Tendonitis 101: What Every Industrial Worker Should Know to Stay Pain-Free

Tendonitis is a prevalent condition characterized by inflammation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cord that connects muscle to bone.

It typically results from overuse or repetitive stress and can affect various tendons throughout the body, including those in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. In a previous blog post, we discussed some stretching and strengthening exercises and ergonomic concepts an industrial worker can utilize to help avoid tendonitis.

But what if you’ve already developed the condition?

This article explores the average recovery timeline and general treatment strategies for some of the most common cases of tendonitis industrial workers develop, helping you understand what to expect and how to manage this condition effectively.

Common Types of Tendonitis for Industrial Workers:

Click here to learn more about Tennis Elbow

1. Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis): This condition involves the tendons on the outside of the elbow, usually caused by repetitive wrist and arm motions.

2. Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis): Affects the tendons inside the elbow, often from repetitive gripping or wrist flexion.

3. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: This condition impacts the tendons in the shoulder, typically due to overhead activities or lifting.

4. Trigger Finger or Trigger Thumb (stenosing tenosynovitis): This condition occurs in the hand when the tendon sheath becomes irritated and swollen. It is often caused by repetitive use of the thumb or fingers, such as gripping or pinching.

5. Achilles Tendonitis: This condition affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is often caused by excessive running or jumping. Heavy, stiff work boots can also irritate the Achilles tendon.

Recovery Timelines

Recovery from tendonitis varies depending on the severity of the condition, the tendon affected, and the effectiveness of the treatment plan. However, general timelines can be outlined as follows:

1. Mild Tendonitis: For cases caught early and involving minimal damage, recovery can range from a few weeks to a couple of months. With proper rest and treatment, individuals often return to their normal activities within this timeframe.

2. Moderate Tendonitis: If the condition is more established and involves moderate inflammation and pain, recovery may take 2 to 6 months. This duration includes time for therapy and a gradual return to activities.

3. Severe Tendonitis: For severe cases beyond 6 months, it’s not uncommon for a tendinitis to transition to a tendinosis. This means there are actual physical changes and degradation within the cellular structure of the tendon. Depending on your symptoms, this may require intensive therapy or other medical intervention. Moral of the story here: if you’re having pain, don’t wait and see if it improves. Act ASAP!

General Treatment Strategies

Effective treatment for tendonitis involves a combination of self-care measures, medical interventions, and physical or occupational therapy. Check with your employer to see if they sponsor any on-site or near-site programs for seeing an athletic trainer, physical therapist, or occupational therapist.

Here’s a breakdown of common approaches:

1. Rest and Activity Modification:

o Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Giving the affected tendon time to heal is crucial.

o Activity Modification: Adjust your activities to reduce stress on the tendon. This might involve changing techniques or using different equipment. It’s essential to keep your body moving during this time, so find something that you like to do that doesn’t increase your pain.

2. Moist Heat:

o Apply moist heat: Apply moist heat (e.g., a moist heating pad) to the area for 5-10 minutes twice a day. The moist heat will promote soft tissue healing and increase the flexibility of the muscles surrounding the area.

3. Medication:

o Consult with your medical provider regarding medication usage. In general, nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may be helpful; however, movement within pain-free limits may be equally as effective if done appropriately.

4. Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy

o Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: An experienced physical therapist or occupational therapist can guide you through exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the affected tendon.

o Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage, mobilization, therapeutic cupping, or trigger point dry needling may reduce pain and improve function.

5. Supportive Devices:

o Braces or Splints: These can help support the affected tendon and prevent further strain during the healing process. Consult your employer about which ones you may or may not be allowed to wear at your job.

6. Injections or Surgery:

o Things like corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma and surgery may be an option if other interventions have not been helpful. When treating these conditions, seeing a PT or OT first has been proven to save you time and money.

Conclusion:

Understanding the recovery timeline and treatment options for tendonitis can help manage expectations and guide effective management of the condition.

Early intervention and adherence to a comprehensive treatment plan are essential for a successful recovery.

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, let’s chat!

