How to Prevent a Recordable Injury #5

If you do not get increased symptoms with walking, you should take therapeutic walks. The idea is twice a day to tolerance or at least 15 minutes on days you are working. It is ok to walk longer if it does not produce discomfort, or increase sympoms. To improve overall health and wellness, you must exercise and stretch daily and utilize pain-free and proper body mechanics. This is your part of the team approach to solving your problem. If you would like a wellness program specifically for you, please see your site-therapist or contact us at:

(877) 836-8652 or Industrial@oneaccordservices.com

Do I have a Ganglion Cyst?

What is it?

A ganglion cyst is swelling that appears along the joint line of your wrist or even on your hand. Ganglion cyst are benign, meaning not cancerous, and does not spread to other parts of the body. However, you may notice that a ganglion cyst may change in size depending on how much daily repetitive motion you do.

How does it form?

A cyst normally forms when a weak point in the wrist forces fluid out forming a sack which looks like a pooch formation on the wrist. This fluid with time can become hard or gelatin like. ganglion cysts are formed normally through repetitive motion type job tasks. Much of the time these formations are not dangerous and you should not be alarmed.

Will it ever go away?

Yes, sometimes ganglion cyst will reduce in size and go away with gentle stretching, and massage but there is no guarantee it will not come back. The key point is when the cyst grows and puts pressure on other structures in the wrist,which causes pain. At that point, a physicians referral for medical treatment is recommended.

How do you treat it?

There are many options of treatment, but a safe and step-by-step method is recommended.

1. See a physical therapist for a structured protocol.

2. Begin with ice to reduce initial symptoms.

3. Use heat and stretches to alleviate soreness and stiffness.

4. Wearing a supportive dynamic wrist brace can help not only reduce symptoms but provide compression which may reduce the size of the cyst.

Other approaches include draining the cyst and even "crushing" it with a book, yes you heard right, breaking the cyst and allowing it to resolve on its own. Other methods include surgical removal of the cyst. However, many surgical approaches are not guaranteed to remove the cyst permanently and can return.

* Please seek a health care provider such as your local physical therapist to guide you in your recovery.

* Please contact us with any questions at 877-836-8652 or email at industrial@oneaccordservices.com

Health Coaching...Building a Better Life

Healthy Substitutes......Healthy Living

Did You Know?

According to the World Health Association (WHO), using a tanning bed while in your 20's can increase your risk of obtaining Melanoma (skin cancer) by 75%!

*Dr. Karen Burke, Mount Sinai Medical Center

Did You Know?

A clove of garlic a day can decrease your bad cholesterol (LDL: low-density lipoprotein ) by 38% and reduce the risk of heart disease!

Functional Preventative Stretch #5

Quadriceps Stretch

This stretch promotes an upright posture and reduces pain with walking and stair climbing. The quadriceps stretch is very important to maintain healthy flexibility and decrease lactic acid accumulation in the legs. Do this stretch if you find yourself on your feet all day long.

Key Points:

1. Stand with back straight and feet shoulder width apart.

2. Bring one leg back and place it on a steady and safe object until a stretch is felt, this point may be different for everyone.

3. Some may be able to touch your heel all the way to the backside, others will barely be able to bring their leg up, follow your own cues.

4. Lean back, and hold for 10-15 seconds.

5. Repeat multiple times per day.

How to Prevent a Recordable Injury #4

Do you know what caused your injury or discomfort? If we are honest with yourself, we know exactly what we do at work or home that creates acute and sometimes chronic conditions. If we eliminate or decrease the frequency of activities at work or at home for your "weekend warriors". Doing the same repetitive motion at home just perpetuates the inflammation and degenerative process. Ask your therapist to provide you with strategies to perform these activities at work and at home. Keep in mind that some soreness and discomfort is normal with daily activity or even after a trip to see your therapist after 1st aid or physical therapy due to the nature of the intervention. The key is to eliminate or decrease the root cause!

Contact a physical therapist today, call (877) 836-8652 or email us at industrial@oneaccordservices.com