Understanding Leg Exercises for Rehabilitation: Addressing Mobility Concerns
Leg exercises Hello Director Chen: My father is a janitor, and his exhausting job has caused him to experience pain all over his body. He doesn't have time to go to rehabilitation every day. A therapist taught him some leg exercises, instructing him to hold onto a stable obj...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It may be due to tightness in the hip flexors rather than a decline in physical strength. 2. The therapist has taught stretching exercises; if they are difficult to perform, you can start with the antago...[Read More] Understanding Leg Exercises for Rehabilitation: Addressing Mobility Concerns
Post-Amputation Rehabilitation: Starting Recovery After Leg Surgery
Amputation rehabilitation Hello Dr. Chen: My friend had an amputation of the left lower leg due to a car accident and has completed surgery three months ago. Can he start rehabilitation now? Does your hospital offer training? What are the procedures to follow?
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide some recommendations: 1. You may begin rehabilitation by registering at our hospital's rehabilitation department, where physical therapy will be arranged for you. 2. At home, it is imp...[Read More] Post-Amputation Rehabilitation: Starting Recovery After Leg Surgery
Understanding the Differences Between Interferential and SSP Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy Hello, Director Chen! I have been experiencing pain in my elbow joint and scapula, so I went for rehabilitation. Patients with similar conditions to mine are receiving interferential current therapy, while I am undergoing SSP (Static Stimulation Pulse) therapy. Cou...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here is a response to your question along with some recommendations: 1. Interference waves consist of two medium-frequency waves (such as 4100 Hz and 4000 Hz) that create a 0-100 Hz phase-opposing interference wave through muscle or connective...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Interferential and SSP Electrotherapy
Supporting Recovery: When to Involve Rehabilitation for Brain Injury Patients
Patients in recovery Hello, Director! My nephew has been suffering from acute encephalitis for nearly a year. He gradually woke up from a coma with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4. A few days ago, his attending physician accompanied him home, hoping to stimulate his awakening. Up...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. You should consult a rehabilitation specialist to learn how to perform joint mobilization (both active and passive), proper positioning in bed and in a wheelchair to reduce muscle spasms, and vario...[Read More] Supporting Recovery: When to Involve Rehabilitation for Brain Injury Patients
Tips to Prevent Swollen Calves for Office Workers
Individuals with sedentary jobs Hello Director Chen! I am a postal worker and I sit for 8 hours a day. My calves often swell, and I cannot get up to stretch and relieve the tension in my muscles. Please advise on what I can do to prevent my calves from swelling while at work. Tha...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Miss Qianqian: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. You can visit the rehabilitation department to obtain some educational pamphlets that provide guidance on exercises for individuals who work while seated. These include stretching exercises...[Read More] Tips to Prevent Swollen Calves for Office Workers
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Aging Issues
Lower back pain? Hello, Doctor! Recently, after squatting for 2 to 3 minutes, I find it difficult to stand up immediately due to a sudden ache in my lower back. Is this a sign of aging? How can I improve this condition? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It may be due to lumbar degeneration or tightness in the back muscles. 2. At home, you can apply heat therapy and perform some flexibility stretching exercises, such as lying on your back and hugging you...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for Aging Issues
Can Neck Stretching Be Safe After Heat Stroke Symptoms?
Heat stroke Hello Director Chen! Last Thursday, I experienced heatstroke, and I have a sharp pain near my left ear and a deep purple bruise on my neck. In this situation, is it still advisable to perform neck stretching exercises during rehabilitation therapy? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. For now, electrical therapy is sufficient; if cervical traction is needed, the pulling force should be reduced to less than 1-2 kg after the acute phase. 2. During the acute phase of muscle inflammat...[Read More] Can Neck Stretching Be Safe After Heat Stroke Symptoms?
Understanding Shortwave Therapy: Optimal Heat Levels for Effective Treatment
Shortwave therapy Hello Director Chen: I am undergoing shortwave therapy for foot soreness, and the therapists always remind patients to speak up if it gets too hot! I can only tolerate a heat level of 2.5; anything higher feels very uncomfortable. However, older individuals seem...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Shortwave therapy differs from hot packs; it provides deep heat, with more absorption in water-containing tissues, while the epidermis does not get as warm. Elderly individuals may have reduced sensitiv...[Read More] Understanding Shortwave Therapy: Optimal Heat Levels for Effective Treatment
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Lower Back Pain Relief
Low back pain Hello Director Chen: I am a laborer who lifts heavy objects every day. While rushing to meet deadlines, I strained my lower back and now I am in so much pain that I can't stand up straight, and my upper back is also hurting. A friend of mine with a similar cond...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your question. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. During the acute phase, you should avoid bending at the waist. Only consider bending after the acute phase has passed. 2. When lifting heavy objects, it is advisable to wear a supportive back b...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Lower Back Pain Relief
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions for Runners
Foot pain Hello, Director Chen! I have been walking and jogging every morning for several years. Today, after finishing my run and walking back home, I suddenly felt pain in the sole of my left foot, which made me drag my feet on the way back. What could be wrong? How should I ha...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your question and suggestions. 1. It may be a condition of overuse or sprain of the ankle or dorsal foot muscles. Possible causes include insufficient warm-up of joint activities, excessive running distance, and inappropriate footwear or loose shoelaces...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions for Runners
Can Rehabilitation Help with Loose Wrist Ligaments?
