Torn Rotator Cuff – one patient’s story. . .

Thomas M. Clark, DDS practicing his new skills
Thomas M. Clark, DDS practicing his new skills on a simulated patient, after physical therapy.

Here’s a snippet from an inspiring blog by Tom Clark about his recovery from a Torn Rotator Cuff. We see many people starting over with their handwriting tasks and recovering from difficult surgery is just one example:

Handwriting For Heroes presents a 6 week long series of work book pages similar to the ways we were taught in elementary school, but written and designed for adults. Through the lessons of loops and swirls, coloring and copying; the authors provide you with exercises that strengthen both the fine motor muscles as well as the hand eye coordination needed to write. Just like the McGuffey Readers of the old days the repetition is not idle, most of the sentences that you copy offer encouraging words to brighten your day and strengthen your resolve.

I faithfully went through the book from cover to cover, and I can say that the improvement in my hand skills was dramatic. I still write like a doctor, but less so than before my surgery.

I give the book my highest recommendation. It should be on the list of must haves for anyone going though something similar to my experience.

You can follow Thomas. M. Clark, DDS and his ongoing recovery on his Facebook page as well as his blog.

Handwriting for Heroes 3rd Ed. now available!

Thanks to the feedback we have received from everyone on the earlier editions of Handwriting For Heroes, we are pleased to announce the 3rd Edition. This edition is available now directly from the publisher.

$22.95

Amazon.com now stocks the 3rd Edition .  Bookstores can order direct from the publisher or from New Leaf Distributing.  H4H remains the only program specifically directed towards adult re-learners.

Highlights of the 3rd Edition include

  • Revised and updatd exercises structured for either cursive or print (manuscript) re-learning.
  • Positive psychology exercises to promote optimism and
    resiliency in your daily life.

As always, we invite Certified Hand Therapists to request a complimentary evaluation copy to learn whether Handwriting For Heroes is right for your clients.  Write to victor@LHPress.com and be sure to include your complete mailing address.

Radiation Induced Brachial Plexopathy (RIBP) and Handwriting

Radiation-Induced Brachial Plexopathy (RIBP) is a progressive and painful paralysis of the arm and shoulder, brought on by radiation treatment for breast cancer and certain other cancers. With improvements in radiation technology, RIBP is rare these days, but can still occur when multiple overlapping radiation fields or high radiation doses are used. It most often involves lymphedema of the affected arm and, like lymphedema, RIBP can develop at any time following radiation treatment of the area. There is no cure, though interventions are possible to slow progression, optimize remaining arm and hand function, control related lymphedema, and relieve pain.

RIBP survivors are often left unable to use their dominant hand for normal function. Recently, Step-Up/Speak Out reviewed Handwriting For Heroes in the context of RIBP.  Step-Up/Speak Out’s Director Bonnie Pike wrote:  “We are very impressed with Handwriting For Heroes.”See blogs and businesses for USA

Katie and Kristen on Inside Scoop Live Show

Juanita Watson, host of Inside Scoop Live, interviewed Katie Yancosek and Kristen Gulick on her show recently.  This 40-minute segment covered a wide range of issues about handwriting, the nature of handed-ness, and transfer of skills/rehabilitation.

You can Download the MP3 file  and listen on your iPod
or click on the audio-player bar below to listen immediately.