The Benefits of Hand Therapy
From the moment you hit the alarm in the morning until you turn off your bedside light at night, you constantly use your hands to interact and engage with the world. Made up of 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles, 100+ ligaments and tendons, the hand is both delicate and complex.
Which is why when use becomes limited due to injury or chronic conditions, it’s important to get care from someone who has a deep understanding of the mechanics of the hand.
Specially trained in the inner workings of the hand, a certified hand therapist (CHT) works closely with physicians and patients to provide care related to range of issues including:
-Fractures
-Dislocations
-Ligament Injuries
-Sprains/Strains
-Tendon/Nerve injuries and repair
-Amputations
-Arthritis
-Stroke
-Sports injury
-Carpal tunnel syndrome
-Movement disorders
-Crush injuries
-Peripheral nerve disorders
Regardless of the need, the goal of hand therapy is always to help patients to increase the strength, range of motion, and functionality of their hands and improve their quality of life. When a patient begins therapy depends upon their specific issue. In some cases, it begins the day of injury while for others it may start prior to or immediately following a surgical procedure.
A patient’s first encounter with a CHT includes a baseline assessment to determine where they are in terms of strength and range of motion. Using this information, a personal care plan is developed with specific exercises that move patients towards their treatment goals. Very often, the plan includes exercises the patient can do at home to keep their recovery moving forward. Patients meet with the CHT regularly to track their progress, assess their plan, and make adjustments as needed.
In addition to exercise, some patients may also be prescribed an orthosis, a splint custom fit to the patient’s body that provides extra support and protection as needed. As strength and range of motion is regained, the orthosis may no longer be needed.
Beyond returning people back to work, life, and play, hand therapy offers the bonus of managing the effects of swelling and pain thus paving the way for a smoother recovery.
Why work with a CHT?
While other rehab professionals may be skilled at addressing upper extremity injuries, a CHT’s focus is exclusively on the hand. In order to become a CHT, an individual must complete 4,000 hours of direct practice experience in hand therapy and pass a rigorous exam. CHTs must also demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years. This requires staying current on advanced surgical techniques, postoperative therapy, and therapy programs specific to the hand to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
Michaelia St. Jacques, OTR/L, CWCE, CHT, is an occupational therapist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation.
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