Deborah Sutton PT, Astym

03/12/2026

Going up stairs uses your muscles to lift your body weight. Going down stairs puts compressive force directly through your knee joint as it controls your descent. When cartilage starts wearing down, that compression becomes painful in a way that climbing doesn't.

If you've noticed yourself favoring the railing on the way down, taking stairs one at a time, or avoiding them altogether, that's information worth paying attention to. It doesn't mean you need surgery. But it does mean something is changing in your joint.

Early evaluation gives you options. You can modify activities, strengthen supporting muscles, and take steps to slow progression. Waiting until the pain is constant limits what conservative treatment can do.

Your knees are talking. Listen to them!

02/11/2026

This surprises most people, but sitting actually puts more stress on your knees than standing does.

When you sit with your knee bent at 90 degrees, the force on your kneecap can be three to four times your body weight. Standing distributes the load more evenly across the joint, which is why people with knee pain often feel worse after sitting for long periods. You might notice that you need a moment to "get going" when you first stand up, and that's because the sustained pressure from sitting creates stiffness and discomfort.

If you have chronic knee pain, you've probably experienced this without realizing why it happens. Long car rides, sitting through a movie, working at a desk all day, or even just relaxing on the couch can make your knees feel worse, not because you've been overusing them, but because of the sustained pressure from keeping them in a bent position.

Small adjustments can help. Standing up and moving around every 30 to 45 minutes, adjusting your chair height so your knees aren't bent as sharply, and doing some simple stretches throughout the day can all reduce the amount of pressure your knees are under. These changes won't eliminate knee pain if the underlying joint damage is significant, but they can make day to day management a bit more comfortable.

Understanding how position affects your knees helps you make better decisions about how you move through your day.

09/26/2025

Introducing “The Secret Sauce” by Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs of the Joint Replacement Institute (Naples, FL)

Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs continues to lead with innovation at the Joint Replacement Institute, and his newest program, “The Secret Sauce,” is designed to transform the joint replacement recovery experience.

This unique approach focuses on significantly reducing or eliminating opioid use, while integrating cutting-edge strategies like stem cell therapy, CBD supplementation, healing peptides, cryoablation for pain control, and targeted nutritional support. Every element is carefully selected to promote faster recovery, improved comfort, and better long-term outcomes.

Driven by a deep passion for helping patients break free from the cycle of opioid dependence, Dr. Biggs is setting a new standard in joint replacement care—one that’s personalized, progressive, and focused on real healing.

Congratulations to one of my most valued partners, Dr. Biggs!

09/26/2025

I am proud when patients share how well their recovery goes. Minimal pain and driving within a week are goals we work hard to achieve. Our physical therapy team is an important part of that journey, helping patients regain strength and confidence. It is rewarding to know this patient had a positive experience, and I am dedicated to providing that same level of care to everyone I treat.

07/26/2025

Fun today in the clinic for Christmas in July!

05/07/2024

Come see the physicians at Joint Replacement Institute and if you need physical therapy, come see us in the physical Therapy department!

Our state-of-the-art physical therapy clinic at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, is here to support your orthopedic journey.

With dedicated space and expert therapists, we're equipped to help you bounce back from injuries and surgeries.

Recover stronger, move better. 🏃🏼‍♂️

03/28/2024

The recovery period is crucial to get your health back to 100% following surgery. While the surgery might have fixed the underlying problem, it is only through a proper mix of rest and more importantly, proper rehabilitation that recovery will happen efficiently and successfully.

Post surgery rehabilitation and physical therapy:
💪Promotes blood flow to the surgical area.
💪Helps rebuild strength, flexibility, and endurance.
💪Minimizes the risk of re-injury or complications.
💪Maximizes the functional outcome of surgery.

To learn more, visit our blog https://buff.ly/3vjQQY1

02/12/2024

Get a rare look inside Naples-based Arthrex. The high-tech medical company helps elite athletes get back on the field safely and faster.

02/05/2024

Join us Saturday February 10, 2024 for our Free Seminar Series at Physicians Regional Medical Center.

6101 Pine Ridge, Road, Naples

8:30AM-10:00AM
Breakthroughs in Hip and Knee Replacement
Presented by Dr. H Kurtis Biggs, DO

10:00AM-11:00AM
Everything You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel and Thumb Arthritis
Presented by Dr. J Scott Herron, MD

11:00AM-12:00PM
Management of Bunions and Hammertoes
Presented by Dr. Cody Togher, DPM

Call ahead to RSVP for the seminars that interest you. Seating is limited.
(239)-261-2663 (BONE)

01/26/2024

⭐ Another rave review earned by esteemed ConforMIS surgeon, Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs ⭐

Dr. Biggs is the founder of one of the largest and most comprehensive orthopedic treatment centers in southwest Florida, the Joint Replacement Institute. His entire team prides itself on compassionate care and forging personal connections with each and every patient.

07/07/2023

Patient quote of the week brings much needed perspective. (New total knee patient which is one of the most painful surgeries) I gave her a chart with words about different levels of pain. She said, "hold on" and closed her eyes.
When she opened them she said,
"When I think about pain, I think of our Lord and Savior. I think of the holes in his feet, the holes in his hands, the hole in his side, and the Crown of Thorns. My pain is nothing in comparison"

06/14/2023

❤️