Ask an Expert: What is Vertigo?
in Ask an Expert, NewsWhat Can I Do For My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
in Ask an ExpertQuestion: What can I do for my carpal tunnel syndrome?
Answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and fingers (mainly thumb, index, middle and ring fingers).
Surgery is one of the treatment options, but you can also work with a therapist on stretches and work adaptations to relieve pressure. Some of the most common stretches include wrist extension and flexion with opposite hand helping sustain stretch, median nerve gliding, tendon gliding, and hand squeezes with light ball.
Ask an Expert: What Are Energy Conservation Techniques and How Can I Use Them to Improve My Quality of Life?
in Ask an Expert, NewsQuestion: What are energy conservation techniques and how can I use them to improve my quality of life?
Answer: Energy conservation techniques can be used for a wide array of various populations and improve the quality of life for the aging adult.
Patients who have COPD, CHF, or just seem to fatigue quickly with activities for a number of reasons can benefit from energy conservation techniques. Below is a list of the 4 Ps for energy conservation that provides some tips to help with conserving energy. This table was taken from an article by Mimi Jacobs PT and Karie Angstadt OTR/L which I think gives great tips and insight on how to do this.
1. Planning
- Consider showering in the evening to conserve daytime energy.
- Consider using a bag, basket, or rolling utility cart to carry multiple items in one trip.
- Space difficult and strenuous chores evenly throughout the week.
2. Pacing
- Perform tasks at a moderate rate and avoid rushing.
- Allow plenty of time for rest and relaxation. Take a morning or afternoon nap prior to activities or outings to build up energy.
3. Prioritizing
- Look critically at your roles with work, family, and friends. Keep only those that are necessary and pleasurable.
- Eliminate unnecessary tasks, chores, or steps of an activity. Look for shortcuts.
- Ask staff to empty trash and clean your room if the service is available.
4. Positioning
- Store items at a convenient height to avoid excessive and prolonged stooping and stretching.
- Use lightweight wheelchairs with proper seat and arm rest height.
Shannon Fuller, PT, DPT
Ask an Expert: Why Do My Legs Swell?
in Ask an Expert, NewsQuestion: Why do my legs swell?
Answer: There are many reasons why the legs can swell. Medical conditions such as decreased kidney function, lymphedema, congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema and obesity. You should see your physician to rule out more serious conditions before coming to physical therapy or occupational therapy for lymphedema treatment.
A primary cause of worsening swelling throughout the day typically is from having the legs in the dependent position such as sitting in a chair with the knees bent for prolonged periods of time. When the knees are bent that put some additional strain on the venous system to return blood to the circulatory system because of the cramping down affect with the knees bent gravity working against blood flow returning to the trunk region.
A few helpful tips to minimize swelling of the feet and lower legs are to not sit more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time, elevate the legs, pump your ankles back-and-forth, stand up more often and complete marching in place or heel raises.
Ask an Expert: How Do I Get Cleared to Return to Sport After My ACL Tear?
in Ask an Expert, NewsQ: As an athlete, how do I get cleared to return to sport after my ACL tear?
A: That answer is multifaceted and requires an assessment of both your mental and physical capabilities post-operatively. We have generalized guidelines and criteria with each phase of protocol, to move on to the next, including range of motion, strength, and functional performance of activities.
However, the battery of testing at the end stage of rehab, to demonstrate readiness for return to sport, has more variables. We utilize a variety of ROM/strength testing in comparison to non-operative limb, functional movement testing, sport-specific testing, and psychological readiness testing. We use comparative measurements to the non-operative limb for tools, including but not limited to, the Y-balance test, single limb hop testing, and drop jump testing. We also use self-reporting questionnaires such as Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, which have normative data and guidelines for comparison.
The determination of readiness for return to sport is not just passing one test or participating in practice. It is our job to maximize functional gains while diminishing risk for reinjury. No one single test is able to give a pass or fail for readiness for return to sport, but the battery of tests, as a whole, can determine readiness for return to play and risk assessment for reinjury.
Megan Baker, PT, DPT, CMPT
Ask an Expert: What Steps Can I Take to Avoid the Problem from Returning and Needing Further Physical Therapy?
in Ask an Expert, NewsQuestion: Now that my condition has improved and I’m feeling much better, what steps can I take to avoid the problem from returning and needing further physical therapy?
