Hand Therapy
Orthopedic Center Of Florida Services
What Is Hand Therapy?
At our orthopedic clinic, we offer specialized hand therapy that focuses on the rehabilitation of injuries, surgeries, and illnesses affecting the hand and upper extremity. “Hand specialized occupational therapy,” also called “hand therapy,” is a specialized branch of rehabilitation that focuses on evaluating and treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder, utilizing techniques like exercises, manual therapy, splinting, and activity modifications to restore function and improve dexterity and strength in the upper extremity.
Our skilled therapists tailor treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs, utilizing a variety of techniques designed to restore function, alleviate pain, and enhance mobility.
The Benefits of Hand Therapy
Hand therapy can significantly improve your strength, range of motion, and overall daily function. Our goal is to help you reduce pain and regain independence in your everyday activities.
Why Choose Us for Your Hand Therapy?
Selecting the right facility for hand therapy is crucial for effective recovery. Our experienced therapists employ evidence-based practices to help you achieve optimal hand and upper extremity function. We are committed to supporting you on your journey to recovery. If you’re interested in learning more about hand therapy, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today.
Key points about hand specialized therapy:
Focus on function:
The primary goal is to help individuals regain the ability to perform everyday activities that require hand use, like writing, eating, dressing, or using tools.
Conditions treated:
This can include conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, fractures, arthritis, nerve injuries, burns, and sports-related upper extremity injuries.
Certified hand therapists:
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is a physical therapist or occupational therapist who has gained advanced certification by accumulating at least three years of clinical experience with a minimum of 4,000 hours dedicated to hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, passing a rigorous certification exam, and demonstrating continued competency through ongoing education to maintain their credential; essentially specializing in treating conditions affecting the hand and upper limb by utilizing various methods like exercise programs, splinting, and pain management.
Treatment modalities that Hand Therapy may include:
- Therapeutic exercises: Strengthening and range-of-motion exercises to improve hand mobility and dexterity
- Splinting: Custom-made splints to support injured tissues and promote healing
- Manual therapy: Techniques like soft tissue mobilization, scar management, and joint mobilizations to address pain and stiffness
- Sensory re-education: Activities to improve tactile sensation if affected by nerve damage
- Therapeutic activity training: Adapting daily activities to accommodate hand limitations and restore functional independence
Specialties and Treatments We Offer
We provide a range of specialized hand therapy treatments, including but not limited to:
- Orthopedic Hand Therapy
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Custom Orthosis Fabrication
Orthopedic Hand Therapy
Orthopedic hand therapy at our clinic is specially designed to treat disorders of the hands and wrists. Evidence-based modalities are utilized by special therapists to enhance mobility, strength, and functionality in patients post-injury, arthritis, and other disorders. We focus on individualized treatment planning that can include splinting, manual therapy, and selected exercises to ensure each patient receives care towards the goal of independence and enhanced quality of life.
Surgical Rehabilitation
Post-surgical rehabilitation is part of our orthopedic care, specially designed to assist the patient in recovering most effectively from surgery. Our experienced therapists will collaborate with the patient to provide personalized rehabilitation programs that emphasize pain management, mobility, and strength building. We offer therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and education on how best to help the patient achieve the best outcome possible and safely return to daily activities with confidence.
Custom Orthosis Fabrication
Custom orthosis fabrication in hand therapy refers to the process of creating a personalized, made-to-fit brace or splint (also called an orthosis) for a patient’s hand, specifically designed to support, protect, or restrict movement based on their individual injury or condition, typically done by a certified hand therapist after a thorough evaluation; essentially, it means crafting a custom splint tailored to the patient’s unique needs. The need for a custom splint tailored to a patients specific needs may be indicated post surgically or due to a more chronic issue in which custom splint fabrication is recommended.
What conditions can be treated through hand therapy?
We can help with a variety of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, and arthritis.
How long does hand therapy typically take?
The duration of treatment varies by individual and can range from several weeks to several months.
Will I need a physician referral for hand therapy?
In most cases, yes. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider or reach out to our clinic for clarification.
What can I expect on my first visit?
During your first visit, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
For more hand therapy information, contact our office at 239-244-8832.