PTRehab_Finding Relief from Carpal Tunnel and Hand Arthritis

Do your hands, wrists, or forearms ache on a daily basis, even when completing simple tasks? Are your daily activities, such as typing or writing, harsh on those areas? Do you tend to feel painful stings with arm, hand, or wrist movement?

The Therapy Bulletin The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body CARPAL TUNNEL & HAND ARTHRITIS Finding Relief For The Therapy Bulletin The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body inding Relief for Carpal Tunnel & Hand Arthritis ealthy Recipe: Honey Garlic Salmon atient Success Spotlight taff Spotlights: Amy Saupe, OTR Ben Archangeli, PTA CARPAL TUNNEL & HAND ARTHRITIS Finding Relief For

Are you suffering from pain so strong that it limits your function? If so, you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis within your ha ds. (continued inside)

Do your hands, wrists, or forearms ache on a daily basis, even when completing simple tasks? Are your daily activities, such as typing or writing, harsh on those areas? Do you tend to feel painful stings with arm, hand, or wrist movement?

Are you suffering from pain so strong that it limits your function? If so, you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis within your hands. (continued inside) www.ptandrehab.com

Do your hands, wrists, or forearms ache on a daily basis, even when completing simple tasks? Are your daily activities, such as typing or writing, harsh on those areas? Do you tend to feel painful stings with arm, hand, or wrist movement?

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SEPTEMBER 2019 The Therapy Bulletin The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

Finding Relief for

CARPAL TUNNEL & HAND ARTHRITIS Everything You Need to Know About CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME (continued from outside)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a collection of symptoms that affects people of all ages, but occurs more in women in the 30-64 age range. In addition, women who are pregnant, often suffer with CTS. If you type, write, do repetitive lifting or gripping throughout the day you are at greater risk for developing CTS. What Causes Carpel Tunnel Syndrome? The carpal ligament is a thick band of tissue around the bottom of your wrist, similar to a bracelet, and forms the top of the carpal tunnel. With repetitive movements, swelling or injury to the wrist, the carpal ligament can become tight, causing pressure onto the median nerve below, which travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The median nerve supplies the sensation from your thumb, 1st, and 2nd fingertips. This is why people suffering with CTS feel numbness or tingling to these areas. If pressure on the nerve continues for too long, damage can occur to muscles controlling the hand and cause pain and burning sensations. Affecting approximately 1 out of every 20 Americans, CTS can also be caused by health conditions such as: • Previous injury to the wrist, including strains,

sprains, dislocations, and fractures. • Fluid retention, typically during pregnancy. • Use of medication, typically steroids. • Hormone or metabolic changes, including thyroid imbalances, pregnancy, and menopause. • Degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis. • Diabetes. Why Should I Choose Hand Therapy First? In severe cases, surgery may be a necessary step in the treatment of CTS. However, the key to preventing surgery is having therapy quickly when the symptoms start occurring. If pressure can be relieved to the nerve, the nerve has a chance to heal which greatly reduces the need for surgery. With surgery, comes known side effects and risks. Over 1/3 of patients are unable to return to school or work within 8 weeks after receiving the operation. In a study published by the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, researchers decided to test whether more conservative treatments could be used in replacement of surgical procedures. The results were overwhelmingly positive. 100

women with CTS were studied and split evenly between those who had surgery and those who had hand therapy. The hand therapy patients were treated with manual therapy techniques, focusing on the median nerve, in addition to stretching exercises given by their therapists. After one month, they had much better function during their daily activities and demonstrated You can prevent your hands from becoming stiff and provide pain relief with these exercises: Spiders Doing Pushups: Begin with your hands clasped together in prayer position. Then spread your fingers apart as far as they can go. Next, create a triangle shape by separating your palms, but keeping your fingers together. Shake It Off: Shake out your hands, as if you have washed them and you’re trying to dry them. Deep Wrist Stretch: Stretch your arm straight in front, with your elbow locked and fingers pointing downward. Spread your fingers slightly and use your other hand to press down and apply gentle pressure to your wrist and fingers, slowly pushing them as far as they’ll go. Hold this position for 20 seconds. stronger grip strength overall. What Can I Do on My Own?

