Category Archives: Upper Body

Navigating Recovery After a “Ship” Fracture

A scaphoid fracture refers to a fracture of the wrist—specifically the bone shaped like a boat, which is why it is often called a “ship” fracture. A fracture of this bone can result from falling on an outstretched arm, sustaining a direct blow to the wrist or receiving a severe twist of the wrist. A […]

Skier’s Thumb: Treatment, Rehabilitation, & Recovery

Understanding Thumb Injuries in Skiers What is Skier’s Thumb? Thumb injuries are quite common, especially among skiers. Skiers’ thumb is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb, often occurring when a skier falls and the thumb catches on the ski pole. This ligament normally keeps the thumb from pointing too far […]

Keeping Shoulder Pain at Bay

Shoulder impingement syndrome can involve bursitis (inflammation of the shoulder’s bursa), tendinitis (inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons), calcium deposits in the tendons or any combination of the three. People at risk include those who employ repeated overhead movements—tennis players, golfers, swimmers, construction workers and, quite commonly, those who perform do-it-yourself repairs around the home. […]

Shoulder Stabilization Surgery for the Young Athlete

Shoulder dislocations are quite common in active young people. While surgery might seem like an extreme solution to a moderate problem, the procedure is actually the best chance for a problem-free shoulder in the future. A dislocation usually results in a trip to the emergency room, where the shoulder is reduced (placed back into its […]

Treadmill Rehabilitation After Stroke

The treadmill used by a person after experiencing a stroke is not your average gym model. It is specially designed to help the rehabilitation process, walking in particular. In locomotor treadmill training, a harness secures the patient and helps support some of his or her body weight. As the patient gains strength and the skills […]

Healing a Shoulder Injury

The shoulder joint has the widest range of movement in the body, but mobility is achieved at the expense of stability. The labrum, a ring of thick, fibrous cartilage running around the edge of the shoulder socket, holds the bones in place, extends the joint to make it more stable and provides cushioning. When it […]

Recognizing and Treating a “Mini-stroke”

No permanent damage results from a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke. It is caused by a short-term blockage of a blood vessel supplying blood and oxygen to the brain. Although its effects—which can include trouble speaking, dizziness, blurred vision and weakness on one side of the body, among other signs—last less than […]

Recovery from Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy, a common form of lower back surgery, is used to treat leg pain caused by disc herniation. Because it uses a smaller incision, microdiscectomy is far less invasive and causes far less trauma to underlying tissues than its alternative, laminectomy. Because the mechanical structure of the lower spine remains unchanged, the recovery period after […]

Extensor Tendon Injuries: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting a Grip on Extensor Tendon Repair When you think about your hands and all the things they allow you to do every day — from picking up a coffee cup to typing on a keyboard — you might not realize how much you depend on tiny, powerful structures called extensor tendons. Extensor tendons allow […]

Helping Your Child Prepare to Pitch for Little League

As your child prepares for the spring baseball season, your first concern should be helping him or her prevent injury. Most injuries to pitchers come from three sources: overuse, poor throwing mechanics and improper conditioning. In fact, Little League baseball has become so concerned about youth pitching injuries that they have developed pitch count regulations […]