Take Back Control of Your Body 
The article on taking back control of your body will follow out introduction of one of our newest therapists, Tobi M. Smith, OTR/L. “ Previous to residing in Maryland I received my education at Mt. Aloysius College in Cresson, PA where I earned my B.S. in Occupational Therapy. After graduating I was employed at Rappanhannock General Hospital in Kilmarnock, Virginia. In June of 2004 I joined Tri-State Hand and Occupational Therapy, Inc. shortly after that.” “My personal philosophy in Occupational Therapy is to treat the individual, alleviating physical ailments and returning them to a full active lifestyle and to raise my skills as a therapist through education and surgical observation by collaborating with surgeons and doctors.” “My education has been continued in such areas as training in the use of thermal and electrical modalities, Maitland Spinal Mobilizations. I am also a Certified Fitness Trainer with ISSA.” Take Back Control of Your Body After having been a therapist for 18 years, I can tell you one thing for certain: people get painful problems with different parts of their bodies. More interesting to me is what they do, or don’t do about their problem. Let me explain. A very nice lady came in and said her thumb hurt. I asked when it started. She said, very matter-of-factly, “Three years ago.” Three years! “How bad is it?” I asked. She said, “It’s very intense. I can’t do any pinching or gripping.” I asked her what the reason was that caused her to wait so long to seek treatment and she replied that she figured eventually she would require surgery anyway so “Why speed that process up?” I hear stories like this a lot. Now, before I go any further, let me clear something up. I am not against surgery when it’s necessary. And believe me, sometimes it is necessary. We do postoperative care for neck, shoulder, elbow and hand surgery. Our goals are to increase range of motion, reduce swelling, wound care and hopefully, to get the patient back to using their body the way they want. However, surgery is, by its nature, very risky. A dice throw if you will. Some procedures are riskier than others but all involve their share of risk and, let’s face it, when you submit to surgery, you give up control of your body to the surgeon hoping it will go well. We offer free consultation to discuss your problem so money can’t hold you back. No one will do any therapy until you are ready. We will review your problem and discuss the therapy options available to regain a state of health. You may see us when you like or in consultation by referral of your doctor or surgeon. We offer one on one care and a friendly and warm staff who will answer all your questions. We also offer painless nerve testing that is very sensitive. It can help discover underlying problems of nerve damage from pinched nerves in the neck, shoulder, arm and hand or diabetes. Many of these problems are due to tight soft connective tissue or muscles. These tissues can be stretched or mobilized in specific ways to help you regain control of your body. Many of the stretches can eventually be done at home. If you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, if you have an aching wrist or thumb or if you have a hurting elbow or shoulder, we very likely can help you with your problem. We also treat neck or back problems of the spine as well. We ask that you do not delay seeing your doctor or calling us with your problem. We also ask that, if you try therapy first, try Tri-State Hand & Occupational Therapy in one of our offices located in Cumberland and Petersburg. We will help you get to the root of your problem in a unique and very illuminating way. Ultimately, we want to help you take back control of your body. All at very little risk to you. So, if you want to take back control of your body and play with your grandchildren, play your favorite sport, or just get your house work and gardening done, give us a call. Call and schedule an appointment or free consultation and take control of your body. Our staff will answer any questions about billing, scheduling and therapy that you may have. We are dedicated to serving you with that personal touch. Call us old fashioned, but call us today. We want to help you! Author: Bryan J. Wodaski TIPS FOR TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR BODY *Don’t wait if pain or numbness persists; call your doctor *Try enrolling in a yoga program for greater flexibility *Keep yourself hydrated with liquids *Glucosamine and Chondroitin can help rebuid cartilage *Fish Oil Capsules 1,000 mg. have been found to help reduce inflammation *Stress can be a big factor in jaw, neck and shoulder pain. Try to notice if you clench your jaw or fist by day or at night. *Find relaxing activities for you i.e. yoga, bubble baths, dinner without the kids, go for a stroll on a nice day with your honey! Monday, May 30, 2005 is Memorial Day. Take time to remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our safety and freedom |
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