Post-Surgical and General Orthopedic Rehab of the Hand and Upper Extremity
Hand therapy and upper extremity rehab are typically concerned with treating orthopedic-based upper-extremity conditions to optimize the functional use of the hand and arm. Conditions seen are:
- Amputations
- Arthritis and rheumatic diseases
- Congenital anomalies
- Crush injuries or trauma
- Cumulative trauma
- Dislocations and subluxations
- Ligament injury and instability
- Minor fractures
- Muscle strains, tears, and avulsions
- Tendon injuries and conditions (e.g., lacerations, tendonitis, ruptures)
- Nerve injuries and conditions (e.g., neuropathies, palsies, nerve repair)
- Pain (e.g., complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia)
- Wounds and scars
Occupational therapy interventions are designed to meet individual client needs and may include the following as part of a comprehensive plan of care:
- Therapeutic activities
- Therapeutic exercise
- Orthosis/Splint design, fabrication, fitting, and training
- Joint protection and/or energy modification in home, work, school, or leisure activities
- Sensory re-education
- Wound care
- Application of physical agent modalities
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Aquatic therapy
- Mirror therapy
- Scar management
- Pain management
- Training in activities of daily living and adaptive or assistive devices
- Education for post-surgical or post-injury safety, including sensory loss
- Manual therapy
