The Importance of Spring Cleaning Your Utility Room
Don’t Forget to Clean the Heart of Your Home
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Family homes (three or more occupants) with no pets or allergies: 3–6 months. Family homes with at least one pet or minor allergies: 2–3 months.
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• Family homes with multiple pets or allergies: 1–2 months.
In addition to changing the air filter, it’s important to schedule a routine inspection of your home’s HVAC system. This includes an inspection of the appliances themselves and any connecting ducts. Dust, dander, and mold can accumulate in the ducts and spread throughout the home, which can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems. A routine inspection will identify potential problems in your HVAC system. On top of that, you can get these systems professionally cleaned and maintained. These are simple steps that will keep your home’s air systems running smoothly for years to come. Plus, you’ll be ready for the summer months ahead!
• Homes with minimal foot traffic (single or double occupancy) and no pets or allergies: 6–12 months.
Don’t Let a Tommy John Injury End Your Career
Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are commonly seen in baseball players, especially in pitchers. These injuries are often referred to as Tommy John injuries, named after the famous baseball pitcher who underwent the first UCL surgery in 1974. This injury used to signal the end of a baseball player’s career, but fortunately, physical therapists can help these athletes recover. The UCL is a band of tissue that connects the inside of the upper arm to the inside of the forearm. This ligament provides stabilization when you perform motions like throwing the ball. Over time and with repetitive stress or trauma, the UCL can become stretched or torn. Surgery is not always necessary to heal a UCL injury, but it may be suggested if the patient is in extreme pain or if the elbow feels unstable after a period of rest. Once your physical therapist conducts an evaluation and learns your health history, they will ask you questions about your injury to determine a proper treatment plan. Make sure to tell your physical therapist if you are in pain, if you have numbness or tingling in your arm, if you feel a
pop when throwing, or if your elbow feels unstable. Your physical therapist may also manually evaluate your arm. If you have had or need surgery, your physical therapist will also collaborate with your surgeon to form a specialized treatment plan.
Your physical therapist can help you recover from a UCL tear or surgery and restore stability in your elbow. You may be asked to rest your arm so that it can recover, and you may also be asked to ice, compress, and elevate it at home. When your arm is ready, your physical therapist will take you through a series of stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles in your arm, improve your range of motion, and correct your movements. Call our office today if you have suffered a UCL injury. We can get you back on the field in no time.
2 • healthmasterspt.com
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