Oblique Abdominal Strengthening
Strengthening the muscles that support the spine can reduce back pain caused by lumbar radiculopathy.
news
Forearm rotation exercise tools
Hand therapy patients can use tools to help with strengthening and forearm rotation.
Physical Therapy After Bunion Surgery
Following surgery to remove a bunion, physical therapy can improve strength and range of motion in the foot and ankle. Therapeutic massage can alleviate swelling and stiffness in the joints.
Splint for Olecranon Fracture or Wrist Surgery
This splint was made for a patient with a fracture of the olecranon, the bony prominence of the elbow. The splint keeps the elbow still as it heals. It can also be used for patients who have had wrist surgery; the splint keeps the wrist from turning.
Metatarsal Fractures
A very common break that occurs in the foot is the fifth metatarsal fracture. This is a break in the long bone that connects to the little toe. One of the exercises to help rehabilitate the foot is pictured at right. The elastic band provides resistance that increases stability and strength in the weight-bearing foot.
Shoulder Labral Tear
Q & A with Robert Ortiz, P.T.
Q. What is the shoulder labrum, and how does it get torn?
A. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. It helps to keep the ball of the humerus (the upper arm bone) in place. The labrum can be torn by a shoulder dislocation or subluxation. Overuse or the effects of aging can also tear the shoulder labrum.
Q. What are the symptoms of a torn shoulder labrum?
A. A torn labrum usually causes pain in the shoulder. There may also be instability in the shoulder, or a catching sensation in the shoulder when you move your arm.
Q. How is a shoulder labral tear treated?
A. Physical therapy can improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder. If physical therapy does not eliminate symptoms, surgery may be needed.
Q. If I have surgery to repair a torn labrum, why do I still need physical therapy?
A. After surgery to repair a torn labrum, physical therapy will help you regain range of motion and strength in the shoulder.
Q. How long with the physical therapy take?
A. You may need several months of physical therapy to recover from a torn shoulder labrum.
Lumbar Strain
When lumbar strain causes back pain, strengthening the core muscles can help. Trunk rotation exercises are one way to make the core muscles stronger.
Metacarpal Fractures
Certified hand therapist David Ricci uses a joint mobilization technique to increase range of motion in a patient with a fractured metacarpal.