Hand therapists (also referred to as occupational therapists) specialize in conditions affecting hands and upper extremities. Becoming a hand therapist includes advanced training to treat patients through hand physical therapy for things such as post-surgical rehabilitation, hand injuries that do not require surgery, conservative treatments, preventive measures, and work-related consultations. Hand therapy often continues even after a patient returns to work or their normal daily activities.
What Are Different Types of Hand Therapy Procedures?
- Range of motion/stretching
- Strengthening
- Therapeutic exercises
- Wound / scar management
- Desensitization techniques
- Edema control
- Soft tissue mobilization / massage
- Functional activities
- Work simulation
- Work place modifications
- Modalities (including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat/ice, iontophoresis)
- Custom splinting
- Custom casting
- Home program instruction
Hand pain treatment through occupational therapy can result in:
- Faster recovery times
- Custom splint fabrication
- Decreased medical costs
- Better functional outcomes
Licensed hand therapists at Sunshine Physical Therapy work with you to prevent hand injuries, improve hand functions after surgery or injury, and get you back to feeling like yourself again. Our hand therapists will work with you one-on-one to design a custom hand rehabilitation plan specifically for your injury or condition.
Schedule your appointment today at an Sunshine Physical Therapy location near you to learn more about hand therapy.