Hand Therapy

Our certified hand therapist can help you get the best function possible following injury or disease.

What is hand therapy?

Hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes:

• Hand

• Wrist

• Elbow

• Shoulder girdle

Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of disease in these upper body areas. This enhances your ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life day-to-day situations.

Common conditions treated by a CHT

• Amputations

• Arthritis and rheumatic diseases

• Crush injuries/mutilating trauma

• Cumulative trauma disorders

• Cysts and tumors

• Dislocations and subluxations

• Fractures

• Ligamentous injuries and instabilities

• Muscular strains, tears and avulsions

• Nerve injuries and conditions (neuropathies, palsies, nerve repairs)

• Replantation and revascularization

• Central nervous system injuries

• Tendon injuries and conditions (lacerations, transfers, tendonitis, ruptures)

• Thermal and electrical injuries

• Vascular disorders

• Wounds and scars

Hand therapy treatment techniques & tools

• Compression therapy

• Desensitization

• Design and/or selection of adaptive/assistive devices

• Ergonomic and activity modification in home, work, school or leisure

• Exercise

• Functional activity

• Joint protection instruction/energy conservation instruction

• Manual therapy

• Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, fluidotherapy and paraffin wax

• Patient education

• Sensory re-education

• Wound/scar Management

Splinting

Treating a shoulder, arm, wrist or hand injury often requires the use of a splint or brace. Our certified hand therapist can properly match splint material and splint design to your specific injury. Splinting techniques are used to influence healing, minimize the development of restrictive scar tissue, maintain hand function and reduce pain. If indicated, our certified hand therapist can also assist in selecting an appropriate prefabricated splint to assist in meeting your physical therapy goals.

What can I expect?

If you’re new to physical therapy, we recommend reviewing our new patient info. In addition, throughout treatment you can feel free to ask your therapist and our other staff members any questions about your treatment.