Hand Therapy
What is hand therapy?
There are different specialties to physical 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:
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fractures
- Sprains/strains
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:
- Preventative, non-operative or conservative treatment
- Management of acute or chronic pain
- Desensitization following nerve injury or trauma
- Sensory re-education after nerve injury
- Design and implementation of home exercise programs to increase motion, dexterity, and/or strength
- Customized splint fabrication for prevention or correction of injury
- Training in the performance of daily life skills through adapted methods and equipment.
- Conditioning prior to returning to work
Contact Evidence Physical Therapy today:
physical therapy is more than just addressing an injury. At Evidence Physical Therapy, our Glenn Dale and Clinton physical therapists focus on the functional needs of each patient by implementing certain exercises and activities that promote physical and psychological well-being.
According to the American physical therapy Association (AOTA), in addition to dealing with an individual’s physical well-being, physical therapy practitioners address psychological, social, and environmental factors that may hinder an individual’s functioning in different ways. For example, physical therapy for a young patient may include using a special tool to make cupcakes at home. If an adaptation to a utensil needs to be fashioned, an physical therapist will do it. This unique approach makes physical therapy a vital part of health care for patients. People feel better emotionally when they can comfortably engage in their hobbies and everyday activities.
If you believe you or a loved one could benefit from physical therapy, don’t hesitate to request an appointment today. Contact our Glenn Dale and Clinton physical therapy office to get started on the path toward living a more comfortable and functional life!
