Written and submitted by Carl Petitto, OT/L, CHT, Carthage Therapy Services
I see many patients who have waited too long to start therapy. I have to spend a lot of time with these folks, who need extensive work. If we could turn back the clock, the patient and I would gladly do so. After an injury that results in pain, swelling, stiffness, it is always an advantage to be seen by a therapist sooner rather than later. In the world of hand therapy (treating the hand through the shoulder), there are a lot of moving parts within a small area – especially the hand. Bones, ligaments, tendons, blood, and other fluids all need space to interact appropriately with each other. When swelling, scarring, and stiffness begin to take up space and slow down movement, this quickly begins to cascade in the wrong direction. For example, when joints become stiff and painful, we automatically begin moving less and become more stiff and painful. Because movement decreases, swelling becomes worse. Because swelling worsens, joints then are not able to move as well, causing more stiffness. This “ship that is sailing in the wrong direction” must be turned around sooner rather than later. While swelling is a normal part of healing, it should be reduced early after injury and after surgery, if surgery was performed. Did you know that if swelling persists for too long, it can become permanent? This is called fibrosis. Over time, fibers will grow within the fluid and the fluid will begin to turn to tissue. Your therapist will work to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain while facilitating scars to develop without becoming thick and sensitive. At the same time, your therapist will also gently work to restore movement and will show you what to do at home to speed things along. Our bodies are designed to move – movement maximizes blood flow, stimulates the lymphatic system to carry away fluid (swelling), and brings much needed nutrients to the tissues. This will speed healing. As with most problems, addressing it sooner rather than later is an advantage.
Wondering about your condition? Stop in and let me take a look with a complimentary screening. Call Carthage Therapy Services, 1001 West St. Carthage at 315-493-1340 to schedule today.
About Carl Petitto, OT/L, CHT
Carl is an occupational therapist who has undergone additional training as a board certified hand therapist, specializing in rehabilitating patients with orthopedic conditions affecting the fingertips to the shoulder. Carl also fabricates custom splints as an additional tool to help people to get well in minimal time. He has been treating the upper extremity since 2000. Carl provides complimentary screenings – If you are having pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling…anywhere within your hand to shoulder, contact Carthage Area Hospital Therapy Services at 315-493-1340.