Hand therapy is specialized therapy that helps a patient regain maximum use of his or her hand after injury, surgery, or the onset of disease. Hand therapists are trained and/or certified in skills above and beyond their discipline of Occupational or Physical Therapy.
Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) such as the ones here at Arora Hand Surgery work closely with the hand surgeon to guide patients through the rehabilitation process using their expertise to administer appropriate modalities, exercise and custom splints.
Hand therapy fast facts:
Hand therapists are specially trained to help patients achieve functional results to allow them to return to their normal day-to-day activities. Often times, therapy can replace the need for surgery if it is performed by an experienced and certified hand therapist (CHT). Hand therapists are extremely knowledgeable about upper extremity anatomy, pathology, and treatment interventions. The therapist can reduce the stress often associated with surgery by educating the patient every step of the way.
Here at Arora Hand Surgery, we see therapists as a vital part of the hand surgery team. Working together, the doctor and therapist both use science-based treatments to bring you the desired outcome: a better quality of life.
When you see a hand therapist at Arora Hand Surgery, you can rest assured that you will be seeing a professional who specializes in the upper extremity. You’re in good hands! They will not be general therapists who may have to obtain information from outside sources, but instead, are experienced and knowledgeable professionals who understand the intricate anatomy of the hand and upper extremity. We take a patient-centered and hands-on approach, which means your health is, and will always be, our number one priority.
Learn more about hand therapists by visiting the American Society of Hand Therapists at www.asht.org. You can even search for therapists in your area by looking up your city and state if you happen to not be in our southeast Michigan area. This will tell you more information and get you on the right track to choosing the best therapist for your needs.
After Dr. Arora recommends you to one of our in-house therapists, they will work together to evaluate your needs and create a treatment plan to help you recover.
The therapist will collaborate with the doctor to progress treatment according to the diagnosis. Our patients always feel that therapy is beneficial and makes the process comfortable and purposeful for their specific needs. Your exercises can include stretches, range of motion exercises, strengthening, coordination and most importantly education. If a splint is indicated, you will be fitted with a custom splint in therapy.
We want to assist you in every way that we can. Below you will find industry resource links and printable hand surgery therapy exercises.
These exercises are the ones most often used by Dr. Arora. They have been carefully selected for their effectiveness. Please contact us to learn which exercises are most suitable for your specific condition. We look forward to hearing from you.
6 Pack Hand_Exercises
Active & Passive Range of Motion Exercises of the Hand
Desensitization Exercises for the Hand
Fine Motor Coordination Activities
OT EX Program
Reducing Hand Edema (Swelling)
Tendon Gliding Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Thumb Exercises
Wrist & Forearm Exercises