"Beating Pain" - ASHT Traveling Course Do you or your colleagues treat patients that suffer from pain in their hands? Join us as we host the American Society of Hand Therapists and their traveling course, "Beating Pain." This full-day course will review contemporary pathophysiological mechanisms underlying pain. Using insights into the somatosensory experience of pain, specific assessments and treatment strategies will be presented to integrate concepts into clinical practice. Attendees can earn up to 8 continuing education hours/0.8 CEU's for taking this course. Date: November 2, 2019 Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm Location: 4444 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108 - OT Auditorium 1st Floor Learn more and register for this course...
Pain Management for the Hand & Upper Extremity Content provided by Macy Stonner, OTD, OTR/L Joint immobilization is an effective strategy in the acute phase of upper extremity pain, particularly among those with arthritis and tendonitis conditions. A removable orthosis (or splint) is helpful to provide rest, prevent joint or tendon irritation, and alleviate pain associated with hand use. Orthoses are encouraged for the initial two to three weeks and then worn as needed or helpful over time. Physical agent modalities, such as heat or ice, provide temporary pain relief in the hand and upper extremity. Heat therapy (such as heating pads or paraffin wax) increases blood circulation, improves joint stiffness, and decreases muscle soreness. Ice application is helpful to calm overused tendons (specifically in the wrist and elbow) and decrease swelling and inflammation. Chronic pain is often exacerbated by repetitive activity or overuse. This can be the case with sewing, lifting weights, twisting screw-drivers and other tools, using scissors, and manipulating cans, jars, and tight containers. Activity modification is an important strategy to prevent worsening joint pain during meaningful daily activities:
- Use pain as a guide during daily tasks.
- Either avoid aggravating activities or modify your technique when performing them.
- Consider a supportive orthosis or splint during heavy work tasks.
- Use adaptive equipment, especially kitchen gadgets, to help with opening tight containers.
- Avoid scrolling with the thumb during phone use (use the index finger instead.
- Use larger built-up handles around pens, tooth brushes, tennis rackets, or any device that causes pain while gripping.
- Do not squeeze a stress ball if you have hand arthritis. It will make the pain worse!
If you do find yourself needing additional assistance for pain in your hands or upper extremity, Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center is here to help! Learn more about the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center...
Pain as a Symptom of Chronic Health Conditions Content provided by Duana Russell - Thomas, OTD, OTR/L Pain, a symptom that often accompanies chronic health conditions, can turn your world upside down. On one hand, you may find yourself becoming more inactive to keep the pain from getting worse. On the other hand, you may overexert yourself to prove that you can still complete desired activities. No matter what, the changes in control and life quality can leave you feeling depressed, angry, dependent and socially isolated. Pain can have many causes, including: disease process, tense muscles, muscle deconditioning, poor quality sleep, stress, strong emotions, effects of medications and drug interactions. Often, these symptoms can cause a vicious cycle that make it hard to determine which came first. To inform your conversations, create a pain diary to establish a baseline and to better understand any triggers. Make sure to record activity and pain levels at least 3 times per day, noting the date, time, what you are doing, pain rating on a scale of 0 to 10, a description of the pain sensation and location, any emotion you feel and what you did to help the pain. Share if the remedy worked. This process should be ongoing. While medications are often a first line of defense, consider the following tools:
- Exercise and physical activity, both land and water-based
- Acupuncture
- Mindfulness activities / Positive thinking to get through short activities and increase mood
- Hot/cold Packs
- E-stim, TENS units
- Paraffin
- Splints
- Changes in positioning or ways to complete activities
- Self-management education
- Massage
- Addressing sleep disorders, such as apnea
- Surgery
Washington University Occupational Therapy is available to help you on the journey to managing your pain. Contact us today at (314) 286 - 1669 to set up an appointment. Learn more about our OT Clinical Services related to pain management...
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