Our hands work hard for us – they are an integral part of everything we do, which can make them vulnerable to ailments and injuries. Conditions affecting the hands, such as arthritis and tendonitis, can be painful and can prevent us from carrying out our normal day-to-day activities.
If you are suffering from a condition or injury that is affecting your hand, then a qualified hand therapist may be the solution. These professionals are trained for years to help minimize hand pain and to help you regain your hand’s strength and function.
Why See a Hand Therapist?
Our hands are complex structures made up of a system that works together to provide motion and sensory information, including touch and temperature. They help us carry out intricate tasks such as writing and preparing food, which use our fine motor skills, as well as performing heavier activities such as lifting and carrying.
Our hands and arms can be susceptible to a number of different disorders, including injuries, medical conditions, and degenerative conditions such as arthritis. They can also be vulnerable to pregnancy-related conditions and sports injuries, and a hand therapist knows how to help relieve your suffering and pain.
Sports such as baseball and tennis can cause wear-and-tear and overuse injuries such as tendonitis and arthritis, while contact sports can cause fractures from a direct blow or while breaking a fall. In addition to this, our hands are susceptible to trauma that can result in damaged tendons, damaged nerves, and infection, so therapy will be necessary to recover from these injuries.
What Does a Hand Therapist Do?
A certified hand therapist (CHT) has significant experience in treating patients with conditions affecting the upper extremities, especially the hand and wrist. Hand therapists offer comprehensive care and are able to evaluate and treat problems, create personalized treatment programs, offer preventive care, and provide rehabilitation post-surgery.
They develop individualized treatment techniques to help you regain function and relieve hand pain, including:
- Manual techniques
- Mobilization and stimulation of soft tissue and joints
- Hand exercises and stretches
- Cold and heat therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Dry needling
- Splinting and/or bracing
Hand Therapy for Arthritis
Hand therapy can be particularly beneficial if you suffer with arthritis. Your therapist can teach you how to relieve pain and maintain movement. This specialized therapy may also be able to prevent the need for hand surgery by using conservative treatment methods.
Hand therapy for arthritis aims to:
- Manage and reduce joint pain
- Increase range of motion, function, dexterity, and strength
- Desensitize nerves following injury or trauma
- Provide education and training to adapt to daily activities and responsibilities
- Reduce the need for corrective/reparative surgery
Hand Problems Improve with Physical Therapy
Common conditions of the hand and upper extremities that can be treated successfully by a hand therapist include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis and tendon injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Fractures
- Nail bed injuries
- Sports injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Bursitis
- Congenital hand differences
- Nerve compression injuries
- Amputations
- Dislocations
- Joint instabilities
- Rotator cuff strains and tears
Hand Therapy in Austin, Texas
If you have a condition affecting your hands or would like more information on the services we provide, call Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness today. We offer specialized hand therapy services for the treatment of hand and upper extremity injuries and disorders.
We are dedicated to providing you with the best rehabilitative hand care possible. With our unique individualized treatment plans, we will get you back to doing the activities you enjoy as quickly as possible.
Call us today at (512) 284-7192 or request an appointment online now. Our superior hand therapists are here to help you!