Conquering Carpal Tunnel: A Guide to Conservative Treatments

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is like an uninvited guest in your hand, but it doesn't have to stay forever. Several simple treatments can help manage CTS and make your hands feel better. Here’s how you can take control of your recovery.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome arises when the median nerve, responsible for sensation and movement in your thumb, index, middle, and half of your ring finger, gets compressed within the carpal tunnel in your wrist. This compression can lead to tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain in the hand and wrist.

What causes the compression?

It could be a combination of things: inflammation, awkward or sustained working positions, repetitive movements, operating heavy machinery, muscular strength, and mobility imbalances throughout the forearm, upper arm, and even the neck.

Combating CTS: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Conservative treatments aim to reduce pressure on the median nerve and alleviate CTS symptoms. Here's a look at some effective options:

1. Splinting: Wearing a wrist splint, particularly at night, immobilizes your wrist in a neutral position. This helps rest the median nerve and reduce pressure within the carpal tunnel.

2. Activity Modification: Mindfulness in daily activities can significantly improve CTS symptoms. Identify tasks that aggravate your symptoms and make adjustments. This may involve taking frequent breaks, using proper posture, and incorporating ergonomic tools into your workspace, keeping your wrist in neutral while you work, or changing your workspace to set yourself up for success.

3. Manual Therapy: Mobilization and manual therapy to the transverse carpal ligament and surrounding structures, trigger point dry needling to the flexor or extensor mass, depending on where the restrictions or limitations can be found, and nerve mobilizations/ gliding for the median nerve.

4. Therapeutic Exercises: Gentle hand and wrist exercises prescribed by a physical or occupational therapist can improve flexibility, nerve mobility, and overall hand function.

Wrist flexion stretching, wrist extension stretching, median nerve glides, grip strengthening, and upper extremity strengthening exercises may be appropriate depending on the severity (how intense they symptoms are and how they impact you), irritability (how much activity is required to provoke the symptoms) and nature (what other factors besides activity impact your experience) of your symptoms.

*Disclaimer: Exercises are for education only and should not be used in place of a PT or OT evaluation or free injury screen by one of our skilled PTs or OTs.

5. Functional Exercise: Using the fundamental strength and mobility built with therapeutic exercise to perform combined movements that mimic your job tasks, life outside of work, or hobbies that you may have.

The Takeaway: Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for successful CTS management. By implementing conservative treatments at the first signs of CTS, you can prevent further nerve irritation and regain control of your hand function.

Consulting a physical or occupational therapist is vital for proper diagnosis and crafting a personalized treatment plan to conquer carpal tunnel and reclaim pain-free hand use.

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About the author: Ron Lawrence is a physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist at our Shawano Clinic and with our Industrial Medicine Team. He holds advanced certifications in Dry Needling and Nutrition. He is an excellent resource for any work-related or non-work-related aches you may have!

7 Tips and Tricks to prepare for surgery

Dr. Laura Johnson discusses how planning for your upcoming surgery can make the recovery process easier.

Whatever journey leads you to the need for orthopedic surgery, we want to make sure you are prepared for a successful recovery.

Most likely, you will have some difficulty moving around after surgery, so do as much as you can beforehand to prepare for post-surgery.   

We know you’ll be bombarded with information as you prepare for your orthopedic surgery, so we wanted to keep it simple: Prepare, Practice, Organize.

Here are some Tips and Tricks that we’ve found helpful for our patients:

• Arrange meals ahead of time.

  While you are recovering, you may not feel up to standing in the kitchen for long periods or going to the store to gather all the ingredients.

  This may involve buying frozen meals or preparing meals to freeze beforehand. 

  Whip up a batch of your favorite homemade soup for a quick warm-up meal after surgery. 

  Having the premade foods on hand will help provide your body with the nourishment it needs while it recovers.

• Get your ice packs lined up. 

  Swelling and pain are common after surgery. The general rule of thumb is to ice for 15-20 minutes, then remove it for 30-40 minutes, repeating as needed.

• Prepare to elevate. 

  Get extra pillows available to help elevate your limb.  Elevating a limb above the level of your heart allows the blood to circulate back to the heart without fighting gravity. The force of gravity will assist with moving the fluid.

