Tanya Coats Occupational Therapy

Hand Therapist

CMC Osteoarthritis: pain at the base of the thumb

Do you experience pain at the base of your thumb when opening jars, turning keys, writing, etc. Are you worried that you are developing arthritis? Is there a role for hand therapy? What is it? Osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb is a degenerative condition, which may be associated with pain, stiffness, weakness and …

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Biomechanics of the Distal Radioulnar Joint

The distal radioulnar articulation (inferior radioulnar joint) is a joint between the two bones in the forearm; the radius and ulna. It is one of two joints between the radius and ulna, the other being the proximal radioulnar articulation. The distal radioulnar articulation is the one of the two closest to the wrist and hand. …

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The Peripheral Nerves: A Quick Assessment of Nerve Functioning or “Rock, Paper, Scissors!”

Here is a creative method to assess nerve functioning in the hand and some ideas for orthotic interventions. Using the universally known children’s game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors”, one can assess the nerve functioning of the three peripheral nerves of the upper extremity. 1) Median Nerve: Rock Position Muscles utilized in this position: Pronator Teres, Flexor …

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Controlling Swelling in Your Hands

Do the following activities and exercises to help control swelling in your hand or both hands, depending on where your swelling is. This will help improve the motion of your fingers. Lying down or sitting Whenever you lie down or sit, rest your hand and forearm on a stack of pillows. Keep your hand above …

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What Is Hand Dystonia?

Hand dystonia is a neurological condition that causes involuntary movement or cramps in the hand or arm muscles when performing a task. Let’s take a look at the condition and how it is treated. What Is Hand Dystonia? Hand dystonia, or focal hand dystonia, is also known as writer’s cramp, musician’s cramp or even musician’s …

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Women with Dupuytren Disease

A traditional Dupuytren narrative is that Dupuytren disease is primarily a painless nuisance problem of bent fingers in old men. This perception does a disservice to many. Not only is Dupuytren common in women, it may also present a unique burden to women. Updating the traditional narrative is central to raising awareness about Dupuytren. Overall, …

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Which jobs can cause carpal tunnel syndrome?

A light at the end of the carpal tunnel? You may have heard that typing on a computer all day can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, but a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Thursday shows there are far more jobs that put workers at risk for the condition.Carpal tunnel …

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How To Prevent Injuries When Playing Tennis

Pain in the wrist, arm and elbow is fairly common amongst tennis players. Tennis is quite strenuous on the arm as a whole, and injury is usually the result of chronic overuse, poor technique or incorrect equipment, however acute injuries also occur from impact or tripping over. If you are experiencing prolonged pain in the wrists, hands …

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Treating Linear Scars over Joints

This blog is a dialogue between our clinical experts Jerry Ditz, DPT, Dip. Osteopractic, Cert. SMT, Cert. DN and Karol Young, OTD, OTR/L, CHT. Question: Linear scars over a joint, such as those created by extensor tendon repairs over finger joints or in a total knee arthroplasty, can limit range of motion and function. What …

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4 Tips for Dealing With Your Arthritis Hand Pain

If your hands are pain-free, it’s easy to take them for granted. But when you have arthritis, you notice just how important your hands are for everyday living. Your treatment options for arthritis hand pain and other symptoms depend on your specific type of arthritis and how severe your case is. So talk to your …

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