body health Archives - Timberlane Physical Therapy

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Overview Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the hand and arm. It is the most common entrapment neuropathy affecting approximately 3-6% of the adult population. It is the compression or inflammation of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can get worse over time and develop into significant impairments of strength and ability to perform activities of daily living such as typing, writing, buttoning clothes, holding objects, and other fine motor abilities. Cause Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are caused by a combination of several factors. It can be caused by trauma, repetitive stress and motions, inflammation, poor posture, and certain diseases. Other risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include: The carpal tunnel may be smaller in some people or there [...]

Body Mechanics Basics

Body mechanics is a term used to describe the way we move our body while we perform our activities of daily living in a way that limits the risk of stress or injury. It includes how we hold our bodies when we lift, carry, stand, sit, bend over, and sleep. Poor body mechanics are often a contributing factor to back pain. When we do not move in a safe manner, our spines can be subjected to increased stress that can lead to pain and problems, now and in the future. That is why it is important to learn the body mechanics basics. We can teach you how to move your body so that you can do everything you need to do but in a safe manner that can prevent back pain and injury. Analyze the situation. Plan your activity. Assess what you will be lifting and how you will lift [...]