ChadGOrthoOT

Check out my new video on TMJ dysfunction

😬 TMJ Dysfunction – Jaw Pain, Clicking, or Tightness?

TMJ Dysfunction refers to irritation or poor mechanics of the temporomandibular joint—the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint or the surrounding muscles aren’t working together properly, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and dysfunction.

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🔍 What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ issues are often multifactorial, including:
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Poor posture (especially forward head posture)
• Stress and muscle tension
• Trauma or whiplash injuries
• Dental alignment or bite issues
• Prolonged mouth opening (yawning, dental work)

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🚨 Common Symptoms

• Jaw pain or tightness
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
• Headaches or facial pain
• Ear pain or pressure (without infection)
• Limited mouth opening or jaw locking
• Neck and shoulder tension

⭐️ TMJ Pain or Injury Functional Implications on ADLs & IADLs

Occupational Therapy Perspective

1. Eating & Chewing (ADL)

TMJ pain can limit chewing tolerance, jaw opening, and food texture management, often leading to slower eating, dietary restrictions, or avoidance of certain foods.

2. Speaking & Communication (ADL)

Prolonged talking, projecting the voice, or frequent jaw movement may increase pain and fatigue, impacting work, social interaction, and communication effectiveness.

3. Oral Hygiene (ADL)

Brushing, flossing, and dental care may be difficult due to pain with mouth opening, jaw movement, or sustained positioning.

4. Swallowing & Feeding Efficiency (ADL)

Discomfort or altered jaw mechanics may affect swallowing coordination and efficiency, increasing fatigue during meals.

5. Facial Grooming & Self-Care (ADL)

Tasks such as shaving, applying makeup, or facial skincare may provoke pain due to jaw positioning, sustained posture, or manual pressure.

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6. Sleep & Rest Participation (ADL / IADL Overlap)

TMJ pain, clenching, grinding, or jaw positioning can disrupt sleep quality, contributing to fatigue and reduced daytime performance.

7. Stress Management & Emotional Regulation (ADL / IADL Overlap)

Chronic jaw pain may increase stress, anxiety, and muscle tension, which can further exacerbate symptoms and impair daily functioning.

8. Work & Job-Related Tasks (IADL)

Occupations requiring frequent speaking, headset use, prolonged concentration, or high stress may aggravate TMJ symptoms, impacting productivity.

9. Computer & Phone Use (IADL)

Sustained forward head posture, phone cradling, or prolonged screen use may increase jaw and cervical strain, worsening TMJ symptoms.

10. Driving & Transportation (IADL)

Jaw clenching during driving, stress, or prolonged static posture may increase pain and discomfort.

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11. Social Participation (IADL)

TMJ pain may limit social activities involving eating, conversation, or prolonged engagement, leading to withdrawal or reduced participation.

12. Leisure & Recreational Activities (IADL)

Activities such as singing, playing wind instruments, fitness classes, or recreational talking may be restricted due to pain or jaw fatigue.

13. Head, Neck, & Postural Endurance (ADL)

TMJ dysfunction is often associated with cervical and postural impairments, reducing tolerance for upright activities and increasing overall fatigue.

14. Health Management & Self-Care Routines (IADL)

Managing symptoms may require ongoing exercises, splint use, diet modification, and stress management, increasing cognitive and time demands.

15. Overall Quality of Life & Occupational Satisfaction (OT Domain)

Persistent TMJ pain can reduce participation in meaningful occupations, increase frustration and stress, impair sleep and nutrition, and negatively impact overall quality of life.

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Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This is not a fully comprehensive program. Patients undergo a thorough medical history review and clinical examination. Individualized plans are developed based on clinical decision-making by a licensed healthcare professional.

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#OccupationalTherapy
#OrthopedicOT
#TMJ
#ADLs
#ChadGOrthoOT

2 days ago | [YT] | 1

ChadGOrthoOT

⭐️ Cervical Neck Pain Functional ADL & IADL Implications of

An Occupational Therapy Perspective

ADLs – Basic Activities of Daily Living

1. Dressing (Upper & Lower Body)

Cervical pain and limited rotation or flexion make it difficult to visually monitor clothing, coordinate bilateral upper-extremity movement, and maintain posture during dressing tasks, increasing time, effort, and discomfort.

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2. Grooming (Hair Care, Shaving, Makeup)

Sustained cervical extension, rotation, or side-bending required for grooming increases pain and limits task tolerance, often resulting in incomplete grooming or compensatory postures.

