Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep Posture
Rib pain Hello, doctor! Today when I woke up, I felt a lot of pain near the ribs on my left lower back close to the waist, and the muscles around the ribs also hurt. I can't tell if it's the ribs or muscle pain. A physician once advised me to sleep on my right side, whi...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide some recommendations: 1. It may be costochondritis or a herniated intervertebral disc in the lower thoracic region (T8 to T12), with pain that presents in a band-like pattern extending to ...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep Posture
Understanding Ankle Pain After a Fall: When to Seek Rehab Treatment
soreness Doctor: Hello. A few days ago, while walking, I wasn't paying attention and tripped over a step, falling to the ground. When I got up, I felt a slight twist in my left ankle, but it wasn't severe, and I was still able to walk normally, so I ignored it. However,...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It is possible that you have sustained a sprain in the ankle joint and the peroneal longus muscle on the lateral side of the calf; the soreness in the thigh may not be related to the sprain but...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Pain After a Fall: When to Seek Rehab Treatment
Managing Lower Back Pain and Leg Numbness: Rehabilitation Options
Lower back pain with leg numbness? Hello Doctor: My mother often experiences pain below her waist and frequently has numbness in her legs. A friend suggested she try acupuncture with traditional Chinese medicine, but she is concerned about potential issues with needles. Can physi...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response to your question along with some recommendations: 1. The numbness in your lower limbs may be caused by lumbar degenerative arthritis or intervertebral disc herniation, which compresses the lumbar nerve roots. 2. The rehabi...[Read More] Managing Lower Back Pain and Leg Numbness: Rehabilitation Options
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and Treatment for Ankle Inflammation
Foot pain Hello, Doctor! I used to feel quite comfortable sitting cross-legged, but lately, after just a few minutes, my left foot can't touch the ground, and I experience cramping pain in the front of my ankle, along with some redness and swelling. What kind of inflammation...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses to your questions and the following suggestions: 1. It may be due to inflammation of the ankle ligaments or the dorsiflexor tendons, such as the tibialis anterior or extensor digitorum longus. 2. The management approach is ...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and Treatment for Ankle Inflammation
Understanding Sudden Pain and Swelling in the Middle Finger Joint
Swelling and pain in the middle finger joint? Hello, doctor! A few days ago, the first joint of my right middle finger suddenly became painful and swollen. I haven't lifted anything heavy, nor have I twisted it or sustained any other injury; it just started hurting for no ap...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It is possible that the joints have been overused, leading to a chronic condition. Sudden use can result in pain. 2. Painful arthritis can be evaluated by checking for elevated levels of uric acid a...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Pain and Swelling in the Middle Finger Joint
Managing Swallowing Difficulties After Stroke: Expert Advice
Dysphagia Director Chen: My uncle had a stroke six months ago, and he still has difficulty swallowing, often choking, and his speech is somewhat unclear. How should we address this? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. You may visit a rehabilitation department for speech therapy, where the therapist will teach you swallowing techniques and pronunciation exercises. 2. At home, you can use medical gauze to wrap ice cu...[Read More] Managing Swallowing Difficulties After Stroke: Expert Advice
Managing Severe Hyperactivity in Children: Effective Strategies for Parents
Overactive children Hello, Director Chen! My son is 5 years old and is a severe hyperactive child! Sending him for behavioral therapy has not been effective. He has destroyed the television, phone, speakers, and other devices at home. He completely ignores reprimands and would ra...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. You should consult a rehabilitation specialist for evaluation and treatment, as the symptoms appear to be related to hyperactivity and attention deficit. 2. Sensory integration therapy can be benef...[Read More] Managing Severe Hyperactivity in Children: Effective Strategies for Parents
Understanding Trigger Finger: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps
Trigger finger Hello, Director Chen! I have trigger finger in both my right thumb and index finger. It seems that the orthopedic surgeon cut the nerve, but I'm not really sure. What’s frustrating is that the issue hasn't been resolved, and I can't work! What should...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Sometimes, after surgery for trigger finger, excessive use can lead to a recurrence of symptoms. 2. Soaking in warm water at home and performing exercises in the water can be beneficial. 3. You may cons...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps
Understanding Bone Density Issues: Factors Behind Fractures in Seniors
Bone density issues? Hello, Director Chen! My mother is 65 years old and has always had a habit of walking and taking good care of herself. She has been taking supplements like calcium and vitamin D without missing any. Earlier this year, she had a bone density test, and there wa...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response to your question along with an analysis: 1. Possible factors include: 1. Cerebral atrophy and poor balance 2. Osteoporosis 3. Degeneration of the hip and knee joints 4. Muscle insufficiency. 2. Bone densit...[Read More] Understanding Bone Density Issues: Factors Behind Fractures in Seniors
Simple Exercises to Relieve Shoulder Pain from Lifting Heavy Objects
Shoulder pain Hello, Director Chen! I often lift heavy objects with my hands and sometimes with my shoulders, which has resulted in shoulder pain that feels overwhelming. A friend taught me to sit on a chair and use both hands to lift myself up, raising my body above the seat, bu...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Rest is the most important; avoid overusing the same muscle group. 2. You can perform pendulum exercises: let the upper limb hang naturally and swing in various directions (forward and backward, in circl...[Read More] Simple Exercises to Relieve Shoulder Pain from Lifting Heavy Objects
Understanding Morning Lower Back Stiffness: Causes and Solutions
Lumbar stiffness Dear Dr. Chen: Every morning when I wake up, my lower back feels stiff, and I can't bend down. It takes about thirty minutes of movement for it to ease up. What could be the problem, and how can I resolve it?
