RegionalPT_Headaches, How Your Neck and Shoulders Could Be …

RegionalPT_Headaches, How Your Neck and Shoulders Could Be …

THESE TESTS MAY HELP YOU FIND OUT “Are You in Need of an Upper Extremity Orthotic? ”

Upper extremities include your hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, arms, and shoulders. Pain in your upper extremity can make it difficult to perform daily activities. Whether it’s brushing your hair, driving a car, or typing at a computer, you use your upper extremities hundreds of times throughout the day! If you are experiencing pain due to an injury or underlying condition, custom orthotics can help.

Now, repeat the tests while sitting up straight and allow the spine to move. Compare the difference in your shoulder motions or pain. Depending on the severity of your condition, there are a multitude of different braces that may help in making daily activities easier to perform. Custom braces can help with the alignment of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, allowing for optimum healing. By working closely with one of our highly trained physical therapists, you can be confident that you have the proper brace for facilitating healing and protecting your upper extremity during your recovery. If you suffer from pain, in your upper extremities, don’t let it linger on and cause more damage. Call us today to speak with your physical therapist, or come on in for a free consultation.

For more information, contact Regional PT today.

How can I tell if I’m in need of a custom orthotic for my upper extremities? It can sometimes be difficult to determine if an orthotic device is needed. If normal daily activities that you could once do with ease begin to cause you discomfort, that is an indicator that something is wrong. There are some tests you can do on your own at home to figure out if your upper extremities are causing you trouble: Starting Position - Sitting at your workstation, your home computer or the dinner table in your normal posture: 1. Try to raise both arms up in front of you and continue overhead without moving your spine. If you can’t get full shoulder motion, or if you experience pain, this is an indication that there may be a postural issue that needs to be corrected. 2. Try to roll your shoulders down and back, again without moving your spine. If you feel this is difficult to do, your muscles are probably keeping your shoulders elevated. 3. Raise your arms up and out to the side like a “jumping jack” motion, again without moving your spine. If you experience pain, this is another indication of a postural issue that is affecting your upper extremities. 4. Try to clasp your hands behind your back. Now raise your arms up behind you. If you are unable to raise them very far, you have limited shoulder, spine, or chest mobility.

You Don’t Need A Prescription! In the state of Oklahoma you can seek physical therapy first, without a physician referral, to get the help you need quickly! www.regionalpt.com

Feel Better

HOW CAN I FIND RELIEF?

Of course, self-testing at home is an imperfect way to determine the cause of the pain you are feeling in your upper extremities. They simply show you where your body has limited movement, which may be causing your problems. Handling any problem sooner rather than later leads to better results and preventing long-term damage, such as arthritis. If you notice discomfort, we can help you find a solution. At Regional PT, we can create a custom orthotic specifically for your needs. Our physical therapists will conduct a physical

evaluation to determine your needs and examine the current levels of mobility in your upper extremity. From there, they will design a personalized treatment plan and custom orthotic that will help relieve pain, improve your range of motion, and increase strength.

If your upper extremity pain is making daily life difficult for you, contact our office today for an appointment. We will determine if custom orthotics could be beneficial to you, and we’ll get you started on the path toward long-lasting relief. Up Your Meatless Monday Game: Vegan Chicken Salad INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed and lightly mashed • 8 ounces seitan, finely diced • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill • 1/4 cup chopped scallions

• 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/4 cup vegan mayo • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar • Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup sliced roasted almonds • 1 cup diced celery (about 2 stalks)

DIRECTIONS: 1. Place the chickpeas into a medium bowl and roughly mash them with a fork or potato masher. 2. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until fully mixed. 3. Taste-test and adjust any seasonings to your liking. 4. Chill or serve immediately. Source: https://www.connoisseurusveg.com/seitan-chickpea-salad-with-dill-and-almonds/

The staff at Regional Physical Therapy is focused on keeping you healthy and our equipment and facilities clean. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we want to also encourage our patients to help prevent the spread of coronavirus by: We're Staying Safe!

STAYING HOME IF YOU ARE SICK

CLEANING HANDS OFTEN

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE WITH UNWASHED HANDS

Patient Success Story

Exercise Essential “After several months of intense pain in my neck, I went to see the ER, had an MRI and was referred to a neurosurgeon for a herniated disk, a ruptured disk and pressure on the nerves in my arms. The neuro doc wanted to do surgery right away. I really did not want to have surgery, so I asked for conservative treatment which included physical therapy. 24 visits later, I have reduced pain, increased movement and the best part is - the neurosurgeon has stated that sugery won’t be needed anymore! I am so glad. Thanks guys and gals!” –A.B. CORNER PECTORAL STRETCH Helps relieve shoulder pain.

Stand facing a corner with your arms on different walls. Lean into the corner until you feel a stretch across the front of your chest. Stand in a lunge to make sure you stay balanced. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat as needed.

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