Rolling With It

I recently had a chance to say hi to Hoang Tran OT/L, CHT of www.handsOTS.com over a Zoom call. Hands on Therapy Services has a strong reputation ...

More than half of teens with smartphones say texting is their main method of communication. With more than 75 percent of all teens owning smartphones, according to Pew Research Center, it seems safe to say that texting is a firmly established trend. What’s more, by some estimates, adults spend an average of 11 hours each day using electronic media. As a result, people of all ages are experiencing physical effects that really didn’t exist 20 years ago, such as text neck and texting thumb. These physical conditions are the direct result of overuse of electronic devices or a lack of awareness while using them. The good news is that you can avoid the physical discomfort of text fatigue by making a few elemental changes.

As a guitarist, are you experiencing pain due to consistent guitar playing? Guitar Tendonitis may occur if you play a guitar professionally or strictly for leisure purposes. Tendonitis is common among tennis players, golfers, pitchers, swimmers, jumpers, and guitarists. Symptoms may include a dull ache, tenderness, or mild swelling. This is generally caused by repetitive use of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, or heels. Most cases can be resolved through natural methods such as rest and stretching.

Gamer's Thumb involves the inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath or tunnel (called the synovium) that surrounds the two tendons that control movement of the thumb. You may hear it referred to as flexor tenosynovitis, stenosing tenosynovitis, de Quervain's tenosynovitis (dih-kwer-VAINS ten-oh-sine-oh-VIE-tis), or de Quervain syndrome.

Two common stenosing tenosyonvitis diagnoses are:

• DeQuervain's Syndrome - this involves the first dorsal compartment of the wrist
• Trigger finger - this occurs when a fibrous nodule develops in the digital flexor tendon

What is tennis elbow? OrthoInfo describes the condition in the following way:

"Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Not surprisingly, playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. However, several other sports and activities can also put you at risk."

The five recommended foam rolling exercises include wrist extensors, wrist flexors, pronators, supinators, and palms.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a condition that causes one of your fingers to remain stuck in a bent position. Another term for trigger finger is stenosing tenosynovitis (stuh-NO-sing ten-o-sin-o-VIE-tis). Your finger might straighten out with a snap, like a trigger being pulled and released (MayoClinic.org).

What Causes Trigger Finger?

Inflammation will cause a narrowing of the space within the sheath surrounding the tendon in the afflicted finger. If severe, this finger can remain locked in a bent position.

Who is at Risk?

Women, those with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and those working in jobs with repetitive gripping actions are at highest risk for developing trigger finger.

We love finding effective wrist exercises that you can do anywhere -- at your desk, in the ladies room, in the elevator... Below are a couple that we've used. Why not spend a few minutes on your break keeping your wrists healthy? Please share your favorite exercises with us on Facebook!