Understanding Back Pain: When to See a Rehabilitation Specialist
Back pain Hello, Director: I have back pain that makes it difficult to sit or stand. An internist injected a muscle relaxant, but it only provided relief for half a day, and the pain has persisted for a week. May I see a rehabilitation specialist? If so, what types of treatments ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. You can perform hot compresses and acupressure on the lumbar and leg points (located at the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones on the back of the hand) at home. 2. You may visit the rehabilitation department for deep tissue treatments, such as shortwave diathermy, interferentia...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: When to See a Rehabilitation Specialist
Is My Foot Pain After Basketball Plantar Fasciitis?
I injured my foot after exercising; could it be plantar fasciitis? I injured the fascia on the sole of my foot while playing basketball because I didn't warm up properly and wasn't wearing suitable shoes. It's been 2 to 3 months now, and it still hasn't healed...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Fascia injuries are difficult to heal on their own due to their limited blood supply. 2. At home, you can soak in hot water (40-44°C) and perform stretching exercises for the calf muscles. 3. You may visit a rehabilitation department for deep heat therapy such as shortwave dia...[Read More] Is My Foot Pain After Basketball Plantar Fasciitis?
Is Jaw Clenching Normal During Neck Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation process Hello, Director Chen! During rehabilitation, after pulling my neck for a few minutes, I experienced grinding of my teeth and significant jaw tremors. Is this normal? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) This indicates poor cervical traction angle; the therapist should first stop the traction or press the safety switch to halt it. (2) A towel can be placed at the back of the neck to improve the angle, using comfort of the bite as a measure. (3) If adjustments fail or if the p...[Read More] Is Jaw Clenching Normal During Neck Rehabilitation?
Effective Device Treatments for Insomnia: A Rehabilitation Perspective
Insomnia issues Hello Director Chen: Long-term insomnia affects my quality of life, and the sedatives I take are becoming increasingly stronger. I feel very groggy the next morning, which is quite bothersome. Are there any device-based treatments for insomnia? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) The rehabilitation department has a magnetic field therapy device that can be adjusted to low frequencies for treatment, as its frequency is close to brain waves, making it effective for insomnia. (2) For those who tend to overthink, it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist ...[Read More] Effective Device Treatments for Insomnia: A Rehabilitation Perspective
Understanding and Managing Pain on the Top of Your Foot During Walking
Dorsal foot pain? Hello, Director! Recently, while walking, I often experience sharp pain in the dorsum of my left foot, which prevents me from continuing to walk. What could be the issue? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) There are two possible causes: 1. Inflammation due to overuse of the foot muscles (extensor digitorum longus). 2. Herniation of the intervertebral disc at the fifth lumbar vertebra, which compresses the nerve root. (2) For the first condition, rest is necessary, and ice shoul...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Pain on the Top of Your Foot During Walking
Managing Right Thigh Muscle Cramps After Driving: Expert Advice
Right leg cramping pain? Hello Director Chen: Recently, I have been experiencing muscle cramps in my right thigh after driving, which sometimes lasts for a long time and occurs intermittently. What should I do if this happens while I am driving on the highway? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) It is possible that prolonged sitting has led to a lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, which compresses the sciatic nerve and causes pain. Additionally, excessive stretching of the thigh and actions such as braking may result in muscle soreness. (2) It is important to unde...[Read More] Managing Right Thigh Muscle Cramps After Driving: Expert Advice
Managing Pain and Bruising After Skiing Injuries: Expert Tips
Skiing accident Hello, Director Chen! I went skiing in Japan and fell several times. Although I wore protective pants, I still ended up with bruises. After applying heat and using a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointment, it has been a week, and the hardness in my buttocks has ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Topical analgesic ointment and Heparin ointment (for bruising). 2. You can go to the rehabilitation department for ultrasound therapy, which can help reduce bruising and alleviate pain and swelling. 3. You can apply heat therapy at home.[Read More] Managing Pain and Bruising After Skiing Injuries: Expert Tips
Understanding Arm Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Strategies
Arm pain Hello Director Chen: It seems that my left arm acts like a weather station; whenever the atmospheric pressure is about to drop, I start experiencing soreness from my wrist, which sometimes moves to my elbow joint, then extends up my upper arm to my scapula. It gets espec...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. You can visit the rehabilitation department for an examination, as there may be cervical nerve root compression, since the C5 and C6 nerve roots innervate the area from the scapula to the upper arm. 2. Treatments such as cervical heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and tract...[Read More] Understanding Arm Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Strategies
Understanding Left Chest Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Left chest muscle pain? Hello Director Chen: I occasionally experience muscle cramps and sometimes sharp pain near the last two ribs below my left chest, close to the heart. I haven't had any collisions or injuries. Could you please advise what might be wrong? Thank you! Kos...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
There are three main possibilities: 1. It could be intercostal neuralgia, for which analgesics can be taken, and rehabilitation with laser therapy is recommended, along with performing exercises that involve raising both arms upward. 2. It may be a thoracic disc herniation; in th...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
When Can a Tracheostomy Be Removed After Brain Injury Recovery?
About tracheostomy? Hello, Director! My nephew is 30 years old and has been in a coma due to a brain injury for the past six months. He later underwent a tracheostomy, and recently his condition has slightly improved. I can see that he is trying very hard to express himself, but ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Collaboration is required among pulmonologists, rehabilitation physicians, and therapists. 2. The respiratory therapy department must regulate the patient's metabolic and respiratory acid-base balance, adjusting the ventilator to ensure smooth breathing for the patient....[Read More] When Can a Tracheostomy Be Removed After Brain Injury Recovery?
Managing Left Knee Pain: Rehabilitation Options for Active Seniors
Left knee pain? Hello Director Chen: My mother is 60 years old, very healthy, and loves to exercise. She takes a bone health supplement made in Italy every day. Recently, she has experienced issues with her left knee, as if there is no synovial fluid between the bones, causing th...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Knee joint degeneration primarily focuses on rehabilitation. In addition to deep heat therapy and electrical therapy, strength training should also be included. Women should train to bear a weight of 3.5 kg to protect the joints and slow down degeneration. 2. OsteoCare shoul...[Read More] Managing Left Knee Pain: Rehabilitation Options for Active Seniors
Understanding Flat Feet: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Military Service Implications
Flatfoot Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you a question. I suspect that I have flat feet, as I experience discomfort and even numbness in my feet after squatting for a short period. Is this treatable? I have to undergo a physical examination for military service next month, an...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. You can go to a military hospital (such as Taichung 803, Taoyuan 804, or Kaohsiung 802) or a public hospital for an orthopedic examination, which requires an X-ray (lateral view). The X-ray should focus on the navicular bone, measuring the angle formed by a line drawn from the...[Read More] Understanding Flat Feet: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Military Service Implications
Managing Chronic Lower Back Pain: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Lower back pain? Hello, Director Chen! Recently, I've been experiencing lower back pain. I had an X-ray done, which showed no bone spurs or other issues. However, when I wake up, I have to slowly turn over and gradually pull myself up to sit on the edge of the bed, then slow...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Regularly perform flexibility exercises for the back muscles, such as the Williams exercise, by hugging one knee to the chest and holding for 10 seconds; then hug the other knee and hold for another 10 seconds. Alternate between each knee for a total of 10 repetitions, and the...[Read More] Managing Chronic Lower Back Pain: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Cold Hands and Feet: Tips to Alleviate Cramps and Improve Circulation
Cold hands and feet, muscle cramps? Hello Director Chen: My hands and feet are always cold in winter. I exercise for one to two hours every day, but there has been no improvement. Occasionally, my feet cramp at night while I sleep, which is very bothersome. What can I do to impro...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Perform pumping exercises for the upper and lower limbs, similar to the Eagle Claw technique, by slowly curling the toes or fingers; start from the distal ends and move towards the proximal ends, then gradually release the tension. 2. Soak your hands and feet in warm water (a...[Read More] Cold Hands and Feet: Tips to Alleviate Cramps and Improve Circulation
Can Mild Stroke Be Rehabilitated? Expert Insights for Caregivers
Mild stroke? Hello, Doctor! My mother is 63 years old and her health check-up report was very good! However, she seems to have suddenly experienced a mild stroke, with issues in one hand and one foot. Can she undergo rehabilitation? Thank you, Doctor!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. The first six months after a stroke are typically considered the golden period for recovery, during which recovery is generally faster. 2. Once vital signs are stable (such as blood pressure, respiration, pulse, and temperature) and there are no complications or infections, r...[Read More] Can Mild Stroke Be Rehabilitated? Expert Insights for Caregivers
Effective Rehabilitation Treatments for Finger Injuries After Climbing
Finger injury Hello Dr. Chen! Last week I learned rock climbing, and I injured my fingers during the session. After applying heat and using ointment, my joints still feel strange. What rehabilitation treatments can help resolve this issue? Thank you for your response! Brit
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Rock climbing places significant stress on the arms, fingers, and joints. If proper warm-up exercises are not performed, or if climbing is prolonged or too difficult, it can lead to strains of the tendons or joints. 2. If the acute phase has passed (for example, after 24 hou...[Read More] Effective Rehabilitation Treatments for Finger Injuries After Climbing
Understanding Sudden Foot Pain: Causes and Prevention Tips
Swelling and pain in the dorsum of the foot? Hello, Director Chen! My right foot (about 4 centimeters near the ankle) suddenly became so painful during my daily walking routine that I couldn't continue. After applying a hot compress and using a topical anti-inflammatory, the...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. It may be tendonitis of the extensor hallucis longus or the extensor digitorum communis. 2. During the acute phase, apply ice for 10 minutes; in the chronic phase, switch to heat therapy. Anti-inflammatory ointments can also be used. 3. Performing a plantar flexion movement ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Foot Pain: Causes and Prevention Tips
Post-Fracture Care: Essential Tips for Recovery After a Car Accident
Fracture Hello Director Chen! My mother had a car accident and fractured her left leg, which has been put in a cast. Since she is over 50 years old, I am very concerned about how this will affect her ability to walk normally in the future. I would like to ask Director Chen: how s...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. The cast can be removed after 6-8 weeks and replaced with a brace, allowing for early initiation of rehabilitation and strength training. 2. If the wound has not healed, treatments such as laser therapy and ultrasound can be utilized; once the wound has healed, hydrotherapy ca...[Read More] Post-Fracture Care: Essential Tips for Recovery After a Car Accident
Quick Recovery Tips for Skiing Injuries: Managing Bruises and Pain
Bruise Hello, Dr. Chen! Six days ago, I went skiing at Nozawa Onsen in Japan. Due to my poor skills and being overly playful, I fell and experienced significant pain, resulting in a large bruise on my buttocks. What can I do to resolve this quickly? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. You can apply a warm compress for 10 minutes, but be careful to ensure that the skin does not have any open wounds, as this could lead to infection. 2. You can use ointments like "Xylocaine" to help dissolve the bruising, but also be cautious not to apply it on open ...[Read More] Quick Recovery Tips for Skiing Injuries: Managing Bruises and Pain
How to Prevent Nighttime Hand Cramps After Labor-Intensive Work
Hand cramps I have been doing manual labor with my hands for a week, and now I experience cramps in my fingers at night. Initially, it was my little finger, but recently it has been my thumb. Sometimes, I experience cramps twice at night, and after getting up, my fingers feel num...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Drink a cup of warm milk (over 400cc) before bedtime. 2. Soak in warm water (40 degrees Celsius) for 15 minutes. 3. If there is no improvement, you need to see a rehabilitation specialist for an examination (nerve conduction study and electromyography) and treatment.[Read More] How to Prevent Nighttime Hand Cramps After Labor-Intensive Work