What is Hand Therapy?
Your Hand Doctor of Physical Therapy may help you recover from conditions such as fractures, tendon repairs, nerve repairs, sprains/strains, repetitive stress conditions, and joint replacements. You may be recently out of surgery or have a chronic condition. Either way, our team of Doctors of Physical Therapy here at Harter Physical Therapy in Clearwater, Goddard and Cheney, KS is here to help you through your recovery so you can return to the things you love.
What will my Hand Doctor of Physical Therapy do?
In order to help you along your road to recovery, a Hand Doctor of Physical Therapy may see from one to three times per week in the clinic. Together, you will set goals that are most important to you. Your Hand Doctor of Physical Therapy will design a home exercise program that you should perform at home as a supplement to the work that you will do in the clinic. During your therapy sessions, you will get to work one-on-one with your Doctor of Physical Therapy on things like pain reduction, edema reduction, range of motion, strength, coordination, and dexterity. Everyone’s condition is unique and everyone’s goals are different – you and your Hand Doctor of Physical Therapy will decide together how to best meet your needs using a therapy plan that is tailored to you.
Can my Hand Doctor of Physical Therapy fabricate a custom orthosis for me particularly?
Absolutely. In layman’s terms, “orthosis” is another name for “splint.” Sometimes, “prefabricated” splints are not appropriate. Certain injuries or conditions require the fabrication of an orthosis that is custom made just for you. From small finger orthoses to large ones that stabilize the whole arm, these can be fabricated here at Harter Physical Therapy. If your physician thinks that a custom orthosis is required for your condition, he/she will provide you with a prescription for the appropriate item.
What types of orthoses can be fabricated at Harter Physical Therapy?
- Gutter
- Mallet / tip protector
- C-splint
- Hand-based MP extension orthosis
- Forearm-based MP extension orthosis
- Wrist support
- Thumb Spica
- Resting Hand
- Dorsal blocking orthosis
- Long arm orthosis (with or without wrist)
- Bicep-style long arm orthosis (for distal bicep tendon repairs)
- Variety of dynamic orthoses
Sometimes, a well-known orthosis is not the answer because there can be several factors to consider at once. No problem. Talk to the Doctor of Physical Therapy and tell them what you need. We always look forward to coming up with creative solutions to complicated problems.
Hand Therapy services include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Hand Therapy Evaluations
- Treatment of traumatic and non-traumatic injuries of the upper arm, elbow, wrist, and hand
- Upper Extremity Custom Orthoses
- Wound Care
- Edema Control
- Scar Management
- Manual Therapy
- Therapeutic Exercises to improve ROM, Strength & Functional Ability
- Sensory Re-Education
- Modalities
- HEP Instruction
If you or someone you know needs Hand Therapy (which includes the elbow, wrist, and hand), please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Request an appointment at our Clearwater, Goddard or Cheney, KS clinic today so that we can get you back on track to doing the things you love!