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: 1. Thank you for your question. The insufficient support of the bed is causing excessive contraction of the back muscles, which leads to stiffness upon waking. 2. If you switch to an ergonomic bed with good support and still experience this issue, you should consid...[Read More] Understanding Morning Lower Back Stiffness: Causes and Solutions
Effective Treatments for Hallux Valgus: Can Orthotic Insoles Help?
Hallux valgus Hello, Doctor: I have noticed that both of my big toes have developed valgus deformity for the past six months, and I experience pain while walking in shoes. There are insoles available for purchase; can I use them? Are there any treatment options?
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. If the valgus deformity is not severe, orthotic insoles or toe spacers can be used for improvement. 2. If it is moderately severe, consider rehabilitation therapy, electrical stimulation, and ul...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Hallux Valgus: Can Orthotic Insoles Help?
Understanding Ankle Pain: Causes and Concerns After Running
Ankle cramp? Hello, Director Chen! In the past few days, I've been experiencing cramping pain around my ankles, and my left leg sometimes cramps up. I'm worried it might be a tendon strain or a ligament injury. Two days before the pain started, I ran barefoot for 2,000 ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your question. Here is my response and some suggestions: 1. It is possible that you are experiencing recurrent muscle strains, which have developed into a chronic injury. At this stage, circulation may be poor, making it easier to sustain injuries with moveme...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Pain: Causes and Concerns After Running
Understanding Phantom Limb Pain After Amputation: Causes and Treatments
The limbs are still present? Hello Director Chen: My friend had an amputation of the left lower leg due to a car accident and is experiencing sensations as if the amputated limb is still there, along with pain. Is this normal? Will it naturally go away, or does it require treatme...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here is a response to your question along with some suggestions: 1. This is known as "phantom limb pain," which is common within six months after amputation and usually diminishes gradually after wearing a prosthesis and undergoing gai...[Read More] Understanding Phantom Limb Pain After Amputation: Causes and Treatments
Optimal Placement of Electrodes for Interferential Current Therapy
Interference wave Hello, Director! May I ask where the two electrodes for interferential current therapy should be placed for optimal results? The therapists usually place them on either side of the pain point, which is correct, right? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your response. I would like to address your questions and provide some suggestions: 1. Interferential waves consist of two sets of currents with opposite phases, creating an interference effect, which is strongest in the area between the two electrodes. 2. Fo...[Read More] Optimal Placement of Electrodes for Interferential Current Therapy
Understanding Leg Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Insights
Foot pain Hello Director Chen: I have been undergoing rehabilitation for foot pain. Initially, I received shortwave diathermy on my knee, followed by treatment on my calf, which felt very comfortable. However, last night, June 12th, I suddenly started experiencing pain at the upp...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide some recommendations: 1. The possible causes may include: a. Improper muscle use, including excessive exercise and poor posture, as well as internal rotation of the lower limbs and foot eve...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Discomfort in Rehabilitation Therapy: Key Insights
Rehabilitation therapy Hello, Director Chen! I am undergoing rehabilitation therapy, and one of the treatments involves neck stretching. Since I cannot perform the stretch while sitting, I have switched to lying down. I am using the same 10 kilograms, and sometimes it feels very ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your question. The issue may be due to neck muscle stiffness or an incorrect angle of cervical traction. 1. For neck stiffness: You can apply heat therapy and electrical stimulation, as well as perform isometric neck exercises and cervical stretching exerci...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in Rehabilitation Therapy: Key Insights
Can Wax Therapy Help Relieve Foot Pain? Expert Insights
Regarding wax therapy? Hello Director Chen: After long sessions of paraffin therapy, my hand pain has been resolved. However, despite receiving shortwave therapy for my feet, I still cannot stand for long periods or walk slowly for about an hour. I apologize for the impertinence,...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Paraffin therapy can also be used to treat calf soreness; however, most patients find the paraffin bath for hands and feet uncomfortable. Therefore, paraffin treatments are primarily focused on the...[Read More] Can Wax Therapy Help Relieve Foot Pain? Expert Insights
Understanding Shoulder Pain: Why Does My Mom's Frozen Shoulder Hurt After Treatment?
Frozen shoulder Hello, Director Chen! Today, on June 8th, I accompanied my mother to the rehabilitation department, where the doctor diagnosed her with frozen shoulder. She received an injection and underwent rehabilitation, but afterwards she felt very sore. The doctor had alrea...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Generally speaking, for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), steroid injections may be administered locally. It is important to aspirate before the injection to avoid hitting a blood vessel. If t...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain: Why Does My Mom's Frozen Shoulder Hurt After Treatment?
Understanding Discomfort After Lumbar Stretching: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain Hello Director Chen! I have been undergoing rehabilitation for over four months now, and I have noticed significant benefits from interferential current therapy and shortwave therapy. However, I am struggling with lumbar stretching; for the past two weeks, I have ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is a response to your question along with some suggestions: 1. It may be due to muscle stiffness in the lower back and excessive traction force. If it lasts only for three to four days, it is generally not a concern; however, if it persis...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort After Lumbar Stretching: Causes and Solutions