Hand treatment is the study of restoring strength and range of motion in a person's upper limb. It includes the arms, hands, wrists, shoulders, elbows, and forearms. Patients seeking hand therapy generally have an injury or chronic illness that necessitates therapeutic assistance.
The goal of hand massage is to increase circulation, reduce pain and stiffness, and help you feel better. Hand therapists specialize in this therapy, offering preventative care, post-operative rehabilitation, and non-surgical treatment.
What is a hand therapist?
A hand therapist is educated in kinesiology, physiology, and anatomy. A hand therapist who has prior experience as an OT or a PT typically goes through extensive training and education to earn his or her Certificate in Hand Therapist – or CHT. The minimum requirement for CHT certification is five years of clinical experience with at least 4,000 hours
What does hand therapy involve?
Hand therapy comprises of a variety of rehabilitation methods. They can be non-surgical, preventative, or post-surgical. Once your CHT has assessed your situation and consulted with your surgeon or doctor, he or she will design a treatment plan that meets your demands.
What injuries and illnesses does hand therapy treat?
Hand therapy can help with a variety of ailments. It aims to alleviate discomfort and enable patients to return to normal mobility and function. It can improve:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:: within the hand or arm often times Is associated with tingling or numbness caused by a pinched nerve
- Ganglion Cyst: hand or wrist – a benign lump on the joints or tendons
- Tennis Elbow: typically located on the outer elbow, forearm, or wrist – pain, tenderness, or swelling caused by a repetitive arm motion
- Hand Pain: pain with moving fingers or turning the wrist
- Repetitive Motion Disorder: Joint stiffness, tingling, soreness, or muscular weakness caused by overuse or continuous motion in any region of the upper extremity
- Trigger Finger: The tendon of a finger getting caught in a bent position because to an inflamed tendon that causes it to get stuck.
- Golfer’s Elbow: hand, fingers, wrist, or elbow – tingling, tenderness, or stiffness caused by repetitive, forceful stress to an area
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: wrist – oftentimes tenderness, pain, or swelling caused by repetitive motions
- Dupuytren’s Contracture: A tightening or lump in the palm, caused by tissue tightening and thickening in the hand
- Sprains, Dislocations, and Fractures: Trauma to the body can cause bruising, pain, swelling, or discomfort.
- Burns and Wounds: Damage to the skin or tissue, such as blistering, pain, peeling, or burning.
- Fine Motor Skill Deficiencies: Joint problems, including arthritis, and muscular debilitation caused by dyspraxia, strokes, and other diseases are some examples of musculoskeletal difficulties.
- Arthritis: intermittent or sharp pain, swelling, stiffness, or decreased range of motion caused by infections, normal wear and tear, and some diseases
What can I expect during a therapy appointment?
The hand therapist will want to be sure you're making progress in each session toward your objectives. Depending on your requirements, the CHT will determine your range of motion, strength, posture, or nerve sensation during every visit. Your therapist will go over additional therapies that you may do at home to enhance your rehabilitation. These activities, in addition to therapy appointments, will assist your recovery move forward more quickly.
You don't have to live with pain for the rest of your life. Hand therapy can help with a variety of issues and get you back where you want to be.