  You can combine elevating and icing at the same time to especially help with your swelling.    

• Practice makes perfect part 1.

  If you must use an assistive device, such as crutches, a knee scooter, or a walker for mobility after your surgery, PLEASE PRACTICE transferring, walking, and navigating stairs with the assistive device before surgery. 

  Getting used to these assistive devices can be a balancing act, so practice, practice, practice! Manipulating around your home with an assistive device can also be a bit cumbersome, so practice this before surgery. 

  You may need to adjust furniture to provide larger pathways, remove throw rugs, add a chair cushion, etc.  

• Practice makes perfect part 2.

  Be aware of any weight-bearing and/or movement restrictions you may have to follow post-surgery.  Practice that weight-bearing restriction (i.e., non-weight bearing, partial weight bearing), as it may be more challenging than you imagine. 

  If there are movement restrictions (e.g., you must keep the knee fully extended and limit the amount of trunk flexion), practice following those restrictions prior to surgery and adjust your home setup as needed. 

  You may be in an arm sling, so your toilet paper roll needs to be switched to the opposite side.

  Little adjustments beforehand will make a huge difference after.  

• Start your exercises.

  If there are any prescribed pre-operative exercises to perform before surgery to help strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, jump on board!

  Get into the routine of sticking to an exercise program. 

  This can aid in post-surgery recovery.   

• Ask for Help.

  Inform your family and friends about your surgery and ask for help, especially during your initial recovery. 

  Also, ask for assistance with outdoor chores, household cleaning, meal prep, transportation, etc. 

  Individuals may be more willing to help than you expect, ask!  

  If you have questions or concerns about your surgery, get them answered beforehand. The more prepared you feel for surgery, the better your outcome may be!  

Working through these recommendations with a skilled physical therapist can be very helpful, especially when practicing your restrictions and guiding your exercises. If that interests you, contact us today, and we will help set you up for success.

If therapy is part of your recovery, please contact Advanced Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. We will be happy to guide you back to an active lifestyle!  

Happy Recovery! 

Advanced PT Recognized with Community Heroes Award

2023 Community Day of Service

Advanced PT Recognized with Community Heroes Award It’s important to craft a mission statement wisely. You only get one sentence, and it must stand the test of time.

Ours goes like this: The mission of Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine is to provide individualized care based on clinical expertise with a commitment to patient advocacy, education, and community service.

Fast forward 25 years since the creation of that sentence, and those words ring true. Well, maybe one of the words has undergone a change in definition: community. In 1998, Advanced PT consisted of a single clinic location in Appleton, so “community” meant just the Fox Valley.

Now there are more than 30 clinics throughout Wisconsin.

But growing larger does not mean losing touch with what got you here in the first place: a commitment to doing things the right way.

As testimony, consider Advanced PT’s recent recognition as “Community Heroes” by the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health. Part of National Rural Health Day, which is celebrated on the third Thursday in November, the award is bestowed to practices and individuals for their outstanding contribution to improving the quality of and access to rural healthcare.

It also highlights the unique challenges rural communities face: provider shortages, an older population, and lack of transportation.

The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health describes our rural communities as “wonderful places to live, work, and visit. They are also communities where health care providers deliver innovative, affordable, and holistic primary care.”

Honoring the community-minded, “can-do” spirit that prevails in rural Wisconsin, the award recognized Advanced PT clinics in Ripon, Iola and Marinette.

PJ Christopherson, Clinic Director at the Advanced PT location in Ripon, views the award as a natural extension of the founders’ vision. “We value supporting rural health care,” Christopherson said. “That’s been in our DNA from the beginning, not only to serve communities but to be part of them, growing with them and making them stronger.”

Adam Wirtz, Advanced PT Clinic Director in Iola, embraces the role he and his colleagues play to improve the quality of life for patients and communities.

“In America right now—for a lot of reasons—access to good quality health care is restricted in rural areas,” said Wirtz. “We take pride in working hard to address the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face today. It’s an honor to be recognized for our efforts.”

