Athletico Health Resources

Gymnastics is a unique sport where athletes spend a large amount of time on their hands. Handstands, tumbling, rings, and bars require the athlete to place their entire body weight through the arms and into the hands. Other sports do not place these heavy demands on the upper extremity. When tumbling, the athlete puts not only their entire body weight through the hands but can have up to 16 times their body weight in force going across the wrist². No wonder 80% of gymnasts will experience wrist pain at some point in their career!⁶ In a study comparing injuries in male and female collegiate gymnasts, men suffered more hand and wrist injuries than their female counterparts¹. We will be taking a closer look at the types of hand and wrist injuries both male and female gymnasts may experience and how to treat or prevent these injuries.

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As a physical therapist and hand therapist, one of the biggest concerns I hear from my patients is that they are worried they are going to fall and hurt themselves. It is not uncommon for a therapist to be treating injuries that resulted from a fall. The upper extremity (shoulder through the fingers) is a common place for injuries to occur following a fall as many will use their hands to brace their fall in order to protect their face or head. This type of fall is called a F.O.O.S.H or a fall on an outstretched hand. This blog will briefly look into common injuries of the upper extremity with a fall and will talk about ways to prevent these injuries.

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Co-Author: Werokina Noyszewski, OTS

Pity the tool! Tough as nails, even Mr. T could learn a thing or two about hand tool injuries. As the weather turns for the better, home renovations continue to be top of mind for many folks. From endless hours watching home renovation television shows, to scrolling through your favorite social networks for inspiration, we all have the desire for DIY projects to improve our space. No matter what your artisan experience is, our expert Hand Therapists have provided tips to keep you safe while working with your hands.

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Accidents can happen in a matter of seconds and can be devastating. Worker’s compensation accidents are no different. However, a crush injury is one of the more traumatic worker’s compensation accidents. A crush injury occurs when force or pressure is put on a body part. This type of injury most often happens when a part of the body is squeezed between two heavy objects.

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Co-author: Amy Frederickson

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to show gratitude and enjoy the company of family and friends. This year, due to the recent pandemic, our gatherings will be smaller than usual or even celebrated virtually. No matter how you’re celebrating this season, our expert Hand Therapists are talking through some common hand-related injuries and providing tips to keep you safe while cooking and celebrating Thanksgiving.

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The average American spends more than four hours on their mobile devices texting, checking email, playing games and browsing social media. In addition, many spend a large portion of the work day typing and mousing on the computer.^1,2 The trouble with the amount of time spent on these devices is that they are not ergonomically designed for heavy, repetitive use. Unfortunately, many people don’t become aware of this until they experience pain in their hands and thumbs.

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By Shelia Tenny, OTR/L, CHT and Ellie Park, OTD/s

Avocado’s have increased in popularity, as the heart healthy benefits and high nutrient content of this super-food, have made them a favorite condiment, side dish, salad and sandwich topper. Let’s face it, they’re creamy and delicious! On the down side, there has been a rise in avocado related hand injuries due to self-inflicted knife accidents. The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons has even warned the public regarding the safety risk of cutting avocados.¹

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Spring is arriving and with that many people are heading outdoors to get started on their gardens. Although gardening is a great activity to spend some time outdoors, it also requires the use of the hands and wrists, which means these joints are at risk for injury.

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