How different is this new strain of the virus?

by Dr. Phil on January 17, 2021

The new strain of the COVID virus has reached Louisiana, now one of at least 16 states confirming its existence. The CDC issued a report warning of higher transmission (1.5 x more transmittable than current). Of course, it’s possible that the strain has been causing the recent surge here in Louisiana since officials just started testing for it.

While it’s comparison in severity & mortality to the original strain is unknown, it’s highly likely that the vaccine will maintain protection. While our vaccination roll out here is slow, people need to remain vigilant.

And while the COVID survival rate is much higher than it used to be, you simply have to do the math to know that if there is easier spread, that’s more cases, which lead to more hospitalizations, which put more strain on the healthcare system.

This isn’t about mortality as much now… It’s about protecting our healthcare workers and ensuring those who need medical care other than COVID will have access to it.

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COVID Vaccine Mythbusters

by Dr. Phil on January 9, 2021

It’s disheartening to hear of anyone, let alone healthcare providers, say they are not getting the COVID vaccine because they think it’s unsafe. “Where did you hear that?” I ask… “Facebook”… of course. I would have figured by now that even healthcare providers would know better than to blindly trust social media for scientific information.

I tried to provide a more rational and factual look at the COVID data earlier this year instead of relying on social posts & news media. There was so much misinformation & division in our country at the time…and now it looks like it’s time to bring some ‘truth’ back to Facebook about COVID. So I’m going to give it another go.

I’m very open to intelligent, evidence-led discussions. And happy to try and answer any questions my friends have using as much credible research as possible.

Up first: COVID Vaccine Mythbusters:

1. While this vaccine was ‘quickly’ brought through FDA approval, these companies (like Moderna) have been working on this specific vaccine technology for years, so the system was ‘primed’ for the vaccine to be ready.

2. These vaccines have been safely tested in many people around the world through clinical trials of at least 30,000 folks each, and side effects tracked vigorously. Yes, there are a few potential side effects as with anything. And the allergic reactions reported are in generally in people with known allergies.

3. I’ve heard someone claim the vaccine can lead to sterility. I have no idea where this comes from. When you hear these type of potential side effects that are ‘long term’ think to yourself: this vaccine has only been out for a few months. How can they be sure about these long term effects at this point??

4. This vaccine is NOT the virus. It does not create the virus in you. These vaccines work by amazing technology using mRNA or injecting the protein components to prime the immune system to build the antibodies that fight the virus. It cannot alter your DNA. And they do not contain microchip tracking devices.

The 2 main vaccines are 95% effective. That’s amazing. That’s better than the annual flu vaccine. I didn’t believe it when I heard it. But if you really want to get back to our ‘normal’ lives, we need as many people to be vaccinated as possible for the so-called ‘herd immunity’.

I too was skeptical at first about this vaccine. But as I learned the facts, I became convinced by the FACTS that this is safe and effective. So please get the shot like I did. And wear your damn mask.

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From the Wall Street Journal: How to make the most of home workouts during the pandemic

April 22, 2020

I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by Jen Murphy, a health & fitness reporter for the Wall Street Journal. She did a story on how to prevent common injuries that can happen as a result of more people staying home to exercise… particularly those who may be used to working out in a gym […]

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To Ice or Not to Ice: That is the question

December 3, 2019

This is an article I wrote for the Cramer First Aider in 2018…and I still stand by it today! https://www.cramersportsmed.com/first-aider/to-ice-or-not-to-ice-that-is-the-question.html And if you’re interested in more from me on this topic, see my post on MikeReinold.com…and check out the comments afterward! Ice has gotten a bad rap recently. Anti-ice proponents have stated that “icing doesn’t […]

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Kinesiology Tape Myths and Mythbusters

September 4, 2019

By Phil Page, PhD, PT, ATC, CSCS, FACSM NOTE: I wrote this article 2 years ago. It was removed from the original site I wrote it for because it made some people uncomfortable, but I’m pulling it out of the laptop. I’m disappointed that the media and even ‘healthcare professionals’ continue to propagate myths and […]

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Journal Club Lesson: Never rely on the abstract

April 11, 2019

Dear Editor*: I was happy to see a meta-analysis by Silvia Lopes et al. (DOI: 10.1177/2050312119831116) comparing elastic resistance with ‘conventional’ resistance on muscle strength. In general, I believe the analysis was adequate; however, I noted several serious errors in the manuscript that must be addressed. It appears that the legends of Figures 2 and […]

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How to use research to guide your clinical decision making

January 19, 2019

Today’s approach to “evidence-based practice” (EBP) should be a process rather than an end-point. In this article published in the Journal of Performance Health, I recommend a 6-step process for a pragmatic approach to EBP….beginning with asking the question and ending with analyzing the results: AAAAAA. The AAAAA’s of Pragmatic EBP Want some help to […]

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5 Important Pieces of Advice for the New Physical Therapists

February 15, 2018

Congratulations, you made it through the hard part— school, licensing, job; check, check, and check. You’re in this field because you understand the importance of preparation and you have a passion for helping others, but now you’re ready to excel in clinical practice. It’s important to seek wise counsel when mapping out a strategy to […]

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108 More Research Studies That You Need to Read… Now

December 6, 2017

If you missed the first 55 research studies and second 93 research studies published this year, catch up! Just because we’re getting into the swing of the holiday season doesn’t mean the research is stopping anytime soon. This quarter, there were 86 new original research articles added to the Academy database and 22 abstracts from the annual […]

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Evidence-Based Musculoskeletal Pain Relief is a Spray Away

November 22, 2017

As you’re reading this sentence, millions of people are struggling with some form of musculoskeletal pain. This notion isn’t new to you, though; you treat these patients day in and day out in your clinic. Thankfully, more clinicians are wising up to the detriments of opioid prescriptions to treat musculoskeletal pain, and these pain sufferers […]

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