Employee of the Week: Cathy Gingrich
For the month of April we have decided to recognize our longest working employees here at OIP. Without these incredible employees we would not be who we are today.
This week we would like to recognize Cathy Gingrich for her amazing contributions to OIP! She has worked her way up the ranks of OIP and is currently the Business Office Manager. Here she is pictured with her daughter, Jill. We caught up with Cathy and were able to conduct a Q&A session with her.
Q&A with Cathy:
- What has been the most rewarding part of working at OIP?
“The most rewarding part for me has been the lasting friendships that I have made over the years, and having the privilege to help people daily.”
- What was it like working at OIP 40+ years ago?
“It was a lot different than what we are now. There were only three doctors at the time, along with four staff people including me. Each of us did everything, which had its positives and negatives.”
- What have been your favorite changes at OIP in the last 40+ years?
“The addition of different providers that have helped make OIP a place where people can get the best possible care.”
- What makes for a great day at work?
“Working with my great team members, being able to problem solve, and helping our patients with whatever problems they may have.”
- What is your favorite vacation spot? Why?
“My favorite vacation spot is Disneyworld, because you truly feel like you’re in a magical place whenever you visit there.”
- Who has been the most influential person in your life?
“My Pastor Art Montgomery, because he helped me through a very hard time in my life. I will forever be grateful for everything he has done for me.”
Employee of the Week: Kim Klouser
For the month of April we have decided to recognize our longest working employees here at OIP. Without these incredible employees we would not be who we are today.
This week we would like to recognize Kim Klouser for her amazing contributions to OIP! She is a Medical Assistant and Personal Assistant to Dr. Goltz. Here she is pictured with her photogenic dogs, Oakley and Willow. We caught up with Kim and were able to conduct a Q&A session with her.
Q&A with Kim:
- What has been the most rewarding part of working at OIP?
“There have been many good things about working here. I have created lifelong friendships, grown in my profession, and have learned so much from the physicians. But establishing relationships with patients and seeing them improve is really rewarding.”
- What was it like working at OIP 30+ years ago?
“It was like the dark ages. All of our work was done on paper. We wrote appointments in appointment books. We had to take verbal reports over the phone since there was no fax machines. There were no digital x-rays, so we all learned how to develop x-rays in the dark room. We were also responsible for washing and folding all of our patient gowns.
- What have been your favorite changes at OIP in the last 30+ years?
“FAX MACHINES! The advancement in technology. We are improving our ability to diagnose and treat orthopedic problems. Surgical procedures are so much better. We are learning to do things better.”
- What makes for a great day at work?
“Working with my co-workers and learning at least one thing every day.”
- What is your favorite vacation spot? Why?
“Cape Cod. It has Miles of beaches, antiques, art, bike riding, and LOBSTER!”
- Who has been the most influential person in your life?
“My best friend in high school. She was the *ALL AMERICAN GIRL* next door. She was genuine and treated everyone as she wanted to be treated. I learned that everyone has value.”
Dr. Himmelwright Introduces SuperPath to OIP
Dr. Himmelwright is bringing a new approach to hip replacement for the treatment of osteoarthritis to OIP with the minimally invasive SuperPath Total Hip Replacement.
Dr. Himmelwright practices general orthopedics and has a special interest in surgery of the spine and total joint replacement. He received degrees from The Pennsylvania State University and The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine before completing an internship and residency at Pinnacle Health System. He practiced for several years in Northeastern Pennsylvania and New York before joining OIP in 2007.
Dr. Himmelwright is board certified in orthopedic surgery. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic Association of Orthopedics, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, National American Spine Society, Pennsylvania Orthopedic Society, Pennsylvania Medical Society and Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. He has traveled to Haiti with a local group of medical professionals on a mission trip to care for children and adults with orthopedic needs.
What is SuperPath?
SuperPath stands for; Supercapsular Percutaneously-Assisted Total Hip. It is a different approach to the traditional hip replacement. The procedure was created by Dr. Jimmy Chow of the Hedley Orthopaedic Institute. It involves sparing the surrounding soft-tissue when performing total hip replacement surgery. The less tissue damage during surgery, combined with the state of the art anesthetic and pain management techniques allows for patients to have a much more rapid recovery than traditional methods of hip replacement. The surgical technique for the SuperPath Hip Replacement was developed as an advancement to the traditional hip replacement.
When asked, Dr. Himmelwright shares that SuperPath is as effective if not more effective as traditional hip replacement techniques due to its muscle sparing approach. Dr. Himmelwright also shares that, although the components of the SuperPath approach and the traditional hip replacement are the same, the difference is that with a superior approach and there are no muscles cut during the procedure. Currently, no one else in the area is utilizing SuperPath however, it has become fairly common on the west coast. In December, Dr. Himmelwright completed training in Arizona with the inventor of the procedure to learn the specifics of the new approach. He is currently performing a minimal invasive posterior approach. Although SuperPath offers advantages over other techniques, certain patient factors would now allow for its exclusive use.
