Sheila Qualls Blog

Managing low back pain

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 15:08:11 GMT

Much of the population suffers from low back pain at least some time in their life. However, people with lower extremity amputations often discover it can "come with the territory." Many amputees do not bear weight evenly through their legs, especially if they are an above-knee amputee or higher level. This tends to throw off the pelvic and spinal alignment,resulting in possible injury and certainly uneven wear and tear. There are a few simple things you can do to help protect your back and make your muscles stronger. Whenever you go to bend or lift, always recruit your abdominal muscles. You can do this by simply pulling your belly button in towards your spine, like you're "walking at the beach." In combination, recruiting the pelvic floor muscles at the same time. You do this by imagining you are urinating and someone tells you to stop the flow before your finished. By recruiting both of these muscle groups EVERY time you bend or lift something you will make it a habit, and strengthen them as well. In turn, helping to decrease or prevent low back pain.

Sheila Qualls ...

Heading to Haiti then to Texas!!

Fri, 07 May 2010 01:54:38 GMT

So excited and priveledged to be heading to Haiti in 2 days to help with relief efforts. I'm going with Project Medishare through the University of Miami to assist in rehab of catastrophe victims. Many amputees that I'm looking forward to helping. Then on to Texas in June for the Extremity Games...can't wait!!!!!

Sheila Qualls ...

Extreme sports planning for 2010

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 03:20:10 GMT

Holidays fast approaching!! Yet with everything so hectic planning for 2010 Extremity Games is well underway!! Venues in three states are being considered; Texas, Florida, and Michigan. Very exciting! We will also have a presense at the Winter X games in Aspen at the end of January. Check back for updates on these great events! Happy Holidays!

Sheila Qualls ...

Helix Hip...amazing!!

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:06 GMT

I had the great opportunity today to attend a seminar offered to me by a local o and p company, Wright & Fillipis, on the Helix Hip. The hip joint, which is used inconjunction with Otto Bock's C-leg, is for people primarily with hip-disarticulation or hemi-pelvectomy amputations. I was able to observe 4 patients in 4 different stages of rehab...from intial test socket casting to a local farmer who can climb his 100 rung ladder on the side of his silo!!!!!!!! AMAZING!!! Technology, and the people who's lives are made better by it, make my job challenging, rewarding, and satisfying.

Sheila Qualls ...

Getting Started!!

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:55:39 GMT

Wow!! I'm finally blogging with 360 O and P!! This will be my first blog. I am hoping that this will enable me to help network with amputees and other professionals who work with and treat them, to enable quality care no matter where you live. I once read that it benefits an amputee to find a medical professional who is highly educated on treating people with limb loss, even if they need to search one out and travel a bit to be treated by that person. I have based my professional career the last few years on that premise. I have encountered many amputees (especially at the ACA conference in Atlanta this year) who have been somewhat disappointed in the treatment they have received in therapy. I hope to be able to connect a patient in need of a knowledgable professional in their area, with that professional!

Sheila Qualls ...