Hand TherapyJoin Now
Hand Therapy
A hand therapist is an occupational or physical therapist who, through advanced study, specializes in rehabilitating patients with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity. Hand therapists work with individuals who may have been affected by an accident or trauma leaving them with wounds, scars, burns, injured tendons or nerves, fractures, or amputation of the finger, hand, or arm.
A hand therapist also treats patients affected by cumulative trauma disorders – such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome as well as individuals who suffer from such chronic problems as arthritis or a neurological condition.
A hand therapist works with the patient and physician in a coordinated team approach to help the patient achieve the best functional outcome possible. Care often starts within days of an individual’s injury or surgery and continues right through to the person’s return to work and/or a productive lifestyle. (Source: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center)
Patients who benefit from hand therapy
Hand Therapy offers a comprehensive rehabilitation service for patients who are disabled as a result of acute or chronic hand and upper extremity injuries, have auto-immune and genetic disorders, or are status post an elective surgery. Some of the diagnoses treated include:
- Arthritis
- Arthroscopic surgery of wrist, elbow and shoulder
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome and radial tunnel syndrome
- Crush injuries
- Tendonitis/Tendonosis
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Flexor or extensor tendon repair
- Fractures
- MP and PIP arthroplasties
- Peripheral nerve repair
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Replantations
- Tendon transfers
- Lateral and medial epicondylitis
- Amputations
(Source: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
Helpful Links about Hand Therapy
Slideshow: 10 Ways to Exercise Hands and Fingers
Tips for Improving Fine Motor Skills
