Managing Left Arm Pain: Insights from Rehabilitation Experts
Left arm pain? Hello Director Chen: The pain in my left scapula disappeared after one day, and then I experienced soreness and weakness in my left arm. Touching the outer muscles causes both pain and soreness, making it difficult to work and sleep. My arm feels almost paralyzed, ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) The soreness in the scapula and left arm may have two possible causes: first, muscle overuse; second, a herniated cervical disc compressing the cervical nerves. (2) Initially, apply topical ointments and heat therapy. After a thorough examination in the rehabilitation departm...[Read More] Managing Left Arm Pain: Insights from Rehabilitation Experts
Managing Muscle Atrophy During Humerus Fracture Recovery
Humeral fracture Hello Director Chen: I have a humeral fracture in my right arm due to a car accident, located near the shoulder. Because there is still an open wound, the doctor can only use a sling for stabilization and cannot apply a cast. During the healing process, will ther...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. You can undergo laser therapy and electrical muscle stimulation in the rehabilitation department to accelerate healing and prevent atrophy. 2. Ultrasound therapy can increase tendon extensibility and prevent stiffness, while "active range of motion exercises" are ben...[Read More] Managing Muscle Atrophy During Humerus Fracture Recovery
Understanding Left Neck and Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Treatments
Pain in the left side of the neck and scapula? Hello Director Chen: Recently, I have been experiencing soreness and pain around the left side of my neck and left scapula. Sometimes when I wake up, my left arm feels numb. A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner suggested that ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. A CT scan or MRI can be performed to assess the condition. 2. Generally, treatments such as thermotherapy, electrical stimulation, and neck strength training can be utilized. 3. If necessary, cervical traction may be performed.[Read More] Understanding Left Neck and Shoulder Blade Pain: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Tennis Injuries: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Tennis injuries Hello Doctor: I was playing tennis and may not have warmed up enough. After a few minutes, I started to feel a dull pain near the lower right rib area. I tried to continue playing, but even deep breathing became very painful. I'm unsure if it's a muscle ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. It may be a strain of the pectoralis major or intercostal muscles. It is advisable not to force yourself to play and to rest for two to three weeks. 2. Rehabilitation may include phototherapy (infrared and laser) and taking analgesics or using topical anti-inflammatory ointm...[Read More] Understanding Tennis Injuries: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights
Effective Treatments for Knee Swelling from Basketball Injuries
Basketball-related injuries Hello Director Chen! Playing basketball often subjects the knees to intense stress, and even with knee braces, it's difficult to avoid knee joint swelling. What treatments can help alleviate this? Will I be able to play basketball in the future? T...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Alternating hot and cold baths can be used for relief. The method is as follows: soak in cold water (approximately 10-14 degrees Celsius) for one minute, then soak in warm water (40-42 degrees Celsius) for five minutes. Repeat this cycle of cold water for one minute and warm ...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Knee Swelling from Basketball Injuries
Understanding Foot Tendon Inflammation: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Achilles tendonitis The patient is a 35-year-old male who experiences foot pain severe enough to prevent walking. This pain typically occurs a few days after consuming beer. He consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed him with tendonitis in the foot, bu...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. It may be gouty arthritis (not a stroke); a blood test to check uric acid levels can confirm this. Gout attacks can cause swelling and make it difficult to walk. 2. Limit alcohol consumption, as it is detrimental to uric acid excretion. 3. If the diagnosis is confirmed, ur...[Read More] Understanding Foot Tendon Inflammation: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Effective Solutions for Herniated Discs and Nerve Compression
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Chen! A herniated disc is compressing the nerves, causing numbness and tingling in the calf and foot. A friend suggested doing pull-ups to recover, but I have my doubts. What is the best way to address this issue? Thank you, Doctor! Best regards, Chao-Min...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Performing pull-ups requires significant arm strength, and the lumbar muscles must be completely relaxed to achieve proper form. 2. It is advisable to visit a rehabilitation department for heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and lumbar traction, as these treatments yield b...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Herniated Discs and Nerve Compression
