Shoulder and elbow injuries in young throwing athletes, both male and female, have become an epidemic in our country. The unprecedented popularity of baseball and softball, the prevalence of year-round seasons and events and the high level of competitiveness at all levels have led to a high incidence of stress fractures, ligament injuries and cartilage damage in young arms. Maturing joints need time to heal from the accumulated repetitive microtrauma that results from prolonged throwing. The best way to protect your child from injury is to adhere to clinically-proven pitch count restrictions and rest periods, to teach proper throwing mechanics and body conditioning, and to allow for a yearly “throwing holiday” period of several months followed by gradual return to sport. These simple recommendations can prevent the majority of this spectrum of overuse injuries. If your child does complain of persistent pain, early evaluation and treatment which typically consists of a brief period of throwing rest and/or a physical therapy regimen can prevent minor conditions from becoming serious injuries.
Dr. Vishal Shah
Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine
What is a Hand Therapist?
A hand therapist is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who, through advanced study and experience, specializes in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity. A hand specialist may also have advanced certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).
What does a Hand Therapist provide?
A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and treat any problem relative to the upper extremities. The hand therapist can effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through postoperative rehabilitation, preventative, non-operative, or conservative treatment, or industry consultation. The therapist works closely with physician and patient to provide a continuum of care. This often starts within days of the injury or surgery right through to the patient’s return to work and/or a productive lifestyle.
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Because of changes in the profession, every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.
The above information is from the American Society of Hand Therapists website. For additional information about Occupational Therapy or Hand Therapy, please visit www.aota.org, www.asht.org, or www.htcc.org.
RBJC offers Occupational Therapy and Hand Therapy at our Sugar Land and Richmond locations. Our department is staffed by an Occupational Therapist who is a Certified Hand Therapist. Our therapist treats patients with conditions from the elbow to the fingers.
Sports Medicine involves the physician and others in determining the course of treatment regarding an injury. With people maintaining higher levels of athletic activity, injuries are occurring in greater percentages. Sports Medicine personnel are trained to evaluate, treat, and assist active people with injuries.
Specially trained orthopedic physicians play a large part in Sports Medicine. The physician, athletic trainer, and physical therapist each have expertise in biomechanics, rehabilitation, fitness and training. They understand the demands of sport activities. Younger athletes involved with baseball, soccer, football, and basketball to gymnastics, swimming, tennis and hockey can benefit from Sports Medicine care. Older athletes who have injuries preventing an active lifestyle experience positive results when consulting members of the Sports Medicine team.
Sports Medicine is not just for athletes on school teams. This specialty is available to physically active people of all ages.
Mike Vara, MEd, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer/Sports Medicine
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common causes of pain. There are a number of activities that may aggravate CTS. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel.
Symptoms may vary and include mild numbness and tingling on the palmar surface of a finger, or a more severe pain that radiates upward towards the shoulder. If untreated, symptoms become worse – affecting wrist, hand, or finger movement, as well as reducing grip strength and disrupting sleep.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is most often treated with non-invasive methods if diagnosed early. These methods include a period of rest from repetitive activity, and the use of anti-inflammatory medication to ease pain and reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release is performed.
Dr. David Hildreth
Orthopedic Surgeon
(Hand, Wrist & Elbow)
My daughter plays soccer and I’ve heard that girls have a high risk for knee injuries. What is your advice and is it ok for her to play?
Many parents of young female athletes have who play soccer have this concern. A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a serious knee injury that is season-ending that generally requires surgery to reconstruct a stable knee. These injuries can lead to an inability to perform athletically, in addition to initiating degenerative changes at the joint level. Current orthopedic literature has found that female athletes are between 2 and 8 times more likely to sustain a noncontact ACL injury than male counterparts. Several of these risk factors have been identified, and there are certain measures in training that can be undertaken to lessen the risk of this complicated injury. It is best if your child’s soccer team implements an ACL Prevention Program which is about 5 minutes and should be a part of their warm-up before practices and games.
Dr. Matthew Mays
Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine
Our Doctors, Sports Medicine | choward | 
April 14, 2010 8:16 pm | 
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