Hand Therapy
Hand therapy is a specialty that treats injuries and conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Hand therapists work in close conjunction with physicians and surgeons to improve function and patient success. Services are provided by Certified Hand Therapists who have extensive training and experience in the field of hand therapy. CHT’s are Occupational Therapists or Physical Therapists who have successfully achieved Hand Therapy Certification.
When should you see a CHT?
Patients may seek hand therapy treatment as early as 1-2 days post injury or surgery.
- Post-op tendon repair protocols including custom splinting and early range of motion (ROM)
- Post fracture and post-op fracture fixation (i.e. ORIF, external fixators, K-wire fixation) protective ROM, edema control and wound care
- Crush injuries requiring wound care, protective splinting, early gentle ROM and edema control
- Complex traumatic injuries (i.e. crush injury with fractures, tendon lacerations and skin grafting)
- Acute tendonitis
Conditions
Hand Therapy can be effective treatment for pain, stiffness and weakness of the hand, wrist or elbow. Our clinic offers a full scope of rehabilitation services from early acute intervention to the preparation of client for an early, safe, and effective return to prior functional activity.
Hand therapists are specialized in treating upper extremity conditions including the following:
- Traumatic injuries
- Fractures and dislocations
- Sports injuries
- Tennis elbow and other types of tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, and other nerve entrapment disorders
- Repetitive motion syndromes
- Amputations
- Burns and frostbite
- Sprains & strains
- Arthritis Tendon and nerve injuries
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Complex regional pain syndrome/RSD
Treatments
Following a thorough evaluation, a therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan for each client which may include:
- Customized brace or splint fabrication
- Joint protection principles
- Range of motion and strengthening exercises
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Wound care
- Control of swelling
- Moist heat and cold therapy
- Ultrasound, iontophoresis, and electrical stimulation
- Desensitization and sensory re-education
- Joint protection principles
- Therapeutic activities
- Home exercise programs
- Patient education related to anatomy, pathology, and the patient’s role in treatment and recovery.
Dysfunction can arise from a variety of situations, such as stroke, congenital disorders, sports injuries, work injuries, or disease-related conditions. Talk with a certified hand therapist to explore the treatment options available to you.