Post-Surgery Rehab for Rotator Cuff Tear: Effective Physical Therapy Tips
Left shoulder rotator cuff tear? Hello Director Chen! I have a torn rotator cuff due to a car accident. What physical therapy can I do post-surgery to recover more quickly? Thank you! Wān wān
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Rehabilitation can begin three days post-surgery, starting with phototherapy (infrared and laser) and isometric contraction exercises. 2. Once the wound has healed and pain has decreased, treatments such as shortwave therapy, ultrasound, laser therapy, and interferential curre...[Read More] Post-Surgery Rehab for Rotator Cuff Tear: Effective Physical Therapy Tips
Understanding Patellar Tendon Pain at the Tibial Tuberosity
Patellar tendonitis at the tibial tuberosity? Hello Director Chen, I have redness and swelling at the attachment point of the patellar tendon on my tibial tuberosity, and the pain varies depending on my activity level. It is especially painful after running, jumping, or climbing ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. It may be hip ligament inflammation (patellar tendinitis). During the acute phase, ice therapy can be applied; after the acute phase, heat therapy or warm baths can be used. 2. Rehabilitation treatments such as interferential current therapy or ultrasound can be beneficial. ...[Read More] Understanding Patellar Tendon Pain at the Tibial Tuberosity
Rehabilitation Strategies for Boxer's Fracture and Ligament Tear
Finger open fracture with ligament rupture? Hello doctor, I had a car accident on September 13th, resulting in a comminuted fracture of my left hand's ring finger and a ligament tear. I had the metal pins removed on October 4th. What rehabilitation exercises should I do to r...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. If your fingers are too swollen, you can perform a contrast bath method as follows: Soak in warm water (about 104°F) for five minutes. Then soak in cold water (50-60°F) for one minute. Repeat this alternating process five times for a total of 30 minutes, doing it once in the m...[Read More] Rehabilitation Strategies for Boxer's Fracture and Ligament Tear
Understanding Sudden Limb Numbness: Is It a Stroke?
Numbness in the hands and feet? Hello Director Chen! I consulted you about the same issue last Sunday (10/8), but I haven't received a response yet. I'm not sure if my email got lost. I apologize for that! I really want to know your expert opinion, so I'm sending i...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) It may be due to poor circulation; wearing socks and long sleeves while sleeping, keeping warm, and soaking your feet before bed can help. (2) Calcium deficiency can also worsen the condition; drinking warm milk before bed may be beneficial. (3) Nerve root compression in the ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Limb Numbness: Is It a Stroke?
Recovery After Scaphoid Fracture Surgery: The Role of Rehabilitation
Scaphoid fracture Hello, doctor! I have a scaphoid fracture in my left wrist, and the doctor performed internal fixation surgery. It is estimated that I can regain most of the wrist function in about three months. Will undergoing rehabilitation after the surgery help me recover f...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Surgery generally favors external fixation; internal fixation may be considered in cases of comminuted fractures. (2) Rehabilitation can include laser therapy, ultrasound, and joint flexibility exercises. (3) Once the wound has healed, warm water soaks and wrist exercises can...[Read More] Recovery After Scaphoid Fracture Surgery: The Role of Rehabilitation
Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Insights
Shoulder pain Hello, Director Chen! I have been doing household chores daily, such as hanging clothes, scrubbing pots, and cleaning the bathtub, and everything has been smooth for decades. Recently, I suddenly experienced shoulder pain. I initially applied ice to the area and imm...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
(1) Injuries to the rotator cuff can lead to difficulty in raising the arm above 90 degrees for an extended period, which may result in frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). (2) Treatment typically takes about 1 to 2 months, and the recovery period for frozen shoulder is general...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding Knee Pain and Fever After Spinal Surgery: A Rehab Perspective
Meteorological Station vs. Knee Can Also Experience Fever Hello Dr. Pan, it has been a while since I last asked a question. After undergoing my third surgery for herniated disc (HIVD) last year, my recovery went well, and I seemed to have no complications. However, in February of...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
