Hand Therapy
Offering State-of-the-Art Non-Surgical Treatments and Therapy Options for Hand, Wrist, Elbow, and Shoulder Injuries.
At OrthoNeuro, our hand specialists treat several conditions of the upper extremities. This article discusses hand therapy and how a hand therapist can help, as well as some of the conditions hand therapists treat.
Discover comprehensive hand therapy services at OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio. Our expert team of certified hand therapists and occupational therapists is dedicated to optimizing your recovery and restoring your hand function. Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference firsthand.
What is Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy is the science and art of rehabilitation of the upper extremities (arms), which includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) usually combines occupational therapy and physical therapy theory and practice to provide therapeutic interventions that restore function and reverse the progression of pathology in the upper limb.
Hand therapists aim to restore function, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. They do so through customized hand therapy treatments, including custom splint fabrication and therapeutic interventions. These interventions address many conditions, from simple fingertip injuries to complex upper extremity disorders.
How Do Hand Therapists Help?
Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) provide comprehensive care and support to individuals with upper extremity disorders and injuries.
Collaboration between hand therapists, occupational therapists, and other members of the hand therapy team ensures personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. By employing evidence-based practices and advanced clinical skills, hand therapists strive to optimize recovery outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications.
One significant benefit of hand therapy is its potential for decreased medical costs by facilitating timely rehabilitation and reducing the need for more invasive interventions. By addressing upper extremity injuries and disorders early in the rehabilitation process, hand therapists help prevent long-term complications and promote efficient recovery.
In addition to their role in rehabilitation, hand therapists play vital roles in patient education. They help with injury prevention, adaptive strategies, and ergonomic principles, allowing individuals to take an active role in their recovery and ongoing hand health.
Injuries and Conditions Treated by Hand Therapists
Certified hand therapists are skilled in addressing many upper extremity disorders and injuries. These include:
Boxer's Fracture (Broken Hand)
Resulting from trauma to the hand, such as punching a hard surface, a boxer’s fracture can lead to pain and limited hand function.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, resulting in symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness in the thumb and fingers.
Hand Tremor
Hand tremors are characterized by involuntary shaking of the hand. This condition can impact fine motor skills and daily activities.
Arthritis of the Hand, Wrist, and Thumb
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints of the hand and wrist. Hand, wrist, and thumb arthritis can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Broken Wrist
Fractures of the ulna, radius, or carpal bones can occur due to falls or high-impact trauma. A broken wrist commonly reveals symptoms of pain and limited wrist mobility.
Wrist Sprain
Wrist sprains are injuries to the ligaments of the wrist, often caused by sudden impacts or excessive stretching, which can lead to pain and instability.
Hand Tendon Injuries
Damage to the flexor and extensor tendons of the hand can cause pain, weakness, and restricted movement. This type of hand tendon injury could necessitate specialized treatment and, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Ganglion Cysts
These are fluid-filled sacs that form near joints or tendons. Ganglion cysts can cause discomfort and limited range of motion, but often do not require treatment unless symptomatic.
Trigger Finger Syndrome
Trigger finger syndrome is identified by inflammation of the tendons in the fingers, which can result in locking, popping, or stiffness of the affected finger.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture refers to the thickening and tightening of the fascia in the hand, which can lead to the formation of nodules or cords, restricting finger movement.
De Quervain’s Tendinosis
De Quervain’s tendinosis usually results in the inflammation of the tendons at the base of the thumb and wrist, which can cause pain and difficulty with gripping, twisting, and pinching.
Fractured Finger
Breaks in the bones of the fingers can occur due to trauma or repetitive stress. Finger fractures can lead to pain, swelling, and impaired function.
Hand Therapists at OrthoNeuro
At OrthoNeuro, our multidisciplinary team of certified hand therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists collaborates to deliver comprehensive care and support to individuals with upper extremity injuries and disorders. Through a holistic approach to rehabilitation, we aim to optimize functional outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of our patients.
Hand therapy is a cornerstone of upper extremity rehabilitation, offering specialized care and support to individuals. By combining physical and occupational therapy theory with advanced clinical skills, hand therapists and occupational therapists play instrumental roles in facilitating recovery, improving outcomes, and empowering patients to regain independence in their daily lives.
Are you looking for a hand therapist, physical therapist, or occupational therapist in Columbus, Ohio? Contact our professional team at OrthoNeuro today! Our hand, wrist, and elbow specialists are on hand to give you the treatment you need. Schedule your visit now!
Medically reviewed by Cody Metropoulos, CHT, OT
