Hand Therapy
About Hand Therapy
Hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder girdle.
It is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity.
Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.
Conditions appropriate for hand therapy include, but are not limited to:
- Traumatic injuries of tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints and bones
- Cumulative trauma disorders such as tenosynovitis, nerve compressions (carpal tunnel) and painful syndromes
- Arthritis
- Contractures
- Fractures
- Congenital abnormalities
- Pain syndromes
Hand therapy treatments offered:
- Wound and scar management
- Manual Therapy
- Swelling control
- Pain management
- Sensory re-education
- Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises
- Splinting
- Activity of daily living training