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3. Bathing & Showering

Restricted neck mobility limits environmental scanning and safe movement within the shower, increasing fall risk and difficulty with tasks such as hair washing and rinsing.

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4. Feeding & Eating

Cervical flexion intolerance and postural pain interfere with looking down at food, cutting meals, and maintaining upright posture during meals, impacting comfort and efficiency.

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5. Sleep & Bed Mobility

Neck pain disrupts sleep positioning, rolling, and supine-to-side-lying transitions, contributing to poor sleep quality, increased stiffness, and daytime fatigue.

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IADLs – Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

6. Driving & Community Mobility

Limited cervical rotation affects the ability to check blind spots, scan intersections, and safely back up, reducing driving confidence and independence.

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7. Work Tasks & Ergonomic Tolerance

Sustained postures, computer use, lifting, and repetitive tasks exacerbate symptoms, leading to decreased productivity, endurance, and work participation.

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8. Household Management (Cleaning, Cooking, Laundry)

Activities requiring prolonged looking down, reaching, or carrying loads increase cervical strain, making household tasks more physically demanding and time-consuming.

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9. Technology Use (Phone, Tablet, Computer)

Prolonged forward-head posture and static neck positioning during device use increase pain and stiffness, commonly referred to as “tech neck.”

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10. Leisure, Exercise & Recreational Participation

Neck pain limits tolerance for physical activity, hobbies, and exercise, reducing participation in meaningful leisure occupations and overall physical conditioning.

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Functional Mobility, Psychosocial, & Quality of Life Impacts

11. Ambulation & Functional Mobility

Impaired cervical rotation limits visual scanning during walking, stair negotiation, and navigating busy environments, increasing fall risk and reducing confidence with mobility.

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12. Overall Enjoyment of Life & Emotional Well-Being

Chronic cervical pain contributes to frustration, irritability, anxiety, and decreased motivation, negatively impacting life satisfaction and emotional health.

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13. Social Engagement & Pleasure-Based Activities

Pain with head movement interferes with conversation, social outings, and events, often leading to avoidance behaviors and reduced social participation.

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14. Fatigue, Cognitive Load & Mental Endurance

Persistent pain increases cognitive effort and fatigue, making it harder to concentrate, multitask, and sustain attention during daily tasks, impacting safety and performance.

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Occupational Therapy Clinical Relevance

Orthopedic Occupational Therapy addresses cervical neck pain by:
• Linking impairments to functional limitations
• Restoring safe movement and postural control
• Modifying tasks and environments for ADL/IADL independence
• Addressing psychosocial and quality-of-life impacts
• Supporting return to meaningful occupations

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Disclaimer

Not a fully comprehensive program. Patients undergo a thorough medical history review and clinical examination. Individualized plans are developed after clinical decision-making. Educational purposes only.

3 days ago | [YT] | 3

ChadGOrthoOT

Sciatica – What It Is & How Therapy Can Help

Sciatica is a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. It typically starts in the lower back or buttock and can travel down the back of the thigh and into the leg or foot.

What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica isn’t a diagnosis itself—it’s a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the lumbar spine or pelvis. Common causes include disc herniations, spinal stenosis, degenerative changes, muscle compression, or prolonged postural stress.

Common Symptoms
• Sharp, burning, or electric pain down one leg
• Numbness or tingling in the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Pain worsened by sitting, bending, or prolonged standing
• Relief when lying down or changing positions

How Common Is Sciatica?
Sciatica affects up to 40% of people at some point in their lifetime, most commonly between ages 30–60. It is one of the leading causes of work-related disability due to low back pain.

How Orthopedic Occupational Therapy Can Help
Orthopedic Occupational Therapists specialize in movement, posture, nerve mobility, and daily function. Treatment may include:
• Postural and ergonomic correction
• Nerve mobilization techniques
• Core and hip strengthening
• Activity modification for work and daily tasks
• Education to prevent recurrence and flare-ups

Our goal is not just pain relief—but helping you move, work, and live better.

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⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a fully comprehensive program. Patients undergo a thorough medical history review and clinical examination. Individualized plans are developed after making clinical decisions. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment.

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📺 YouTube: Largest Orthopedic OT Channel
📸 Instagram: @ChadG_Ortho_OT
🌐 Website: www.ChadGOrthoOT.com

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#Sciatica
#OrthopedicOT
#OccupationalTherapy
#BackPainRelief
#ChadGOrthoOT

5 days ago | [YT] | 2

ChadGOrthoOT

Neck Strain – At-Home Therapy Program

Top 6 Tips & Movements

Goal: Reduce pain, restore mobility, decrease muscle tension, and improve neck support for daily activities (desk work, driving, phone use).

