HEALTH
IN MOTION
Summer 2017
Tips for Our Patients

In this new issue of Health in Motion, the therapists at  The Rehabilitation Institute at Memorial University Medical Center share information on how you can manage injuries and illnesses that may be keeping you from enjoying an active life. We invite you to forward this e-newsletter to someone who can benefit from the information. Your feedback is always welcome. Click on the button below and tell us what you would like to read about in upcoming issues.
In This Issue
Tummy Time Gives Babies
Much-Needed Workout
By Laura Douglas, P.T.

Babies should always be put to sleep on their backs. But during their awake times, placing them on their tummies is vital for their healthy development.
 
Tummy time is a baby workout that is necessary to develop strength, body awareness, and development. Every hour your baby is awake, expose him to some tummy time. You can lay him across your chest, over your lap, or on the furniture beside you, or you may roll him gently on a yoga ball. Be sure to never leave your baby unattended.
 
With your baby supported in your arms, lean her forward so she can practice lifting her head. Encourage weight-bearing on her arms while she is seated in your lap. Simply lean her to one side or forward and place her hands on your thigh with the elbows extended.
 
Even at night your baby can exercise his developing muscles. In addition to a crib, try using a rocker/sleeper at bedtime. It can be set up in your room and allows your baby to sleep in a tilt position on his back. This position helps strengthen neck muscles.

For sleep, your baby is safest on her back. But when she is awake and ready to play and interact, give her a "workout" with tummy time.
 

Laura Douglas, P.T., is a pediatric physical therapist at The Rehabilitation Institute at Memorial University Medical Center. She sees patients in the Pooler office.
Help for Common  Workplace Hand Injuries
By Craig LeTourneau, OTR/L, CHT
 
Pain or numbness in your hands or elbows may be the result of a workplace injury. If you've experienced these symptoms, you know they can seriously affect every aspect of your life, not just your job. Physical therapy may improve these common workplace injuries:
 
Carpal tunnel syndrome u sually starts with occasional numbness and tingling in the thumb and first two fingers. It can often be treated with an over-the-counter wrist splint. 
 
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It may be the result of strain or overuse of the muscles that allow the wrist to bend back. Often, the pain can be managed by resting the affected wrist. While you are healing, pick up objects with your palms facing up.
 
Pain or numbness from these or other injuries that lasts longer than two weeks should be evaluated by your primary care provider. Ask him or her for a referral to a certified hand therapist.


Craig LeTourneau is an occupational therapist who is certified in hand therapy. He sees patients in the Pooler office of The Rehabilitation Institute at Memorial University Medical Center.

Post-Amputation Wound Care
Speeds Recovery, Healing
By Cheryl York, P.T.
 
One of the most important steps you can take after an amputation is to pay close attention to the surgical site. Properly caring for it can ensure that it heals well.
 
After surgery, your doctor will staple and/or suture the incision closed. For the first couple of days you will have a bulky dressing to protect the surgical site. Once your doctor inspects your incision, she will cover it with a nonstick dressing, such as Xeroform.
 
At that time, you may be fitted with a limb protector to keep your surgical site from getting injured when you move around. A stump shrinker may also be applied to help decrease swelling. It begins the shaping process for your prosthesis.
 
Your sutures or staples will be removed two to three weeks after surgery. Until then, wash your residual limb with mild soap and water. Do not soak your limb as this may delay the healing process.
 
Bathtime is a good time to begin desensitizing your residual limb. This is the process of making it less sensitive to pressure. Gently touch the limb with different items, such as your hands, a soft cloth, or brush to reduce sensitivity. Desensitization helps prepare you for your prosthetic limb.
 
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have increased drainage, pain, or redness at your surgical site. Good wound care now will ease your recovery and ensure a quicker transition to your new prosthetic limb.
 
Cheryl York is a physical therapist at The Rehabilitation Institute at Memorial University Medical Center. Pictured is our patient Mike Johnson.
Tips for a Healthy Spine | Dmitri Sofianos, M.D.
Keep Your Back in Shape

Most of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. You can take steps now to keep your spine in top shape. Dmitri Sofianos, M.D., of Chatham Orthopaedic Associates, shares some tips for taking care of your back.

Physical therapy can help relieve back pain. If you're in pain, ask your physician for a referral to The Rehabilitation Institute at Memorial University Medical Center.