Shoulder/Elbow/Wrist/Hand

  • Physical therapists (PTs) are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of human movement dysfunctions. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions.

    Conditions we have successfully treated:

    • Impingement*
    • Rotator Cuff Tear
    • Instability
    • Fracture/Trauma
    • Frozen Shoulder
    • Tendinopathy
    • Arthritis

    What are my treatment options?

    • Drugs
    • Surgery
    • Physical Therapy*

    Advantages of Physical Therapy:

    • No side effects.
    • Cost-effective.
    • Supported by clinical research*.
    • Customized to treat the underlying cause.

    Your Recovery Process:

    • Pain Relief
    • Restoration of Normal Movement
    • Recovery of Function
    • Independent Care.

    Components of Your Care:

    • A thorough biomechanical evaluation.
    • Customized treatment plan.
    • Extensive patient education.
    • Hands-on techniques to relax the muscles and recover mobility.
    • Stretching for tight muscles.
    • Strengthening of weak muscles.
    • Mobilization of stiff joints.
    • Modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

    Everyone is different. You may require one or two visits, or an extended care plan over several weeks or months. If you’re ready for relief, and tired of “masking” your pain, treat the cause, not just the symptoms!

    * Physical therapy has been proven to be as effective as surgery. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005 May:64(5).

    Give us a call today at 530-865-8457 to learn more. We look forward to helping you out.

  • Joint pain is a very common condition that we treat on a daily basis. One of the many treatment techniques physical therapy professionals are trained to use is a technique called joint mobilization. Joint Mobilization is utilized to relieve joint pain, improve mobility, and improve physical function (the ability to walk and move).

    Types of Joint Mobilization

    There are a number of techniques to mobilize (move) joints in the body. These mobilization techniques often have specific names derived from the clinicians that created and successfully tested them on patients.

    Examples of some techniques are:

    • IASTM or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
    • Mulligan Manual Therapy or mobilization with movement
    • Neural Tension Mobilization – specialized techniques to move nerves
    • Graded Mobilizations – low velocity movement techniques with various amplitudes
    • Mobilization – high velocity, low amplitude thrust at or near the end-range of joint mobility

    Details About a Specific Type of Mobilization – Mobilization

    Spinal mobilization—sometimes called “spinal manipulative therapy”—is utilized by physical therapists here at our practice. We perform spinal mobilization by using our hands or a device to apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine. The amount of force applied depends on the form of mobilization used. The goal of the treatment is to relieve pain and improve physical functioning.

    Side Effects and Risks

    Reviews have concluded that spinal mobilization for low-back pain is relatively safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. The most common side effects are generally minor and include feeling tired or experiencing temporary soreness.

    Tell all of your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

    Get Started Today – Give Us a Call 530-865-8457.

    Mobilization may be an appropriate treatment for your condition. Contact us to set up an initial evaluation and we will provide you with a detailed and personalized treatment plan that may involve joint mobilization

  • Hand splints are medical devices designed to support, immobilize, or adjust the position of the hand and wrist.

    They are commonly used to facilitate healing, reduce pain, and improve function in various conditions affecting the hand, wrist, or forearm.

    Diagnoses That Benefit from Hand Splinting

    There are a number of surgical and non-surgical conditions that will benefit from the use of a hand splint.

    Surgical Conditions

    • Carpal Tunnel Release
    • Trigger Finger Release
    • Fracture Fixation
    • Tendon Repair

    Non-Surgical Conditions

    • Tendonitis
    • Arthritis
    • Sprains and Strains

    The Process of Getting a Hand Splint Made

    Initial Assessment

    A certified hand therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess your condition and determine the type of splint that would be most beneficial for you.

    Fabrication

    The therapist will then take measurements and create a custom splint, often made of thermoplastic material, that is molded to fit your hand perfectly.

    Fitting and Adjustment

    Once the splint is made, you’ll have a fitting session to ensure it’s comfortable and effective. Adjustments can be made as needed.

    Who Does This Kind of Work?

    Certified hand therapists and occupational or physical therapists with specialized training are the experts in this field. They work closely with physicians (typically hand surgeons) to provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

    Custom-Made vs. Over-the-Counter Splints

    Benefits of Custom-Made Splints

    • Precise fit
    • Targeted support
    • Greater comfort
    • More expensive but often covered by insurance

    Over-the-Counter Splints

    • Generic fit
    • Limited support
    • May cause discomfort
    • Less expensive but often not covered by insurance

    Why Customization Matters

    Custom-made hand splints offer a level of specificity that over-the-counter options simply can’t match. They are designed to meet your unique needs, providing optimal support and facilitating quicker recovery.

    Call to Action

    Don’t compromise on the recovery of your hand, wrist, or forearm; choose a custom-made hand splint crafted by certified professionals. If you’re experiencing hand or wrist issues, consult with our specialist to explore your options.

    Call Us Today at 530-865-8457.

  • Our hand therapy services are provided by experienced, skilled, physical therapists. Our therapists work one-on-one with patients using compassion, creativity, and advanced therapy techniques, in a comfortable environment, to help patients achieve their goals and restore function. Individually designed therapy programs are carefully developed for patients with injuries and/or medical conditions related to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand and digits.

    Services may include the following:

    • Evaluation (pre- and post-op)
    • Splints (custom & prefabricated)
    • Patient/Family Education
    • Written Home Programs
    • Wound Care
    • Kinetic Taping
    • Thermal and Electrical Modalities
    • Strength & Endurance Training
    • Injury Prevention Programs
    • Scar and Pain Management
    • Edema Control
    • Manual Therapy Desensitization

    Call Us Today at 530-865-8457.