In the world of physical therapy, manual therapy is considered a prime method of removing movement restrictions and expanding patient range of motion. Things like stretching and hands-on strengthening exercises help reeducate the body as to proper movement and mechanics.
We are all accustomed to working with our hands. Sometimes, though, that becomes difficult or even impossible. There are many possible reasons, but often a program of physical therapy can be helpful to get you back to work.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, it may not be possible for you to complete some of the tasks you used to. In this case, ask for ways you can modify the tasks to make them safe for you.
Did you know that physical rehabilitation isn't something that's cut and dried? This is because different patients may have different needs so a standard approach isn't going to work. Instead, a thorough understanding of the patient's condition is required before any therapy begins.
So what’s the problem with excessive pronation? This misalignment overtime will stress the ligaments, muscles, and tendons in the foot, leg, and back, leading to serious foot and lower body injuries over time.
Did you know that the average carpal tunnel syndrome sufferer is a female over the age of 50 who works a job that is repetitive and rapidly moving, e.g., typing, waiting tables and assembly line work?
If your mobility is limited due to an age, arthritis or other degenerative factors, we can determine the best mobility aid for you and show you how to use a cane, walker or other device.
A Certified hand Therapist, or CHT, is a therapist that has gone through a certification process to verify their high standards and competency in working with the upper extremities. The upper extremities include the hand, arm, shoulders, wrist and elbows.
Can you guess the most common reason why people seek out the care of a physical therapist? In one study, almost half of all patients' complaints were of back pain.
A hand therapist is an occupational therapist, with the credentials CHT after their name, who has undergone advanced study to obtain a high degree of specialization in the rehabilitation of patients with problems affecting the hands and arms.
Knitting is a simple pleasure for many- but you may not realize how much damage the repetitive motion can do to your hands over many years. A great physical therapist who specializes in the hands may be able to help you prevent that, and can also offer help in managing the damage after it happens.
To help your body recover and heal, in addition to physical therapy, be sure to take extra good care of yourself during this time. Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of fluids and eat a healthy diet which includes tons of healthy fruits and vegetables.
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage, the lubricating tissue that cushions the space between bones, wears out. Bone then grinds against bone, causing swelling and pain.
Physical therapy doctors can be particularly helpful to people struggling with arthritis. Doctors use a combination of medications, exercise and orthotics to reduce pain and swelling, slow cartilage loss, and increase mobility and physical function.
Although no one wants to prolong their hand pain, this is exactly what happens when a patient doesn’t fully commit to physical therapy. If you’re ready to commit, we’re always available to help create a treatment plan that will work best for your body.
While the pain and swelling of arthritis can be the chief complaints of main sufferers, you may be most frustrated by the decrease in mobility. In many cases, working with a physical therapist can help you to regain some of the lost mobility in your hands.
Keep in mind that the exercises you have learned during a physical therapy program can be beneficial for the rest of your life. Even if you feel fantastic after a physical therapy program, keeping up with the exercises can help to reduce further incidences of pain and injury.
Your hands, as you age, can develop arthritis and other aches and pains. A great physical therapist can help you keep your pain at bay for as long as possible, and offer you exercises to help you prevent things from getting worse faster than is necessary.
Most physical therapy patients do not complete all the exercises or stretches recommended to be done outside of the sessions. Less than one-third of patients do all that's recommended.
What does “CHT” stand for? It’s the acronym for Certified Hand Therapist, a professional designation reserved for those who have demonstrated the advanced clinical skills necessary to provide expert rehabilitation and therapeutic care.
Pregnancy is a high-stress time for many women. We offer massage therapy that reduces joint pain and swelling. That helps to reduce the level of stress and anxiety.
Follow-up visits should be attended as requested by your doctor. This will help ensure you are making adequate progress after surgery and will allow for corrections as needed.
Stretching and flexibility exercises help increase your body’s range of motion and can be used to build strength. Consult a physical therapist before trying any new stretches, especially if you have an old injury.
A few occupational and physical therapists formed the HTCC in 1975 as the American Society of Hand Therapy, or ASHT for short. Due to regulations and the need to be separate, HTCC was formed and both continue as two separate entities.
Keep in mind that, if you have a high risk of reinjuring yourself during physical therapy, then the recommendation is for you to take it slow. This can have an impact on the overall length of treatment you will need.
Relief. That’s what we all want when our hands are aching or otherwise not working properly. Surgery may be the final option, but physical therapy can be either a way to delay it or even help as you recover after. Your doctor can help you decide what’s best for your situation.
Sometimes physical therapists use a technique called mobilization. Here, slow, measured movements are used to push or pull bones and joints into position, effectively loosening tight tissues to improve flexibility and mobility.
