About Hand Therapy
Hand therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation that
focuses on treating conditions and injuries affecting the hand, wrist, and
forearm. It is provided by hand therapists who are occupational or
physical therapists with additional training and expertise in treating upper
extremity conditions.
Hand therapy aims to improve the function, strength, and
mobility of the hand and arm, reduce pain, and enhance the overall quality of life
for individuals with hand-related issues.
The primary goal of hand therapy is to promote optimal
healing and functional recovery for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Tendon Injuries: injuries to the tendons that control finger and hand movements, including flexor and extensor tendon injuries.
- Fractures: rehabilitation of fractured bones in the hand, wrist, and forearm to restore function and reduce stiffness.
- Compression neuropathies: To restore sensation and relieve the pressure on the nerves ( Radial, Ulnar, and Median nerve)
- Arthritis: To manage pain and improve joint mobility in individuals with arthritis affecting the hand and wrist.
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: crucial role in the recovery process after hand and wrist surgeries, including tendon repairs, joint replacements, and nerve surgeries.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries: Individuals with repetitive strain injuries, such as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, dequervain's tenosynovitis, Carpel tunnel, and Cubital tunnel syndrome can benefit from hand therapy to reduce pain and improve function.
- Dupuytren's
Contracture: Hand therapy can help manage the progressive hand
condition known as Dupuytren's contracture.
- Burns and Wounds: Hand therapists aid in the rehabilitation of burns and wounds to promote healing and restore hand function and minimize the scar formation
Hand therapy is a collaborative process between the therapist and the patient, with the goal of achieving the best possible functional outcomes and improving the individual's ability to perform daily activities and return to work or hobbies. It plays a crucial role in maximizing hand and upper extremity function and enhancing the overall quality of life for those with hand-related issues.
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How Can a Hand Therapist Help?
Hand therapy treatments are tailored to each individual's specific condition and needs. The therapy process typically includes:
- Comprehensive Evaluation:
A thorough assessment of the individual's hand function, strength, range of motion, and pain levels to develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Customized Treatment Plans:
Based on the evaluation, the hand therapist creates a treatment plan that may include exercises, splinting, manual therapy techniques, modalities, and activity modification.
- Wound Care:
For individuals with wounds or post-surgical incisions, hand therapists provide specialized wound care and scar management.
- Splinting:
Custom splints are often used to protect and support the hand during healing, maintain proper alignment, and prevent contractures.
- Scar management and Desensitasion:
Assessing scars and prescribing Scar management strategies. These may include compression, silicon products, stretching/exercise programs, massage and, desensitization techniques.
- Pain Management:
Various techniques to manage pain, including modalities like heat or cold therapy, and manual therapy.
- Home Exercise Program:
Patients are usually given a set of exercises to perform at home to supplement their therapy sessions and promote continuous progress.
- Education:
Comprehensive education about their condition, the importance of compliance with therapy, and strategies for preventing future injuries.