Can Mild Stroke Patients Use Treadmills or Swim Safely?
Mild stroke Can a patient with a mild stroke use a treadmill? Is swimming allowed? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Stroke patients who have recovered well, with good cardiopulmonary function, coordination, balance, and upper and lower limb strength at grade four or above, and who can control themselves indepe...[Read More] Can Mild Stroke Patients Use Treadmills or Swim Safely?
Understanding Falls: Assessing Potential Spine Injuries and Rehab Options
Fall Hello, Dr. Chen! I fell in the bathroom and bruised my hip, making it difficult to sit or turn over while sleeping. Could this potentially injure my spine? Is it advisable to see a rehabilitation specialist? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. During the acute phase, it can be difficult to make a diagnosis. You should start with ice therapy and take analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications, while also ensuring plenty of rest. 2. If ...[Read More] Understanding Falls: Assessing Potential Spine Injuries and Rehab Options
Struggling with Sit-Ups at 21: Understanding the Challenges and Solutions
Sit-up Hello, doctor! I'm only 21 years old, but I can't do a single sit-up, even with a friend holding my feet down. What could be the problem? How can I strengthen myself? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It is possible that you are experiencing muscle weakness due to lack of practice. If you are experiencing pain, there may be an injury to the lumbar spine or vertebrae, and you should seek medical ...[Read More] Struggling with Sit-Ups at 21: Understanding the Challenges and Solutions
Persistent Swelling in Toe After Injury: Seeking Rehabilitation Advice
Swollen toe? About seven weeks ago, I participated in a yoga class and lost my balance, causing my left foot's second toe to hit the floor. It was very painful at the time, and I initially thought it was just a bruise. However, after a month, it still hasn't healed. I h...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. The X-ray of the toes should be examined carefully. It is possible to have a "linear fracture," which can easily be overlooked due to the absence of displacement. Additionally, pay atten...[Read More] Persistent Swelling in Toe After Injury: Seeking Rehabilitation Advice
Understanding Muscle Slippage: Effective Treatments and Recovery Tips
Muscle relaxation or muscle detachment? Hello Dr. Chen, I have a question I would like to ask you: When I was in the second year of high school (16 years old), I was playing basketball. It wasn't a very intense game, but during a jump shot, I injured the tendon inside my lef...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Based on your description, the sliding tendon may be the flexor hallucis longus or tibialis posterior, which could be causing ankle instability due to injury (including the tendon and the medial a...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Slippage: Effective Treatments and Recovery Tips
Understanding and Preventing Sudden Buttock Cramps: Expert Insights
It feels like I have a cramp in my right buttock..? Hello Dr. Chen, I work in a labor-intensive job (in a steel factory) and often experience improper and excessive strain. Previously, while going down the stairs, I suddenly experienced severe cramping pain on the right side of m...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: Generally, there are two possible causes: 1. One possibility is a lumbar disc herniation or even a slippage, which can suddenly compress the sciatic nerve during m...[Read More] Understanding and Preventing Sudden Buttock Cramps: Expert Insights
Post-Surgery Care for Open Fractures in Elderly Patients
Fracture Yesterday afternoon, my grandfather was busy with religious rituals and tripped over the threshold, falling hard and injuring himself. He was taken to the hospital with bruises and swelling. The doctor diagnosed him with an open fracture of the right hand, and he underwe...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Three days after surgery, you can request the orthopedic surgeon to refer you to the rehabilitation department for initial treatments such as laser therap...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care for Open Fractures in Elderly Patients
Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Recovery Time and Activity Restrictions
Clavicle fracture Dear Doctor: I have a right clavicle fracture due to a car accident. The emergency physician said that surgery is not necessary and that using a figure-eight sling for stabilization will suffice, and it will heal naturally in a few months. The doctor seemed very...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. For a clavicle fracture without displacement, you may consider using a figure-of-eight bandage for approximately three months for healing. 2. During this time, rehabilitation can still be per...[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: Recovery Time and Activity Restrictions
How to Alleviate Neck Stiffness in Seniors: Tips for Relief
Neck stiffness I have a question. My mother has been experiencing stiffness in her neck these past few days, especially when she tries to lift her head, which feels very tense. Today, I noticed she often lies in bed and lets her head droop down, saying that position feels more co...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. I recommend applying heat therapy and gently massaging the area. 2. You can also apply pressure to the dorsal wrist point and the Luo Zhen point (located between the second and third metacarpal bone...[Read More] How to Alleviate Neck Stiffness in Seniors: Tips for Relief
Understanding Concussion Risks and Rehabilitation Needs After a Car Accident
Contusion Hello, Director Chen! Yesterday, while driving downhill, the car behind me suddenly lost its brakes, and my head was struck by the seat back. My right hand hit the steering wheel, and I have been experiencing bruising and pain from my wrist to my elbow. Currently, I als...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. You may be experiencing a mild concussion. It is advisable to rest for a few days. If you do not experience vomiting or other concerning symptoms (such as elevated blood pressure or blurred visi...[Read More] Understanding Concussion Risks and Rehabilitation Needs After a Car Accident
Managing Hunchback in Seniors: Tips for Care and Rehabilitation
Hunchback issue Hello, doctor! My grandfather is 72 years old and has had a hunchback for many years. He takes calcium supplements and drinks pork bone soup every day. What else should we pay attention to? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following recommendations: 1. You have already noted the importance of food and medication, but it is also essential to be aware of potential side effects. 2. Deep heat therapy and elec...[Read More] Managing Hunchback in Seniors: Tips for Care and Rehabilitation
Should You Consider Spinal Decompression for Spondylolisthesis?
