Exploring Yuanlu Therapy: A New Approach to Pain Relief in Rehabilitation
Distal Acupuncture Therapy Hello, Doctor! Currently, there is a new treatment method in Taiwan called "Distant Meridian Therapy," which combines the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) meridians with scientific validation from Western medicine. Using just t...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) The principles of distant therapy are similar to those of acupressure. (2) When a part of the body is in pain, there is a corresponding area on the opposite side of the body. (3) In addition to conditions such as physical weakness, cancer, and unstable blood pressure, it can ...[Read More] Exploring Yuanlu Therapy: A New Approach to Pain Relief in Rehabilitation
Effective Treatments for Osteoarthritis: Do They Really Work?
Degenerative arthritis Hello, Director Chen! My grandmother is suffering from degenerative arthritis, and the doctor has suggested joint replacement, but she is hesitant. She has tried acupuncture, corticosteroid injections, and collagen supplements, but none of these remedies ha...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Chondroitin and glucosamine are covered by health insurance only when there is a certain degree of bone damage. (2) Hyaluronic acid is primarily used in the knee joint to provide lubrication and reduce pain. (3) Please strengthen muscle training.[Read More] Effective Treatments for Osteoarthritis: Do They Really Work?
Are Vibrating Waist Trainers Safe? Expert Insights on Health Risks
Shapewear Hello, Dr. Chen! Recently, a television report highlighted the popularity of body-shaping belts that vibrate strongly when worn around the waist, especially among women who want to enhance their appearance. However, the Taiwan Environmental Protection Alliance has annou...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. The principle of electromagnetic wave weight loss has not been confirmed. 2. Rehabilitation can achieve weight loss goals through fitness assessment and training methods. 3. Weight loss is best achieved through dietary control and exercise.[Read More] Are Vibrating Waist Trainers Safe? Expert Insights on Health Risks
Understanding Common Ankle Injuries and Foot Pain in Athletes
Sports injuries Hello, Dr. Chen! According to a report from the China Times, Dr. Yuan Li-Ren from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's orthopedic department stated that the most common sports injuries in the ankle are ankle sprains, particularly with a higher incidence of lateral ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Pain in the arch of the foot is mostly due to muscle or ligament strains. 2. Physical therapy focuses on pain relief and increasing strength. 3. It is necessary to use shoes with insoles for support.[Read More] Understanding Common Ankle Injuries and Foot Pain in Athletes
Understanding Botox for Calf Slimming: Safety and Effectiveness Explained
Botulinum toxin Hello, Director Chen! At the beginning of the month, I came across a report about botulinum toxin, which piqued my curiosity and skepticism! Botulinum toxin can be used to treat "cankles," utilizing the principle of "disuse atrophy" to reduce m...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. It can lead to muscle atrophy and weight loss, which may slightly affect walking strength. 2. It may cause muscle fibrosis or necrosis. 3. Physical therapy focusing on strength training has a slower improvement rate.[Read More] Understanding Botox for Calf Slimming: Safety and Effectiveness Explained
Can Laser Treatment Help with Varicose Veins? A Rehab Perspective
Varicose veins Hello Dr. Chen! I recently saw a news report about a woman whose varicose veins were so severe that her legs resembled gnarled tree roots. She later underwent laser treatment and ended up with beautiful legs. As a working professional, I also have this issue and wo...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Rehabilitation devices with circulatory compression are used to treat mild varicose veins. (2) Dermatological lasers are of medium intensity and are used to treat mild to moderate varicose veins, but they require out-of-pocket payment as they are not covered by health insuran...[Read More] Can Laser Treatment Help with Varicose Veins? A Rehab Perspective
Breakthroughs in Parkinson's and Essential Tremor Treatment: Rehabilitation Insights
Parkinson's disease Hello Director: There have been significant breakthroughs in surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. National Taiwan University Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital have both announced successful cases of deep brain elec...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease has shown good results, often more effective than medication. (2) Risks include potential infections, seizures, and hemorrhagic strokes. (3) Rehabilitation involves applying heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and exercise...[Read More] Breakthroughs in Parkinson's and Essential Tremor Treatment: Rehabilitation Insights
