22 Feb Feb ’24 news: You’ll Be GLAD you read this one.
Welcome to the February edition of our Newsletter. This month we take a look hand dexterity and how to maintain optimal hand function, we also delve into post-stroke recovery and the role of physiotherapy in rebuilding your strength, and we also share details on our upcoming Osteoarthritis Workshop and how you can get involved.
And for those that missed it, we’ve also updated our booking system to make appointment reminders and cancellations easier, so you can find more on that below also. Enjoy!
Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis Workshop
Have you heard about our upcoming Osteoarthritis Workshop?
Osteoarthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition, which, if left untreated, will only get worse over time. Here at St Leonards Physio, we don’t want osteoarthritis to hold you back, which is why we’re inviting you to join us for our upcoming Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis Workshop.
In this informative session, lead by our practice owner, Peter Sharp, we will delve into our program for osteoarthritis (GLA:D) and how it can help you manage your condition, relieve your pain and increase your mobility.
Peter will be discussing:
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- Osteoarthritis – What is it?
- How do you diagnose Osteoarthritis?
- Treatment for Osteoarthritis. What works and what doesn’t?
- What to expect from the GLA:D training program at St Leonards Physiotherapy.
- Demonstration of practical exercises for hip and knee Osteoarthritis.
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DATE: Monday, 11th March
TIME: 7pm – 8pm
LOCATION: G06/15 Atchison St, St Leonards OR online via webinar.
Don’t miss out on securing your spot at this informative workshop. Contact us on (02) 9438 1782 to register, you’ll be GLA:D you did
Reminders & Cancellations
After listening to feedback from our St Leonard’s client community regarding the rescheduling and booking of classes, we recently made some changes to this process.
The new system is intended to make things easier and bypass the need to contact our front desk and this article covers everything you need to know about the changes.
Blog: Post-Stroke Recovery
Here at St Leonards Physiotherapy, we recognise the challenges individuals face after experiencing a stroke. Our commitment is to provide professional support through evidence-based physiotherapy tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Our latest blog article delves into the details of post-stroke recovery so you’re empowered with knowledge.
If you or a loved one are on the road to recovery after a stroke, know that we’re here to support you every step of the way. Call us for an appointment on (02) 9438 1782.
The Education Quarter
A Physiotherapist’s Guide to Hand Dexterity:
Have you ever stopped to appreciate the intricate dance of your fingers as they effortlessly type, handle keys and tools, create, and express? Your hands are amazing! Yet sometimes the marvel of dexterity fades, slipping from our grasp like grains of sand. The loss of this intricate skill not only alters our routines but also reshapes the way we connect, create, and communicate with the world around us.
The loss of dexterity can stem from various factors, including neurological conditions like neuropathy or stroke, injuries affecting tendons or nerves, arthritis causing joint stiffness, RSI amongst musicians and athletes, or even simple aging, which can diminish muscle strength and flexibility in the hands over time. Each of these factors can impact the intricate coordination necessary for precise hand movements and fine motor skills. But maintaining optimal hand function is crucial for daily activities as well as for your hobbies and passion projects. The good news is that physiotherapy can help, but in the meantime, here are a few suggestions:
Hand Function Maintenance Tips:
1. Dexterity Exercises:
Finger Tapping: Rapidly tap each finger against the thumb, starting with the index finger and moving to the pinky. This exercise enhances finger independence and coordination.
Finger Stretching: Gently stretch and extend fingers, holding each stretch for a few seconds to maintain flexibility.
2. Grip Strengthening:
Hand Grippers: Use hand grippers or stress balls to strengthen hand and forearm muscles. Squeezing exercises help improve grip strength.
Resistance Bands: Wrap a resistance band around fingers and thumb, then open and close the hand against the resistance for strengthening.
3. Fine Motor Skills Activities:
Knitting or Crocheting: These activities involve intricate hand movements that can improve dexterity and coordination.
Playing Musical Instruments: Instruments like piano, guitar, or violin require precise finger movements, aiding in maintaining hand functionality.
4. Wrist Mobility Exercises:
Wrist Circles: Rotate the wrists clockwise and then counterclockwise to maintain wrist flexibility and reduce stiffness.
And then call us for that appointment on (02) 9438 1782. We’ll customise an exercise routine for you after thoroughly assessing you and your unique movement patterns and limitations. We’ll also bring our healing hands to bear to improve your mobility, manage your pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle tension.
Conclusion:
Maintaining hand functionality involves a combination of exercises, activities, and professional guidance. Dexterity exercises, grip strengthening, and fine motor skill activities contribute to preserving hand function. Physiotherapy serves as a valuable resource, offering tailored exercises, manual therapies, pain management strategies, and education to optimise hand health. By incorporating these practices and seeking guidance from physiotherapists, individuals can sustain and improve hand mobility, strength, and coordination, enabling them to continue pursuing their passions and engaging in daily activities with ease. So, reach out to the physiotherapists at St Leonards Physio. We are here to help.
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