Physical Therapy Newsletter: Orthotics for the Upper Body by Heart of Texas Physical Therapy
NEWSLETTER
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ORTHOTICS FOR THE UPPER BODY
Have you recently injured your shoulder, elbow, or hand? Have you suffered a wrist fracture? At Heart of Texas Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating all upper body conditions, including using custom orthotics to help you regain any lost function from the injury.
What Is A Custom Orthotic For The Upper Extremities? An orthotic is a type of support, brace, or splint used to support, align, prevent, or correct the function of the joints. Most people are familiar with foot orthotics, but wrist braces and arm braces are also orthotic devices. They all work to help those with pain or difficulty with basic movements perform these activities again. A custom orthotic is made specifically for the individual to ensure it follows the contours of your body, resulting in a better fit and more support. The ideal orthotic will provide the following: • Effectiveness • Comfort • Ease of use It can sometimes be challenging to determine if an orthotic device is needed. If your injury or condition affects your normal daily activities or begins to cause discomfort, you may benefit from being fitted for an orthotic. Depending on the severity of your condition, many different braces may help make daily activities easier to perform. Custom braces can help with the alignment of joints and allow for optimum healing. Over-the-counter braces and splints do not provide the same value and are often removed and/or not used. The most common reasons people stop using their orthotics are: • Pain • Discomfort • Wounds or skin irritation
The upper extremities include your hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, upper arms, and shoulders. Pain or dysfunction anywhere in your upper extremity can make daily activities difficult to complete. Whether it's brushing your hair, driving a car, or typing at a computer, you use your upper extremities hundreds of times throughout the day. If you are experiencing pain or difficulty due to an injury or underlying condition, a custom orthotic can help. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists, contact Heart of Texas Physical Therapy today.
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ORTHOTICS FOR THE UPPER BODY
Continued from previous page. By working closely with one of our highly trained physical therapists, you can be confident that you have the proper brace for facilitating healing and protecting your upper extremity during your recovery. Who Can Benefit From An Upper Extremity Orthotic? Orthotics are used to support or correct a weak or deformed body part. They can also be used to restrict or prevent motion in a diseased or injured part of the upper body. Orthotic devices for the upper extremities are used for injuries and disorders of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, or fingers. Upper extremity orthoses may offer particular advantages when treating deficits caused by deformity, paralysis, or pain. The goal of the custom orthotic is to support the joints, optimize healing, prevent deformity, and improve the function of the arm. How Physical Therapy Can Help If you notice discomfort or struggle with normal activities since your injury/condition started, we can help you find a solution. Our physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation to determine your needs and examine your upper extremity's current levels of mobility. From there, they will design a personalized treatment plan and create a custom orthotic to relieve pain, improve your range of motion, optimize your healing and increase your overall function. Your therapy sessions will focus on pain reduction, swelling control, range of motion, strength, coordination, and dexterity. Your therapist will also design a home exercise program for you to follow to ensure optimal results. We use a patient-centered approach to address the needs of the patient. Whether you need to open a jar, button a shirt, or get back to the repetitive demands of a job, our therapist will focus on what you need to get back to doing what you love. If your upper extremity pain is making daily life difficult for you, contact our office today for an appointment. We will determine if custom orthotics could benefit you, and we'll get you started on the path toward long-lasting relief. Handling any problem sooner rather than later leads to better results and prevents long-term damage, such as arthritis. Contact Heart of Texas Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists! We will provide you with custom orthotics to help you feel better and get back to doing what you love!
EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
FIGURE 4 STRETCH Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and in line with your hips. Bring either ankle to the opposite knee forming a figure four (i.e. cross your legs). Reach through your bent knee and grasp the back of the leg still on the ground and pull it towards your chest. You should feel the stretch in your buttocks. Keep your head and neck relaxed and hold the position. Repeat for both sides.
ROASTED BRUSSELS
SPROUTS WITH GOAT CHEESE & POMEGRANATE
INGREDIENTS • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved • 1 large shallot, sliced • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper • 2-3 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar • ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss Brussels sprouts with shallot, oil, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Spread on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast the Brussels sprouts until tender, 20 to 22 minutes. Return to the bowl and toss with vinegar to taste. Sprinkle with goat cheese and pomegranate seeds. https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/277561/roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-goat-cheese-pomegranate/
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Click Here To Share Your PT Success Story Book an Appointment 254.301.7374 GIVE US A SHOUT OUT! We want to hear your success story! Click below to tell your PT success story and leave your review. We look forward to hearing from you! A FUN, ACTIVE WAY TO KICK OFF 2024! First Day Hikes Every January, state parks across the country encourage people to celebrate New Year’s Day with a hike in their local park — and this year, Heart of Texas Physical Therapy is joining in on the fun! Hiking and exercising outdoors provides a wealth of physical and mental benefits. Even a thirty-minute walk on an easy trail will get your heart pumping, improve your balance, and build strength. But even just being outdoors has its benefits — studies show that spending time in forested or wild areas can promote relaxation and improved mental health. A First Day Hike allows people of all abilities to experience these benefits for themselves. Here are some tips for making the most of your January 1st from our team of physical therapists. Ways to Have a Great First Day Hike • Pick the perfect location. You have several opportunities for hikes or outdoor walks in the area. Choose one that appeals to you and is a good match for your physical abilities. Visit the park’s website to learn more about the hikes they have available, or ask our therapists for guidance. • Bring your friends and family. There’s no reason for your hike to be a solo affair! Invite your friends along so you can cheer each other on, share cool nature finds, and snap selfies when you reach your destination. • Visit Heart of Texas Physical Therapy for a pre-hike checkup. Our physical therapist can give you personalized tips to ensure you stay injury-free and have a great experience on your First Day Hike. It’s an old belief that what you do on New Year’s Day sets the tone for the rest of the year. A First Day Hike on January 1st will help get you in the right mindset for an active, healthy 2024! To learn more about how Heart of Texas Physical Therapy can help you make the most of your hike — or any new physical endeavors — schedule an appointment today.
PATIENT SPOTLIGHT
“HOT therapy has helped me sooo much in getting back to my “normal” strength/ mobility after having fractured my upper arm.”
COME BACK TO HEART OF TEXAS PT! Has a pain flared up? Are you suffering from a new pain? Do you want to become healthier, stronger, and more active? If you answered yes to any of these questions you need to come back to Heart of Texas Physical Therapy. Call us today! Call for an appointment today and start your journey to a healthier, happier, pain-free life. Call today 254.301.7374 PT CONSULTATION “HOT therapy has helped me sooo much in getting back to my “normal” strength/ mobility after having fractured my upper arm. I have worked with Dr. Jacob Brindle, Courtney and others. All of them are very knowledgeable, professional and truly care about their clients. The front office is easy to deal with and handled the required paperwork with no problem. Although I hope I don’t need them in the future, I surely would not hesitate to return for help.” —Marcia R.
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Offer expires 01/30/24
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