Relieving Neck and Shoulder Pain: Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Solutions
Shoulder and neck pain? Hello, Doctor! On August 18, a report from the Central Broadcasting System mentioned a 32-year-old woman who experienced shoulder and neck discomfort due to work-related stress. She sought treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, who fou...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Needle punctures in the skin may lead to infection. (2) Rehabilitation can utilize electrical stimulation and ultrasound, achieving similar effects. (3) Intradermal needles provide continuous stimulation, which is stronger than acupuncture, but may lead to overstimulation.[Read More] Relieving Neck and Shoulder Pain: Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Solutions
Understanding Alzheimer's: Signs, Symptoms, and Self-Assessment Tips
Alzheimer's disease Hello Doctor: I have experienced a brief episode of memory loss, where familiar people suddenly seemed very strange to me, and everything around me felt blank. I even felt inexplicable fear regarding my own home and belongings, and I spoke incoherently, f...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Early-stage Alzheimer's disease indeed presents with issues related to memory loss concerning time and place, but it gradually worsens to the point where the individual is unable to care for themselves. (2) Transient amnesia may be triggered by psychological stress, occu...[Read More] Understanding Alzheimer's: Signs, Symptoms, and Self-Assessment Tips
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Essential for Hip Surgery Recovery?
Postoperative rehabilitation Hello, doctor! A family member has recently undergone hip surgery and is currently resting at home. Does she need to undergo rehabilitation therapy? Will there be any long-term mobility issues? Please respond! Thank you! LoLo
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Rehabilitation is required, starting with deep heat therapy and strength training. 2. Avoid excessive flexion and adduction of the hip joint. 3. A pillow can be placed between the knees to prevent the aforementioned undesirable movements.[Read More] Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Essential for Hip Surgery Recovery?
Effective Finger Rehabilitation After Volleyball Injuries: What to Expect
Finger rehabilitation Hello Director Chen! I injured my finger while playing volleyball during the setting motion. I didn't think much of it and applied hot compresses and ointment, naively waiting for it to heal. However, the situation has worsened; I can no longer play, an...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
1. Rehabilitation can help recover more quickly. 2. Soaking in warm water at home is beneficial, and topical ointments can also help. 3. Rehabilitation will include paraffin therapy, ultrasound, and electrical therapy.[Read More] Effective Finger Rehabilitation After Volleyball Injuries: What to Expect
Understanding Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Strategies
Muscle pain Hello, doctor! Occasionally, I experience muscle cramps and pain in my arms and legs, which feels like millions of needles stabbing into the muscles. Sometimes the pain seems to move around erratically. I can see a tangled appearance in my arms and the back of my hand...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) It may be a case of radiculopathy, which can have various causes, including cervical and lumbar osteophytes and intervertebral disc herniation. Peripheral neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy are also potential causes. (2) You can consult a neurologist or a rehabilitation speci...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Strategies
Understanding Growing Pains in Children: Causes and Treatment Options
Growing pains Dear Doctor, thank you for your response! The growth process of young children can be quite challenging for parents. They often cry out in pain and wake up at night, leaving adults feeling confused and helpless, especially since children cannot clearly express where...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Growing pains must first rule out other conditions, including muscle and tendon inflammation, neuropathic pain, and tumors. (2) Heat therapy or a small amount of analgesics can be used. (3) Rehabilitation is effective, including thermotherapy and strength training.[Read More] Understanding Growing Pains in Children: Causes and Treatment Options
Is a Massage Chair a Good Gift for Seniors? Expert Insights on Benefits
