Children who received this season's most popular holiday gifts, Sony's" PlayStation 3 or Microsoft's" XBox 360, may end up with a gift they didn't desire -- sore hands and thumbs  say the physical therapists at First Choice Rehabilitation Specialists.

"Video Gamer's Thumb" is the name that has been given to a condition that can affect the hands and upper arms of children", says Karen Red, PT, who works at the Mechanicsburg office of First Choice Rehab and specializes in pediatric therapy. "With continued stress on children's hand and arm tendons, long-term consequences such as bursitis, tendonitis, and carpel tunnel syndrome can occur", explains Red.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, (APTA), "Video Gamer's Thumb" refers to a repetitive stress injury (RSI) that causes swelling at the base of the thumb due to overuse of video games. RSI is an umbrella term for a collection of disorders most commonly affecting the hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders. Symptoms can range from fatigue and loss of strength to minor or acute aches and pains, burning, and tingling.

"Most importantly", affirms Red, "Video Gamer's Thumb is a warning that not enough alternative play activity is being utilized.  The majority of a child's play time should be active. Use video games wisely and in a balanced proportion to physical activities (like walking, bike riding, play ground activities, jump rope & free imaginative play.)"

The APTA has produced a colorful, one-page tip sheet featuring simple hand stretches and exercises to prevent "Video Gamer's Thumb." This useful tip sheet can be downloaded Here.

To protect against injuries, APTA also recommends the following:

• Keep wrists straight; do not let them bend downward when holding a game controller.
• Practice good posture while playing. Sit in a chair that provides solid back support with feet comfortably on the floor.
• Stretch and move. Remember to stretch and get up and move every 20 minutes for so to give head, neck, and shoulder muscles a break.
• Watch for problems. Look for warning signs such as headaches, fatigue, muscle pain or cramping and suggest a break or alternate activity.

For help or more information, contact a physical therapist at the First Choice Rehabilitation Specialists office near you.