Attention All Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Members:

Starting December 1, 2013, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare will be offering members a new program called Elevate Healthcare HMO. You might be provided this as an option through your employer when you renew your health plan. Please be aware that even though this plan is through Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare ( HPHC) you will be significantly restricted in who you see for your medical care and where it is provided. The current network is restricted to 5 hospitals statewide and to a limited number of specialists. Only a small percentage of HPHC providers are in the Elevate network.

NHNSI is NOT a member of the ELEVATE Healthcare HMO, which will mean that you will need to change medical providers should you choose this health plan. Unlike other situations in the past where negotiations between healthcare providers and Insurance companies have been at the root of the problem, this is a situation where the health plan is choosing to limit the network. This is NOT based on performance or outcomes. At NHNSI we pride ourselves in tracking patient outcomes and providing cost effective treatment to all of our patients. We value you as our patient and strive to provide you the best treatment possible.

What You Need to Know About Vitamin D for Stronger Bones

The correlation between calcium and good bone health is one that most people are well aware of. We were all told as children to “drink your milk” because it was good for our bones. However, what is not so well known is the role of Vitamin D in getting calcium into the bones.

Vitamin D is necessary for the intestine to absorb calcium. When Vitamin D levels are low, only 10-15% of our dietary calcium gets absorbed. 

Our best resource of Vitamin D is the sun. In the Northeast, we do not have sufficient sunshine to adequately supply the UV rays required by the body to make Vitamin D. This leads to higher numbers of people with Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency in the Northeast when comparedto those who live in the South.

Vitamin D can be found in some foods such as beef liver, egg yolks, fish, and fortified milk but not in high enough amounts to meet there commended daily allowance.  Therefore, if you live in the Northeast, supplementation of Vitamin D most of the year is required to keep Vitamin D at levels required to get calcium adequately absorbed by the intestine and keep your bones healthy.

Come back next month to find out ways to get the Vitamin D you need to ensure good bone health!

Fragility Fractures…

It’s the latest “Buzz-word” in orthopedics. But what does it mean to the average Joe? If you are over 50 years old and a female, it means a fragility fracture could happen to you. In fact, you have a 50/50 chance of sustaining a fragility fracture after the age of 50. Our male counterparts are at risk as well. One out of every three men over 50 are at risk of sustaining a fragility fracture.

A fragility fracture is defined as any broken bone caused by a fall from a standing height or less. In some cases, fragility fractures can be present without evidence of trauma. People with osteoporosis and low bone mass are at significantly increased risk of suffering a fragility fracture. Fragility fractures are commonly seen in the wrist, ankle, hip, spine, and proximal humerus and are treated with splints, casts, braces, or surgery.

Many studies have shown that the greatest risk factor for sustaining a fragility fracture is history of a previous fracture. However, studies also show that 4 out of 5 patients will receive no further treatment or evaluation of bone health past the initial treatment for their broken bone. If appropriate treatment and interventions are initiated soon after the first fragility fracture occurs, the risk of future fractures can be significantly reduced. So what else should be done?

A patient diagnosed with a fragility fracture should have a full evaluation for their overall bone health. This should include a bone density study and testing to rule out underlying medical conditions that can lead to low bone mass. It should also include education of the patient and family regarding good nutrition, dietary supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D, fall risk prevention, a safe exercise program, and pharmacological management of osteoporosis. Initiating this type of work up after a fragility fracture has been diagnosed will dramatically reduce the incidence and severity of subsequent fractures.

It’s never too late to have your bone health evaluated. Whether a fragility fracture happened last week or last year, getting an evaluation of your bone health is warranted. This can be initiated by your healthcare provider or your orthopedic specialist and should absolutely be done to help prevent future fractures.

Until you schedule your bone health evaluation at our Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic, here are a few things you can do to help protect your bones:

Incorporate good eating habits. Foods rich in calcium and protein help overall bone health. Your goal calcium intake should be between 1200-1500mg daily and is best obtained through your diet. Get your Vitamin D. Vitamin D is difficult to get through your food so an over-the-counter supplement is often needed. A good place to start is 1000IU daily and may be increased by your healthcare provider should your Vitamin D level be low.

Watch your step! Avoid slippery surfaces or footwear. Install grab bars and a shower chair in the bathroom. Take your time when up and about. Remove throw rugs and clear any clutter around the house. Utilize night lights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallways at night.

