If you have been injured and are in need of hand therapy, you may be wondering what to expect. Who will be working with you? What will they do? How often will you need to go? This blog post will answer all of those questions and more! We’ll talk about the different types of hand therapy specialists, what services they offer, and how often you’ll need to see them. We’ll also give you a few tips on how to find the best hand therapist for your needs.
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Who Are Hand Therapy Specialists?
Hand therapists are occupational and physical therapists who specialize in the rehabilitation of the hand, wrist, and elbow. They have advanced training and certification in this area and are experts in the field. These are professionals with years of experience working with patients who have had injuries in these areas.
It is important to see a hand therapist if you have had an injury in any of these areas. They will be able to help you regain function and range of motion. These specialists can also help you prevent further injury. Therefore, if you are experiencing any pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand, wrist, or elbow, you should see a hand therapist.
How Do They Work?
A hand therapy specialist is a healthcare professional who works with patients to help them regain strength and function in their hands after an injury or surgery. Hand therapy specialists use a variety of techniques to help their patients recover. It is believed that this type of therapy can help patients heal faster and with less pain.
There is a process in which hand therapy specialists work, including:
- The first step is the evaluation. In this stage, the therapists will assess the range of motion, strength, sensation, and function of the patient’s hand. They will also ask about the patient’s goals for therapy. The therapist will use this information to create a treatment plan that is specific to the patient’s needs.
- The next step is treatment. In this stage, the therapist will use a variety of techniques to help the patient regain strength and function in their hand. The therapist may use exercises, stretches, massages, and other modalities. The therapist will work with the patient to ensure that they are comfortable with the treatment and that it is effective.
- The last step is discharge. In this stage, the therapist will provide the patient with a list of exercises to do at home and instructions on how to care for their hand. The therapist will also follow up with the patient to ensure that they are progressing as expected.
These are the three main stages in which hand therapy specialists work. It is important to note that each patient is different and will require a different treatment plan. However, the goal of hand therapy is always to help the patient regain strength and function in their hand.
How Is Hand Therapy Done?
During hand therapy, you’ll work with a therapist to regain strength and improve function in your hand. The therapist will design specific exercises and activities based on the type of injury you have.
Your therapy may include:
Strengthening exercises
These exercises help improve the function of muscles and tendons around your injured joint. Some common strengthening exercises might include:
- Wrist curls: Sit with your forearm resting on a table and your palm facing up. Use your other hand to hold a lightweight. Slowly bend your wrist up, then release.
- Finger lifts: Sit with your forearm resting on a table and your palm facing down. Use your other hand to hold a lightweight. Slowly lift your fingers up, one at a time.
- Squeezing a ball: This exercise can help increase the strength of your grip.
Range-of-motion exercises
These exercises help improve the movement in your joints. Some common range-of-motion exercises might include:
- Wrist bends: Sit with your forearm resting on a table and your palm facing up. Use your other hand to hold your wrist and help bend it up as far as possible.
- Finger bends: Sit with your forearm resting on a table and your palm facing down. Use your other hand to hold your fingers and help bend them up as far as possible.
- Finger spreads: Sit with your forearm resting on a table and your palm facing down. Use your other hand to hold your fingers and help spread them apart as far as possible.
Manual stretching
It is common for patients to experience some discomfort during this process as their muscles, tendons, and ligaments are being moved in ways that they are not used to. However, therapists will never push a patient beyond their comfort levels. In these stretching sessions, patients will learn how to properly move their joints and muscles through a full range of motion. This helps to prevent further stiffness and pain down the road.
Deep tissue massage
This type of massage is often used on athletes or others who have very tight muscles. The therapist will use slow, deep strokes to reach the deeper muscle tissues and fascia. This type of massage can be quite intense and some people may find it to be too much. The reason that deep tissue massage is effective is that it can help to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body.
Soft tissue mobilization
Finally, this is also a common treatment that is provided by hand therapists. It is a non-invasive technique that helps to increase the range of motion for people who are dealing with stiffness and pain in their hands. This is done by using different types of massage techniques, which can help to improve circulation and decrease inflammation.