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1️⃣ Cervical Retraction (Chin Tucks)

Purpose:
• Reduces forward head posture
• Activates deep neck flexors
• Decreases cervical muscle strain

How to Perform:
• Sit or stand tall
• Gently glide chin straight back
• Keep eyes level (do not look down)
• Hold 3–5 seconds, relax

Dosage:
10 reps, 2–3 sets, 1–2x/day

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2️⃣ Upper Trapezius Stretch

Purpose:
• Decreases muscle tension
• Improves side-bending mobility

How to Perform:
• Sit upright
• Gently tilt ear toward shoulder
• Use opposite hand for light over-pressure
• Keep shoulders relaxed

Hold: 20–30 seconds
Reps: 2–3 each side

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3️⃣ Levator Scapulae Stretch

Purpose:
• Targets common neck strain trigger points
• Reduces pain with head rotation and looking down

How to Perform:
• Rotate head 45° away
• Tuck chin toward armpit
• Apply gentle downward pressure with hand

Hold: 20–30 seconds
Reps: 2–3 each side

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4️⃣ Cervical Isometric Strengthening

Purpose:
• Improves cervical stability
• Reduces re-injury risk
• Supports prolonged postures

How to Perform:
• Place hand against head
• Gently press without allowing movement
• Directions:
• Flexion
• Extension
• Side-bending

Hold: 5 seconds
Reps: 5 each direction

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5️⃣ Moist Heat or Ice (Symptom Management)

Purpose:
• Heat: decreases muscle guarding and stiffness
• Ice: reduces inflammation and pain

How to Use:
• Moist Heat:
• Use warm pack or heated towel
• Apply 10–15 minutes before exercises or stretching
• Ice:
• Use cold pack wrapped in towel
• Apply 10–15 minutes after activity or if inflamed

Tip: Choose the option that provides the most symptom relief.

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6️⃣ Myofascial Release with Ball (Upper Trap)

Purpose:
• Reduces upper trapezius tension
• Improves local blood flow
• Decreases trigger point sensitivity

How to Perform:
• Place a tennis ball or myofascial ball between upper trap and wall
• Lean gently into the ball
• Slowly move up/down or side-to-side
• Pause on tender spots

Time: 30–60 seconds per area
Frequency: 1–2x/day

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Programming Guidelines

✔ Stay within pain-free or ≤2/10 discomfort
✔ Slow, controlled movements
✔ Combine with frequent postural resets throughout the day
✔ Avoid aggressive stretching or pressure early on

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Functional Benefits

Improves tolerance for:
• Desk and computer work
• Phone use
• Driving
• Sleeping positions
• Daily reaching and lifting tasks

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Disclaimer

Not a fully comprehensive program. Patients undergo a thorough medical history review and clinical examination. Individualized plans are developed after making clinical decisions. This is for educational purposes only.

#NeckPainRelief
#NeckStrain
#OrthopedicOT
#PhysicalRehab
#ChadGOrthoOT

1 week ago | [YT] | 1

ChadGOrthoOT

What is a pain area you just can’t seem to fix? Leave a comment and I will create content videos on the topic! Thanks everyone !!

1 week ago | [YT] | 4

ChadGOrthoOT

AC Joint Sprain & Irritation | What It Is, Symptoms, and How Orthopedic OT Can Help

An AC (acromioclavicular) joint sprain or irritation occurs at the junction between the clavicle (collarbone) and the acromion of the shoulder blade. This injury is common after falls onto the shoulder, direct contact, or repetitive overhead activity and can range from mild ligament irritation to more significant ligament disruption.

How Orthopedic Occupational Therapy Can Help

Orthopedic Occupational Therapy uses a biomechanical frame of reference to restore shoulder function needed for daily life, work tasks, and recreation. Treatment may include:
• Activity and load modification to calm joint irritation
• Progressive shoulder mobility and scapular control exercises
• Strengthening of the rotator cuff and periscapular muscles
• Functional retraining for reaching, lifting, pushing, and overhead tasks
• Education to reduce reinjury risk and improve long-term outcomes

Many AC joint sprains and irritations improve without surgery when guided by a structured, individualized therapy program.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This is not a fully comprehensive program. Patients undergo a thorough medical history review and clinical examination, and individualized treatment plans are developed based on clinical decision-making. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

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📺 Subscribe to my YouTube channel – the largest Orthopedic Occupational Therapy channel on YouTube – for evidence-based rehab education.