Lower back pain? My uncle has sciatica, and the rehabilitation physician took an X-ray and said there is lumbar spondylolisthesis. Should he undergo lumbar traction or not?
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. The purpose of lumbar traction is to alleviate sciatica and address issues related to nerve compression in the lumbar spine. Traction should only be consider...[Read More] Should You Consider Spinal Decompression for Spondylolisthesis?
Can Cycling Be Safe for My Father After Mild Strokes?
Mild stroke My father has had two strokes in the past three years, but fortunately, they were mild. Recently, he wants to switch from walking to riding a bicycle for exercise. Is this advisable given his condition? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. When cycling, consider the following points: a. Balance issues b. Cardiopulmonary function c. Muscle strength and joint range of motion d. C...[Read More] Can Cycling Be Safe for My Father After Mild Strokes?
Importance of Wearing Braces After ACL Surgery: Risks of Not Using Them
Protective gear Hello Dr. Chen, I just had anterior cruciate ligament surgery. The doctor told me to wear a brace. I would like to ask what would happen if I don't wear it? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following recommendations: 1. After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, it is usually necessary to wear a brace, as the function of the ACL is to prevent the tibia from sliding forw...[Read More] Importance of Wearing Braces After ACL Surgery: Risks of Not Using Them
Understanding Shoulder Pain: Can Old Injuries Resurface?
Shoulder pain Hello, doctor! My mother underwent rehabilitation for frozen shoulder and has since recovered. Recently, she mentioned that she feels something unusual. Could her old condition be relapsing? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the synovial fluid becomes thicker and stickier, making it easy to develop adhesions if joint movement is not performed...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain: Can Old Injuries Resurface?
Understanding Upper Back Pain After Lumbar Fracture: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain in the upper back? I had a car accident last December that resulted in compression fractures of the first to third lumbar vertebrae. The doctor said they were very minor and prescribed medication for me, stating that as long as I was not in pain, I would be fine. After...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Regarding your lumbar spine, in addition to the compression fracture, there may be issues such as scoliosis or excessive lordosis. It is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent co...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Pain After Lumbar Fracture: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Thigh Pain: Causes and Solutions for Sciatica Issues
Thigh pain I have recently been experiencing sharp pain in the front of my thigh, especially after cycling. The doctor diagnosed it as sciatica, and I have been stretching my lower back for a month without improvement. What could be the issue?
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. The muscles in the front of the thigh are not innervated by the sciatic nerve; they are innervated by the femoral nerve, which originates from the lumbar nerve r...[Read More] Understanding Thigh Pain: Causes and Solutions for Sciatica Issues
Understanding Knee Pain and Swelling: Treatment Options Beyond Surgery
Knee swelling and pain? My mother's left knee has been swollen and painful for the past six months. We took her to a teaching hospital where the orthopedic doctor suggested a knee replacement, which scared her. Last week, she was unable to walk due to the pain, so we went to...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Regarding knee osteoarthritis, commonly known as bone spurs, whether to undergo surgery or physical therapy depends on the symptoms: A. The severity o...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain and Swelling: Treatment Options Beyond Surgery
Effective Solutions for Chronic Lower Back Pain After Injury
Lower back pain? When I was 22 years old and studying abroad in the UK, I experienced bungee jumping and ended up straining my lower back. I felt some soreness, but after applying a pain relief patch, I didn't notice much discomfort. However, a few years later, I frequently ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide some suggestions. 1. If you are experiencing lower back pain that radiates to the lower limbs, this may be a symptom of lumbar nerve root compression. X-rays can only show the alignment ...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Chronic Lower Back Pain After Injury
Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Numbness in the hands? I often experience numbness in my left hand, starting from the fingertips and then spreading to the entire palm. It occasionally occurs while riding a motorcycle, and when I sit in a certain position, my hand goes numb. Additionally, when I sleep on my left...
Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. The sources of nerve issues often include cervical nerve compression and median nerve compression (carpal tunnel syndrome). 2. Peripheral neuropathy can b...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help