All in all, these are just some of the things that you need to know about hand therapists and the services they can provide. If you are dealing with any hand pain or dysfunction, then it is definitely worth considering seeing one of these specialists. They can provide you with a variety of different treatments that can help to improve your condition and help you regain full use of your hands.
When Should You See Hand Therapy Specialists?
If you have any type of injury or condition that is impacting the use of your hand, it is always a good idea to seek out the help of a hand therapist. A hand therapist is a type of occupational therapist that specializes in treating conditions and injuries that affect the hands and arms.
Here are some common reasons why people see hand therapists:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is caused by compression of the median nerve as it goes through the wrist. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: This condition is caused by inflammation of the tendons around the base of the thumb. Symptoms include pain and tenderness around the base of the thumb, as well as swelling.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture: This condition is caused by the thickening of the tissue under the skin of the palm, which can lead to the formation of lumps and bands. Symptoms include deformity of the hand and fingers.
- Arthritis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the joints, which can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Fractures: A break in one or more bones of the hand can occur due to an injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and deformity.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a hand therapist for an evaluation. A hand therapist can provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan to help you recover from your injury or condition and regain full use of your hand.
What Are The Benefits?
When you have decided to see hand therapy specialists, you will be able to receive a number of benefits. These benefits can help improve the function and quality of your life, as well as help you manage your condition better. Here are some of the top benefits that you can expect to receive when seeing hand therapists:
Relief from Pain
One of the main reasons why people see hand therapists is for pain relief. If you are dealing with any type of pain in your hands, whether it is chronic or acute, a hand therapist can help. They will work with you to create a treatment plan that is specifically designed to target your pain and help reduce it. This can lead to a significant decrease in the amount of pain that you are dealing with on a daily basis.
Improved Hand Function
Another benefit of seeing hand therapists is that they can help improve your hand function. If you have been dealing with reduced hand function due to an injury or a condition, a hand therapist can help. They will work with you to create exercises and therapies that will help improve the strength and dexterity of your hands. This can lead to a significant improvement in your overall hand function.
Customized Treatment Plans
When you see hand therapists, you will be able to receive customized treatment plans. This means that the plan will be specifically designed for your individual needs. Your therapist will take into account your medical history, the severity of your condition, and your goals for treatment. This will allow them to create a plan that is specifically designed to meet your needs.
Improved Quality of Life
Another benefit of seeing hand therapists is that it can help improve your quality of life. When you are dealing with a condition that affects your hands, it can have a significant impact on your life. Hand therapy can help you regain some of the function and quality of life that you have lost. This can lead to a significant improvement in your overall quality of life.
Access to Support
When you see hand therapists, you will also have access to support. This support can come in the form of family and friends, as well as the therapist themselves. This support can be extremely beneficial when you are dealing with a condition that affects your hands. Having someone to talk to and lean on can make a big difference in how you are able to cope with your condition.
Hand therapy specialists can provide you with a number of benefits that can help improve the function and quality of your life. If you are dealing with any type of hand pain or reduced hand function, seeing a hand therapist can be a great way to get the relief and treatment that you need.
How Can You Find The Hand Therapist For You?
There are a number of ways to find a hand therapist. Some common tips include:
- Asking your doctor or another healthcare provider for a referral
- Checking with your local hospital or rehabilitation center
- Contacting a professional organization online
Once you have a few potential therapists in mind, it’s important to narrow down your choices. Here are some factors to consider:
- Do they have experience treating your specific condition?
- Do they offer the services you need, such as splinting or occupational therapy?
- Are they located conveniently for you?
It is not an easy task to find the right therapy specialist for your needs, but it is important to find one that you can trust to help you through your therapy. With the right specialist, you will be on your way to a full and healthy life.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, hand therapy specialists are highly trained and skilled professionals who help patients regain the use of their hands following an injury or surgery. They use a variety of techniques to achieve this, including exercises, massages, and the application of splints or other devices. If you have suffered an injury to your hand, or are facing surgery, then a hand therapist may be able to help you recover.
Physical Therapy has always been proven to help patients recover from pain. Hence, if you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
