Dear patients
We use our hands every day, from texting to cooking to giving high fives. So how do we keep our hands and digits in good working order? Our focus this month is healthy hands and February has been a big month for the WPRS Hand Therapy team. We are proud to welcome not one but two new therapists, plus a student trainee to WPRS.
Joining us at both our Warrnambool and Mount Gambier clinics are Occupational Therapists Natalie Rawlinson and Kate Bruce. Our therapists provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for a large range of conditions from the elbow to the fingertip and we are excited to expand the team with Natalie and Kate.
We have also been thrilled to train our first occupational therapy student in partnership with Deakin University. Mentored by our senior therapists, Annie has been completing a 4th year Occupational Therapy placement at WPRS Warrnambool and honing her skills in all things from diagnosis to fabrication of custom-made splints.
As our local players get into pre-season training, this month we bring you 5 tips to avoid common sports injuries.
- Warm Up
A proper warm up prior to any training or game is essential in reducing the risk of injury. It increases blood flow to your muscles, which in turn increases muscle temperature. This is good because warm muscles contract and relax more easily, reducing the risk of overstretching, straining, or tearing a muscle.
- Increase strength and flexibility
Strength training improves muscle strength, endurance, bone density and flexibility. It also does wonders for tendons and even ligaments in places like fingers, hands and wrists, which naturally helps hold the body in proper alignment so that it can handle the rigors of sports. Including strength training and flexibility in your exercise regime reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and even the severity of an injury if it does happen.
- Practice good technique
To avoid sports injuries, including those of the fingers, hands, wrists, and elbows, it is important to use proper technique. Using proper technique not only reduces the risk of injury but also sets you up to have a lengthier career simply because you’re taking care of your body.
- Make hand, wrist, and elbow exercises part of your routine
Regular exercises such as wrist flexing, elbow bends, making a fist, and hand extensions can strengthen weak areas and limit your chances of a sports injury. Static and dynamic stretching improves range of motion in joints, increases blood flow and reduces the risk of tendon or muscle tears.
- Avoid overuse and get rest
Overuse injuries result from repetitive use and stress. We may not immediately recognise the signs of overuse; however, we shouldn’t ignore them and push through when we do. Listen to your body and limit activities that are causing you pain, and get plenty of rest between athletic activities so that your body can recover.
If you find yourself suffering from a hand injury our experienced and dedicated team at WPRS Hand Therapy are able to accurately diagnose and create an individualised treatment approach. Our therapists work alongside our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and nursing staff to provide coordinated care. Be sure to book in with the team in both Mount Gambier and Warrnambool and we look forward to seeing you on the field or court during the upcoming season!