The Hand to Shoulder Solution
Your new resource for hand, shoulder, and elbow pain. Together, we are giving pain the middle finger and gaining knowledge to live a better, pain-free life!
Discover what might be causing pain in your fingers, pain in your hand, pain in your wrist, pain in your arm, pain in your elbow, pain in your shoulder.
Learn about your body, arthritis, tendinitis, tennis elbow, fractures, golfer's elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Hosted by Carl Petitto, OT, CHT, and Certified Hand Therapist specializing in orthopedic conditions of the hand to shoulder. Also an expert in fabricating custom orthotics.
Episodes
44 episodes
Ep 43: Funny Bones Aren't Funny: A Guide to Elbow Mechanics
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 insid...
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12:51
Ep 42: Self-Diagnosis Guide: Is Your Wrist Pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Tingling and numbness and what to do.
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 ...
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6:40
Ep 41: Thumb Side Wrist Pain: Understand and Treat Thumb Tendonitis Before Surgery Becomes Necessary
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 prev...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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5:55
Ep 40: Loosening Stiff Joints: Reclaiming Movement in Arthritic Hands
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 wris...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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7:31
Ep 39: Hand and Wrist Stiffness? Exercises for Recovery After Injury or Surgery
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 str...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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10:59
Ep 38: What's Really Happening When Your Thumb Hurts? How to Test for Thumb Tendonitis
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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8:21
Ep 37: Numb Fingers? How to Test Yourself for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at Home
Are your fingers going numb at night? That tingling sensation might be carpal tunnel syndrome. As a board-certified hand therapist, I've seen countless patients suffering needlessly because they didn't recognize the early warning signs or were ...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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5:50
Ep 36: Beyond the Rotator Cuff: Maximizing Shoulder Health & Preventing Injury
Your shoulder functions like a golf ball balanced on a tee - a design that prioritizes mobility over stability. This episode reveals how this unique structure creates both remarkable freedom of movement and vulnerability to injury. You'll disco...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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17:40
EP: 35 The 5-Minute Prep That Will Change Your Healthcare Experience - Preparing for your Doctor's visit
Ever feel rushed during healthcare appointments or wonder why your provider seems to be playing detective? That's exactly what we're addressing in this episode of The Hand-to-Shoulder Solution.Healthcare visits are investigations, and y...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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5:35
Ep 34: Streamlining Patient Care in Your Therapy Practice - Why You Should Hire A Consultant
Breaking the cycle of pain starts with finding the right expertise. For countless patients bouncing between clinics without answers, the frustration compounds their physical discomfort. As a Board Certified Hand Therapist with extensive private...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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6:28
EP 33: How to Help Your Scars Heal Properly Without Making Them Worse
Let's talk about how to PROPERLY treat scars!Scar tissue maturation takes 1.5-2 years, with the first 8 months being most critical for proper treatment. Aggressive massaging of scars, especially on hands, can lead to hypersensitivity and...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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7:08
Ep 32: Golfer's Elbow - Understanding and treating Medial Epicondylitis and elbow pain
Ever felt a nagging pain on the inside of your elbow when gripping a coffee mug or lifting a grocery bag? That's likely golfer's elbow—and no, you don't need to be teeing off regularly to experience it. This misunderstood condition affects coun...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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7:56
Ep 31: Elbow Pain? The Anatomy and Treatment of Tennis Elbow with a Certified Hand Therapist
Got elbow pain? Watch this episode for quick and easy tips you can do at home to help ease joint pain.Tennis elbow affects the lateral epicondyle on the outside of the elbow, which serves as the anchor point for muscles controlling wrist...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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9:10
Ep 30: Elbow Nerve Pain: Understanding and Treating Cubital Tunnel Syndrome with a Hand Therapist
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome creates numbness in the pinky and ring finger when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed at the elbow. The condition differs from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which affects the thumb side of the hand, and requires specific treat...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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8:50
EP 29: Thumb pain demystified: Understanding Osteoarthritis and Practical Solutions for Arthritis
Osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting a specialized saddle joint that allows extensive movement but is prone to wear and tear. We explore what happens anatomically when the joint begins ...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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7:07
EP 28: Joint Pain: The BEST Tools, Techniques, and Solutions for Arthritis Management
Arthritis in the hands and shoulders can be managed effectively with the right tools and techniques. From red light therapy to specialized adaptive equipment, these practical solutions help reduce inflammation and pain while supporting continue...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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7:44
Ep 27 - Why Is My Finger Asleep or Numb? Let’s Dive into Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Understanding cubital tunnel syndrome is vital for managing elbow and hand pain effectively. This episode shares insights into common causes of numbness and tingling in the pinky and ring fingers. • Discussion of cubital tunnel syn...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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9:56
Ep 26 - Wrist Trouble? A Deep Dive into Distal Radius Fractures and treatment with a certified hand therapist
Today, we explore the common yet often misunderstood topic of distal radius fractures. Understanding the mechanics of this injury can empower listeners to seek appropriate treatment and foster recovery.• Definition and causes of distal ...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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16:06
Ep 25 - Why Your Wrist Brace Might Be Making Things Worse! The hidden danger of OTC splints
The episode explores the crucial differences between over-the-counter splints and custom orthoses, emphasizing how improperly fitted devices can actually worsen your injuries. You will gain valuable insights into how personalized care plays a p...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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11:41
Ep 24 - Why Constant Movement Could Be Making Arthritis Worse - Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis affects many people, often causing inflammation and joint stiffness. Understanding how to manage and cope with this condition can lead to significantly improved quality of life.• Discussion of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid art...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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16:35
Ep 23 - Discover the Secrets to a Smooth Recovery Post-Trigger Finger Surgery
This engaging discussion unpacks the key aspects of trigger finger and the intricacies of its release surgery, focusing on effective recovery strategies. Listeners can gain practical insights to enhance their recovery process.• Explanat...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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10:55
Ep 22 - Trigger Finger Unlocked: Understanding Your Symptoms and a guide for relief and treatment
Get ready to uncover the causes and solutions for trigger finger, a condition that affects many people's daily lives. We dive deep into the mechanics of how the tendons and pulleys work together and the issues that can arise when they don't. Di...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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16:08
Ep 21 - Surgery for Carpal Tunnel: What You Need to Know with a Certified Hand Therapist
This episode focuses on carpal tunnel release surgery, providing valuable insights and advice for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. We explore how early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery and discuss what to e...
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11:31
Ep 20: Pain Relief for Your Hands: Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is crucial for anyone experiencing discomfort in their hands. Our latest episode dives deep into the anatomy and management strategies for this common condition. Listen to gain insights on pain management an...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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16:09