Manual Edema Mobilization for Sub-Acute Arm/Hand Edema
By · CommentsOctober 15 & 16, 2011 at the Casablanca Inn, Grimsby, 
we will be holding a course on Manual Edema Mobilization for Sub-Acute Arm/Hand Edema.
Length of Course: 13.5 hours
For: OTs, PTs, Hand Therapists, COTA’s, PTA’s
Pre-course Recommended Reading
Chapter 3, Edema Reduction Techniques: A Biologic Rationale for Selection in Fundamental of Hand Therapy, Cooper editor, Mosby/Elsevier publisher; or
Chapter 53 Manual Edema Mobilization: treatment for edema in the sub acute Hand found in Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity 5th or 6th edition, Mackin et al editors; or internet Document from the South African Journal of Hand Therapy Dec.-July 2003 entitled: Hand Manual
Edema Mobilization: overview of a new concept. Found by doing a Google search for manual edema mobilization, article listed as e-doc interactive
(usually one of the first five listings) Research reading: Journal of Hand therapy Oct/Dec. 2008, Vol. 21, #4, Changes in Edema, Pain, or Range of
Motion Following Manual Edema Mobilization: A Single -case Design Study, Author V. Priganc and M. Ito, pp.326-334. JHT (online) vol. 23, issue 4, Oct. 2010, in print Jan-March 2011 JHT, Manual Edema Mobilization; Edema Reduction for Sub acute hand/ arm edema (based on MEM pump points) Karin Roenhoej and Thomas Maribo.
Arthritis: It Does Not Have to End With a Diagnosis
By · CommentsYou may have been told by your family doctor that your pain is from arthritis and therefore it should be expected. You may also have been prescribed some medication for your symptoms. Although research shows that some medications do work for relief of arthritic symptoms there is more that can be done to help relieve your pain.
Arthritis is a degenerative change at the joint which becomes more irritated with over use and incorrect loading of the joints in day-to day tasks. An irritated joint becomes swollen which in turn adds pressure on the supportive ligaments of the joint. When the swelling subsides the ligaments are now stretched and unable to support the joint during activity which then becomes irritated again and so the cycle continues. Eventually to avoid pain a person may posture the sore finger or thumb differently which overloads other joints and begins a cycle of positional deformity such as a “zig-zag” thumb.
By becoming educated on the activities that cause further damage you are empowered to lessen the impact of arthritis and significantly reduce your pain. Positional deformity of thumb joints may be reversed through the use of simple splints while still allowing you to function. Splints can also help maintain proper alignment of the joints and will reduce swelling and pain. There are many types of custom made and pre-fabricated splints. A therapist trained in hand therapy can help determine the right one for you.
Other home therapy activities of simple and gentle exercise further aid in reducing the effects of arthritis as is the use of warmth and cool when used in a complimentary combination. Each person’s needs are different as is the cause of pain and deformity. What happens in the wrist can have a negative impact on the joints in the fingers. The change is gradual over time, but can become quite debilitating.
Although a diagnosis of arthritis is forever, the therapy to help you may be short
lived especially if you address the issues in the early stages.
If you’re in the Hamilton, Niagara area please call 289-897-8707 if you have any questions about the above or are interested in having an assessment.