Unlock New Skills with Chiropractic Continuing Education Online: Managing Hand and Thumb Injuries Posted on Sep 29, 2023

Why Choose Online Chiropractic Continuing Education?

The hustle and bustle of a busy practice often leave little room for traditional classroom-based education. That’s where chiropractic continuing education online comes in. With the flexibility to learn at your own pace, these online courses offer a range of benefits:

  • Convenience: Study from anywhere at any time.
  • Cost-Effective: Save on travel and accommodation costs.
  • Access to Experts: Learn from leading professionals in the field.
  • Up-to-Date Information: Access the most current and evidence-based practices.

Hand and Thumb Injuries: A Growing Concern

Hand and thumb injuries are common complaints in many chiropractic offices. These issues can range from simple sprains to more complex conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or thumb arthritis. Managing these cases effectively is crucial for patient satisfaction and your practice’s reputation.


Key Techniques for Managing Hand and Thumb Injuries

Here are some techniques that you can learn through chiropractic CEU online courses:

  1. Joint Mobilization: This technique focuses on the gentle movement of the joint to improve function.

    Joint mobilization is a manual therapy technique commonly utilized by chiropractors, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to manage a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. It is a hands-on treatment modality that involves applying passive, controlled force to a joint with the aim of restoring optimal motion, reducing pain, and improving function. Here's a brief discussion on what it entails, its benefits, and considerations:

    What is Joint Mobilization?

    In its essence, joint mobilization is the careful use of skilled movements either to move a joint in specific directions or to place it in a specific alignment. The movements are usually graded according to their amplitude and speed, and are generally described in terms of their 'grades,' with Grade I being the least forceful and Grade V requiring the most force.

    Types of Joint MobilizationOscillatory Movements: Here, rhythmic and repetitive back-and-forth movements are applied to the joint within its range of motion.

    1. Sustained Stretch: Involves applying a low-load, prolonged stretch to the joint tissues. This technique is more common in treating chronic conditions.

    2. Key Benefits

    • Pain Reduction: Mobilization helps in pain modulation through mechanical and neurophysiological means.

    • Increased Range of Motion: By loosening the joint capsules that are limiting movement, joint mobilization helps improve mobility.

    • Reduced Muscle Spasms: Through its neuromuscular effects, joint mobilization can reduce muscle tension and spasm.

    • Precautions and Contraindications

    It's important to consider the individual patient's condition, as joint mobilization may not be suitable for everyone. Contraindications can include severe osteoporosis, certain inflammatory or infectious conditions, and some kinds of fractures. Always consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation before undergoing joint mobilization therapy.

  2. Myofascial Release: A manual therapy technique that focuses on relieving muscle and fascia tension.

    Manual therapy is an umbrella term for a range of techniques and methods that involve hands-on manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. The primary goal is to alleviate pain, improve movement, and restore function in various parts of the body. Below is a detailed discussion of what manual therapy entails, its different types, benefits, and considerations.

    Types of Manual Therapy

    1. Joint Mobilization: As previously discussed, this involves the passive movement of joints to improve motion and reduce pain.

    2. Soft Tissue Mobilization: This focuses on muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy are employed to relieve tension and improve mobility.

    3. Manipulative Therapy: This includes high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to joints, often producing a 'popping' sound. This is mostly used to improve spinal alignment and function.

    4. Muscle Energy Techniques: These involve the voluntary contraction of the patient's muscles against a counterforce provided by the therapist.

    5. Manual Lymphatic Drainage: This technique helps facilitate the natural drainage of lymph fluid which carries waste products away from the tissues.

    6. Functional Mobilization: Incorporates active movements to help achieve sustainable functional gains.

    7. Key Benefits of Manual Therapy

    • Pain Relief: One of the most immediate benefits is a reduction in pain, which is achieved through a combination of mechanical and neurological mechanisms.

    • Improved Mobility: By addressing joint restrictions or muscle tightness, manual therapy can significantly enhance range of motion.

    • Faster Recovery: Manual therapy can speed up the healing process by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation.

    • Reduced Reliance on Medication: With effective manual therapy, the need for pain medication can often be reduced.

  3. Trigger Point Therapy: This involves identifying and applying pressure to trigger points to alleviate pain.

    Trigger point therapy is a specialized form of manual therapy focusing on detecting and releasing trigger points. Located in the skeletal muscle, trigger points are spots that produce pain when compressed. In many cases, this pain is not confined to the specific point but radiates to other parts of the body. Let's delve deeper into the world of trigger point therapy.

    What Are Trigger Points?

    Trigger points are tight knots within muscle tissue that cause localized or referred pain. They often occur due to muscle overuse, trauma, or stress. These points can be classified into:Active Trigger Points: Produce pain even at rest and are tender to touch.