Avoid bending or twisting activities. Avoid lifting more than 10-15lbs and when you do have to lift – use the legs not the back! Stay active! Safe activities for people with osteoporosis include Tia chi, walking, stair climbing, biking, hiking, and strength training under the guidance of a professional.

New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute’s Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic

The Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic at NH NeuroSpine Institute is the first of its kind in the state of New Hampshire. We utilize our multi-specialty team to treat patients with fractures and to provide the knowledge and treatment towards prevention of future fractures. In some cases we take charge in the overall management of osteoporosis or in some cases refer the patient back to their primary care provider if they prefer. NHNSI offers patients the leading care in overall bone health while providing cost effective treatment solutions with the convenience of onsite services.

Currently, there is an estimated 44 million people living in the United States with either low bone mass or osteoporosis. Studies estimate that by 2020 over half the population of the United States with be effected by this disease. Fragility fractures have become nearly epidemic in the United States among older adults with over 2 million fractures each year - more than heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer combined. Preventing just one fracture can save patients thousands of dollars in healthcare.

NHNSI is working with ImPACT in an effort to ensure a safe recovery for athletes whom have suffered from a concussion. ImPACT is a 20 minute neurocognitive test that has been scientifically validated to measure the effects of a sports related concussion.

As fall athletes begin their season, it is important to us that they take the proper precautions prior to playing an impact sport. Baseline ImPACT testing is extremely important in the post treatment of a concussion. NHNSI has made it easy to receive this baseline testing and concussion management without having to coordinate a concussion management team for your athletic department, team or school. We will coordinate the testing for your team with individual testing times or small group testing slots. The team is given the baseline testing for a flat rate and we will continue to follow the team in the event a concussion does occur and post injury testing and management is necessary. Individual enrollment is also available. Call our ImPACT coordinator today at (603) 637-2300.

Dr. Kleeman and the Visiting Surgeons Program

NH NeuroSpine is helping to make invasive spine surgery more accessible to patients across the globe!

After spending over a year developing and performing a new minimally invasive surgical technique for spinal fusions, Dr. Kleeman is now involved in the visiting surgeons program and helping to teach this new method to surgeons everywhere. Not only are surgeons from around the world flying in, observing and training on this new technique, last week a filming crew entered the operating room at Catholic Medical Center. With seven cameras taping they were able to capture all aspects of the surgery at the same time. Dr. Kleeman explains how they will use this footage, “The goal is that we create a training video capturing all details from different perspectives. Surgeons can then have the multiple angles running simultaneously from their computer screen. This represents a new and innovative approach to surgical teaching techniques.” For more information on minimally invasive spine surgery visit nhneurospine.com.

Treating Spinal Fractures

The importance of a Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic is that all the providers are treating the patient with a common goal: to avoid future fractures. The New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute is unique in our approach to spinal compression fractures as we have a team of experts to work together in addressing our patients’ problems. A spinal fracture occurs when one of the bones in the spinal column breaks. This type of fracture is also known as a vertebral compression fracture because the bone that breaks (the vertebral body) often cracks and collapses, becoming compressed. When patients come to us with back pain stemming from a vertebral compression fracture our team of professionals will look at the underlying cause of the problem through our Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic, utilize therapies such as PT and Bracing in cooperation with our Physical Therapists, or schedule the patient for surgery. In recent years, the treatment of spinal compression fractures has advanced considerably with the development of the surgical procedure known as Balloon Kyphoplasty.

With Balloon Kyphoplasty, an orthopedic balloon is used to elevate the bone fragments of the fractured vertebra and return them to the correct position. The incision site is approximately 1 cm in length. A hollow instrument is used to guide the balloon into the vertebra. The balloon is then inflated so that the collapsed vertebra is returned to its normal position. Once the vertebra is in the correct position, the balloon is deflated, leaving a space for bone cement. The cement stabilizes the fracture and holds the vertebra in place. The Kyphoplasty is minimally invasive. It is typically done in an outpatient setting at a hospital or surgery center. As with any procedure, there are potential risks and the procedure is not for everyone.

If you are suffering from back pain and have a history of fractures or bone loss you may be suffering from a compression fracture. It’s important to find the right course of treatment for you. Call New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute to find out more about our Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic at (603) 472-8888.

Tell Us Your Story

We’ve received such an overwhelming response from patients about our testimonial TV campaign. If you would like to submit your story about how New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute has made a difference in your life, please message us your story! 