I'm glad to hear that you are recovering well after your surgery. Currently, my rehabilitation physician is quite conservative with my treatment, probably out of fear of being sued! Haha! Generally, for those who have undergone multiple surgeries and are still uncomfortable,...[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain and Fever After Spinal Surgery: A Rehab Perspective
Rehabilitation Options for Patients with Multiple Strokes and Emotional Challenges
Rehabilitation after multiple strokes? Hello, Director Chen! My father has suffered multiple strokes and is now experiencing limb spasticity, frequent delirium, difficulty concentrating, and even a reversal of his day-night cycle. He is also feeling depressed and has had several ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. You can go to the rehabilitation department for heat therapy, stretching exercises, and balance exercises. Physical and occupational therapy can improve limb conditions. 2. If there is a state of delirium, you can consult a psychiatrist; medication can help improve this cond...[Read More] Rehabilitation Options for Patients with Multiple Strokes and Emotional Challenges
Should You Choose Acupuncture or Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder Hello Director Chen: I would like to ask you, regarding frozen shoulder, is acupuncture more effective for quicker recovery, or is physical rehabilitation therapy better? Are swinging arm exercises or hanging from a pull-up bar effective? Thank you! Oasis
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Frozen shoulder is best treated with pendulum exercises; swinging the arms or hanging from a pull-up bar may lead to strains. 2. Physical therapy using deep heat therapy and electrical stimulation is more effective; acupuncture can assist in pain relief and promoting circula...[Read More] Should You Choose Acupuncture or Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder?
Understanding Facial Nerve Paralysis: Rehabilitation and Treatment Options
Color neural paralysis Dear Dr. Chen, My father has a distortion on one side of his face, and there have been significant changes in his facial expressions. He is unable to whistle, saliva is leaking from the corner of his mouth, he has taste disturbances, and there have been ch...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Early administration of corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and prevent the condition from worsening. 2. Generally, it can be classified into viral causes and Bell's palsy (of unknown origin), with some patients possibly experiencing mild residual symptoms. 3. Phy...[Read More] Understanding Facial Nerve Paralysis: Rehabilitation and Treatment Options
Recovering from Crush Injuries: Physical Therapy Insights and Recovery Time
Crush injury Hello Doctor: A few days ago, my right arm was heavily crushed by a collapsing copper sulfide door. The skin injury has healed, but the pain in my arm bone has made it difficult for me to perform tasks. Although I have applied a patch and used ointment, I still canno...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
1. Physical therapy can be performed, including hydrotherapy, thermotherapy, and electrotherapy. 2. You can soak in warm water at home and engage in joint exercises. 3. If there are issues with movement, further neurological examination is necessary.[Read More] Recovering from Crush Injuries: Physical Therapy Insights and Recovery Time
Understanding Cartilage Wear: Pain Relief and Treatment Options for Seniors
Cartilage Hello Doctor: My mother is 60 years old and often feels soreness near her lower back close to the hips. After an X-ray, the doctor said it was due to cartilage wear. She is currently taking anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication, which helps, but the pain returns ...
Dr. Pan Yingda Reply:
Hello: 1. In layman's terms, the cartilage of the spine generally refers to the intervertebral discs. 2. Frequent use of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications can be harmful to the kidneys and stomach. 3. Rehabilitation, acupuncture, or appropriate exercise can be...[Read More] Understanding Cartilage Wear: Pain Relief and Treatment Options for Seniors
Understanding Persistent Pain and Weakness After Spinal Surgery: Key Insights
excuse me? Several years ago, I underwent surgery for a lumbar vertebra fracture due to a car accident. One year post-surgery, I began experiencing pain and weakness in my legs, accompanied by fatigue. Initially, physical therapy alleviated the symptoms, but gradually, neither me...
Dr. Li Weiqiang Reply:
Hello: The weakness in my lower body is getting worse, and I'm not sure if it is becoming more serious. Generally, performing rehabilitation correctly under the guidance of a professional therapist should not cause harm. Could you take some time to return to the outpatient c...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Pain and Weakness After Spinal Surgery: Key Insights