Wrist ligaments Hello, Director Chen! I am a mover and have been lifting heavy items daily. Recently, my wrist feels strange, as if it has been sprained, and it is sore and weak, making it difficult to lift things. I consulted a physician who mentioned that the ligaments in my wr...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It is possible that you have a wrist ligament sprain. You may consider visiting a rehabilitation specialist for deep heat therapy and electrical stimulation, and using a splint for your wrist. 2...[Read More] Can Rehabilitation Help with Loose Wrist Ligaments?
Understanding Leg Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Mom's Discomfort
Leg soreness? Hello, Dr. Chen! My mother has been experiencing leg fatigue for the past six months. She often complains of soreness after standing for a short while, feels tired after walking for just ten minutes, and her calves are particularly sore. What should we do, doctor? T...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. It may be due to lactic acid accumulation after exercise, or it could be degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with sciatic nerve compression. 2. For the former, you can soak your calves in...[Read More] Understanding Leg Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Mom's Discomfort
Understanding Trigger Finger: Symptoms and Rehabilitation Options
Finger stiffness Hello, Director Chen! Four years ago, I had trigger finger in my right little finger, which was located near the palm and required a minor surgical procedure by an orthopedic doctor, followed by rehabilitation with wax therapy until I fully recovered. Recently, w...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It may be a case of trigger finger. If you encounter this situation, do not use a hard grip, as it can lead to tendon strain. You should first soak your hand in warm water and gradually move it in t...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Symptoms and Rehabilitation Options
Simple Exercises to Relieve Neck Tension for Machine Operators
How to relieve neck tension? Hello, Director: May I ask what simple exercises can be done by workers who operate machinery for long periods to relieve neck tension? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Start with isometric neck exercises, using your palm as a guide to push your head in the "forward, backward, and side-to-side" directions while keeping your neck still. Hold each direction ...[Read More] Simple Exercises to Relieve Neck Tension for Machine Operators
Understanding Trigger Finger: Treatment Options and Effectiveness
People troubled by trigger finger? Dr. Chen: Hello, thank you very much for your email. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. If physical therapy for trigger finger does not yield good results, is it possible to use corticosteroid injections for treatment? 2. If the first i...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. If physical therapy is ineffective, consider corticosteroid injections and surgical treatment. 2. It is advisable to have an interval of at least one month to avoid making the local tendon fragi...[Read More] Understanding Trigger Finger: Treatment Options and Effectiveness
Effective Rehab Treatments for Persistent Stiff Neck Issues
Stiff neck Hello, Director Chen! I would like to ask about the issue of neck stiffness: I often experience it, whether I use a healthy pillow or not. I have previously received muscle relaxants, but after multiple injections, I became concerned. Now, I am using heat therapy on my...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Miss Bei Bei: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide some suggestions: 1. Choose pillows and mattresses designed with ergonomics in mind, as they offer better support. When purchasing, make sure to lie down and test them; there should...[Read More] Effective Rehab Treatments for Persistent Stiff Neck Issues
Heat Therapy for Neck Pain: Duration and Effectiveness Explained
About hot compresses? Hello, Director: Is it necessary to apply a hot compress to the neck for exactly 15 minutes? Also, which is more effective, infrared therapy or a hot pack? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Apply a hot compress for 10 to 20 minutes to achieve muscle relaxation; comfort is the goal, and it doesn't necessarily have to be 15 minutes. 2. A hot compress should be moist heat, which is more ...[Read More] Heat Therapy for Neck Pain: Duration and Effectiveness Explained
Post-Total Knee Replacement: Can Rehab Help with Pain Management?
Artificial knee joint Hello, Doctor! My mother underwent joint replacement surgery a week ago. Someone suggested a cocktail pain management therapy, but she is hesitant to try it. May I ask the expert if such a patient can see a rehabilitation specialist? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide some recommendations: 1. Total joint replacement surgery, aside from pain relief, emphasizes the importance of subsequent rehabilitation exercises, including hydrotherapy, range of motion exerci...[Read More] Post-Total Knee Replacement: Can Rehab Help with Pain Management?
Relieving Sciatica Pain: Effective Solutions for Office Workers
Sciatica? Hello Director Chen! I sit for 8 hours a day at work, and for many years I have often experienced lower back pain. A friend mentioned that I might have issues with my sciatic nerve. What would be the best way to address this troublesome issue? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Sciatic nerve pain can cause numbness in the lower limbs; during the acute phase, it is advisable to apply ice and take pain relief medication. 2. You may visit a rehabilitation specialist for evalua...[Read More] Relieving Sciatica Pain: Effective Solutions for Office Workers
Effective Ways to Treat Ankle Sprains and Reduce Swelling
Ankle sprain Hello Director Chen: I sprained my ankle while walking 7 days ago, and a friend who practices folk remedies has assisted me, but the condition has not improved. How can I alleviate this swelling and pain? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Ligang: Here are my responses to your questions along with some suggestions. 1. During the acute phase, apply ice to the affected area and avoid exercising to prevent further injury. 2. In the chronic phase, you can use a contrast bath method: soak in warm water (below ...[Read More] Effective Ways to Treat Ankle Sprains and Reduce Swelling