This is a 60-90 minute seminar, depending on your needs. It can be set up for a Wellness Program, association meeting, hospital seminar, corporate meeting or conference, lunch time seminar, or private showing. For more information, please call Roberta Bergman at 973-279-8850, or send e-mail to seminars@wristhand.com.

Paterson Hand Surgeon Alexander Haselkorn, M.D., Chief of the Louis and Edith Haselkorn Hand Service at Barnert Hospital in Paterson, and Professional Fitness Trainer Roberta Bergman, M.S., have designed a new seminar based on their new video “Say Goodbye to Wrist Pain”.

In his private practice as well as at Barnert Hospital, Dr. Haselkorn noticed that an increasing number of patients were asking how to remedy various problems without extensive medical treatment. Ms. Bergman’s fitness clients were complaining more about wrist pain. They decided it would be enjoyable and cost-effective for people to work in the comfort of their own home, at their own pace, and the video concept was initiated.

Dr. Haselkorn points out that wrist pain is epidemic, affecting people of all ages including children through seniors, because of what they do at school, at work, and at home. The causes of wrist pain are described in a very professional, yet easy to understand way. The causes include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Repetitive Strain Injuries), arthritis, DeQuervain’s Disease, and sprains and fractures. Dr. Haselkorn discusses the main objectives and approaches to treatment for a stable, pain-free wrist. For instance, pressure on the nerve in the wrist may cause pain, or tingling typical of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

There is a very valuable portion on ergonomics and posture, with information on simple techniques, devices, and exercises that are available to prevent and relieve wrist pain. Ms. Bergman demonstrates exercises which avoid putting pressure on the small muscles and tendons of the hand and wrist, such as wrist curls, and push-ups. Uniquely, she emphasizes a holistic approach. Her philosophy, “the body should be as flexible as it is strong”, is determined by examples such as strengthening in the back and shoulders, and stretching the chest and neck area, in order for the body to compensate for diminished use of the hands. Also, finger and hand exercises are shown to help prevent problems.

This seminar is useful for anyone who works at a computer, on an assembly line, plays a musical instrument, even a mother who carries a baby and a child who uses a computer in school. The seminar leaders explain how teachers can demonstrate to their students how to sit with good posture, use ergonomic workstations for back comfort and safety, and do basic hand exercises to prevent future problems.

Alexander Haselkorn, M.D. has been a general surgeon for more than 30 years. He is a former Swanson Hand Fellow and Chairman of the Department of Surgery, Barnert Hospital, Paterson, New Jersey, and is now Chief of the Louis and Edith Haselkorn Hand Service, Barnert Hospital and Attending Hand Surgeon, Beth Israel Hospital, Passaic, New Jersey.

Roberta Bergman, M.S. (Dance-Movement Therapy) has been a Certified Group Exercise Instructor and Fitness Trainer for more than 17 years. She is a public speaker specializing in neck, back, and extremity problems. Ms. Bergman is the founder of “Bodyformula”, a speakers bureau devoted to health topics and healthy lifestyles.