The Hand to Shoulder Solution

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 complications rather than improved healing.

• Hand scars require special attention due to the high concentration of nerve endings
• Aggressive or frequent scar massage increases sensitivity rather than helping
• Pure vitamin E oil is recommended for topical application to scars
• Apply vitamin E by snipping open capsules and gently rubbing onto the scar
• Proper scar massage should be light to moderate pressure for only 1-2 minutes once or twice daily
• Gel-lined compressive sleeves help shape amputations and decrease sensitivity
• Gel sheeting with light compression can be used overnight for scars on palm or back of hand
• Consistent, gentle approaches work better than aggressive treatments

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

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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! 

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 countless people who've never set foot on a golf course.

Board-certified hand therapist Carl Petito breaks down what's actually happening when that tender spot on your inner elbow flares up. The pain stems from inflammation where your forearm muscles anchor to the medial epicondyle—that bony knob on the inside of your elbow. Every time you grip something tightly or turn your palm downward, you're engaging these muscles and potentially aggravating the condition.

Surprisingly, many common treatments like thick compression sleeves can actually make golfer's elbow worse by putting pressure on sensitive nerves and bony prominences. Instead, Petito reveals why simple approaches often work best: cold water therapy for just 10-20 seconds to reduce inflammation, proper stretching techniques to lengthen tight muscles, and a specialized counterforce strap that redirects pulling forces away from the tender area. You'll learn exactly how to modify your activities and grip positions to allow healing while maintaining functionality in your daily life.

If you're tired of that persistent elbow pain limiting your activities, this episode provides a clear roadmap to relief with practical, evidence-based recommendations from a specialist who treats these conditions daily. Most importantly, you'll know exactly when to try self-care and when it's time to seek professional help. The solution to your elbow pain might be simpler than you think—and it starts with understanding what's really happening beneath the surface.

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! 

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 extension and rotation. Proper understanding of the condition's anatomy and mechanics is essential for effective treatment and preventing further aggravation of symptoms.

• Avoid compression sleeves directly on the elbow as they increase pressure on the painful area
• Use counterforce straps around muscle bellies (not the bone) to redirect pulling forces
• Custom splints can keep wrist extended, putting affected muscles on slack
• Apply gentle stretching 3-4 times daily to maintain muscle length
• Use heat therapy for tight forearm muscles (10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily)
• Apply ice directly to the bony prominence for short periods to reduce inflammation
• Simple self-test: pain when resisting downward pressure with palm down
• Professional treatments include ultrasound, cold laser therapy, and manual techniques
• Most cases resolve within 4-8 weeks with proper treatment

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! 

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 treatment approaches to prevent long-term muscle problems.

• Nerve pressure at the inside of elbow causes painful symptoms different from carpal tunnel
• Avoid leaning on elbows, especially on desks, door frames, or consoles to prevent pressure
• Use cold running water for 10-20 seconds instead of ice packs to avoid pressure on the nerve
• Custom night braces hold the elbow at 45 degrees to protect the nerve while sleeping
• Untreated cases can develop "claw hand" deformity from muscle imbalance
• Simple nerve "flossing" exercises help the nerve glide through the tunnel (3 seconds, 3 reps, 3 times daily)
• Early intervention prevents need for surgical treatment and speeds recovery

Always check with your doctor and see a hand therapist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan before your symptoms worsen.

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! 

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 to degenerate, including the formation of a visible "shoulder sign" bump and how bone spurs develop as the body attempts to stabilize the damaged joint.

In this episode we will go over:

• The thumb's saddle joint allows movement in multiple directions but this mobility makes it vulnerable to arthritis
• As arthritis progresses, the thumb joint may begin to sublux (partially dislocate) creating a visible bump
• Arthritis doesn't always appear on X-rays despite physical symptoms being present
• Bone spurs form as the body attempts to fuse the joint but constant hand movement prevents fusion
• Kinesio tape can provide effective support by creating a sling around the base of the thumb
• Neoprene thumb braces without metal stays offer excellent support for heavy activities
• Support devices should be used selectively - "like a crutch" - only when needed for demanding tasks
• Early assessment by hand specialists is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment

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 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 continued independence and activity.

• Red light therapy devices reduce inflammation while increasing blood flow to affected joints
• Use red light therapy for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily, prioritizing morning treatment
• Motorized jar openers eliminate painful twisting motions for those with hand arthritis
• Vibration-absorbing gloves with gel padding protect joints during activities and driving
• Special vibration-dampening hammers and tools extend working life for those in construction
• Castor oil applied topically (not ingested) helps reduce joint inflammation naturally
• Kinesio tape provides an "exoskeleton" support system for painful finger joints
• Creating a tape "sling" at the base of the thumb supports the common arthritis site
• Maintain a relaxed grip on tools and steering wheels to minimize vibration absorption

Always follow up with your doctor and hand therapist for personalized advice.

Please MESSAGE us for links to these products shown! THANK YOU!

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! 

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 syndrome and its symptoms 
• Important tips for alleviating pressure on the ulnar nerve 
• Recommendations for treatment strategies and exercises 

Thank you for watching, thanks for subscribing to the channel. I hope that this information is helpful. Please share and subscribe to help us help more people give pain the middle finger!

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! 

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 radius fractures 
• Treatment options: non-displaced vs. displaced fractures 
• The importance of rehabilitation in recovery 

Thank you for subscribing to the channel! 

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 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 pivotal role in effective recovery from a Certified Hand Therapsit with decades of experience!

You will learn:

• Importance of custom orthoses for hand and wrist injuries 
• Dangers of over-the-counter splints in exacerbating conditions 
• Patient experiences underline the need for proper fitting and assessment 

If you're seeking a better understanding of your splinting options drop your questions below! Make sure you subscribe for more free tips for hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder pain!

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 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 arthritis 
• The role of inflammation in joint health and pain 
• Importance of movement but caution due to potential for worsening inflammation 
• Manual techniques: self-massage, hot and cold therapies 
• Exploring tools like braces and kinesio tape for support 

Thank you for tuning in! If you found this episode helpful, please share your thoughts with us.

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!