| | News & Info Congratulations to each of our new Certified Hand Therapists for all the hard work and time they invested in achieving this distinction. Of the 21 therapists from Illinois who earned the designation in 2009, six (or 31% of Illinois's total) are therapists with Kleiser Therapy. With this accomplishment, we are proud that Kleiser Therapy now has TEN Certified Hand Therapists on staff to continue building our expertise and knowledge in providing exceptional hand, arm, and shoulder rehabilitation. I WANT THE TRUTH!...ABOUT GOLFER'S ELBOW AND TENNIS ELBOW Most people associate Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow, respectively) with an injury resulting from these sports…which is true. Improving your technique and avoiding overuse will help reduce the chances of one getting the condition from these sports. But did you know that Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow are often caused by activities NOT related to golf or tennis? Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis can also result from repetitive motion, improper technique when performing tasks, or suddenly lifting or moving very heavy objects. The excessive stress causes a degeneration in the epicondyle of the elbow, causing sharp pain and often reducing arm strength. Stopping those activities that created or aggrevate the pain is the first step in treatment. Rest will sometimes allow healing, and cortisone injections provided by a physician can often reduce the pain itself. Arm bands that apply pressure to the forearm (such as a Band-it) can often help alleviate the pain. But, in many cases, these are only temporary solutions that do not address the root cause of the pain. Over the years, Kleiser Therapy has developed a highly-effective program of specific exercises and treatments that focus on stretching and conditioning the muscles around the elbow and the entire arm to help compensate for the affected region. The program is personalized for each patient, and it has achieved excellent long term results for many patients with this condition. So if you find yourself with golfer’s or tennis elbow, we can help get you back to your activities, fast! SMITH’S FRACTURE vs. COLLES FRACTURE…DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE???
How many times did we hear it growing up? We all know we should walk carefully on ice and snow…but we all think it will be the OTHER person, not us, that will fall on the sidewalk or driveway. However, these falls are the primary cause of wrist fractures in the winter (and none of these people thought THEY would be the ones to take a dive). Clearing and salting the driveway, wearing SENSIBLE SHOES (no high heels, ladies), walking carefully and shuffling your feet, and holding onto railings (or a loved one) can all help you maintain balance and avoid a nasty fall (we suggest NOT using the loved one as a cushion if you happen to tumble!). And…you won’t need to find out the difference between a Smith’s Fracture and a Colles Fracture! (Depending on whether you fall on your wrist with the palm facing out or in determines where the wrist is likely to fracture...check out the injuries on this web site to learn the difference).
SPRINGTIME BRINGS AN INCREASE IN ACTIVITIES...AND SOMETIMES ACHES AND PAIN AS WELL
With the coming of warmer weather comes an increase in activites as well...sports, yardwork, outdoor chores, and various projects around the house. Along with an ambition to get things done comes the desire to do things as quickly as possible.
The problem is, while our mind is willing, our body is not always prepared.
Spring is a time that many overuse conditions can develop because the body is not yet conditioned to activity transitioning from the winter months. Sports such as tennis, golf, and baseball can trigger painful conditions such as medial and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow and golfer's elbow) and shoulder inflammation. Working on a new deck and constantly hammering nails can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. And heavy overhead lifting of objects while cleaning the garage can lead to shoulder problems.
When tackling these spring activities, be sure to do the following:
- Use the correct technique, whether it is a golf swing, using a hammer, or lifting a heavy object
- Do not overdo an activity. Take frequent breaks, rest the muscles, and stretch when you can
- If you ache after an activity, apply ice to the area that aches to help relieve the pain
Kleiser Therapy also offers free consultations. By making an appointment to speak to one of our therapists, we can help identify the possible problems and can help you determine the right next steps in dealing with the issue. Sometimes some simple stretches and exercises can help alleviate the pain. Other times you may require treatment from your physician. Either way, be sure to get the lingering pain seen to and treated to minimize its impact on your spring activities and keep you on track to enjoy a great summer! |
