Monthly Archives: September 2013

The Benefits of Soft Tissue Massage

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If you’re an athlete, or associate with athletes, you’ve likely heard of someone visiting a specialist for a soft tissue massage. Soft tissue massages are especially popular among athletes because they help prevent injury.

Soft tissues include muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Applying firm direct pressure to an affected area can help prime an athlete’s muscle tissues before a heavy bout of exertion. This form of massage also helps muscles relax and minimizes an athlete’s stiffness after a race or sporting event. But, soft tissue massages, especially those conducted on the hand, wrist, and arm, offer benefits for a number of people, not just those who have a game tomorrow!

Soft tissue massage can support and benefit:

  • Those with a hand injury: Since soft tissues tend to tighten up following an injury, soft tissue massage helps to achieve relaxation, pain relief, and eventually a return to mobility.
  • Those with inflammation or swelling: Soft tissue massage has been proven an effective method for increasing the absorption of excess fluids and reducing swelling in soft tissues.
  • Those with general discomfort: Recurring pain from past wounds, burns, breaks, fractures, and even amputations can be treated with soft tissue massage.

Every patient and situation is different, therefore soft tissue massage treatment at Midwest Hand Therapy is customized for each person. If you are an athlete, or someone that is experiencing discomfort, inflammation, or swelling, we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact our team for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation: (586) 532-0803.

What Causes Joint Numbness In The Hand?

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Are you experiencing joint numbness or tingling in your hands? There are various conditions associated with joint numbness and tingling. While no amount of online research can substitute for a professional consultation and diagnosis, here are some of the most common causes of joint numbness:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common cause of joint numbness. It occurs when the median nerve that controls movement and sensation in the hand is squeezed or compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel (a narrow passage in the wrist designed to protect the nerve). This pressure causes irritation of the nerve and often results in numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand and fingers.

Trigger Finger or Trigger Thumb: Repetitive motion injuries such as trigger finger or trigger thumb can also cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Trigger finger and trigger thumb often occur due to an occupation or hobby that requires intense and repetitive hand motions each day (for example, operating a hand tool, playing a guitar, or sewing).

Tendonitis: Tendonitis is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but is the inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon (no one tendon in particular). When tendons in the wrist or near the hand are affected by tendonitis, symptoms may include a burning sensation, hand numbness and tingling.

Until your condition is properly diagnosed, it cannot be treated. As mentioned earlier, there is no substitute for a professional consultation. For more information on joint numbness or to schedule an appointment, contact Midwest Hand Therapy.