Answer: During your physical therapy (PT) sessions, we conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify factors that may have led to your initial issue. These factors can include strength imbalances, posture issues, balance deficits, and ergonomic considerations such as workstation setup, and footwear choices. Additionally, we address sport-specific, lifestyle, and job-related factors that may contribute to your condition.
To prevent the recurrence of your issue, it is crucial to integrate the techniques and interventions learned during PT into your daily routine. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of a relapse. You’ll also receive a tailored home exercise program designed to help you maintain the strength gains achieved during your PT sessions. We prioritize designing a program that is both effective and manageable, ensuring it doesn’t become burdensome in your daily life.
Jennie Gaskill, PTA
Ask an Expert: How Can Therapy Help If I Have a Rotator Cuff Tear?
in Ask an Expert, NewsQuestion: What does the rotator cuff do, and how can therapy help if I have a rotator cuff tear?
Answer: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that work together to perform rotational movements of the upper arm, but also to maintain stability of the joint by preventing excessive sliding around of the “ball” (head of the humerus) in the “socket” (glenoid fossa) of the shoulder and scapula, and by keeping the ball centered in the socket.
There can be normal changes in the structure of the rotator cuff musculature, just as there are in the bones of a joint as we age. Therefore, the rotator cuff is more susceptible to tears after age 50.
A partially torn rotator cuff can improve with Occupational or Physical Therapy intervention by providing treatment to reduce pain associated with a tear. Education in activity and postural modification, as well as instruction in therapeutic exercise and activity are also provided. The purpose of this is to increase the stability of the shoulder joint, to keep the ball centered in the socket, maximize the space through which the rotator cuff muscles travel in the top shoulder joint to decrease pressure on the rotator cuff, and increase the ease of overhead reach and rotation. This can enable one to return to pain-free function of the involved arm, to perform activities such as fixing one’s hair, throwing a ball, playing golf, or casting that fishing line!
Erin Winters, OTR at Putnam County Hospital
Ask an Expert: How Long Will it Take to Recover From a Stroke and When Should I Start Therapy?
in Ask an Expert, NewsQuestion: How long will it take to recover from a stroke and when should I start therapy?
Answer: Every stroke is different, just as every person is different. Generally, you will see the most improvement or recovery within six months to a year. After a year, recovery and improvements are still possible, however, the rate of recovery tends to slow down.
To minimize disability and improve your recovery, therapies should begin as soon as possible. It is common for patients to think they need to rest after a stroke, but research shows greater improvements if you start therapy 24-48 hours post stroke.
There are various factors that may affect your rate of recovery including:
- Severity of stroke regarding physical and cognitive aspects
- Emotional factors that affect mood and motivation
- Social environment and support of family/friends
It is normal to experience a wide range of difficulties or “bumps” along the way that could impede or slow progress including other medical complications. Once you have a stroke, you are at a higher risk to have a another stroke. It is important to continue to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate, take all prescribed medications, follow up with doctors, and continue with therapies.
Erica Howard, PT, DPT
Ask an Expert: Can Occupational Therapy Help Me?
in Ask an ExpertQ: Can Occupational Therapy help me with shoulder pain and weakness even though I had surgery over 10 years ago?
A: Absolutely! Whether or not you had therapy following your surgery, your condition has probably changed since that time. Arthritis, joint degeneration, soft tissue overuse/damage, impingement, and joint positioning are some of the causes of inflammation and joint limitations resulting with pain and weakness.
Occupational Therapists assist in recovering from injuries and regaining functional abilities. Occupational Therapy is often referred by a doctor to address these issues for improved pain management and functional mobility of your shoulder.
Kelly van Vliet graduated from Towson State University in Maryland with an Occupational Therapy degree. She has over 30 years of experience and specializes in treating upper body limitations related to orthopedic and neurological deficits. She provides a range of other OT evaluations and treatments including pet care capability, power mobility operation, low vision needs, continence improvement, and cognitive care. Kelly is certified in LSVT BIG® to treat clients with Parkinson’s Disease.