Our hands are arguably one of our most important body parts. We use them for many activities including Expression, interaction, function, occupation and leisure.
Hand therapy is the non-surgical management, or post-surgical rehabilitation of hand disorders and injuries using physical methods such as exercise, splinting and wound care. Hand therapists also treat other upper limb disorders that affect hand function.
Our Musculo-skeletal Physiotherapists are able to offer hand therapy and this includes splinting. Treatment is tailored to the individual and varies depending on the condition.
Hand therapy brings together various rehabilitation techniques
- Wound / scar management
- splinting
- joint mobilisations
- stretching
- active and resisted exercises
- retraining
- electrotherapy
- emotional and psychological support
Many disorders and injuries of the hand are treated without surgery, using splints, taping, injections and hand physiotherapy, however post-operative treatment by a hand therapist is essential for optimal recovery after hand surgery.
Patients may be referred following trauma or hand surgery, or for other reasons including:
- Tendon repairs and transfers
- Peripheral Nerve Repairs
- Fractures
- Burns
- Joint replacements and fusions
- Dupuytrens Release
- Replant / revascularization
- Grafts / Flaps
- Pain Syndromes
- Hypertrophic scarring
- Arthritis
- Nerve compression syndromes
- Tenosynovitis
- Joint stiffness or contractures
- Ligament injury
