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HAND THERAPY

WHAT IS HAND THERAPY?

Hand therapy is a focus on the upper extremity. The goal typically is to develop a plan to improve function by reducing pain, swelling, increased range of motion, and increased strength. This can be important whether you are nursing a climbing injury, recovering from surgery or trying to avoid surgery.

COMMON INJURIES

  • Ligament, tendon, pulley injuries (including De Quervain’s, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture)

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Arthritis 

  • Nerve pain: numbness / tingling of hand / fingers

  • Post surgical rehab

  • CRPS (chronic regional pain syndrome)

  • Finger, Hand, Wrist pain (trauma, sports, work, repetitive strain conditions)

  • Fractures of the upper extremity

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF HAND THERAPY? 

To understand the mechanisms of your injury, your PT will perform an interview, followed by certain tests to help diagnose the program. This may include:

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  • Ergonomics - Resolving your condition may lie in understanding your home, work or sports environment and then optimizing the set-up for recovery and elimination of any future issues.

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  • Determining if the wrist, fingers, elbow, and shoulder have sufficient range of motion and strength

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  • Ruling out another cause of symptoms (neck involvement or shoulder weakness), which is contributing or causing a compensation.

 

  • Manual therapy techniques (dry needling, massage, joint mobilization, stretching) are often used to accelerate the recovery process by managing restrictions in muscle tension, scar tissue, or joint restrictions.

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  • Our PTs prescribe specific exercises that will facilitate tissue adaptation and healing.

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  • Management of symptoms and the condition is important. You will be instructed on the best timeline for returning or increasing your activity levels.

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