Massage device Hello, doctor! To relieve or alleviate aches and pains, it's common for older adults to use a metal rod, rhythmically tapping and striking it, seemingly managing everything on their own without needing assistance! Recently, it seems to have become popular, as ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Massage chairs primarily serve to relax muscles and reduce pain, but controlling the intensity of the massage can be challenging. (2) It is advisable to consult a rehabilitation physician or therapist first.[Read More] Is a Massage Chair a Good Gift for Seniors? Expert Insights on Benefits
Understanding Elbow Joint Issues: Rehabilitation Tips for Aging Hands
Elbow joint Dr. Chen, greetings! In my younger years, I worked hard and managed the household, like a candle burning at both ends. After work, I would pick up the children and handle household chores, fearing that a crying child might cause a hernia. I would carry them on my back...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Glucosamine strengthens the cartilage, while calcium supplements, milk, and small dried fish are used to support the hard bone. Both are not mutually exclusive. (2) It is best to undergo a nerve conduction study for the wrist to determine the location and severity before trea...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Joint Issues: Rehabilitation Tips for Aging Hands
Exploring Pilates Equipment for Rehabilitation and Core Strength
About Pilates equipment? Hello Director Chen! In our busy modern urban life, many people have areas that require mild rehabilitation. For instance, many office workers experience shoulder and neck tension due to prolonged sitting and computer use, leading to discomfort in the sho...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Pilates exercises are indeed beneficial for strengthening the core muscle groups, allowing patients to progressively control muscles from distal to proximal, which can lead to increased strength and stability. (2) Whether it can achieve aesthetic curves remains uncertain. (3)...[Read More] Exploring Pilates Equipment for Rehabilitation and Core Strength
Understanding Leg Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Doctor
Frequent foot pain? Hello Doctor: I am 30 years old, unmarried, 160 cm tall, and weigh 80 kg. Whenever it rains or when I am exposed to a fan or air conditioning, my feet become very sore, to the point where I feel like I need to squat down. My knees also hurt. Sometimes, even wi...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) It may be degenerative arthritis or soft tissue rheumatism. (2) You can consult a rehabilitation specialist or a rheumatologist. (3) It is important to keep the legs warm and to strengthen muscle and flexibility training. (4) Foods rich in collagen, such as beef tendons, can ...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Doctor
Can Gout Be Cured? Rehabilitation Options for Effective Treatment
Gout Hello Dr. Chen! My friend frequently experiences gout attacks, during which he is unable to walk, and he still limps for several days afterward. He has tried traditional Chinese medicine, but it has not been effective. He is concerned that Western medications may harm his li...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Gout should be managed through diet and exercise; a low-purine diet is recommended (resources available online). (2) Engage in moderate exercise, drink plenty of water, and elevate the feet. (3) If there are more than five episodes in a year, it is advisable to use colchicine...[Read More] Can Gout Be Cured? Rehabilitation Options for Effective Treatment
Preventing Recurrent Dislocations: Tips for Safe Physical Activity and Nutrition
Dislocation Hello, Dr. Chen! When I was in middle school, I fell and dislocated my foot and injured my ankle, which required a cast. Later, I became careless, and the old injury recurred, becoming habitual! I am still very cautious about it! I dare not engage in intense sports li...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) Try to avoid running and jumping; swimming is recommended. (2) There are no dietary restrictions. (3) Engage in exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the calves and soles of the feet, such as foot lifts, ball rolling, and stretching the hamstrings.[Read More] Preventing Recurrent Dislocations: Tips for Safe Physical Activity and Nutrition
Do Elderly Patients Need to Remove Bone Pins After Fractures?
Fracture Hello Dr. Chen! I hope you don't mind me asking! My father is 68 years old and fell a year and a half ago, resulting in a closed fracture of his right calf. He had a metal rod inserted, and the doctor said it doesn't need to be removed, which has caused him a l...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) In older adults, it is not always necessary to remove steel pins after a fracture. (2) The decision depends on the healing status of the bone; if healing is poor, removal may not be possible. (3) Steel pins are generally made of high-quality materials that do not easily react...[Read More] Do Elderly Patients Need to Remove Bone Pins After Fractures?