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#ACJointSprain
#ShoulderPain
#OrthopedicOT
#OccupationalTherapy
#ShoulderRehab

1 week ago | [YT] | 4

ChadGOrthoOT

Welcome to ChadGOrthoOT- The Only Orthopedic OT on YouTube.
I help people reduce pain, improve strength, restore function, and return to the activities they love using evidence-based orthopedic occupational therapy.
This channel covers:
* Shoulder impingement & rotator cuff rehab
* Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, wrist/hand injuries
* Low back, hip, knee, and ankle ortho exercises
* Post-operative guidelines & recovery education
* Functional strengthening programs
* Research-supported mobility, flexibility, and strengthening progressions
* OT scope, manual therapy, and orthopedic reasoning
Whether you're an OT, PT, healthcare professional, student, or patient wanting to get better - you'll find clear, orthopedic therapy education here.
Subscribe to join the largest Ortho OT community on YouTube!!

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

ChadGOrthoOT

Hey everyone ! I just wanted to say thank you again to you guys for subscribing to my channel ! 🙏🏼 I can’t thank you all enough for the awesome support !

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

ChadGOrthoOT

My Top 5 Movements for Better Stair Climbing & Descending

1️⃣ Step-Ups

Purpose: Improve concentric quad and glute power for ascending stairs.
Key cues:
• Drive through heel
• Keep knee aligned with 2nd toe
• Avoid pushing off the back leg

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2️⃣ Step-Downs (Forward Eccentric Control)

Purpose: Train the controlled lowering required for descending stairs.
Key cues:
• Slow 3–4 second descent
• Prevent hip drop
• Avoid knee valgus

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3️⃣ Lateral Step-Downs

Purpose: Improve frontal-plane hip stability, reducing knee collapse and improving single-leg control.
Key cues:
• Keep pelvis level
• Knee tracks forward
• Soft, controlled heel tap

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4️⃣ Calf Raises + Ankle Control

Purpose: Strengthen plantarflexors for stair push-off and improve ankle stability.
Progression:
• Double-leg → single-leg
• Add balance demands (eyes closed, unstable surface)

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5️⃣ Sit-to-Stands (Mini-Squat Pattern Training)

Purpose: Build functional knee and hip strength that transfers directly to stair climbing.
Key cues:
• Drive evenly through both feet
• Trace knees over toes without collapsing inward
• Progress from chair → no chair → weighted

🚫 Disclaimer

➡️ Not medical advice. This is for educational and entertainment purposes only.
➡️ Not a fully comprehensive program. My patients undergo a thorough medical history review and clinical examination. Individualized plans are then developed after making clinical decisions.


#ChadGOrthoOT.
#OrthopedicOT
#OccupationalTherapy
#LegStrengthTraining
#StairTrainingExercises

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

ChadGOrthoOT

Unable to Reach Overhead? Improve Shoulder Mobility, Strength & Function | Ortho OT Tips

Struggling to reach overhead without pain, stiffness, or weakness? Whether you’re trying to lift a dish onto a shelf, reach into a cabinet, or press weight overhead, proper shoulder mobility and stability are essential for everyday function.

🔍 Why Being Able to Reach Overhead Is Important

Reaching overhead requires a coordinated combination of
• Shoulder joint mobility (especially flexion and abduction)
• Scapular movement (upward rotation, posterior tilt, external rotation)
• Thoracic spine extension
• Strength and stability of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers

When any part of this system is limited, you may experience:
• Shoulder pain or pinching
• Weakness while lifting objects
• Difficulty with daily tasks (e.g., hair grooming, placing items on shelves, dressing)
• Decreased independence and function
• Increased risk of tendon irritation or impingement

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🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Video

✔️ Tips to improve overhead mechanics through motor control and strengthening.

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👇 If you want more orthopedic OT tips, make sure to subscribe!

@ChadGOrthoOT | The Ortho OT
Educational content for shoulder pain, mobility, strengthening, and functional independence.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

Not medical advice. This is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a fully comprehensive program. My patients undergo a thorough medical history review and clinical examination. Individualized plans are then developed after making clinical decisions.

⸻

#ShoulderMobility
#OverheadReach
#ChadGOrthoOT
#ShoulderPainRelief
#OccupationalTherapy

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1