Please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Hampshire-NeuroSpine-Institute/169463899778478

The Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic

The Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic at NH NeuroSpine Institute is the first of its kind in the state of New Hampshire. We utilize our multi-specialty team to treat patients with fractures and to provide the knowledge and treatment towards prevention of future fractures. In some cases, we take charge in the overall management of osteoporosis or in some cases refer the patient back to their primary care provider if they prefer. NHNSI offers patients the leading care in overall bone health while providing cost effective treatment solutions with the convenience of onsite services.

Currently there is an estimated 44 million people living in the United States with either low bone mass or osteoporosis. Studies estimate that by 2020 over half the population of the United States with be effected by this disease. Fragility fractures have become nearly epidemic in the United States among older adults with over 2 million fractures each year - more than heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer combined. Preventing just one fracture can save patients thousands of dollars in healthcare.

Unfortunately, in many cases the fracture is treated but the underlying cause of the fracture goes untreated. Thus, furthering the likelihood for future injury. The goal of the Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic is to focus on reducing the patients risk for injury by strengthening the bones and treating for bone loss.

Please call (603) 472-8888 for additional information or to schedule an appointment with the Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic.

NH Magazine's Top Docs

Once again, we are extremely proud to announce that N. Ross Jenkins, MD, FACS has been named to New Hampshire Magazine's Top Docs in 2013. For the 11th year in a row, Dr. Jenkins has won this prestigious acknowledgement in Neurosurgery.

To learn more about NH Magazine's Top Docs, visit: www.nhmagazine.com/April-2013/New-Hampshires-2013-Top-Doctors/

On-Site Infusion Suite

New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute is pleased to now offer the convenience of an on-site infusion suite for patients. By offering this service NHNSI has created a cost effective solution for patients who are receiving or need to receive Reclast infusions. Patients no longer need to worry about authorizations and traveling to multiple places and can focus on getting the care they need.

NHNSI Softball Season

NHNSI is on in the home stretch of the softball season. After beating last year's championship team for the second time, they hold the current standing for 2nd place with 8 wins and 3 losses. With only 3 more regular season games NHNSI is looking forward to some competitive games in the upcoming playoffs. Stay tuned!

To view more photos from this season visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.560417830683081.1073741825.169463899778478&type=1

Third Phase of Our TV Testimonial Program

New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute is proud to present the third phase of our TV testimonial program! Do you have a success story? We’d love to hear from you.

 

LPGA Tournament at the Beaver Meadow Golf Course

NH NeuroSpine will be at the upcoming LPGA Tournament at the Beaver Meadow Golf Course in Concord, NH, taking place Friday, July 19 through Sunday July 21. Come see our booth in the vendor tent to get a fun give-away and check out our Golf Enhancement Program. Like this post and you could win a pair of 3 day general admission tickets to this LPGA Tournament!

Click here to visit our Facebook today! 

New TV Campaign

New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute is proud and excited to showcase another glowing testimonial in our latest television commercial!

Next Step

For the past two years NHNSI has offered a unique program called the “Next Step”. The program offers patients the opportunity to maximize their recovery in a medically –supervised and controlled environment once they complete physical therapy. The patient continues to progress through the exercises started in physical therapy, with the opportunity to learn new types of exercises to offer longevity and variety to their routine.

The Next Step is a 6-week program offered in our Bedford, NH facility. It is available Monday through Friday from 10AM-11AM with participation available 2-3 times per week on non-consecutive days. Our morning program has been so successful, NHNSI is proud to announce a second class from 4:30-5:30 PM also Monday through Friday and the recent addition of Thursday mornings.

The Next Step program is limited to 12 participants per session to assure ample space and individual attention as needed. We offer revolving enrollment, with a new session available every 2 weeks. For more information visit our website at www.nhneurospine.com or contact us at 603-472-8888 x 609.

“Own the Bone” Provides clinics and hospitals with a Tool to Address Growing Major Health Crisis

NH NeuroSpine Institute announced today that it has implemented the American Orthopaedic Association’s Own the Bone® Program. The program is aimed to better identify, evaluate and treat patients that suffer from an osteoporosis or low bone density-related fragility fracture (a broken bone that results from a fall from standing height or less). The program brings focus to the severe health implications of fragility fractures and the multi-faceted approach hospitals or clinics can employ to ensure these patients receive the most comprehensive care.

