Orthopedics

In recent years, the standard practice for injury management has been RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. However, current evidence-based practice suggests an innovative approach, PEACE. The PEACE approach involves a focus on Protection, Elevation, Avoiding anti-inflammatories, Compression, and Education.

Gone are the days of ‘put ice on it, take a pill, and don’t use it!’ Instead, early return to movement, while protecting the injury from activities the increase pain, has been shown to accelerate recovery significantly. Compressing and elevating the injury continue to be treatments supported by evidence to promote healing.

If you have numbness, tingling, and pain in your hands and forearms, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. You may notice shock-like sensations and weakness in the hand. You may drop items and notice a decrease in your grip strength or problems buttoning your shirt or fastening a necklace. You may detect the hand pain worse at night, possibly waking you up. The symptoms may be noticeable when driving, talking on the phone, or reading a book. You may find moving or shaking your hand to relieve the symptoms temporarily. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your symptoms will worsen over time and may start to affect your quality of life.

April is National Occupational Therapy (OT) Month! Occupational therapists are medical professionals that focus on helping individuals participate in daily activities and tasks. We promote health and well-being through occupation or purposeful activity, activity modification, education, and exercise.

Gardening is a great way to spend time outdoors and get exercise, but it can be hard on your body if you’re not careful. Here are some tips for practicing good body mechanics and preventing pain and injury while gardening: