Managing Bone Spurs: Rehabilitation vs. Traditional Chinese Medicine Options
Bone spur Hello, Dr. Chen! My brother has bone spurs on his spine, and the surgeon recommended surgery, which scared him. He is also worried about potential side effects, so he decided to consult traditional Chinese medicine instead. The TCM treatment for bone spurs involves reha...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) If there is severe nerve compression causing muscle atrophy or compression of the nerves responsible for urination, surgical treatment should be considered. (2) Traditional Chinese medicine can reduce pain, and acupuncture can have similar effects. (3) Manual therapy carries ...[Read More] Managing Bone Spurs: Rehabilitation vs. Traditional Chinese Medicine Options
Calcium Supplements: Are They Effective for Long-Term Bone Health?
Calcium supplementation Hello, Director Chen! According to a study on osteoporosis reported by Agence France-Presse from Paris on the 15th, calcium supplementation does not strengthen bones in the long term. This research, conducted by the Monash Institute in Australia, re-evalua...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Whether calcium supplements can benefit bone health depends on several factors: (1) the solubility of the calcium supplement (for example, calcium citrate and calcium lactate have higher solubility), (2) the need for vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption, (3) whether the bon...[Read More] Calcium Supplements: Are They Effective for Long-Term Bone Health?
Understanding Stroke Rehabilitation: Estrogen's Role in Recovery
Stroke Hello Director Chen, My father is 77 years old and takes his antihypertensive medication regularly to control his high blood pressure. However, two weeks ago, he experienced a mild stroke, resulting in slight drooping of the right side of his face and mouth. I recall a re...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Currently, hospitals in Taiwan primarily use thrombolytic agents for dissolving blood clots, which must be accompanied by close monitoring equipment, and they are only suitable for embolic strokes. (2) I have heard about using estrogen to treat strokes; please consult a medic...[Read More] Understanding Stroke Rehabilitation: Estrogen's Role in Recovery
Managing Lower Back Pain: Rehabilitation and Home Care Tips
Lower back pain? Hello, Doctor! My aunt often experiences lower back pain after sitting, standing, or lying down for extended periods. The pain frequently radiates down to both sides of her buttocks or lower limbs, and sometimes she experiences numbness, weakness, or decreased re...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. There may be lumbar nerve compression syndrome, which can cause numbness and weakness in the lower limbs. 2. At home, you can perform knee-to-chest exercises while lying on your back to stretch and soften the back muscles. 3. You can visit a rehabilitation department for d...[Read More] Managing Lower Back Pain: Rehabilitation and Home Care Tips
Understanding Hip Pain After a Fall: Rehabilitation Options for Seniors
Hip pain Hello, Doctor! My mother is nearly 60 years old and two weeks ago, she fell in the bathroom, landing hard on the floor. She immediately experienced a significant bruise on her hip but did not pay much attention to it. However, two weeks later, she is now experiencing pai...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. It may be piriformis syndrome (a small muscle that externally rotates the femur) or sciatica due to lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. 2. Both of these conditions can be evaluated and managed by a rehabilitation specialist. 3. Treatment typically includes lumbar tracti...[Read More] Understanding Hip Pain After a Fall: Rehabilitation Options for Seniors
Addressing Speech Development Issues in Children of Older Mothers
Abnormal auditory perception issues? Hello Director Chen! A friend of mine married later in life, and his wife gave birth to their first child at the age of 40. The child is now 3 years old and has poor language skills, only able to say a few words, and his speech is unclear, whi...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. You can visit a pediatric neurology or rehabilitation department to check for developmental delays or other issues. 2. Early intervention is crucial, as language problems are often not merely simple language delays; they are frequently accompanied by issues related to the nerv...[Read More] Addressing Speech Development Issues in Children of Older Mothers
Are Bamboo Vinegar Patches Effective for Pain Relief in Seniors?
Adhesive patch Hello, Doctor! Many older individuals around me often use pain relief patches, but after using the same brand for a long time, they feel it becomes ineffective. On September 16, a report from Minshi News Network mentioned a bamboo vinegar health patch imported from...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. The effects of patches and ointments are similar, providing pain relief. 2. Toxins cannot be reduced to the soles of the feet through patches; they only have a localized effect. 3. It is better to seek deep heat therapy at a rehabilitation department.[Read More] Are Bamboo Vinegar Patches Effective for Pain Relief in Seniors?
Understanding Knee Fractures in Seniors: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Patellar fracture Hello, Doctor! My friend's 66-year-old mother suddenly fractured her right leg at the knee while walking last Tuesday. She was rushed to the hospital, where they inserted pins for stabilization, and she was discharged after three days. She is worried about ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. There may be several possibilities including simple fractures, osteoporosis, knee ligament damage, and bone cancer. 2. Three days post-surgery, you can schedule an appointment with the rehabilitation department for laser therapy or other phototherapy, and receive health educ...[Read More] Understanding Knee Fractures in Seniors: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Autism: Signs, Diagnosis, and Communication Strategies for Children
Children with autism Hello Doctor: My cousin endured three days and nights of labor, and the development of the baby has been somewhat affected. He is now two and a half years old and often makes random noises and babbles. He expresses himself through body language and gestures, ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. The diagnosis of autism should be made by a pediatric neurologist, pediatric psychiatrist, and rehabilitation specialist. 2. In addition to clinical behavioral observation, assessment scales must be completed. Generally, autism manifests before the age of two and a half, chara...[Read More] Understanding Autism: Signs, Diagnosis, and Communication Strategies for Children
Understanding and Managing Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Solutions
Shoulder blade pain? Hello, Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my left scapula, which prevents me from sleeping. It is very uncomfortable to turn over or move my head. I can't tolerate a pillow that is even slightly too high; I can only sleep with ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Lifting heavy objects with the hands or using improper posture. 2. Compression of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves, leading to prolonged muscle tension. 3. Heat therapy can be applied at home, or deep heat therapy at a rehabilitation clinic is recommended for better results...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Solutions
Managing Chronic Pain from Old Injuries: Rehabilitation Insights
Old injury pain? Hello Dr. Chen: About 12 years ago, I fell off my motorcycle and my right leg was heavily crushed by the bike, resulting in severe bruising and a depression in the tibia. Even now, the area remains sunken. While the cosmetic aspect is secondary, the main issue is...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. There may be damage to the periosteum; if overused, pain may recur. 2. You can go to the rehabilitation department for electrical therapy, ultrasound, or laser treatment to improve circulation. 3. Apply heat at home and use a blanket to keep the lower legs warm while sleeping.[Read More] Managing Chronic Pain from Old Injuries: Rehabilitation Insights
Can Rehabilitation Help Relieve Chronic Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain? Hello, Dr. Chen! I often experience lower back pain, and the doctor suspects I have bone spurs. However, the X-rays did not show any. Perhaps the stress from work is too much. To cope with work, I received a 20cc intravenous injection of a muscle relaxant, which ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Rehabilitation treatment for back pain includes superficial and deep heat therapy, along with electrical therapy (interferential current therapy). 2. It is essential to incorporate flexibility exercises for the abdominal and back muscles, as well as strength training exercis...[Read More] Can Rehabilitation Help Relieve Chronic Lower Back Pain?
Understanding Knee Joint Issues: Causes and Care for Runners
Knee joint Hello, Doctor! I have been jogging for about 4 years, running 4 to 5 kilometers each time. I do warm-up exercises before running and stretch afterward to eliminate some lactic acid. Recently, I've been experiencing a grinding sound in my left knee joint when walki...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. It may be a phenomenon of knee joint degeneration. 2. The dosage of glucosamine is approximately 3 tablets per day (totaling 1000 mg), and calcium supplements are about 800 mg. 3. It is necessary to perform more leg elevation exercises to increase thigh muscle strength and...[Read More] Understanding Knee Joint Issues: Causes and Care for Runners
Understanding Ankle Sprain Recovery: Addressing Persistent Pain Issues
Ankle sprain Hello Dr. Chen! I sprained my right ankle, and after it healed, I have been experiencing pain in the muscles along the side of my leg from the ankle to the knee for over a month. The pain is particularly severe when walking. I consulted an orthopedic doctor who infor...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) It is possible that the injury is to the peroneus longus muscle on the lateral side of the calf, caused by a sprained ankle at the time of injury and compensatory gait to avoid pain. (2) Alternating hot and cold baths for the calf can be used, with the method being to soak in...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Sprain Recovery: Addressing Persistent Pain Issues
Managing Sciatica: Can Physical Therapy Provide Relief?