As the “First in the State of New Hampshire” to implement this vital program, New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute plays an important role as a leader in New Hampshire and nationally in providing improved patient care in bone health.

Statistics surrounding fragility fractures are alarming! According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), up to 50% of all women and 25% of men over the age of 50 years will sustain fragility fractures in their remaining lifetime. The American Bone Health Prevalence Report states that more people in the United States suffer a fragility fracture each year than are diagnosed with a heart attack (MI), stroke or breast cancer combined and is projected to significantly increase as the population ages. Studies show that patients who have had a fragility fracture are two to four times more likely to experience another fracture than those who have never had a fracture. That is, once a patient experiences a fracture, they are very likely to get another one.

According to the National Committee for Quality Assurance, only 1 in 5 Medicare patients have received the osteoporosis care they needed after a fracture. The Own the Bone Program is a national Web-based quality improvement registry that incorporates 10 measures for reducing future fractures and provides NH NeuroSpine Institute with immediate feedback on program performance to measure NH NeuroSpine Institute’s success and helps benchmark our institution against other institutions. With Own the Bone, NH NeuroSpine Institute reduces this huge treatment gap and ensures that our patients with fragility fractures are screened and appropriately treated for low bone density or osteoporosis.

Kame McAuliffe, PA a leader at the NH NeuroSpine Institute Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic says, “I am extremely excited to be a part of NH NeuroSpine Institute’s Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic. Ensuring comprehensive care of our patient’s overall bone health so that we may better treat current fractures and prevent future fractures is of utmost importance to us here at NH Neurospine Institute. I am also incredibly honored to have the NHNSI Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic recognized by the American Orthopedic Association as the first “Own the Bone” Osteoporosis and Fracture prevention Program in the state of New Hampshire. We are taking the initiative and teaming up with our local healthcare providers to not only treat our patient’s fractures but to address the underlying cause of our patient’s poor bone health.”

By simply entering information in the Web-based data registry, results can be immediately quantified and health care providers can begin to see how our actions are positively affecting patient care. The program is able to produce internal and external benchmarking results that reflect how NH NeuroSpine Institutes patients are being positively affected by Own the Bone.

“A comprehensive, multi-specialty approach will greatly reduce repeat fragility fractures for at-risk patients,” said Douglas R. Dirschl, The American Orthopaedic Association’s 1st Past President. “Own the Bone gives hospitals and clinics the tools needed to address and curb this major health crisis.”

# # #

NH NeuroSpine Institute’s Comprehensive Bone Health Clinic operates at the Bedford, NH facility. The program offers a team approach to dealing with fracture prevention and the healing of acute fractures by finding the underlying cause and treating it to help patients have stronger bones for a stronger life.

TV Campaign

New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute is proud and excited to showcase our new TV commercial! We truly value the opinions of our patients, and we wanted to show that in our new TV campaign. Please take a look to see how we have made a difference in the life of just one of our many valued patients.

In response

In response to the recent report of potentially contaminated medications used for steroid injections in Tennessee, NH NeuroSpine institute would like reassure its patients that we do not order compounded steroids from a specialty pharmacy and do not EVER use compounded steroids for our injections. The steroids used are ordered directly from the manufacturer and are not opened until prepping for the injection. Please call with any questions or concerns to (603) 472-8888.

NHNSI Softball team

It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how good you look while you’re playing the game! The new uniforms are in for the NHNSI Softball team – Good luck this season!

May is Osteoporosis Month

If you are a female over 50 years old, take a moment to ponder something...You have a 50% chance of breaking a bone.

Yes, that’s right. One out of every 2 women in the United States who are over 50 years old will suffer a fracture. For the men reading this article, the risks are not much better… one out of every 5 men over 50 will suffer a fracture.

It is because of the “silent disease” known as OSTEOPOROSIS.

Literally, osteoporosis means “porous bones.” Osteoporosis is a slow, insidious disease that progressively decreases the strength of your bones by reabsorbing your bone faster than you can create new bone. This results in a painless loss of bone density that eventually leads to an inability of yourbones to withstand any insult or trauma!

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in humans. There is an estimated 44 million people living in the United States with either low bone mass or osteoporosis. Studies estimate that by 2020, over half the population of the United States will be effected by this disease. Osteoporosis-relatedfractures are responsible for over 430,000 hospital admission, 2.5 million doctor office visits, and 180,000 nursing home admissions a year. In 2005, the estimated cost of osteoporosis to the health-care system was $17 billion and is expected to double or even triple by 2040.