    • Latent Trigger Points: Only produce pain when pressed or activated.
    • Techniques in Trigger Point Therapy

    1. Ischemic Compression: The therapist applies steady pressure to the trigger point until a barrier of tissue resistance is encountered.

    2. Dry Needling: Involves inserting a needle directly into the trigger point to stimulate the tissue.

    3. Spray and Stretch: A cooling spray is applied to the muscle, followed by gentle stretching.

    4. Manual Release: Pressure is applied to the trigger point while the patient simultaneously stretches the affected muscle.

    5. Key Benefits

    • Pain Relief: One of the most obvious benefits is immediate relief from pain.

    • Increased Range of Motion: Trigger point therapy can help in increasing flexibility and range of motion.

    • Improved Circulation: Releasing the trigger point can enhance blood flow to the area.

    • Muscle Relaxation: Often results in an instant release or relaxation of the affected muscle.

    • Precautions and Contraindications

      While generally safe, trigger point therapy is not advisable for people with skin infections, acute muscle trauma, or certain circulatory conditions.

  4. Muscle Energy Techniques: These are used to treat somatic dysfunction, including muscle shortening and tightness.

    Muscle energy techniques (MET) are a type of osteopathic manipulative treatment used primarily to treat musculoskeletal dysfunction. These techniques use the patient's own muscles to restore range of motion, improve muscle tone, and alleviate discomfort. Below is a concise discussion on MET and its relevance in healthcare.

    What Are Muscle Energy Techniques?

    Muscle energy techniques are manual therapy procedures that involve the voluntary contraction of a patient's muscles against a controlled counterforce applied by a therapist. The primary goals are to relax hypertonic muscles and break down adhesions, thereby improving joint mobility and muscle function.

    Mechanism of Action

    The basic principle of MET involves isometric or concentric contractions. The patient is instructed to contract a specific muscle group while the therapist applies resistance. Following the contraction, the muscle is stretched to improve its length and function. There are several variations of MET, including:

    • Post-Isometric Relaxation: After an isometric contraction, the muscle is gently stretched to improve flexibility.

    • Reciprocal Inhibition: Contracting the antagonist muscle to create a reflexive relaxation in the target muscle.

    • Joint Mobilization Using MET: Used to improve joint mobility by engaging the muscles around the joint.

    • Key Benefits

    • Flexibility: MET can dramatically improve the flexibility of tight muscles and joints.

    • Pain Relief: Many patients report a significant reduction in pain following treatment.

    • Improved Function: Can improve athletic performance and daily functioning.

    • Clinical Applications

    MET is commonly used in treating conditions like low back pain, shoulder stiffness, and temporomandibular joint disorders. It's often combined with other treatments for maximum effectiveness.

    Who Should Learn MET?

    Healthcare providers like physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths often employ MET in their practices. For those interested in deepening their understanding and skills, CCEDseminars offers comprehensive chiropractic continuing education online focusing on muscle energy techniques and other manual therapies. CCEDseminars has numerous Chiropractic Continuing Education Online course to guide you in your journey to excellence!

    Precautions

    Though generally safe, MET should be used cautiously in patients with acute injuries, inflammation, or certain cardiovascular conditions.

    Conclusion

    Muscle energy techniques offer a versatile tool for treating a range of musculoskeletal issues. Whether you're a healthcare provider interested in adding MET to your skill set or a patient seeking alternative treatment methods, CCEDseminars provides quality education through their chiropractic continuing education online programs.

    References

    1. Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care Journal
    2. Clinical Osteopathic Medicine by Edward Stiles
    3. Principles of Manual Medicine by Phillip E. Greenman
    4. For those keen on mastering muscle energy techniques, CCEDseminars is a valuable resource offering in-depth chiropractic continuing education online.


Case Studies and Practical Applications

Most chiropractic online CE seminars come with case studies that allow you to apply what you've learned in a simulated environment, enhancing your skills and confidence. Click HERE for a valuable resource!


Conclusion

Staying ahead in the field of chiropractic care requires constant learning and adaptation. Opting for chiropractic continuing education online can offer a flexible, cost-effective way to enhance your skills and knowledge, especially in specialized areas like hand and thumb injuries.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to improve and expand your practice. Start your online chiropractic continuing education today!


By joining chiropractic CE webinars, you get to unlock new avenues of patient care, hone your skills, and keep your practice modern and effective. Make sure to check out the latest courses and seminars offered by CCEDseminars for high-quality, up-to-date information and training.


So, whether you're looking to specialize in hand and thumb injuries or expand your general chiropractic knowledge, chiropractic continuing education online is the perfect platform for your professional development.

Choose the best courses offered by CCEDseminars to boost your chiropractic practice today!

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