Shoulder symptoms led to an average of 9.6 million physician visits in 2015 and 2016 in the United States. The most common cause of those shoulder symptoms? Rotator-cuff disorders. Nonoperative treatment, such as physical therapy, is the typical approach to treating rotator-cuff tears. However, surgery is considered in certain patients whose rotator-cuff tears don't resolve with nonoperative treatments.
Complex traumatic hand injuries have been identified as stressful and life-changing events. Given the importance of the ability to use the hand in all aspects of life, individuals with complex traumatic hand injuries may experience serious consequences in physical, psychological, and overall social wellbeing. Current research has described the effects of complex traumatic hand injuries including, but not limited to, mental health issues that can limit functional outcomes.
Finger sprains and dislocations are common hand injuries. A sprain happens when the tough tissue that supports a joint is stretched too far. This tissue, called a ligament, can be partially or completely torn. The joint may also be dislocated.
Certain hand exercises can help relieve pressure on the median nerve and alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Exercises include stretches, wrist extensions, hand squeezing, and more.
A rotator cuff tear is marked by damage to one (or more) of the four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Warning signs of a torn rotator cuff are typically felt in the shoulder area. Both partial rotator cuff tears and complete, full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCTs) can make arm movements difficult and cause sharp pain or a dull ache in the shoulder that worsens at night.