Osteoporosis is serious and unfortunately surrounded by many myths. For example, do you think you are supposed to loss height or “shrink” as you age? Do you think taking extra calcium is going to prevent this diseasefrom occurring? Do you think osteoporosis is a disease that only elderly women need to worry about?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you need to think again!

“Shrinking” is not normal! A historical height loss of over 1 1Ž2 inches or a documented height loss of 0.8 inches is an indication your bones may be weakening and screening for osteoporosis is necessary.

The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1000-1200mg. Getting the majority of your daily calcium through your foods is best and is utilized more efficiently by your body. If you cannot get the recommended amounts ofcalcium through food, supplements are important. However, taking more calcium does not give you any added bone strength but may instead cause other medical issues like kidney stones, calcification of the blood vessels, and other serious health problems.

Osteoporosis is not just a disease of the elderly. Osteoporosis can affect the young and old! While it is more commonly seen after menopause, there are other secondary causes of osteoporosis that can present at any age. Examples include, Celiac Disease and other malabsorption issues, vitamin D deficiency, thyroid disease, eating disorders, alcohol abuse, chronic steroid use…the list goes on!

If you are over 50 and concerned about your bone health – talk to a health care provider – especially if you have suffered a fracture! If you are post-menopausal or over the age of 65, you need to be screened for osteoporosis whether you have had a fracture or not. Don’t let your first indication of poor bone health be a painful or possibly debilitating fracture!

Here at NH NeuroSpine Institute, we offer a unique clinic that is designed for patients who suffer from osteoporosis, are over 65 or have suffered from a fracture. We can help reduce the risk of further fractures or help to slow the process of bone loss. Prevention is the key to good health! Call us for your bone screening today.

The Golf Enhancement Program

Spring is here! The weather is getting warmer, and people are heading outside for the long-awaited golf season. Before you grab your clubs and head to the golf course, make sure that you have prepared yourself for the physical demands of an 18-hole golf game. It’s important to treat golf as you would any sport, and preparation is always the key to avoiding injury.

Golf is one of the only major sports that does not require strenuous jumping, running, or physical contact, and because of this, players often don’t realize how great of an impact it can have on your joints and muscles. In recent years golf fitness has become a major part of being a better golfer. Golfers are being provided with the education to center their stretching and exercise routine around their sport. As with any sport, it is important to focus on the areas of the body that are most utilized so as not to suffer from injury. Golfers, in particular, may not realize that there is potential for injury or the impact an injury can have on their golf performance. If a player has suffered from an injury such as a strain, sprain, fracture or is recovering from a musculoskeletal surgery, their balance, stamina and technique may be affected and prevent them from having the golf game or golf swing they desire.

The NH NeuroSpine Institute Golf Enhancement Program is here to help you get ready for your golf season! We aim to help golfers who feel they have plateaued as far as their performance level is concerned. We specialize in identifying the factors that are limiting each individual’s golf performance and design an exercise program to target those factors. It is extremely important to keep the individual’s fitness level in mind when designing the exercise program. This is what makes our program unlike any other. We assess swing mechanics as they relate to range of motion, strength and balance to determine what may be restricting the player from evolving to the next level. We can then establish a personalized program that will help increase the player’s performance level and enjoyment on the golf course.

Our TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) certified Physical Therapist, Matthew Harrison, works with each golfer on an individual basis and determines what the player can do to increase their functioning on the golf course. Working with a team of musculoskeletal experts allows Matthew to utilize the knowledge of our providers along with his knowledge as a Physical Therapist to give the best golf performance recovery experience. Please call (603) 472-8888 for more information.

Laura Humen, PA-C

We are pleased to announce the newest addition to the NHNSI Neurosurgery team- Laura Humen, PA-C. We were fortunate to have Laura complete a specialty rotation with uswhile completing her Master’s Degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She will join us in a permanent position on May 20th, 2013. Join us in welcoming Laura to the NeuroSpine family.

