Hand therapy is a type of occupational therapy treatment that is both art and science. It involves evaluating and treating injuries and conditions all the way along the arm, including the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. A wide variety of techniques and therapeutic measures are designed to assist a person in overcoming an injury or condition. This therapy should help return them to their highest possible degree of functionality. How Can a Hand Therapist Help? To qualify as a ... [Read More]
hand therapy
Common Ailments of the Hands
The complexity of our hand structure – and our daily dependence on its proper function – mean that little issues, when they crop up, can quickly become a big deal. When we suffer a medical problem with our hands, it can be due to a number of causes, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and the result of trauma. There are many common afflictions that affect the hands such as: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which cause swelling and pain around the joints, and t ... [Read More]
How to Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is named for the area it affects. The carpal tunnel is a small passageway for nerves and tendons in the wrist. When the median nerve becomes compressed in that narrow passageway, carpal tunnel syndrome results. If you’re experiencing numbness and tingling in the hand – especially in the thumb or fingers – there’s a good chance you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms don’t affect the pinky (littlest) finger because that finger is controlled by a diff ... [Read More]
Signs and Symptoms of Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons, which are the bands that connect human muscles to bones. Tendons are flexible, fibrous, rope-like tissue which allows flexibility of movement. Tendonitis occurs when the tendons become inflamed. Inflammation might occur as a result of an injury or irritation. Also, a tear in the tendon – even a tiny one – can result in painful tendonitis. The affected area may appear swollen, may be warm to the touch, and can ev ... [Read More]
The Trap of Leaving Physical Therapy Treatment Too Early
After a setback leaves you unable to carry on your daily routine as you did before, your doctor may send you to physical therapy. Physical therapy aims to help you return to the routine you enjoyed before you suffered an injury or illness. It can literally be a lifesaver, restoring your ability to dress, move, drive, and live without pain. A deceptive trap of physical therapy is that when it starts to work, you may feel as if you are ready to end therapy, whether or not you have completed your ... [Read More]
