What is hand therapy?
Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers to perform tasks that require precision and dexterity. Self-care activities such as buttoning a shirt, tying shoelaces and using a knife and fork to eat food, all require fine motor control. Hand therapy is a specialized type of rehabilitation that focuses on the treatment and recovery of conditions affecting the hands, wrists, and upper extremities that helps improve mobility, strength, and function, and addresses issues related to injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
Who needs hand therapy?
Hand therapy is for anyone looking to rehabilitate or improve the strength and mobility in their hands. Hand therapy is beneficial for individuals who experience:
- Injuries, such as fractures, tendon lacerations, or nerve damage in the hands or wrists.
- Post-operative recovery from carpal tunnel release, tendon repairs, or joint replacements.
- Chronic hand conditions, like arthritis, repetitive strain injuries, or congenital conditions affecting hand function.
- Stroke or nerve-related impairments.
It is also recommended for anyone with pain, stiffness, or difficulty performing everyday tasks that involve the hands.
What should I expect from hand therapy?
First, your occupational therapist will assess the condition of your hands and ask you questions about your medical history to better understand your specific needs. Then, they will then create a personalized treatment plan and explain what you can expect during your individualized sessions.
Hand therapy may involve various techniques such as splinting, stretching, manual treatments, and therapeutic exercises. These treatments are aimed at relieving pain while increasing range of motion, strength, and dexterity in affected areas. You may also be asked to perform certain activities or tasks at home as part of your treatment plan. During each session, the therapist evaluates your progress and adjusts their approach according to how well you are progressing towards healing and recovery. Hand therapy is often used in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as medication or surgery for a comprehensive approach to restoring hand health.
What are benefits of hand therapy?
Hand therapy provides a wide range of benefits, including:
- Improve fine motor skills
- Reduce pain
- Improve strength and mobility
- Restore normal function
- Decrease risk of future injury or disability
Additionally, hand therapy offers long-term results that can last for months or even years with proper maintenance. It also helps people regain independence and confidence in their daily activities such as brushing their teeth or buttoning a shirt.