Ice vs Heat: Which is better for physical therapy? If there is one question we are asked nearly every day in physical therapy, it’s: “which is better, ice or heat?” Well, the answer depends on the individual and the timeline of the injury. Here’s some information to help guide your decision next time you are…

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful tendonitis on the thumb side of your wrist. This inflammation causes the lining (sheath) around the tendon to thicken and become rough, making it difficult for the tendons to glide through the sheath as they move your thumb. Some of the associated symptoms may include: May have swelling near…

Pain or discomfort located on the small-finger side of the wrist is commonly categorized as ulnar wrist pain. It is named after a bone in the forearm, the ulna, which runs from the elbow down to the wrist bones. There are many mechanisms or causes of ulnar wrist pain. Injuries may occur suddenly, as with a sprain…

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis (epi-con-dy-li-tis), is a painful condition which occurs when the tendons on the outside of your elbow are overloaded with mechanical stresses. This is usually caused by repetitive motions of the elbow and wrist. Symptoms usually develop gradually, beginning as mild and slowly worsening over weeks or months. At…

Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the ulnar nerve as it passes through the inside of the elbow, an area often referred to as the “funny bone.” At this site, the ulnar nerve lies next to the bone, with little padding over it, and is susceptible to pressure. CAUSES Overuse: Repetitive bending of…

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis (epi-con-dy-li-tis), is a painful condition which occurs when the tendons on the outside of your elbow are overloaded with mechanical stresses. This is usually caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Symptoms of tennis elbow? Symptoms develop gradually, beginning as mild and slowly worsening over weeks…

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that is caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through a narrow passageway in the wrist, which is formed by wrist bones on the bottom and a band of connective tissue on the top. Typical Causes:    Repetitive gripping over a sustained period. Swelling after…

Mirror box therapy is used to relieve pain and improve movement after injury or surgery. Visual feedback from the mirror “tricks” the brain into thinking both limbs are moving symmetrically, allowing the affected limb to train with positive reinforcement. Watch Melanie Serpa, OTR/L, CHT (Armworks Hand Therapy) as she demonstrates some of the basic movements…