Sciatica Hello, Dr. Chen! I often experience pain that radiates from my buttocks down to the sides or back of my legs, even reaching my feet and toes. In addition to the pain, I also have sensations of numbness, weakness, swelling, and coldness. These discomforting feelings worse...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) It may be caused by a herniated intervertebral disc compressing the sciatic nerve. (2) Rehabilitation can include heat therapy, interferential current therapy, and lumbar traction treatment, with about 70-80% improvement expected. (3) If ineffective, consider surgery (consult...[Read More] Managing Sciatica: Can Physical Therapy Provide Relief?
Understanding Neck Stiffness: Causes and Rehabilitation Solutions
Stiff neck Hello, Director Chen! Recently, I've been experiencing significant stiffness in my neck, making it difficult to turn my head side to side or up and down. I especially feel pain when nodding or looking up. I find myself lying down to watch TV to avoid sitting in a ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. It may be caused by muscle inflammation due to poor posture or intervertebral disc herniation. 2. You can seek treatment in the rehabilitation department for heat therapy and cervical traction (low weight). 3. Heat application can help reduce pain.[Read More] Understanding Neck Stiffness: Causes and Rehabilitation Solutions
Can Rehabilitation Therapy Heal Herniated Discs? Tips for Recovery
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Chen! I have seen a physician who diagnosed me with a herniated disc and I have been undergoing treatment for some time now, but I don't seem to feel much improvement. Perhaps the stress from work is hindering my recovery, or maybe I presented with m...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Rehabilitation traction can relieve pressure on the compressed nerve from the intervertebral disc, with an improvement rate of about 70%-80%. 2. However, if the herniation is too severe and cannot be repositioned through traction, neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery may be nece...[Read More] Can Rehabilitation Therapy Heal Herniated Discs? Tips for Recovery
Understanding Habitual Jaw Dislocation: Treatment and Rehabilitation Options
Habitual dislocation Hello Director Chen! My uncle has a habit of experiencing recurrent jaw dislocation. Whenever he yawns or laughs loudly, he faces this issue, but he can usually pop his jaw back into place by pushing it upward from below. Today, I heard on the radio about a m...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. This is caused by the laxity of the temporomandibular joint ligaments. 2. The rehabilitation department can use ultrasound to soften the joint, but it cannot treat joint instability. If it occurs frequently, surgical intervention should be considered.[Read More] Understanding Habitual Jaw Dislocation: Treatment and Rehabilitation Options
Understanding Post-Hip Surgery: Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy, and Recovery
Postoperative hip surgery Hello, Doctor! My family member underwent hip surgery a month and a half ago. After returning home, they followed the doctor's advice to put weight on the leg and walk outside, but they are experiencing pain and discomfort. They have also noticed a ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) In the first week after hip joint surgery, it is advisable to focus on strengthening lower limb muscle strength. (2) The patient should gradually progress in weight-bearing from 1/4 to 1/3 to 1/2, until achieving full weight-bearing. (3) Progression should be made from using ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Hip Surgery: Pain, Leg Length Discrepancy, and Recovery
Effective Hip and Waist Support Gear for Injury Prevention
Lumbar and pelvic support equipment? Good day, Doctor. I often experience numbness in my legs, along with back pain and discomfort in my lower back. I came across a report from the China Times that mentioned Johnson's rehabilitation equipment introducing a new hip joint supp...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Waist and hip protective pants may reduce the impact force during falls. (2) The drawbacks include being too hot and uncomfortable, and they may also affect joint mobility. (3) They can be considered for elderly individuals with dementia.[Read More] Effective Hip and Waist Support Gear for Injury Prevention