surgical care for muscle, bone, and nerve injuries. If you have any pain, injury, or exercise questions for future articles, please email Dr. Lee at info@PainRehabMD.com. Phone (626) 817-3422. www.ArcMotionRehab.com

W.C. Lee, M.D., is a UCLA-trained board certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. She is an expert in platelet rich plasma non-surgical treatments. She specializes in the non-surgical treatment of muscle, bone, and nerve injuries and conditions. She received her M.D. from University of Wisconsin Medical School.

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ASK DR. LEE: Taking the stress out of your commute or office work.

10/2/2012

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By Wei-Ching Lee, M.D. (as published in Mountain View News)

Q: I feel stiff especially in my neck, shoulders, and legs from my hour long commutes to work. What can I do to help relieve my the stress on my body from my commutes?

A: Most of us, spend the a majority time of our waking daily lives sitting down. Our bodies were not meant to take on the stress of sitting for long periods. Yet many of us have jobs and commutes that require us to sit for long periods at a time. These commutes are taking a toll on our health. In fact, the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that in a study of 4,000 commuters, those with the longest commutes had poorer cardiovascular (aka heart) fitness, larger waist circumferences and higher blood pressure.

Not only are we sitting for long periods on our commutes, we are also sitting doing office work.

You may not be able to get your heart pumping much or lift weights during your commute, but you can do plenty to offset the stiffness of sitting.

Next time you finish a long commute, try these moves at your desk while you are sitting in your chair:

POSTURE PULL: Extend your arms in front. Then while keeping your hands in place, . think of lifting your chest and bringing your shoulders back as if you are bringing your shoulder blades together. Try not to shrug your shoulders but instead think of bringing them back and down. Improving your posture helps alleviate stress as well as prevent shoulder injuries.

NECK TENSION RELEASER: Grab your seat with your left hand. Place your right hand on your head and gently pull to the right. Hold, then repeat with the other hand.

PIRIFORMIS STRETCH: Cross your legs. Then gently lean forward until you feel a stretch in your buttocks. Hold for 10-15 seconds and switch sides.

SEATED HAMSTRING STRETCH: Extend your left leg forward. Reach your right hand out towards left toes. Hold for 10-15 seconds then switch sides.

As with any exercise program, please discuss with your physician before performing any of these exercises.

Wei-Ching Lee, M.D. is a UCLA-trained board certified physician specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Arc Motion Rehab Medical Clinic at 55 E. Huntington Dr, Suite 219, Arcadia, CA where she provides non-surgical care for muscle, arthritis, and nerve conditions. If you have any pain, injury, wellness, or exercise questions for future articles, please email Dr. Lee at info@PainRehabMD.com. You may reach Dr. Lee at 626-817-3422.

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Ways to combat knee pain without surgery

9/16/2012

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By Wei-Ching Lee, M.D. as published in Mountain View newspaper

With advancements in medicine, we are living longer and our knees take on the accumulation of stresses of our daily activities over time. So, as we get older, many more of us are impacted by knee pain. The good news is there are many options to help treat knee pain besides surgery.

Treatments can be as simple as placing an ice pack on your knee for 20-30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first 2-3 days or until the pain subsides. Your leg can also be elevated by placing a pillow underneath it to help reduce swelling.

A multitude of conditions may result in knee pain such as ligament injury, cartilage (aka meniscal) injuries, arthritis, muscle and tendon injuries, strains and kneecap injuries or misalignments. A physician specialist can help you develop a personalized exercise program targeted to treat your specific injury. One of the many exercises to treating knee osteoarthritis includes quadriceps strengthening to help take the stress off the knee joint.

There are a slew of different medications available for treating knee pain like topical and oral medications, prescription patches, and prescribed medical foods. There is also over the counter glucosamine/chondroitin which is widely lauded but also controversial in its benefits for knee osteoarthritis pain.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) units are yet another option for pain relief and can be prescribed for your home use by a physician. TENS units are pocket size, portable, battery-operated devices that send electrical impulses to the desired painful area of the body to block pain signals.

Prescription braces and orthotics such as “unloader” braces can be used to offload the damaged cartilage area together with specific shoe inserts, and “infrapatellar” braces can be used to help realign your knee cap.

