When people suffer from a hand-related injury from an accident, hand therapy can provide treatment and help them to regain their productivity and independence. Hand therapists treat patients who have suffered wounds, burns, fractures, and other congenital deformities. Our hands are very vital and should be taken care of, so we have summarized all the information you need to know about hand therapists.
What is a Hand Therapist?
Hand therapy combines physical and occupational therapy to treat conditions and upper extremities injuries. They have received substantial education, extensive training, and clinical practice. This knowledge allows them to assist their patients in the transition from their injury to a successful recovery. A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and treat any problem related to the upper extremity.
Although they are called hand therapists, they treat more than just the hands. Hand therapists care for injuries and conditions of the upper extremities such as fingers, wrists, forearms, elbows, and shoulders.
Hand therapists can successfully treat and rehabilitate the patient through post-operative rehabilitation, preventative, non-operative, or conservative treatment, as well as industry consultation. Hand therapists will conduct a thorough examination of the injured area to make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
Hand therapists use many tools and techniques along with unique exercise programs for treatment. They also craft custom splints and braces for patients with tendonitis, carpal tunnel, fractures, and other conditions.
A hand therapist can also help patients recover faster after surgery through the use of wound healing, infection prevention, scar care, and inflammation relief.
What conditions do hand therapists treat?
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel
- Wrist Pain
- Shoulder injuries (i.e., Rotator cuff tear/repair, thoracic outlet, labral tears/ repairs)
- Fractures and crush injuries
- Ligament injuries, strains, and sprains
- Sports injuries of the upper extremity
- Tendon and nerve repairs
- Wound and burn management
Learn more about other common injuries treated by certified hand therapists here.
Hand therapists can aid in reducing the symptoms that are associated with those chronic illnesses. Additionally, they can help assist their patients in their rehabilitation following a stroke or other neurological conditions.
Our hand therapists will also educate and communicate with their patients to lower the risk of future injuries and help them properly adjust to their workplace.
Hand therapy can provide:
- Non-surgical treatment
- reduction of nerve sensitivity
- Range of motion exercise programs
- Specialized tools to accomplish routine activities
- Training to get back to everyday activities
If you are suffering from an injury or chronic pain in your upper extremities, hand therapists are who you should turn to. At Memphis Physical Therapy, our goal is to facilitate healing while reducing pain and restoring range of motion, strength, and coordination. We want to get you back to your best functional status as quickly as possible.
