do I need surgery?

January 18, 2023January 19, 2023 byglobalrch

“Are you curious about what exactly a hand therapist does?

“Florida teen has 3 fingers amputated after firework explodes in his hand” By Snejana Farberov January 18, 2023

This article, posted in the New York Post today, reminded me of a seasonal diagnosis that our hand therapists in Sacramento treat. We help at least 2 individuals with traumatic hand injuries from fireworks. These injuries often result in finger amputations. Same-day emergency surgery is necessary, followed by finger replantation. Our therapists then provide daily wound care and dressing changes.

But it’s not just about the wound care, our therapists specialize in post-surgery finger replantation rehabilitation. They provide advanced wound care, create custom splints to protect surgically repairs, splints to stretch skin and prevent contractures and help patients regain full function of their hands through manual therapy, specialized motor control and dexterity exercises.

Don’t let an injury hold you back. And don’t feel embarrassed – you will not be our first client. Our hand therapists are here to help you on your road to recovery. Don’t hesitate, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Magdalena Panscik, OTR/L,CHT

#handtherapy #injuryrecovery #occupationaltherapy” #fireworksinjury #woundcare #globalreachotpt #teamwork

NY Post Article – teen loses fingers in fireworks accident.

Doctors ended up having to amputate much of the teen's thumb, his index and middle fingers.

do I need surgery? Pain with exercise Therapy Uncategorized

January 10, 2023January 12, 2023 byglobalrch

“Say Goodbye to Painful and Stiff Fingers: How a Hand Therapist Can Help with Trigger Finger”

Are you tired of dealing with the constant discomfort and limited movement of one or many trigger finger(s)? If so, a hand therapist at Global Reach OT & PT can help.

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in the fingers or thumb. It can lead to symptoms such as sticking down in a bent position when you hold onto something for a long time, popping when you straighten it manually and clicking when trying to move the affected finger through it’s full range. Difficulty gripping and weakness can also occur, making everyday tasks difficult to perform for example holding on to tools or a hairbrush while styling your hair.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a hand therapist near you. They will create a personalized treatment plan that include techniques such as stretching, manual therapy to reduce swelling, facilitate tendons moving through their normal range to allow functional grasping of small to large items. Gradual strengthening will be added when the movement mechanics have improved. There is a fine balance between resting, splinting, exercising and stretching.

Don’t let a debilitating trigger finger keep you from living your life to the fullest. Say goodbye to aching, restricted, tight, and stiff fingers. Text or call Global Reach OT & PT at (916) 620-8050 to schedule an appointment with a hand therapist today.

Together, you can work towards a pain-free and comfortable life.

do I need surgery? Pain with exercise Therapy

November 9, 2022January 11, 2023 byglobalrch

Will a Push® MetaGrip® splint help me for thumb pain?

Metagrip for Function

If you’re experiencing debilitating pain in your thumb when pinching, writing or opening jars, you’re not alone. Thumb CMC (carpometacarpal) osteoarthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis, is a common condition that affects the joint located at the base of the thumb. This condition can cause pain, stiffness and limited range of motion in the thumb, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

One of the best ways to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by thumb CMC osteoarthritis is to use a thumb brace, like the Push® MetaGrip®, in combination with isometric strengthening exercises. The MetaGrip® is designed to stabilize the joint and provide support for individuals with arthritis. It’s highly durable, comfortable and breathable, made of material that is easy to adjust and customize to fit your thumb.

The MetaGrip® comes with velcro closure straps that can be adjusted for a perfect fit, and it has to be fitted for either the left or right hand. Whether you’re working in the garden, preparing meals, or typing on a computer, the MetaGrip® will stay securely in place and provide the support you need. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain. Simply hand wash it and air dry it.

If you or someone you know is living with thumb CMC osteoarthritis and is looking for a way to alleviate pain and improve mobility, the Push® MetaGrip® is an excellent option to consider. Its comfortable and customizable fit and durable design will help you manage your condition and continue performing your daily activities.

And the best way to ensure that the MetaGrip® works for you is to pair it with a hand therapy custom care plan. Our hand therapist at Global Reach OT & PT will assess and educate you on options to alleviate your pain and thumb dysfunction. Call us today to schedule a trial fit of the MetaGrip® and a one-on-one meeting with a hand therapist. Don’t let thumb CMC osteoarthritis keep you from living your best life.

do I need surgery? Pain with exercise Therapy

October 30, 2022January 12, 2023 byglobalrch

Can my Complex Regional Pain Syndrome improve?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) varies significantly from patient to patient in its presentation and its development, but it’s generally a disruption to the peripheral nervous system. This may or may not be caused through trauma and can in turn result in a secondary disruption to the central nervous system.

The symptoms may change over time and vary from person to person. Pain, swelling, redness, changes in temperature and sensitivity to cold temperatures are usually experienced first.

The limb that is affected can become pale and cold over time and may also undergo skin changes and nail disorders. Muscle spasms and muscle tightening can also develop and once this happens, the condition can often become irreversible.

CRPS can spread from one part of the body to another, including opposite limbs. In some people symptoms go away on their own while in others they may persist for months or years The sooner treatment is performed from the onset of symptoms, the more effective the outcome will be.

There are two types of CRPS, with similar symptoms and signs however, causes may differ:

Type 1 – this is the most common type of CRPS, and is also referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). It can be caused by an injury or illness that might not have damaged the nerves of the actual affected limb. About 90% of patients are diagnosed with type 1 CRPS.

Type 2 – this was once known as causalgia, and has similar symptoms to those of type 1. However, type 2 CRPS usually occurs as a result of a specific nerve injury.

It’s not well known why certain injuries trigger CRPS. Not everyone with these injuries will actually go on to develop CRPS. It could possibly be due to a dysfunctional connection and interaction between your central and peripheral nervous systems and disproportionate inflammatory responses.

At Global Reach OT & PT, a hand therapist understands your diagnosis and functional challenges. Please call or text us immediately and schedule your first hand therapy visit. We will establish your goals together, monitor weekly progress and help you on your way to recovery!

“Are you curious about what exactly a hand therapist does?

“Say Goodbye to Painful and Stiff Fingers: How a Hand Therapist Can Help with Trigger Finger”

Will a Push® MetaGrip® splint help me for thumb pain?

Can my Complex Regional Pain Syndrome improve?

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