Support the show

Work with Carl! Check out the website - www.carlpetitto.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BM23TS2LDQVFS

Hello and welcome to the show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us 'give pain the middle finger for good'!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Support the show

Work with Carl! Check out the website - www.carlpetitto.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BM23TS2LDQVFS

Hello and welcome to the show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us 'give pain the middle finger for good'!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

The elbow plays a critical role in daily movements and needs proper care to maintain optimal function and prevent injury.

• Three joints in the elbow allow for bending and turning palms up/down
• The ulnar nerve runs through the inside of the elbow and causes that "funny bone" sensation
• Never rest on the inside part of your elbow to avoid cubital tunnel syndrome
• Muscles that control hand and wrist movements anchor at specific points on the elbow
• Squeezing exercises with proper tools (not balls) can strengthen grip and condition tendons
• Use a hammer for rotational exercises to work pronating and supinating muscles
• Perform wrist curls with your forearm supported on your thigh for proper form
• Bicep strengthening helps with pulling motions essential for daily activities
• Tricep exercises like the Arnold press benefit both elbow and shoulder health
• Allow for proper recovery between workouts as "more is not always better"

Share your questions and experiences in the comments, and I'll provide personalized information to help with your specific situation.

Support the show

Work with Carl! Check out the website - www.carlpetitto.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BM23TS2LDQVFS

Hello and welcome to the show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us 'give pain the middle finger for good'!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Carl Petito, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist, explains what carpal tunnel syndrome is and how to test yourself for it at home. He details the anatomical structures involved and why prompt medical attention is crucial for preventing long-term nerve damage.

• The carpal tunnel is formed by eight carpal bones connected by ligaments, containing nine tendons and the median nerve
• Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed, causing numbness in the thumb, index, middle finger, and half the ring finger
• Contrary to popular belief, wrist pads for typing can actually cause carpal tunnel syndrome by putting pressure on the nerve
• Self-tests include Phalen's maneuver (holding wrists bent for 30 seconds), Tinel's sign (tapping the heel of the palm), and manual occlusion test
• Early intervention is critical as nerve tissue is "unforgiving" – the longer symptoms persist, the harder they are to treat
• Nerve conduction studies provide definitive diagnosis, but see a healthcare provider if experiencing persistent symptoms

Please share these videos, subscribe to the channel, and support us in bringing this important information to people who need it.

Support the show

Work with Carl! Check out the website - www.carlpetitto.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BM23TS2LDQVFS

Hello and welcome to the show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us 'give pain the middle finger for good'!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Thumb pain? Keep reading, watch this video, and subscribe for more tips!

Thumb tendonitis (De Quervain's tenosynovitis) is a common condition affecting tendons on the thumb side of the wrist that requires immediate attention to prevent surgery. Early intervention with custom orthoses, therapeutic techniques, and potentially steroid injections can effectively treat this condition and preserve hand function.

• Two specific tendons involved: extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus
• Often accompanied by radiostyloiditis (inflammation at the bony knob at wrist base)
• Diagnosed through several tests, including the Finkelstein maneuver (bending the thumb toward little finger)
• Custom thumb spica orthoses that immobilize the wrist while allowing fingertip use
• Treatment progresses from full immobilization to modified splinting as healing occurs
• Therapeutic interventions include ultrasound, stretching exercises, and cold laser therapy
• Soft tissue mobilization techniques help release adhesions around tendons
• Steroid injections can significantly reduce inflammation when appropriate
• Surgery becomes necessary when conservative treatment fails after prolonged symptoms
• Condition is as common as carpal tunnel syndrome, but requires prompt attention

If you're experiencing thumb-side wrist pain, seek treatment from a hand therapist as soon as possible. The sooner we address this condition, the better your chances are of avoiding surgery.

Support the show

Work with Carl! Check out the website - www.carlpetitto.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BM23TS2LDQVFS

Hello and welcome to the show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us 'give pain the middle finger for good'!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Arthritis and stiffness in the hands and fingers can severely limit mobility and function over time, but proper stretching techniques can help restore range of motion and reduce pain. We explore effective methods for stretching fingers and wrists that emphasize gentle, consistent approaches rather than pushing through pain.

• Arthritis (joint inflammation) causes stiffness that compounds when people move less to avoid pain
• Trauma, bone fractures, and healing periods can also contribute to joint stiffness
• Finger stretching should bend the big knuckle to 90 degrees until feeling a pulling sensation, not pain
• "Place and hold" technique: stretch for 10-20 seconds, then actively hold position to retrain muscles
• Wrist contains 15 bones, 24 ligaments, and 24 tendons requiring specific stretching approaches
• Keep fingers open when stretching wrists to prevent tethering tendons and limiting motion
• Stretch in both directions (flexion and extension) for comprehensive mobility
• Rest periods between stretches are equally important as the stretching itself
• Perform stretches every 2-3 hours with proper rest intervals

Always consult with your healthcare provider for stretches tailored to your specific situation as there are unlimited possible conditions requiring individualized approaches.

Support the show

Work with Carl! Check out the website - www.carlpetitto.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BM23TS2LDQVFS

Hello and welcome to the show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us 'give pain the middle finger for good'!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Stiffness in the hand, wrist, and forearm commonly occurs after injuries, surgeries, or immobilization, and requires specific rehabilitation techniques to restore healthy movement. Understanding the science behind tissue recovery and proper stretching techniques leads to better outcomes and less pain during the rehabilitation process.

• Stiffness happens quickly when joints, soft tissues, tendons, and muscles contract during healing
• Living tissues need rest periods between stretches—constant motion actually increases inflammation
• Pushing too hard causes a stretch reflex where tissues contract more, worsening stiffness
• Post-surgery motion typically begins within a week for fractures fixed with plates and screws
• Specific stretches include forearm rotation, wrist flexion/extension, and finger mobility exercises
• Elevate hand above heart level to reduce swelling (hand on chest while walking, pillows while seated)
• Post-cast rehabilitation requires active-assisted range of motion with light, sustained stretches
• Perform stretches every 2-3 hours, holding for 10-20 seconds, followed by a 3-second active hold
• Understanding wrist-finger mechanics helps target specific tendons and muscles
• Recording personalized stretching routines on your phone provides an easy reference for home exercises

Thank you for watching, subscribing, and sharing these videos with people experiencing stiffness, pain, or limited use of their arm.

Support the show

Work with Carl! Check out the website - www.carlpetitto.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BM23TS2LDQVFS

Hello and welcome to the show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us 'give pain the middle finger for good'!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Thumb tendonitis causes pain on the thumb side of your wrist due to inflammation of tendons that connect forearm muscles to the thumb. This common condition affects barbers, new mothers, and others who perform repetitive thumb movements, often coexisting with arthritis at the base of the thumb.

• Tendonitis of the thumb side wrist occurs when tendons become inflamed at a friction point where they pass through a compartment
• A positive Finkelstein's test (bending wrist toward little finger) indicates thumb tendonitis
• Over-the-counter wrist braces often cause more harm than good by placing pressure on inflamed areas
• Custom-molded splints properly immobilize without adding pressure to painful structures
• Treatment includes rest, specialized splinting, possibly steroid injections, and cold laser therapy
• Use cold running water instead of ice packs to reduce inflammation without adding pressure
• Morning is the only time heat therapy might be beneficial when inflammation is naturally lower
• Surgery may be necessary for cases persisting more than six months

Support the show

Work with Carl! Check out the website - www.carlpetitto.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BM23TS2LDQVFS

Hello and welcome to the show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us 'give pain the middle finger for good'!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!