Occupational therapy vs. independent exercises: Which improves distal radius fracture outcome?

In 2011, a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted by J. Sebastiaan Souer, Geert Buijze, and David Ring, the efficacy of formal occupational therapy following open reduction and volar plate fixation for distal radial fractures was investigated. The study aimed to discern whether formal therapy provided any significant advantage over independent exercises in terms of wrist function and arm-specific disability six months post-surgery. Ninety-four patients with … Continue reading Occupational therapy vs. independent exercises: Which improves distal radius fracture outcome?

Does arm massage improve shoulder function in women post lymph node dissection surgery?

In 2004 a randomized clinical trial, Cheryl Forchuk, et. al., investigated the potential benefits of postoperative arm massage for women undergoing lymph node dissection surgery. The study aimed to assess the usefulness of arm massage administered by a significant other as a supportive measure following surgery. The trial employed a pretest-posttest design, with data collection occurring at multiple time points: prior to surgery, within 24 … Continue reading Does arm massage improve shoulder function in women post lymph node dissection surgery?

Can delayed shoulder exercises revolutionize post-mastectomy care?

Wound seroma remains a prevalent complication following mastectomy, necessitating the exploration of effective prevention strategies. This study, led by M. Abe, et. al.,(1998) aimed to assess the efficacy of delayed shoulder exercises in mitigating seroma formation after partial or total mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection for cancer treatment. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted, enrolling a total of 116 participants who underwent mastectomy … Continue reading Can delayed shoulder exercises revolutionize post-mastectomy care?

Does delaying postoperative physiotherapy reduce seroma incidence after mastectomy?

In 1997, Schultz, et. al., conducted study about Seromas and compromised shoulder function which are common complications following modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Early postoperative physiotherapy is often employed to mitigate shoulder dysfunction. This prospective randomized study aimed to assess whether delaying postoperative shoulder exercises could decrease the frequency of seromas without adversely affecting shoulder function. A total of 163 breast cancer patients undergoing … Continue reading Does delaying postoperative physiotherapy reduce seroma incidence after mastectomy?

How effective is healing touch in reducing anxiety and opioid use in knee arthroplasty patients?

In 2012, a  study conducted by Mary E. Hardwick, et. al., the potential benefits of utilizing Healing Touch (HT) as a nurse-initiated modality in the context of bilateral total knee arthroplasty were explored. The study aimed to investigate whether the integration of HT alongside standard pharmacologic interventions could lead to reduced pain, anxiety, opioid consumption, improved ambulation, knee flexion, and enhanced patient satisfaction. A total … Continue reading How effective is healing touch in reducing anxiety and opioid use in knee arthroplasty patients?