Hand Therapy
Hand therapy – a specialized form of occupational therapy:
There are different specialties to occupational therapy, and hand therapy is one of them. Hand therapy focuses on treating orthopedic upper-extremity issues to optimize the functional use of the arm and hand. Hand therapy is used to treat several conditions surrounding the upper extremities, including but not limited to:
- Sprains/strains
- Fractures
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lacerations
- Amputations
In general, hand therapy focuses on the biomechanical issues of upper-extremity conditions. It’s a patient-centered approach that addresses the needs of the patient, such as being able to lift objects, open a jar, or button a shirt.
There are several interventions that a hand therapist can make, in order to help you comfortably perform daily functions. This may include any combination of therapeutic exercises, mirror therapy, orthosis design, pain management, manual therapy, taping, ergonomics, or compression therapy. There are several activities that a hand therapist may have you perform in order to strengthen your upper extremity after an injury, such as working with putty, using a gripper, or using dumbbells.
There are several benefits to hand therapy, including:
- Management of acute or chronic pain
- Design and implementation of home exercise programs to increase motion, dexterity, and/or strength
- Training in the performance of daily life skills through adapted methods and equipment.
- Preventative, non-operative or conservative treatment
- Customized splint fabrication for prevention or correction of injury
- Desensitization following nerve injury or trauma
- Sensory re-education after nerve injury
- Conditioning prior to returning to work
Contact ReQuest Physical Therapy for relief !
You feel better emotionally when you can comfortably engage in your hobbies and everyday activities. If you believe you could benefit from occupational therapy, don’t hesitate to request an appointment today. ReQuest Physical Therapy is ready to get you started on the path toward living a more enjoyable, comfortable and functional life!
