Hand Therapy

Essential Guide to Effective Hand Therapy for Recovery and Wellness

Hand Therapy Services for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

Our hands play a vital role in daily life, and any loss of function caused by an injury, accident, or medical condition can significantly impact overall well-being. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center Coral Springs, our Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) specialize in addressing issues related to the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. They utilize advanced clinical skills to help patients restore function and reduce pain from conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve injuries, and other upper extremity injuries. With their advanced training, hand therapists provide specialized rehabilitation through upper extremity rehabilitation techniques.

Advantages of Hand Therapy for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

Hand therapy is designed to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further injury or disease progression in the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder. It can help with carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve compression, and other hand-related conditions, offering comprehensive care that addresses the root causes of the pain and dysfunction.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms related to a hand condition, contact the hand therapists at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center Coral Springs. These physical therapists and occupational therapists are highly skilled, with advanced certification and remain updated on the latest techniques, ensuring you receive top-quality care. Their goal is to help patients improve function and restore function in their daily activities.

To start your hand therapy with FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center Coral Springs, call (954) 779-4549

What is Hand Therapy for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation?

Hand therapy for upper extremity rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy designed to restore movement, strength, and function in the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder. It is typically provided by occupational or physical therapists with expertise in hand rehabilitation. This therapy helps individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, or conditions such as arthritis, fractures, tendon injuries, or nerve damage that affect their ability to perform daily tasks. Treatment may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, custom splinting, electrical stimulation, and functional task training to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall upper limb function.

Conditions Treated with Hand Therapy by Certified Hand Therapists

Certified Hand Therapists manage a wide variety of conditions. Commonly treated issues include amputations (both traumatic and non-traumatic), arthritis, burns, congenital abnormalities, crush injuries, fractures, dislocations, nerve damage, tendon injuries, repetitive strain injuries, and overuse syndromes. These conditions often require advanced clinical skills and advanced training to provide effective rehabilitation and restore function. Hand therapy is also key for post-operative rehabilitation following surgeries for upper extremity injuries like tendon repairs, nerve compression, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

How Hand Therapy Helps with Injuries, Accidents, or Diseases in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

Hand therapy combines various treatments to address injuries or conditions effectively. These treatments may include cold or heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, soft tissue manipulation, manual therapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, and custom splinting. These approaches aim to alleviate pain, enhance joint stability, improve range of motion, maintain proper positioning, and support post-surgical recovery for a wide range of hand-related conditions. Custom orthotic fabrication may also be used to support joint protection and scar care.

At our center, CHTs can create custom splints on-site for conditions such as boutonniere deformity, carpal tunnel syndrome, crush injuries, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, Dupuytren's contracture, elbow fractures, flexion contractures, mallet finger, metacarpal fractures, severe tendon injuries, swan neck deformity, and trigger finger. Your therapist will provide guidance on the correct use and care of your splint to ensure the best possible outcome and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hand therapy?

Hand therapy is specialized rehabilitation focusing on the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder to restore function and mobility.

Key points about hand therapy:

Focus area: treats the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder.
Practitioners: Performed by occupational or physical therapists with hand rehabilitation expertise.
Treatment modalities: include manual therapy, strengthening exercises, splinting, electrical stimulation, and functional task practice.

Who provides hand therapy?

Hand therapists are occupational therapists (OTs) or physical therapists (PTs) specializing in treating conditions of the hands and upper limbs. They have advanced training in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to provide targeted rehabilitation and restore function effectively.

When is hand therapy needed?

Hand therapy may be necessary if you experience:

Pain or swelling in your hand, wrist, or forearm.
Restricted range of motion in your hand or fingers.
Numbness or tingling sensations in your fingers.
Difficulty gripping or holding objects.
Recovery from surgery or injuries to the hand or wrist.
Chronic conditions like arthritis that impact hand function.

Where is hand therapy available?

Hand therapy is typically offered at physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized hand clinics, often on an outpatient basis.

Key points about hand therapy access:

Healthcare providers: Consult a primary care doctor or orthopedic surgeon for a referral.
Specialization: Seek therapists certified in hand therapy for expert care.
Post-surgical care: Commonly recommended after hand surgeries to restore function.

Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center Coral Springs excels at treating hand therapy patients.

How does hand therapy help?

Hand therapy improves hand function by enhancing range of motion, strength, and dexterity, reducing pain and swelling, and helping individuals regain the ability to perform daily activities. It’s particularly effective after injuries, surgeries, or conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and custom splinting.

Key benefits of hand therapy:

Pain reduction
Improved range of motion
Strength enhancement
Swelling reduction
Functional restoration

Is there physical therapy for the hand?

Yes, there is a subset of physical therapy known as "hand therapy" that aims to alleviate pain and dysfunction in the limbs involved in holding and using the hands. Rehabilitating the hand and upper limbs in this way involves exercises and manual approaches that target specific areas to increase strength, mobility, and function.

Is hand therapy the same as physiotherapy?

Hand therapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that focuses on treating conditions of the hand, wrist, and upper extremity, while physiotherapy addresses the entire body. Hand therapists are physiotherapists with additional training in the upper limb. They have advanced expertise in hand anatomy and provide targeted treatment for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or trigger finger, improving hand function and mobility.

How effective is hand therapy?

Hand therapy effectively improves hand function, reduces pain, and restores mobility for conditions like arthritis, injuries, nerve damage, and post-surgical recovery.

Key benefits of hand therapy:

Pain management: Reduces discomfort from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
Improved range of motion: Restores flexibility in the hand and fingers.
Strength enhancement: Builds grip strength and fine motor skills.
Functional improvement: Facilitates daily tasks like writing and dressing.

What is the best thing for hand therapy?

Hand therapy combines targeted exercises, stretching, splinting, and functional training to restore hand and wrist function while managing pain.

Key techniques include:

Finger and wrist exercises
Grip strengthening
Stretching
Splinting
Heat or cold therapy
Functional training

How long does hand therapy take to work?

The duration of hand therapy varies based on the condition's severity.

Key points are listed below:

Early results: Pain reduction and increased range of motion in the first few weeks.
Duration factors: Severity, injury type, home exercise adherence, and healing rate.
Post-surgery care: Intensive sessions may be needed initially.
Personalized plans: Your therapist will guide the timeline based on your progress.