Serving communities for over 25 years, Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine is grateful for this award recognizing our commitment to rural health. We are proud to support the communities we work in, because we live in them too!

A Physical Therapist's Guide to Snow Shoveling Safety

Hello, everyone!

As a physical therapist, I’m here to share some important tips about snow shoveling. It’s a common winter chore, but if not done properly, it can lead to some aches, pains, and or injuries. So, let’s dive in!

Choosing the Right Shovel:

The first step to safe snow shoveling is choosing the right shovel. Look for one with a curved handle. This can help you keep your back straighter while shoveling.

Also, a smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, reducing the strain on your body.

Warm-Up Exercises:

Before you start shoveling, it’s important to warm up your body.

Try marching in place or walking for a few minutes.

Follow this with gentle stretching exercises for your back, arms, and legs to prepare them for the activity ahead. 

Your Physical Therapist can help you identify any specific stretches or areas to stretch that would benefit you most.

Proper Lifting Techniques:

When you’re shoveling, remember to lift with your legs and not your back.

Stand with your feet hip-width apart for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Bend from the knees, not the back, and tighten your stomach muscles and buttocks as you lift the snow. Avoid twisting movements. If you need to move the snow to one side, reposition your feet to face the direction the snow will be going.

Potential Risks and Injuries:

Improper snow shoveling can lead to various injuries. These include strains and sprains, particularly in the back and shoulders. In severe cases, it can cause heart-related illnesses like heart attacks.

Remember, it’s a strenuous activity that raises your heart rate and blood pressure. Always listen to your body and stop if you feel pain or discomfort.

Watch for Overexertion:

Overexertion is a serious concern when shoveling snow. Be sure to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. If you feel any signs of overexertion, such as dizziness, sweating excessively, or shortness of breath, stop shoveling immediately and seek medical attention.

Conclusion:

Snow shoveling is a necessary part of winter for many of us, but it’s important to do it safely. By choosing the right shovel, warming up, using proper lifting techniques, understanding the risks, and watching for overexertion, you can keep yourself safe this winter season.

If you have any questions, please contact your physical therapist for further guidance.

Stay safe and warm out there!

Quick Access to Quality Care

The Zoom connection was spotty.

“So you said you’re from the Twin Cities? I love Minneapolis,” I stated.

“Not Minneapolis,” she said. “Leopolis!”

Wait, what?

“And now I live in Pella.”

After the reconnect, I had Sally Egan of Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine (APTSM) begin anew.

“As an onsite provider at three companies and a municipality in Northeastern Wisconsin, it’s my job to help create and maintain healthy environments for employees,” said Egan. “And the best way to do that is to provide quick access to quality care.”

Egan is a veteran of APTSM’s industrial rehabilitation team, a group of licensed athletic trainers and physical therapists dedicated to keeping employees healthy, safe, and on the job. Like many of her colleagues from the athletic training world, she began her career in the high school setting, as the athletic trainer at nearby Shawano High School (about 15 minutes away from what she refers to as the “Twin Cities”) for nearly a dozen years.

She stresses the similarities between the two environments.

“What we do as industrial athletic trainers is bring the sports medicine model of immediate, consistent care to the workplace,” said Egan. “And we do this at no cost to the employee.”

Which is so important to her clients, everyday people who are just trying to make a living and put food on the table.

Egan understands that concept well.

“I grew up in this area on a very small dairy farm. I know what it's like for a family to live paycheck to paycheck and not able to get healthcare when you really should, because you just can't afford it,” said Egan. “So being able to provide that service—literally in my hometown—is just an amazing opportunity for me.”

Interesting that she and her chiropractor brother (“two tiny farm kids”) both pursued careers in health care. It makes complete sense, though, as she describes it as a simple transition from fixing tractors or boards on a wall to fixing people.

The similarities don’t end there, as Egan quickly points out.

“You have to be adaptable and inventive because you don't usually have the resources. That's what onsite rehab is. You don't have a lot of equipment, so you have to work with what you have,” she said.

The companies and organizations she works with rely on Egan to deliver services known as “rapid response,” where direct access to care means employees will be seen in 24-48 hours for an evaluation. That kind of quick care creates the opportunity for an improved healing timeframe, as the onsite provider can swiftly address and manage issues that, if left untreated, could become a recordable injury.