Provider's Blog

At New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute, we think it is important to educate our patients about different topics in the medical community. Our new Provider’s Blog showcases articles written by our providers about topics they are passionate about and in which they have interest. Please take a look and read all of the articles that are showcased on our new Provider’s Blog!

http://nhnsiproviders.blogspot.com/

New MRI Scanner at Our Bedford Location

New Hampshire NeuroSpine institute is excited to announce the installation of a new MRI scanner at our Bedford location! The new scanner will produce high quality scans in less time while providing 3D reconstruction and advanced imaging. At New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute our goal is to provide the highest quality of service utilizing technological advancements but maximizing cost efficiency. Further we recognize that time is a commodity that most of us have too little of, so providing on site scanning that is specific to the needs of your individual provider is a key factor in saving you time and money. During the installation period we will continue to provide the convenience of MRI services to our patients. However, please excuse our appearance over the course of the next few weeks.

The NH NeuroSpine Institute Welcomed Osamu Shirado, MD, PhD

The NH NeuroSpine Institute welcomed Osamu Shirado, MD, PhD who visited from Japan to observe Thomas J. Kleeman, MD of the NHNSI, perform a less invasive back surgery that reduces a patient's medical costs, length of hospital stay and recovery time. He will introduce these surgical techniques in Japan. The NHNSI is proud to showcase our cutting edge work that is attracting surgeons nationally and internally to learn from our providers.

To read more about this story, click the link below: http://www.unionleader.com/article/20130405/NEWS12/130409480

NH NeuroSpine Institute Welcomes Matthew Porter, PA-C

NH NeuroSpine Institute welcomes Matthew Porter, PA-C to our Orthopaedic surgery team. Matthew graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Manchester, NH. He is a certified physician assistant and is affiliated with the American Academy of Physician Assistants. “I am honored and excited to have joined a patient centered practice and team of highly skilled and well regarded surgeons and PAs, well trained and knowledgeable nursing staff, and dedicated and friendly ancillary staff,” says Matt about joining the NH NeuroSpine Institute team.

The Next Step Program at NHNSI

Here at New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute, we value the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Let us help you find time for a work out program specific to your needs. We have found that often times patients are limited to the number of physical therapy appointments due to caps set by their insurance company or they are burdened financially by high copays.

We now offer the Next Step program which provides the opportunity for patients to continue meeting in a group setting with a physical therapist for a set cost over a 6 week period. We pride ourselves on finding cost effective healthcare solutions. Click here to learn more about the Next Step Program and our Physical Therapy Department. 

The Benefits of Pilates

We all know that participating in regular exercise provides numerous benefits from reducing the risk of developing diabetes to improving strength and mobility. With a plethora of exercise programs to choose from, why would one choose Pilates?

Pilates works from muscles deeper within the body toward the outside muscle groups. By working from the inside out, you develop a greater understanding of the body. Smaller muscle groups come into use, and you begin to discover muscles you never knew you had. The Pilates method also helps you develop a control that is useful for performing a range of movements- from the simplest, such as walking up a flight of stairs, to the most complex, such as lifting an awkward load from a difficult position without straining your back, shoulders or other muscles.

Pilates is a mind-body centering technique that emphasizes the importance of beginning movement to form a central core of stability.  Pilates is a safe, no-impact exercise routine that stretches and strengthens all the major muscle groups in a logical sequence, without neglecting the smaller, weaker muscles. It is taught in two categories, matwork and machine based work. Both are taught in many formats and are tailor-made for individuals following an assessment. Matwork consists of 34 original Pilates exercises performed on the “mat” that are designed to promote core stability, flexibility, endurance, postural and body awareness and to correct muscle imbalances. Machine based Pilates takes the concepts of matwork into spring loaded resistance machines.  

Pilates is based on the following eight principles:

1. Breathing
2. Concentration
3. Control
4.  Centering
5.  Precision
6. Flow
7. Integrated isolation
8. Routine/Repetition

The repertoire of APPI Pilates exercises focuses to improve spinal mobility, flexibility of the key trunk and lower limb muscles groups, body awareness and postural awareness.  Thus allowing me to incorporate Pilates as a form of physical therapy for patients that I am seeing whom suffer back and neck pain.   Roughly five years ago I started my Pilates journey by taking classes and courses to educate myself about the process. Pilates is more than an exercise routine for me. For more information about the APPI Pilates method, visit their website: http://www.ausphysio.com/

Nicole Feinauer, PTA

Check out our website at www.nhneurospine.com. Get your frequently asked questions answered by the providers themselves, and watch videos of common conditions and procedures. While you are there, check out our upcoming news and events, sign up for our informative newsletter and get information on the services we offer. For frequent updates about what's happening at NH NeuroSpine Institute, like us on Facebook.