Why Choose SuperPath?
The SuperPath approach is completely adjustable, and can easily be converted to selectively release individual muscles. This allows for the surgery to be adapted to each individual patient. Patients will have received the most appropriate reconstruction, regardless of the incision used.
The goal of a hip replacement is to have the best long term results combined with the fastest recovery to normal. SuperPath approach is the least invasive due in part to the minimal amount of tissue damage. SuperPath brings some of the best benefits such as; earlier ambulation, no loss of strength, quicker recovery, less pain, decreased dislocation risk, and easier exposure for future revision surgery.
Since there is an elimination of damage to the important structures during reconstruction, patients typically have a short hospital stay and almost all patients end up walking the same day as their surgery.
Elbow Injuries
We are on the cusp of Major League Baseball’s Opening Day and with Spring Training ramping up, players are starting to increase their pitch counts in order to get ready for the upcoming season. In the past two weeks we have already seen multiple elbow injuries around the league. About a fourth of current Major League Baseball pitchers have had elbow surgery performed to repair a damaged Ulnar Collateral Ligament. This raises the questions: why are elbow injuries becoming so common and how do I prevent it from happening to my kids when they play sports? Pitching causes the elbow to accelerate at over 3000 degrees per second. With pitchers putting this amount of stress on their arms, it causes injuries.
A huge problem we are coming across in our patients has been young athletes trying to throw breaking balls before their bodies are ready for it. Children should not be throwing curveballs before age 14. Breaking balls should not be thrown until it is clear that the growth plate of the elbow is strong enough to handle the torsional force that is placed on the shoulder and elbow when performing these pitches. The other big issue we have come across in our clinics has been overuse injuries. In the past decade the amount of kids suffering elbow injuries has increased dramatically due to overuse. Kids are now participating in weekend tournaments consistently and pitching multiple days in a row in order to win games, when really they should be resting and icing their arms. We recommend that pitchers that throw more than 70 pitches shouldn’t pitch again until after they have had at least 5 days of rest. The best ways to prevent elbow injuries from occurring are proper pitching mechanics, giving your body the rest it needs, and performing the proper stretches before throwing activities.
Although it may seem like your sports career is over after having to get Tommy John surgery, this is not always the case. There have been multiple professional players who have come back from the surgery and have found success like Tim Hudson, Jamie Moyer, and Jameson Taillon. In separate interviews they all explained that not rushing back too fast from injury and rehabbing at the right pace according to their physical therapists, are what helped them make it back to the big leagues and experience success.
In conclusion, elbow injuries are common in overhead athletes. Overhead athletes that are experiencing pain in their elbows should go see a doctor and get the injury checked out. These injuries deserve attention sooner rather than later to prevent their problem from getting worse and negatively impacting their lives in the future.
Here at the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania we have seven superb Orthopedic Surgeons that deal with elbow injuries: Dr. Curtis Goltz, Dr. Stephen Dailey, Dr. Ronald Lippe, Dr. James Oliverio, Dr. Michael Oplinger, and Dr. William Polacheck. Our philosophy of care for all diagnoses related to hands, wrists and elbows is to offer conservative treatment options utilizing advanced equipment and techniques. Surgery is typically a last resort. Each case is considered individually, and we don’t implement “cookie cutter” approaches to healthcare at OIP. You’ll have peace of mind, knowing that all members of the team are working for you personally.
Allergies and how they are Linked to Joint Pain
Are you someone who suffers from seasonal allergies? Do they take a toll on your body?
If so, you are not alone. Many people experience an increase in their allergy symptoms during allergy season, especially when pollen counts are high. Some people experience mild symptoms such as sneezing and a stuffed nose, while others can experience joint, back and neck pain, in addition to breathing difficulties.
In some cases, your symptoms may appear to be related more to the weather, injury or illness rather than specific allergens. However, some allergy symptoms, such as non-allergic rhinitis and even joint pain, can be brought on by rapid changes in temperature and humidity that typically accompany the spring season. In the United States, spring often is the highest time for allergies, meaning your seasonal allergies could be the cause of your pain.
So what exactly are allergies?
Allergies can cause illness when someone eats certain foods or touches or breathes in certain substances. When particles of pollen, pet dander or certain types of food enter our bodies, they’re called antigens. If your body is sensative to that particle, it mistakes the harmless element for a dangerous invader.