“We can prevent that from occurring,” said Egan. “So you’re keeping the employee healthy and keeping them at their job, and you’re saving the employer money by reducing direct and indirect costs that result from such an injury.”

Again, she leans on her sports medicine background.

“One domain of athletic training is about reactive and emergency care, which in industry is rapid response and OSHA first aid. So we're there for that assessment, and occasionally wound care and emergency care,” said Egan. “For injuries, we’re able to assess and make appropriate decisions if this is something that you can rehab or treat, or make that decision for a proper referral and guide them to where they should go for the best quality and line of care.”

Developing a relationship and a rapport with her employees is crucial.

“Well, it’s on me to get out on the floor and make connections,” said Egan. “You need to show them that you're there to know them as a person, not just a patient.

Forming such bonds requires a level of trust, something Egan says comes naturally when employees get treated right away and feel better. Whether it’s Egan making the rounds on a factory floor or working with a patient who scheduled an appointment in a (usually) small treatment room, the brief interactions are the sources of the best kind of marketing there is word of mouth.

“One employee will say, ‘Sally has done great things for my shoulder. Go see if she can help you.’ And that keeps my days full,” said Egan.

Egan highlights additional services she can provide if companies so choose. One company, for instance, wanted to offer their office personnel some strategies to improve general wellness. So, every week at the scheduled time, staff members stop what they are doing, grab a chair, and join Egan at the center of the office, where she leads them in fifteen minutes of stretching and body mechanics.

“It’s just a special need that the company felt strongly about, and we can do those types of things,” said Egan. “We individualize services based on the company. I meet with HR every single week at my companies just to keep the lines of communication open. We’re there to prevent health issues as much as possible, so that kind of collaboration ensures their needs are being met.”

The stability of the Wi-Fi connection notwithstanding, someone needed to get going. Technically her “day off,” Egan was headed to a side gig, teaching chair yoga to retired adults. But she wanted me to know she hadn’t looked at list of questions I had sent her prior to the interview.

“I wasn’t going to prep for this. Because what works in this field is that we're ourselves. We're not scripted. You get the real me,” said Egan.

The small-town country girl paused, and before signing off acknowledged one final similarity between her job as an industrial rehabilitation specialist and her work with high school athletes in a previous life.

“We’re in healthcare for a reason, and that’s to help people. I get to make those personal connections with industry clients just like I did in sports medicine. And the best part is when I get somebody that comes in and says, ‘Thank you so much for helping me. I feel so much better, and I didn't know if I was ever going to feel better.’

“That’s the best part of my job.”

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Click Here to learn more about our Industrial and Tactical Medicine and Wellness programs.

Pelvic Health and You

May is Pelvic Health Month and here at Advanced, we are all about changing the narrative around symptoms/conditions that may be caused by pelvic floor dysfunction.

Did you know that 1 in every 3 women will develop a pelvic floor dysfunction in her lifetime and 1 in every 8 men* will develop a pelvic floor dysfunction in his lifetime?

While very common, it’s certainly not normal.

Pelvic floor issues may be embarrassing to admit to and even harder to talk about, but they affect the quality of your life. We understand that you may have questions; that’s why we are here.

Not all physical therapy practices have a therapist who specializes in pelvic pain/dysfunction, but Advanced PT’s Autumn Pawlowski is a physical therapist with training and experience in the management of a wide range of issues (for both women and men) that occur with compromised pelvic floor muscles.

When you are ready, please call the Appleton North clinic (920.991.2561) to request an appointment with Autumn.

In the meantime, here are a few facts that just might be the inspiration for you to take action and get back to living the life you want. 

What are pelvic floor muscles?

●     Group of muscles in your pelvis that is kind of like a hammock between your sit bones

●      Support pelvic organs

●       Maintain continence

●      Role in sexual function

What happens if there is dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles?

●     Urinary incontinence

●     Urinary frequency and/or urgency

●     Pelvic pain

●     Heaviness/fullness feeling

●     Low back or hip pain

Are there other conditions that a pelvic health physical therapist could help out with?