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Everything You Need to Know About HAND ARTHRITIS

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Helping Hands If you have arthritis, your therapist is an integral part of helping you to improve your mobility, strength, and coordination in your hands. This in turn, helps you to function better, move your hands with less pain and be more active. Whether the arthritis in your hands is minor or major, we can help in the management of your arthritis and be there for you with continued care throughout the years to help maintain general joint health. It is important to come in for a regular check up. The hand therapy specialists at Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists are experts in treating arthritis in the hands. By helping to move your muscles and joints through a range of motions, such as flexing and extending, we help to maintain more normal flexibility and prevent shortening of the muscles. Contact us today to get back to living pain free. Call Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists todayat989-631-3570.Youcanfindtherelief you need from your hand pain and get back to your daily life without the need for surgery.

There are over 100 different forms of arthritis, and most are a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, genetic abnormality or age. Do you have pain, which limits your function, especially in your hands? Do you have constant daily pain in your hands? This arthritis pain might be caused by inflammation that occurs around the joints, damage to the joints from disease, daily wear and tear of joints, muscle strains caused by forceful movements against stiff, painful joints and fatigue. The finger, hand and wrist joints become stiffer, limiting motion. In addition, the muscles of the hand and forearm become weaker, taking away much needed support to the joints. Did You Know? If you have had a significant injury to your finger or hands, you do have an increased risk of future arthritis. It is important to work with your hand therapist at Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists to prevent future injuries and maintain the best joint health possible.

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Relieve Hand Pain In Minutes Try this movement if you are experiencing aches & pains.

Healthy Recipe: Honey Garlic Salmon

INGREDIENTS: • 1 1/4 lb salmon fillets • 2 tsp olive oil

Helps with Flexibility

www.simpleset.net

• salt and pepper to taste • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 cup water • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce • 3 tbsp honey • 2 tsp cornstarch • 1 tbsp chopped parsley • lemon wedges for garnish

WRIST FLEXOR STRETCH Use your unaffected hand to bend the affected wrist up as shown. Keep the elbow straight on the affected side the entire time.

INSTRUCTIONS: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste. Place the salmon skin side up in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan, place on a plate while covering with foil to keep warm. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Add the water, soy sauce and honey combination to the pan, and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute or until sauce has just thickened. Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. Recipe/Photo Courtesy: Sara of dinneratthezoo.com/honey-garlic-salmon

Refer A Friend! Who Do You Know That Needs Our Help?

Patient Success Spotlight

“I was seen due to major surgery on my right shoulder and upper arm: completely replaced with a metal plastic shoulder and upper arm. Due to my injuries, I was forced to use my left arm and hand for almost everything. My right arm was losing muscle for lack of use. Ben always had an answer to my questions and if I was incapable of a certain exercise he always knew something else to try. When I started, I could not do simple things such as comb my hair or put my wallet in my right rear pocket. I now have what I consider 95% of all function back and a clear road to achieve the last few things. I am very pleased and wish to extend my sincere thanks to Ben (in fact the whole staff). I would definitely recommend PTRS to others (and I have). Thank you!” -M. F. “When I started, I could not do simple things such as comb my hair... I now have what I consider 95% of all function back.”

Do You Have Friends Or Family Unable To Do The Following:

� Move without pain � Bend and move freely � Balance confidently and securely

� Sit for long periods comfortably

� Walk for long distances � Live an active and healthy lifestyle

If you know someone suffering with aches and pains, give the gift of health. Refer them to Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists today. Pass along this newsletter or have them call us directly to schedule an appointment with us.

Staff Spotlights

Amy Saupe, OTR

Ben Archangeli, PTA

Celebrating 10 Years at Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists! “My job allows me to help patients get back to doing the things they love, and there is nothing more rewarding than that. I specialize in orthopedics and sports-related rehab, and I enjoy working with patients of all ages. I also put a strong emphasis on making sure

“Every person and every injury is unique. As an Occupational therapist interested in Hand Therapy, I have the privilege of assisting people in regaining use of their hands and upper extremity. Whether returning to work or working to hold a toothbrush, helping a person get to their goal is as rewarding for me as it is for them.”

1. How long have you been an OT? I became an Occupational Therapist in 1994 and have been one ever since. 2. What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is the people. I love meeting them, educating and helping towards their recovery, and getting to chat with them. 3. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? In my spare time, I love to hit up Michigan beaches, watch my daughters play softball, and go rock hunting in Upper Peninsula.

patients are well educated about their treatments.” A huge thank-you to Ben for his outstanding service, dedication, and quality patient-focused care! You help make Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists one of the top providers of Sports and Orthopedic rehabilitation in Michigan!

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