Therefore, when one comes in contact with allergens the whole system experiences inflammation involving the sinuses, skin, joints and the respiratory airways.
How are allergies linked with joint pain?
Allergens are responsible for joint pain due to its stimulation of the immune system. These symptoms are commonly ignored, but shouldn’t be because they can be detrimental to someone’s health quality.
Seasonal allergies are very similar to symptoms of the common cold which are characterized by running noses, itchy eyes and sore throat among other things. It is hard to differentiate between the two, therefore experiencing joint pain may be directly linked with colds or seasonal allergies until other symptoms can be put into consideration. Joint pain in seasonal allergies is attributed to increased inflammation as the antibodies try to fight the foreign allergens causing the allergy. The body can become exhausted from the pressure that is put on the immune system, causing aching in the joint. When the weather changes, joint pain can also manifest.
How to prevent joint pain during allergy season
There are many possible treatment options for allergies, which can keep joint and back pain at bay.
For airborne allergens, you might find relief through humidifiers, air purifiers, filters and conditioners. In addition, many people find that over-the-counter medications, prescription medications or a combination of both also offers relief.
Antihistamines are medications that help counterbalance the effects of histamine, the common substance in allergens that leads to allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy through allergy shots and anti-inflammatory nasal steroid sprays are another treatment option. These sprays work by reducing swelling and inflammation, which cuts down on mucus production. Nasal steroids work especially well when combined with antihistamines.
Decongestants, available in capsule form, help to reduce sinus swelling and discomfort by thinning nasal secretions. These medications are intended for short-term use and are often combined with antihistamines for full relief from symptoms.
If joint pain occurs during allergy season, you can experiment with a variety of treatment options to find what works best for your joint pain. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Advil can work for mild pain. For acute pain, hot or cold packs might provide relief. Your doctor might recommend steroid shots, where medication is injected directly into the joint to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Some individuals also find that physical therapy can help to strengthen muscles around the joint, which in turns strengthens the joint and improves range of motion.
Fur the Love
OIP Teams Up with CheerTyme
This past weekend Dr. Brown and some of our OIP Employees visited Twin Ponds West to meet with CheerTyme owner, Kim Braasch, and some of their cheer athletes. We were more than happy to provide CheerTyme with a sponsorship, banner, healthy snacks, and MOST of all great ACL injury prevention tips. Dr. Brown held a Q&A session with the kids and was thrilled to answer all of their amazing questions!
Dr. Brown has advanced training in arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder and specializes in the treatment of all sports-related orthopaedic injuries. Her primary clinical interests include Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstructions, meniscus and cartilage injuries of the knee as well as rotator cuff injuries and shoulder instability.
Dr. Brown graduated summa cum laude from the University of Connecticut, where she was a three-time All-American field hockey player. She was also a member of the USA National Field Hockey team. She received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, graduating summa cum laude. She completed her internship in general surgery and residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. She then went on to complete a sports medicine and arthroscopy fellowship at New England’s Baptist Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
She has been involved in the care of athletes from the high school to professional level. During her fellowship year, she gained experience working as an assistant team physician for the NBA’s Boston Celtics and Harvard University Athletics. Dr. Brown currently participates in providing orthopaedic care to The Harrisburg Heat and Dickinson College athletes.
Dr. Himmelwright featured in Susquehanna Style
Our very own, Dr. Brett Himmelwright, was featured in this week’s article of Susquehanna Style magazine, discussing some of his extreme hobbies outside of the workplace!
http://susquehannastyle.com/style/people/cutting-edge/
Dr. Brett Himmelwright is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon that practices general orthopedics, and has a special interest in the spine and total joint replacement. He joined OIP in 2007.
He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic Association of Orthopedics, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, National American Spine Society, Pennsylvania Orthopedic Society, Pennsylvania Medical Society and Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.
Learn more about Dr. Himmelwright here
Simply the Best 2018 Voting
It’s that time of the year again when Harrisburg Magazine does their simply the Best award voting! Please click on the link below and vote for us under the “Health and Wellness” section!
www.harrisburgmagazine.com/simply-the-best-2018/
Haiti Mission Trip
Haiti Mission Trip
One of our staff members is traveling to Haiti with Juniper Community Missions. We are so proud to have employees who do wonderful things such as this and proud to support her on her mission!
Words from our staff member:
“In three weeks, I will be in Haiti, traveling with Juniper Community Missions, on my eighth trip dispersing all these items. I am humbled each year at the support I receive from friends and family, and this includes my OIP family. I greatly appreciate all the donations of items and monetary donations that I received from my fellow employees and physicians here at OIP. OIP always reaches out to our local community, but they also reach out globally through their support of my trips, year after year. It all takes just one small gesture to make a difference. Thanks again to all.”