●     After a prostatectomy

●     Prenatal and postpartum

●   Post-cesarean delivery care

What should I expect during my first pelvic health physical therapy visit?

Your pelvic health physical therapist has gone through extensive training in order to treat individuals who have pelvic floor dysfunction.

The first visit will allow you to discuss your concerns with the pelvic health physical therapist and they will ask you follow-up questions.

Then the provider will complete an assessment to help determine the root cause of your symptoms. The assessment may include an orthopedic screen (looking at your back/hips) to see if there are any significant findings that may be contributing to your symptoms.

If the pelvic health physical therapist feels like an internal pelvic floor assessment would be appropriate, they will explain what that would entail. The internal pelvic floor assessment would only be completed if you provide consent. Based on the findings, the pelvic health physical therapist will develop a treatment plan for you.

Treatment may include modifying bathroom habits, modifying diet/fluid intake, strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, breathing techniques, and discussing how the nervous system has a role in your symptoms.

How do I set up an appointment with a pelvic health physical therapist?

You are not alone with your symptoms.

We know how difficult it may be to pick up the phone and call to schedule an appointment, but we promise you you’ll be glad you did. The pelvic health physical therapist will be able to answer a lot of your questions during the first visit. 

Call our Appleton North clinic at 920.991.2561 to request an appointment with Autumn Pawlowski PT, DPT.

*Data is limited for our populations that do not align with the above genders; however, we recognize that every population has unique pelvic floor needs and implications.*

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References:

https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/womens-pelvic-health/patient-education/pelvic-floor-disorders#:~:text=One%20in%20three%20women%20will,problems%2C%20or%20bowel%20control%20problems.

https://theconversation.com/men-have-pelvic-floors-too-and-can-benefit-when-they-exercise-them-regularly-184451#:~:text=Though%20pelvic%20floor%20problems%20are,pelvic%20floor%2C%20bladder%20or%20bowel.

The Importance of the Lymphatic System and How We Can Help

Photo caption: OT and Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Allie, teaches our Clinicians about Lymphedema management after surgery.

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What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is a part of our body that helps keep us healthy.

This system is made up of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and lymphatic organs, like the spleen and thymus gland. Lymph is a clear fluid that flows through the lymphatic vessels and is filtered by the lymph nodes. It's like a network of tiny tunnels and filters that help remove germs and waste from our bodies.

When germs and other harmful substances enter our bodies, they can get trapped in the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes filter out these harmful substances, like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. They also produce special cells called lymphocytes that help fight infection and disease.

Sometimes, the lymphatic system can become blocked. This condition is called lymphedema. Lymphedema can cause swelling in the arms or legs and can be caused by things like surgery, radiation therapy, or infection.

How can We Help?

Connecting with a physical therapist, occupational therapist or Certified Lymphedema Therapist can help manage lymphedema.

These practitioners can design exercise programs that help move lymphatic fluid out of the affected area, reduce swelling, and improve the range of motion.

They may also use techniques like manual lymphatic drainage massage, compression bandaging, and skin care to manage the condition— In these situations, it may be best to connect with a Certified Lymphedema Therapist to discuss this further.

In summary, it's essential to take care of our lymphatic system so it can keep us healthy. We can do this by eating a healthy diet, exercising enough, avoiding injuries that could damage the lymphatic system, and practicing good hygiene. If we do develop lymphedema or other lymphatic system disorders, it’s best to connect with a trained provider that can help manage the condition to reduce pain, improve mobility and keep you doing the things you love to do!

Connect with one of our skilled Certified Lymphedema Specialists to learn more:

• Occupational Therapist, Allison Salm at our Touchmark location

• Physical Therapist, Lara Bleck at our Appleton West location.

Contact us here if you want to schedule a visit with our team.

What is Modern Cupping Therapy?

Modern Cupping Therapy is a form of alternative therapy that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of cups made of glass, silicone, or plastic that are placed on the skin to create suction. This suction is believed to increase blood flow to the area and promote healing.

