At our first meeting we commiserated a bit and discussed our histories. It was nice just not having to explain to someone what voice recognition software was!
We all seem to feel that there is no single magic bullet-you have to try many different therapies, different software and hardware. Variety is key. If you are right-handed you have to learn to use your left, or maybe even your feet once in a while!
At our next meeting and plan to bring in some of our favorite devices to let others try them without having to invest hundreds of dollars. See you then!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
ScienceDaily: Computer Use Deleted As Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cause: More Common In Assembly Line Work
Science Daily — The popular belief that excessive computer use causes painful carpal tunnel syndrome has been contradicted by experts at Harvard Medical School. According to them, even as much as seven hours a day of tapping on a computer keyboard won't increase your risk of this disabling disorder.
ScienceDaily
ScienceDaily
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Chris' review of DC Docs
This post provides a partial list of the doctors and physical therapists I've seen in the DC area. I am still tracking down the names of other doctors I've seen, but it's been spread out over quite a few years and it'll take a while to remember all of them. But, this document is a start. I also included my thoughts on the doctors and PTs, similar to what Paul Marxhausen puts on his website.
Physical Therapy/Pain Management Center
1. Hand in Hand Therapy Arlington, Virginia
Great core strength training, postural re-education, really nice staff. They don’t take any insurance but give detailed receipts to have your insurance company reimburse you. Their fees tend to be a little higher than most insurance companies consider reasonable for this area, so you may not get compensated at your normal percentage for out of network providers. I had some luck there but the cost became unmanageable and I wasn’t quite making the progress I had hoped for after several months.
2. Capitol Spine and Pain Center (www.treatingpain.com)
Shirlington, VA
Definitely can’t recommend this place. After a 5 minute evaluation and listening to a very short history of my RSI, the doctor recommended a cortisone shot and said surgery for carpal tunnel was probably my best bet. He said that even with patients that have RSI, most benefit from having carpal tunnel surgery. When I courteously questioned his recommendation, he became defensive and didn’t seem to want to talk to me anymore. I grabbed my things and walked out of the office at that point.
3. Reston Therapy and Fitness Center
Reston Hospital, Reston VA
Kanchan Akmanchi, PT
Very nice, personable, and helpful. Good stretches and a good knowledge of RSI, but I wouldn’t say she is cutting edge RSI treatment. Also, the facility offers 45 minute treatment appointments, which I think is a bit short for something as complicated as RSI. But, RSI is not the focus of the facility.
Chiropractor
1. Dr. Matthew Cho, Reston, VA
Services: Chiropractic, Graston Technique, Active Release Technique
Not much luck. Graston technique helpful for very short period of time. No noticeable benefit from active release technique after about 8 treatments.
Physiatrist
1. Dr. Theresa Carlini, Springfield, VA
Really nice doctor. Did a quick 30 minute evaluation, but I walked into her office knowing most of my problems and history. Should probably got straight to the point very quickly for this reason. I only saw her once as she didn’t have anything really new to offer me.
Orthopaedic Doctors
1. Frank A. Pettrone, Commonwealth Orthopaedics (Arlington, VA)
He was the first doctor I saw for the pain my hands. I felt that he did not take me seriously and just sent me to a physical therapist (can’t remember who it was at this point). The physical therapist put me through a few exercises and none of them helped. She and Dr. Pettrone made no references to RSI, posture, etc.
2. Dr. Robert Dombrowski, Commonwealth Orthopaedics, Herndon/Reston VA
Offered splints and referred me to a rheumatologist to check for arthritis. I did not feel it was worthwhile to see him again, as I started to discover and realize what I had was RSI.
Rheumatologists
1. Dr. Margaret Gradzka
Really nice doctor but speaks very quickly, office usually running behind in terms of appointments. Worth seeing to rule out arthritic problems.
Neurologists
1. Dr. Ruben Cintron
Neuroscience Consultants, 12007 Sunrise Valley Dr, Reston, VA
Very nice doctor. Takes the time to listen to you, even some of the emotional stuff you inevitably may let slip out due to the frustrations with RSI. Very thorough and seeks to educate you on your situation.
2. Dr. Natalia Alexandrova, Neurologist
Saw her only for very specific tests. Overall my personal preference is for Dr. Ruben Cintron.
