Hand Therapy Techniques for Improved Functionality
Are you struggling with simple, everyday tasks like brushing your teeth, using utensils, or buttoning up a shirt? Many injuries and conditions can impact your fine motor skills, which can leave you feeling frustrated and dramatically affect your quality of life. Fortunately, several hand therapy techniques can help you improve your hand’s functionality!
Hand therapy at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab offers a range of treatments designed to help you regain strength, dexterity, and movement in your hands. From personalized exercise programs to advanced pain management strategies, we tailor our treatments to meet your needs.
Understanding these techniques can empower you to actively participate in your recovery process and achieve better outcomes. Read on to learn more about them. Or, for more personalized advice, schedule a consultation at our clinic.
Why Use Hand Therapy?
Your hands are incredibly intricate. Each one consists of 27 bones, including the phalanges (finger bones), metacarpals (middle hand bones), and carpals (wrist bones). These bones are controlled by dozens of tiny muscles and tendons that allow for precise movement like pinching and gripping.
Several muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the wrist and forearm also contribute to hand functionality. These larger tissues provide strength and control for broader hand movements.
Finally, three separate nerves (the median, ulnar, and radial nerves) run through the forearms and into the hands, helping coordinate fine motor skills and allowing you to experience different sensations.
At Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab , our hand and occupational therapists have specialized education and training in the weird and wonderful complexities of the hand, wrists, and elbows. We’re familiar with many common injuries and conditions that can affect the hand, such as nerve injuries, arthritis, and sprains and strains, and we know several hand therapy techniques to help you regain strength, mobility, and overall hand health.
Improving Function with Hand Therapy Techniques
When you visit our clinic, you can expect a thorough and personalized approach. The first step is a comprehensive evaluation, during which our experienced therapists assess your condition, learn more about your symptoms, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Hand therapy techniques vary, but they all aim to improve hand functionality and reduce pain. Here are some of the most effective methods:
Manual Therapy
- These hands-on techniques can help reduce pain and improve mobility in your hand or wrist. Techniques include joint mobilizations (in which we guide a joint through its current range of motion) or soft tissue manipulation.
Therapeutic Exercise
- We’ll show you targeted exercises designed to improve hand strength and range of motion, which in turn help improve overall hand functionality. As you improve, we’ll gradually increase the intensity of the exercises.
Splinting and Bracing
- A brace or splint can support and immobilize a hand injury, allowing it to heal correctly and preventing further injury. In some cases, such as with carpal tunnel syndrome, it can also help with pain.
Education and Prevention
- Our therapists will teach you strategies and lifestyle modifications to help prevent future injuries and keep your hands functioning properly!
Request an Appointment Today and Discover the Benefits of Hand Therapy
Hand therapy techniques offer a proven way to manage and resolve many hand-related issues. Our goal at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab is to help reduce your pain and improve your functionality. Call our clinic today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and start your path to lasting hand health!