Cupping therapy has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and its modern iteration has evolved to become a non-invasive and safe therapy.

Here's what you need to know about this popular alternative therapy:

How does Modern Cupping Therapy work?

During a cupping session, a therapist places cups on the skin and creates suction. The suction is created using a handheld pump. Once the cups are in place, they are left on the skin for several minutes before being removed. Sometimes, they are moved in a very specific pattern or sequence depending on the desired effect.

The suction created by the cups is believed to stimulate blood flow to the area and promote healing. It can also help to relax the muscles, reduce pain, and improve overall circulation.

What conditions can Modern Cupping Therapy help with?

It can be used to help many different conditions including, but not limited to, those listed below:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Shoulder pain

• Knee pain

• Migraines

• Arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Lymphedema

Is Modern Cupping Therapy safe?

Yes! It is generally safe when performed by a qualified healthcare professional. Minor side effects may include mild discomfort, bruising, or skin irritation. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before using cupping therapy.

Conclusion

Modern Cupping Therapy is a popular alternative therapy that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of cups placed on the skin to create suction, which is believed to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. The therapy is generally safe when performed by a qualified healthcare professional and can help with a variety of conditions. However, it should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. If you are interested in trying Modern Cupping Therapy, call today and we can chat further to determine if cupping is right for you and how to work it into your treatment program.

References:

1. Wang, Sz., Lu, Yh., Wu, M. et al. Cupping Therapy for Diseases: An Overview of Scientific Evidence from 2009 to 2019. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 27, 394–400 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-020-3060-y

2. Mohamed, Ayman A., Zhang, Xueyan, and Jan, Yih-Kuen. ‘Evidence-based and Adverse-effects Analyses of Cupping Therapy in Musculoskeletal and Sports Rehabilitation: A Systematic and Evidence-based Review’. 1 Jan. 2023 : 3 – 19.

Winter Fall Safety (For Your Hands!)

Peg Hau, OT, MHS, CHT

Winter is a wonderful time for outdoor fun; but it can also be a time for falls and wrist injuries.  A fall on an outstretched hand can occur while walking on ice and snow to even the most cautious person.  There are a variety of wrist injuries that can occur from a spontaneous fall on an outstretched hand.  These injuries are sometimes termed FOOSH (fall on an outstretched hand) injuries.

One of the most common and well known FOOSH injuries is the distal radius fracture.  A fractured distal radius may cause pain, swelling, bruising and tenderness, and, in some cases, the wrist may look abnormal or even out of place.   Other symptoms can include numbness and tingling in the fingers, or the inability to bend or straighten the fingers.  As a Certified Hand Therapist at Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, I probably see one distal radius fracture per week during the winter months, and sometimes more than that.

If a FOOSH injury occurs, a doctor may need to evaluate the wrist, and if they suspect that the radius is fractured, an X-ray of the forearm, wrist, and hand will be taken. If the doctor determines there is a fracture of the distal radius, a decision will be made regarding how to treat the break. Some fractures will require simple immobilization in a cast; others may require surgery to realign the bone.

The hand therapists at Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine work closely with the doctor to discuss when a patient is ready to begin moving the wrist after immobilization or surgery, and progressing functional use at home, work or school.   We also educate and instruct the patient on how to reduce swelling and pain while the fracture heals. For protection, we might also make an orthosis or protective splint to help support the wrist while it continues to heal. When it is safe, exercises that will help move and strengthen the fingers, wrist and forearm will be started.

A single blind randomized clinical trial completed in 2016 found that a supervised PT program is effective in the short and medium term, showing a clinically and statistically significant increase in function. This treatment also reduces pain and improves wrist ROM compared with a HEP in patients older than 60 years with distal radius fracture. For the patient, this would mean a faster return to every-day activities including work, home activities, and life!  Sounds like a win to me!

The hand therapists at Advanced Physical Therapy are located at the Appleton, Green Bay and Marinette clinics.  Please contact them with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

H. Gutiérrez-Espinoza et al. Supervised physical therapy vs home exercise program for patients with distal radius fracture: A single-blind randomized clinical study. Journal of Hand Therapy 30 (2017) 242e252.