AMERICAN DREAM: BEING PAIN FREE 
It’s a universal theme when I ask patients what they want out of therapy, they say, “get rid of my pain!” No one wants pain. It’s like an unwelcome uncle. As we age the aches and pains linger longer, some stick around and won’t go away. Why is this? To answer this question it does not matter if you are a mechanic, work at CSX or do repetitive activities at home or work. If you did not have a specific injury or accident it maybe some disease process or most typically a case of overuse syndrome of some type. People often say, “I don’t know what started it” or they say “I woke up with it” or “it started at work, I think”. These patients are not sure what started it, but it is not getting better. It could be an achy shoulder, sore elbow, pain in the hand or wrist. Sometimes the neck or the back is sore. We often find stress can be a factor in causing pain especially in the neck or shoulders. Chronic pain that doesn’t let up can cause anxious feelings, depression, tension in the muscles and lack of sleep. We see this a lot, unfortunately. For many people the worst factor can be they are unable to do activity they like to do. It could be playing with the grandkids, work, woodwork, home maintenance, crafts, bowling, or any activity. As Americans we love our freedom. When we can’t do the things we like to do, we usually either get angry or down about it. People who get angry usually do something about it like see their doctor, take over the counter medicine, etc. People who get down are less likely to seek help. They may figure what’s the use? The most important thing is to do something. Find out what your options are, really. Not just what you have heard. Everyone has problems, it is how you handle them that makes the difference. We offer a conservative approach Of treatment at TriState Hand & Occupational Therapy. We listen to you and help you explore your problem and your options. We can do painless nerve testing to help determine if a nerve is the cause of the problem. We can work with your doctor to determine the cause. Often your doctor may order x-rays or other tests if necessary. All this is good data to help you handle your problem. It may also require treatment with moist heat, stretching, light exercise or splinting. Whatever is recommended is based on extensive assessment and evaluation of your problem. The process is explained to you and we encourage you to learn more about your body and your problem. We have learned it is just like anything else. If you got a new appliance and if you knew more about it then you can better operate and take care of it. We believe it’s no different with your body. The more you know about your body the better you will be able to take care of yourself. Is it a dream to be pain free? Maybe. But you will never know unless you find the truth yourself. If you are tired of being a prisoner of pain, give us a call or ask your doctor for a referral. All information is confidential. We are participating providers with all of the major insurance groups in the area including Western Maryland Health System. Dare to dream of managing your pain. Give us a call today at TriState Hand & Occupational Therapy. |
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