Why See a Hand Therapist

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 A hand therapist is a physical therapist who, through advanced study and experience, specializes in treating individuals with conditions affecting the entire upper limb, including the hand, wrist, arm, elbow, and shoulder. 

A hand therapy specialist provides:

• Accurate assessments, immediate care and effective treatment to reduce treatment time

• A continuum of care eliminating the need for multiple medical providers

• Faster recovery results in decreased medical costs

• Functional outcomes ensuring a faster return to work and productive lifestyle

• The most comprehensive care for their patients

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Injuries and Conditions Treated by Hand Therapists

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Through preventative, non-operative, conservative treatment, post-operative rehab and industry consultation, a hand therapist can effectively evaluate and treat complex upper extremity cases including:

• Soft tissue sprains and strains

• Fractures of the upper extremity

• Arthritic/degenerative joint disease

• Rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder pathologies

• Compression-based and traumatic peripheral nerve injuries

• Multiple trauma injuries

• Wound care

• Scar management

• Tendon lacerations and repairs

• Overuse tendinopathiesz

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Improve Hand Mobility and Reduce Pain

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• Accurate assessments

• Immediate care

• Effective treatment

• Reduction of treatment time

• Faster recovery, resulting in decreased medical costs

• Improved functional outcomes, resulting in quick return to work and productive lifestyle

• Patient education to help reduce recurrence of injuries

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TREATMENTS

• Pain in the hand/arm

• Wrist instability

• Swelling, numbness, tingling, weakness

• Therapy after surgical procedures

• Arthritis

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Tendonitis, trigger finger

• Tendon injuries

• Broken bones/fractures

• Joint stiffness

• Dislocations and sprains

• Jammed fingers/joint

• Repetitive strain/pulled muscles

• Dupuytren’s contracture

• Epicondylitis

• Congenital defects

• Sports injuries

• Work-related injuries

• ... any other hand, elbow or shoulder related problem!

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Your hand therapist will work with you to create an individualized and comprehensive treatment program that is updated regularly to return you to work, life and athletics as rapidly as possible. Specialized evaluation may include work sites, work stations, musical instrument ergonomics and sports-specific analyses.

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Some specialty treatments include:

• Custom splint fabrication

• Therapeutic taping

• Manual therapy

• Motor re-learning

• Individualized strength and flexibility programs

• Wound and scar care

• Pain control

• Electrical modalities

• Sports- and musical instrument-specific therapy

• Work simulation

• Joint protection

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Even if you have a permanent arm or hand limitation, a hand therapist can provide you with techniques, education and equipment to allow you to perform activities with less pain and improved independence.

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SERVICES

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• CUSTOM SPLINT FABRICATION

• PROPRIOCEPTION

• NEURODYNAMICS

• KINESIO TAPING

• PARAFFIN THERAPY

• TENS/EMS

• THERAPEUTIC MASSAGES

• SCAR CARE

• ULTRASOUND THERAPY

• CONSERVATIVE /POST SURGERY REHABILITATION