Occupational/Hand Therapy
Occupational therapy is similar to physical therapy by definition, but different in concept. Both types of rehabilitation
help people
regain the skills and movement necessary for functioning independently, but the majority of occupational
therapists treat hand-and upper-extremity injuries, neurological and neuromuscular injuries, conditions such as stroke,
brain injury, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
Occupational therapy focuses on critical activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, grooming, dressing, cooking driving, cleaning, and getting into and out of bed. In the outpatient setting, occupational therapists are much more likely to be found working with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular injuries and conditions of the upper extremity (arm).
Many occupational therapists who work in outpatient facilities receive specialized training in hand therapy and treat injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, DeQuervain's syndrome, fractures, tendon or nerve injuries and burns. Treating these types of injuries may involve an exercise program, splint fabrication, skills training, work modification and wound care management.
At HealthSouth Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centers, our occupational therapists specialize in the treatment of hand-and upper-extremity injuries such as:
- Arthritis
- Burns
- Congenital anomalies
- Dupuytren's contractures
- Flexor and extensor tendon repairs
- Fractures/dislocations
- Nerve involvement/repairs
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- Sports injuries
- Tendon transfers
Repetitive motion injuries such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- DeQuervain's syndrome
- Epicondylitis
- Raynaud's syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Tendinitis/Tenosynovitis
- Ganglion cystic tumor
What To Expect From Your Occupational Therapy Program
The goals of your occupational therapist are twofold:
- To relieve your symptoms and pain
- To return you to your maximum ability and independence as quickly and safely as possible
Depending on your injury, your occupational therapy program will consist of different types of exercises and treatments. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Range of motion
- Strengthening program
- Desensitization and sensory re-education
- Hands-on (manual) therapy
- Modalities for pain control
- Custom splint fabrication (static and dynamic)
- Edema (swelling) control
- Muscle re-education
- Work simulation exercises
- Adaptive equipment
- Daily living skills
- Joint protection techniques
Every patient and the nature of his or her injury or condition is unique, therefore therapy treatment plans vary for each patient. Your therapist will tailor your rehabilitation according to your specific needs and abilities, as well as directives given by your physician.
Passive treatments such as heat, ultrasound, paraffin and whirlpool help to alleviate pain and inflammation. Active treatments such as muscle re-education, strengthening, work simulation exercises and daily living skills aid in restoring function.
In most states, occupational therapy visits are prescribed by your doctor and authorized by your insurance or managed-care plan. Depending on your diagnosis, the duration of treatment may vary from several days to four-to-six weeks.
Your rate of recovery will depend upon several factors, including:
- Your motivation level and compliance to therapy
- Your age
- Your physical condition
- The type and severity of your injury
Recovery from an injury or painful and debilitating condition requires commitment to your therapy program. It is
typical to feel better after a few visits to therapy and to think you do not need to complete your treatment plan,
or that you can do it on your own at home. However, each and every visit is important to your recovery; strengthening
and work simulation under the guidance of your therapist in the latter half of your treatment plan is just as critical
as mobilization and range of motion
in the beginning.
Recovery takes time, rest and patience. You and your therapist are partners in your rehabilitation. Here are a couple of tips to help you maximize the benefits of physical therapy:
Follow your therapist's directions, but be careful not to "overdo it." Exceeding the amount of stretching or strengthening as recommended by your therapist may actually re-injure the joint, muscle or soft tissue. Let your therapist know if you are sore or in pain, either during or between visits. Good communication will enhance your rehabilitation and recovery process.
Preparing for Each Visit
- Be prepared to start your therapy on your first visit. Also remember to,
- Bring your physician referral on your first visit.
- Wear a shirt with loose-fitting sleeves.
- Expect each visit to last from one to two hours.
Your therapist, in conjunction with your doctor, will determine how often you should come.