As an occupational therapist, I work with many patients who have hand injuries or conditions that affect their ability to perform daily activities. The hand is a complex and intricate part of the body, with many small bones, muscles, and tendons that work together to allow us to perform fine motor skills, such as writing, grasping objects, and buttoning clothes. Hand therapy is a specialized area of occupational therapy that focuses on the rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremity. Hand therapists work with patients who have conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, fractures, and nerve injuries, as well as those who have had surgery on their hand or wrist.
One of the most important aspects of hand therapy is patient education. Many patients are not aware of how their hand works or the specific exercises and techniques that can help improve their hand function. As an occupational therapist, I work with my patients to help them understand their hand condition and provide them with the tools they need to regain their independence.
Here are some common hand therapy exercises that I often recommend to my patients:
Grip Strengthening Exercises - These exercises help to strengthen the muscles in the hand and improve grip strength. One of the most effective exercises is the ball squeeze. Patients are asked to hold a soft ball and squeeze it with their fingers and palm for 5-10 seconds, then relax and repeat.
Range of Motion Exercises - These exercises help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the hand. One example is finger extensions, where the patient is asked to straighten their fingers as much as possible and hold for 5-10 seconds, then relax and repeat.
Scar Management - Many patients who have had hand surgery have scars that can be tight and limit hand function. Scar massage and stretching exercises can help to soften and loosen the scar tissue.
Sensory Re-education - This is a technique that helps patients who have lost sensation in their hand due to nerve damage or injury. Patients are asked to touch different textures and objects to help retrain their brain to recognize sensory information.
In addition to these exercises, hand therapists may also use other techniques such as splinting, taping, and manual therapy to help improve hand function.
Here are some images that show common hand therapy exercises:
If you have a hand injury or condition that is affecting your ability to perform daily activities, hand therapy can help. As an occupational therapist, I am passionate about helping my patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to reach out.