3. Dr. Margit Bleecker, Occupational and Environmental Neurology, Baltimore, Maryland
Excellent doctor. Extremely knowledgeable in RSI. Worth the drive from DC to get a proper diagnosis and evaluation. My first visit was almost 4 hours long. She and her office take extremely comprehensive and well organized notes. If there’s one doctor in the DC area to go see, it is definitely her. Her clinic has an ergonomics lab where they let you test a variety of ergonomic equipment and teach you how to sit at the desk properly and use the equipment properly. However, keep in mind that she doesn’t necessarily treat RSI but rather diagnoses you and helps guide you through your treatment and recovery. The pain management specialist and occupational therapist Sherri is helpful, but I couldn’t justify the drive to Baltimore several times a week for treatment.
Note: Her office only takes cash for copayments.
Physical Therapy/Pain Management Center
1. Hand in Hand Therapy Arlington, Virginia
Great core strength training, postural re-education, really nice staff. They don’t take any insurance but give detailed receipts to have your insurance company reimburse you. Their fees tend to be a little higher than most insurance companies consider reasonable for this area, so you may not get compensated at your normal percentage for out of network providers. I had some luck there but the cost became unmanageable and I wasn’t quite making the progress I had hoped for after several months.
2. Capitol Spine and Pain Center (www.treatingpain.com)
Shirlington, VA
Definitely can’t recommend this place. After a 5 minute evaluation and listening to a very short history of my RSI, the doctor recommended a cortisone shot and said surgery for carpal tunnel was probably my best bet. He said that even with patients that have RSI, most benefit from having carpal tunnel surgery. When I courteously questioned his recommendation, he became defensive and didn’t seem to want to talk to me anymore. I grabbed my things and walked out of the office at that point.
3. Reston Therapy and Fitness Center
Reston Hospital, Reston VA
Kanchan Akmanchi, PT
Very nice, personable, and helpful. Good stretches and a good knowledge of RSI, but I wouldn’t say she is cutting edge RSI treatment. Also, the facility offers 45 minute treatment appointments, which I think is a bit short for something as complicated as RSI. But, RSI is not the focus of the facility.
Chiropractor
1. Dr. Matthew Cho, Reston, VA
Services: Chiropractic, Graston Technique, Active Release Technique
Not much luck. Graston technique helpful for very short period of time. No noticeable benefit from active release technique after about 8 treatments.
Physiatrist
1. Dr. Theresa Carlini, Springfield, VA
Really nice doctor. Did a quick 30 minute evaluation, but I walked into her office knowing most of my problems and history. Should probably got straight to the point very quickly for this reason. I only saw her once as she didn’t have anything really new to offer me.
Orthopaedic Doctors
1. Frank A. Pettrone, Commonwealth Orthopaedics (Arlington, VA)
He was the first doctor I saw for the pain my hands. I felt that he did not take me seriously and just sent me to a physical therapist (can’t remember who it was at this point). The physical therapist put me through a few exercises and none of them helped. She and Dr. Pettrone made no references to RSI, posture, etc.
2. Dr. Robert Dombrowski, Commonwealth Orthopaedics, Herndon/Reston VA
Offered splints and referred me to a rheumatologist to check for arthritis. I did not feel it was worthwhile to see him again, as I started to discover and realize what I had was RSI.
Rheumatologists
1. Dr. Margaret Gradzka
Really nice doctor but speaks very quickly, office usually running behind in terms of appointments. Worth seeing to rule out arthritic problems.
Neurologists
1. Dr. Ruben Cintron
Neuroscience Consultants, 12007 Sunrise Valley Dr, Reston, VA
Very nice doctor. Takes the time to listen to you, even some of the emotional stuff you inevitably may let slip out due to the frustrations with RSI. Very thorough and seeks to educate you on your situation.
2. Dr. Natalia Alexandrova, Neurologist
Saw her only for very specific tests. Overall my personal preference is for Dr. Ruben Cintron.
3. Dr. Margit Bleecker, Occupational and Environmental Neurology, Baltimore, Maryland
Excellent doctor. Extremely knowledgeable in RSI. Worth the drive from DC to get a proper diagnosis and evaluation. My first visit was almost 4 hours long. She and her office take extremely comprehensive and well organized notes. If there’s one doctor in the DC area to go see, it is definitely her. Her clinic has an ergonomics lab where they let you test a variety of ergonomic equipment and teach you how to sit at the desk properly and use the equipment properly. However, keep in mind that she doesn’t necessarily treat RSI but rather diagnoses you and helps guide you through your treatment and recovery. The pain management specialist and occupational therapist Sherri is helpful, but I couldn’t justify the drive to Baltimore several times a week for treatment.
Note: Her office only takes cash for copayments.
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