Hand therapy assists patients with assessment, diagnosis and management of injuries and conditions of (shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand) upper extremity. There is a variety of therapeutic exercises, machines/modalities and splints that are used in Hand therapy to help return the patient back to their highest level of activities. Our areas of expertise include functional evaluation, rehabilitation post injury, surgery, RTIS (repetitive trauma injuries) and preventive care.
What to expect?
Although each patient’s treatment plan will be different, most patients can expect to be in therapy 2-3 times per week for 4-6 weeks. The initial assessment will be done and a treatment plan will be designed while keeping the patients goals in mind to help achieve overall highest levels of function with the affected upper extremity.
What will be assessed at a hand therapy evaluation?
- Range of motion
- Pain
- Strength
- Joint mobility
- Function
- Sensation
- Coordination
What conditions are appropriate for hand therapy?
- Wrist sprains and strains
- Hand/Wrist/Elbow fractures
- Hand/Wrist/Elbow tendonitis
- Nerve injuries of the hand, wrist, elbow
- Trauma (i.e. amputations, crush injuries)
- Post-surgical limitations in pain, weakness and range of motion
- Nerve and tendon transfers
- Tendon lacerations and repairs
- Finger and elbow replacements
Treatment may include one or more of the following:
- Wound Care
- Edema Management
- Manual Therapy
- Therapeutic modalities
- Scar Management
- Therapeutic Exercises
- Functional training
- Ergonomics
- Assessment and Training for Adaptive Equipment
- Customized Home Exercise Program
