I was struggling a little about what to write about next. There are just so many options! But then, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across a story posted by Rehab Minder about arm wrestling on ABC news in Australia.
How easy is it to break an arm?
This serves as a friendly reminder about the potential dangers of playful arm wrestling, or even finger wrestling. This guy in Australia broke his arm on national television while arm wrestling on a show. OUCH! How crazy is that??
Real-Life Examples from My Practice
I’ve had patients experience similar situations. One patient, a male, was arm wrestling with a friend when things took a turn. In a split second, his friend wanted to win and stood up just a little which was enough to cause a torque that fractured his humerus (the long bone in the upper arm). There was a very loud “crack”, and his arm ended up bent at an unnatural angle. The break-even left a significant scar running from his armpit down to his elbow.
He was very lucky though in the sense that he did not injure the radial nerve that passes a little higher than where he broke it. His occupational therapy with me was not too intensive believe it or not because it was between the shoulder and the elbow. So he was able to start moving right away, even with the staples. He was also able to follow up with a lot of the exercises I gave him on his own.
Another Case: Broken Finger from Finger Wrestling
My other guy (yes another guy) broke his index finger while playing finger wrestling with a friend. College men, needing something to entertain themselves with, decided to play who’s got the strongest will. I would say it was my patient, let’s call him Ray. Ray held on no matter what because he said he didn’t feel pain, he only felt it when his finger cracked in a spiral pattern and his finger was dangling.
Fractures of the Index Finger
That’s a picture of his finger right after surgery. Fingers are much harder to rehab and can face a lot of issues regarding motion if not careful. Ray was able to start right away as well and within a month was able to be functional again, especially with taking notes in class.
Fingers are a lot more painful and get very stiff, very fast, and Ray had all of the above. But with the right exercises, his ability to tolerate the pain, and his great follow-up in therapy and home program, he did great!! I wish I had taken a picture of his finger after.
We Can Get Hurt From Anything, But…
Accidents happen. We can all get hurt from just about anything BUT this is just a friendly reminder that playful wrestling can hurt….watch here on youtube the video of arm wrestling gone wrong.
Playful wrestling can be a fun way to connect with friends, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. If you do experience a fracture, occupational therapy can play a crucial role in your recovery journey. Therapy helps to reduce pain, improve movement, and prevent stiffness, ultimately helping you regain full use of your injured limb.
Hands-on Therapy Services: Your Partner in Recovery
Hands-on Therapy Services is a leading provider of certified hand therapy in Miami. Our team specializes in the rehabilitation of various injuries affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. These injuries can result from accidents, surgery, or even naturally occurring conditions. Our services are delivered by certified hand therapists, ensuring you receive the highest quality care. Additionally, we offer occupational therapy services on-site.
About Hoang Tran – an expert in occupational therapy
Hoang Tran is a certified hand therapist, the owner of Hands-on Therapy Services, and the author of the book “The Hands-On Approach”. She loves helping people with hand, neck, and shoulder problems because she knows how bad and debilitating they can get if not addressed and treated properly (once and for all!).
Her Miami occupational therapy clinic aims to help her clients live active pain-free lives, without pills, injections, or surgery. Occupational and Physical Therapy are offered at Hands-On Therapy by our experienced therapists who provide a comprehensive approach to your care.
If you or someone you know is living with
Speak with one of our specialists for FREE by requesting a 30-minute Discovery Visit here! Talk to our specialist first before booking any paid session. We like to ensure that we can help you before taking you on as a client.
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** If you are an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or certified hand therapist who wants to learn and develop your skills in hand therapy, please visit Hoang Tran’s program.
Hoang Tran offers both online and in-person learning events to help you develop your clinical skills.
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Disclaimer: As with all our pages, this is NOT a substitute for formal medical treatment or occupational therapy. It is intended to inform only. Hands-on Therapy Services disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
