Upper Extremity Problems

At East End Occupational Therapy, we take pride in helping patients recover from ailments of their upper extremities. The upper extremity is a term used to define the upper limb and consists of one’s shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand.  Due to the intricate makeup of this area, it can be affected by many ailments that will drastically change a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, occupational therapy in Holbrook can be administered by our team to help patients make a full recovery and get them back to being pain-free. If you’ve been diagnosed with any of the conditions we go on to list, consider reaching out to our team for help.

Labrum Strains And Tears 

Your labrum is a thick band of tissue that surrounds your shoulder socket and keeps the functionality of this joint secure.  When you take part in activities that require repeated overhead motion, this tissue can become strained, or even tear, which compromises the integrity of the joint.  Patients suffering from labrum issues can expect to experience the below symptoms:

• Instability in the shoulder joint.
• Reduced range of motion.
• Limited strength.
• Feelings of catching, locking, or grinding when trying to move your shoulder.

Collarbone Breaks And Fractures

Breaks and fractures to the collarbone are common amongst patients who live an active lifestyle. This bone connects the upper part of your breastbone to your shoulder blade and plays a huge role in the functionality of your shoulders.  Falls, sports injuries, and vehicle-related trauma are all common factors that lead to collarbone breaks and fractures. When rehabbing from this injury, occupational therapy in Holbrook can be used to prevent serious complications that accompany it.  Examples of complications include:

• Development of osteoporosis.
• Delayed healing/permanent damage.
• Formation of lumps on the bone.
• Nerve or blood vessel problems.

Little League Elbow

As the name may suggest, little league elbow is a condition that affects the younger population.  It is caused by repetitive stress placed on the growth plate on the inside of the elbow. Children and adolescents who play baseball are most susceptible to this injury, as the extension that takes place when performing a throwing motion will irritate a weak growth plate.  If you notice your child displaying the below symptoms, they may require occupational therapy in Holbrook:

• A distinct “popping” sensation at the time of the injury.
• Aching, sharp pain, and swelling in the elbow.
• Pain that progresses when throwing.

Tennis Elbow

Similar to little league elbow, tennis elbow is a painful condition that affects the elbow joint.  However, rather than being caused by growth plate issues, tennis elbow is an injury to the tendons of this area.  Tendons are responsible for connecting muscles to bones and can become irritated and inflamed when overused. While the name may suggest otherwise, you don’t have to be an athlete to suffer from this condition.  Any occupation that requires repeated bending and exertion of the elbow joint can lead to it taking place. The most common symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and weakness that radiates from the outside of your elbow into your forearm and wrist. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome      

Patients who have started to experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in their hands may be suffering from the condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition takes place when your median nerve, which runs down the length of your arm, becomes compressed. The compression typically happens at the carpal tunnel, a passage in which the median nerve travels through to the wrist. Patients facing carpal tunnel syndrome often cannot pinpoint the exact cause of this condition. However, it is typically the result of repetitive movements. While some may choose surgery to cure them of this ailment, occupational therapy in Holbrook can be used to find relief in a non-invasive manner. By choosing our team for help, we’ll eliminate symptoms such as:

• Burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm of your hand and fingers.
• Tingling that radiates up your arm.
• Experiencing difficulties with grabbing and holding.
• Symptoms that flare up when your wrist is bent.    

Occupational Therapy In Holbrook

When faced with ailments of the upper extremities, knowing where to turn will help you make a full and speedy recovery.  At East End Occupational Therapy, our staff is well versed in the many injuries and conditions that take place in this area, and how they are treated.  By administering occupational therapy in Holbrook, our staff allows patients to get back to the levels of health they had before the injury. If you’re suffering from any of the injuries that we listed or one that was not mentioned, do not hesitate to contact us today.  We’ll set you down the path of recovery that you’ve been looking for.