Did you know that NHNSI offers its own diagnostic imaging services? At NHNSI we pride ourselves on offering cutting-edge technology and compassionate care for patients with back, neck , orthopeadic , and neurosurgical conditions. With healthcare costs rising patients are often faced with weighing in their finances before making healthcare decisions. We have created an advanced MRI scanning facility which provides both exceptional patient centered care with lower pricing.

Its that time of year again, time to break out the golf clubs and start dusting them off. If you are looking to get prepared for the upcoming golf season check out NHNSI’s golf program. Its a golf program designed to increase an individual's fitness level, assess body mechanics and help to strengthen golfers' overall performance. Our goal is help increase your distance and power, minimize the chance of injury and improve accuracy. The program helps focus on five cores areas: flexibility/mobility, balance, strength, stabilization, and endurance.
NHNSI's very own Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified Physical Therapist,Matthew Harrison, will work with you on an individual basis and determine what you can do to increase your execution on the golf course. Working with a team of musculoskeletal experts allows Matthew to utilize the knowledge of our providers along with his knowledge as a Physical Therapist to give you the best golf performance recovery experience.

At New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute, we value the opinions of our patients and use their feedback to continuously improve the patient experience. Our new Patient Raves blog showcases some of our reviews from real patients. Please take a look and read how New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute has made a difference in our patients' lives.

New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute now offers the services of NH Med Spa at its Bedford, NH office. Speak with the staff today to arrange a consultation with Dr Batlivala. The Cosmetic Botox and filler clinic available by appointment Monday- Friday. Ask the receptionist for more details today.

The New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute is pleased to announce the association of Neal Luther, MD to the Neurosurgery team at NHNSI. Today is his first day at NHNSI, and we are very excited for him to join our elite team of providers.

Back to the Slopes

Winter is a time for snow sports in northern New England.  Skiing is a great way to enjoy the winter season and stay in shape. However, it can be very risky when you have not prepared physically for hitting the slopes. The possibility of back injury is greater especially because skiing is a sport that requires abrupt twists and jerks of the spine. Just as most people are not trained skiers, they also do not know the correct way to fall.

Even for a seasoned skier like Meredith, a patient at NH NeuroSpine Institute, a fall can really cramp your ski season style.  As an avid skier, Meredith not only provides lessons and started skiing when she was two, but typically prides herself on getting physically prepared for the upcoming season. “I’ve been skiing for twenty years but I admit I haven’t been putting enough time into preparing myself for the ski season over the last few years.”  During the 2011 ski season, Meredith had a severe fall resulting in an injury to her spine. She realized she was likely done for the season.  When she began experiencing predominantly low back pain with some minor radiating left leg pain, she was sent for an MRI.  The MRI results confirmed a disc pathology, and she was scheduled with Dr. Thomas J. Kleeman, Orthopedic Surgeon at NHNSI.

“I was unable to do any of my usual activities. Typically I weight train and bike in the off season.  I was just hoping that at some point I was going to be able to return to those things.”   After reviewing the physical examination and the MRI results, it was determined that Meredith could benefit from conservative treatments rather than surgery. Dr. Kleeman worked in collaboration with Dr. Aron Jeffrey, Physiatrist at NHNSI, to create a recovery plan specific to Meredith. Since NHNSI is able to offer most treatments in house, they could monitor her progress closely. She was scheduled with the physical therapy department and set up for an epidural steroid injection. The goal was to start the physical therapy and once Dr. Jeffrey completed the injection, she would have some pain relief. Meredith could start some aggressive exercise with a physical therapist present to monitor. “After my second injection I started to feel better, and once I was able to work aggressively with the therapist, I was able to start resuming some of my activities.” Meredith’s treatment needs were reviewed and evaluated at every visit, and with the collaboration of treatments, she was back to completing everyday activities. 

Meredith is already back to skiing. “I feel great. I do the core exercises given to me by my physical therapist and I prepared myself for this ski season!”

Remember, if you are planning to ski, you should start training about six weeks prior. Once at the slopes, be sure to stretch your muscles prior to slipping into those skis. Be sure to stretch the arms, as well as the legs.  Keeping yourself fit will help prevent injury with any activity.  However, if an injury does occur don’t be discouraged. With the proper treatment plan, you will be back to the activities you love in no time.