What is hand therapy?
What is hand therapy?
Hands give us the ability to grasp, hold, move and manipulate objects. Hands consist of the wrist, palm and fingers and all are vital for everyday functional living.
If you are recovering after an injury, or elective operation or have a long term condition that impacts your hands, hand therapy can play a crucial role in helping you feel better.
What is a hand therapist?
What is a hand therapist?
A hand therapist is a highly trained occupational therapist trained in treating hand conditions.
We aim to help you to use your hands in daily activities after a hand injury. These activities could include your job, home, sports or hobbies.
On your first visit we will assess what your needs are. We will also help you to understand what is happening and ask any questions you might have.
After the assessment we will create a treatment plan with you to meet your unique needs. We will make sure this plan works for you at home.
What is a hand therapy assessment?
What is a hand therapy assessment?
An assessment will include reviewing any wounds, scars, swelling and looking at range of movement, strength, hand function and pain to enable us to tailor a treatment plan for your condition including exercise programmes, preventative care, ultrasound, scar management and if appropriate aids to daily living.
What is splinting?
What is splinting?
Your injury, surgery or long term condition may mean you need to wear a splint. This is called splinting.
There are two types of splints. One is used for resting joints of the wrist and hand and helps give them space to heal. The other splint is a support for the work your hand does such as typing at a computer.