With the advent of cutting-edge technology, we have more options to treat our knee pain and stave off surgery such as knee replacements. One of which has helped Kobe Bryant stay in the game, Hines Ward heal quickly and Tiger Woods with his career comeback. This groundbreaking treatment is called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, and it has been around for decades for medical uses such as wound healing, dental implants, and eye repair surgeries. PRP therapy is advantageous over surgery in that it has the possibility of healing our knees in a manner that can essentially last for a lifetime whereas knee replacement surgery typically lasts only up to 10-15 years before the hardware wears out.

Best of all, PRP is a simple non-surgical treatment that uses platelets from your own blood (obtained just like a regular lab draw) to heal the injured tissues. Platelets are nature’s “reservoirs” that may facilitate healing by promoting tissue regeneration and forming blood vessels that nourish new tissues. PRP may direct and amplify this natural healing process.

Finding the right treatment for your knee pain starts with the right diagnosis from a physician specialist. You might not need surgery to get on the road to pain relief and a better overall quality of life.

W.C. Lee, M.D., is a UCLA-trained board certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Arc Motion Rehab Medical Clinic in Arcadia, CA. She is an expert in platelet rich plasma non-surgical treatments. She specializes in the non-surgical treatment of muscle, arthritis, and nerve injuries and conditions. She received her M.D. from University of Wisconsin Medical School. If you have suggestions for future topics, please email Dr. Lee at info@PainRehabMD.com.

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Dr. Lee receives America's top doctor 2012 award.

9/10/2012

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Dr. Lee's Four Favorite Foods for Health

8/29/2012

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“Let food be your medicine and your medicine be food”

This is my favorite quote from Hippocrates. What he meant was that diet has a profound effect on not only preventing disease, but also treating it. This quote lends itself to the saying “We are what we eat.” Below are some of my four favorite foods for promoting overall health and wellness

We hope to show you how easy it is to eat healthy and feel healthy and you’ll no doubt be thinking: “Even I can do that!”

Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse that protects against cancer of the colon, breast, bladder, lung, and prostate. Along with cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains sulforaphane glucosinolates (SGS) and other phytonutrients that shield cells from DNA damage, boost immune function, and neutralize carcinogens.

In a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, older men who ate broccoli or cauliflower more than once a week were about half as likely to be diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer as men who ate these foods less than once a month.

Chili Peppers
Chili peppers have a number of health benefits due to its key component capsaicin, the compound that gives them their spiciness. The folk uses of cayenne and other hot peppers range from treating stomach ulcers to improving circulation and heart disease. Better studied, however, are capsaicin’s effects on metabolism and pain.

If you have ever broken into a sweat after eating chili peppers, you know that capsaicin has a thermogenic effect. It raises body temperature and burns calories.

Studies have shown chili peppers to suppress appetite. When Dutch researchers gave red pepper powder in tomato juice or capsules to study volunteers 30 minutes before meals, they felt fuller and ate less.

Include hot, spicy foods in your daily diet, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. And keep a jar of cayenne pepper in the house.

Applied to the skin, topical capsaicin suppresses substance P, a chemical that delivers pain signals to the brain—making it a very powerful topical pain reliever. It is helpful for arthritis, back pain, and nerve pain, and even conventional physicians recognize its value as a treatment for the pain of shingles.

Ginger
Ginger is a potent diaphoretic, meaning it stimulates perspiration and warms the body from the inside. It is also a well-studied gastrointestinal tonic that helps relieve nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, ginger is rich in zinc, which is important in wound healing and immune function. Thus, homemade ginger tea is one of the most satisfying tonics for a cold or flu.

To make a therapeutic ginger tea, grind a one-inch slice of fresh ginger, squeeze the juice of half a lemon, and add to a cup of steaming hot water along with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, if desired.

Yogurt
Yogurt, cultured with healthful bacteria, is nature’s premiere probiotic. This protein-rich food has been shown to reduce the incidence of antibiotic-related diarrhea, suppress H. pylori (the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers), helps prevent gastric ulcers, and improve overall gastrointestinal health.

Make sure your yogurt contains “live and active cultures,” and avoid fruit-added varieties, which are full of added sugars or artificial sweeteners. If you want to spice up the flavor of plain yogurt, add your own fresh fruit and sweeten with xylitol. Flaxseed is also a nice addition. It’s also important to note that probiotics in yogurt (or in supplements) must be consumed on a regular basis to be most effective.

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Dr. Wei-Ching Lee is a UCLA-trained board certified diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. She is the founder of Arc Motion Rehab Medical Clinic in Arcadia, CA.

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