What Is Hand Therapy?
A hand therapist is an occupational or physical therapist who treats people with problems affecting their hands or upper extremities. A hand therapist can help with before surgery, post-surgery, or non-surgical treatment. Some hand specialists may have a certification, which makes them Certified Hand Therapists.
After graduating from an accredited program and passing a national exam, a therapist will gain a license to practice in their state. Some states require a license to practice, but that is not always the case. After graduating, a hand therapist must have no less than three years of experience and four thousand hours of hand therapy practice. Along with that, they must also pass a certification exam that gives them a five-year license.
Why Do You Need Hand Therapy?
If you live an active lifestyle, your job is very physically demanding, or you sit at a desk all day hacking away at a keyboard, you may need a hand therapist in the future. Most people who work at an office at a desk all day will most likely experience the negative side effects of carpal tunnel syndrome. A job that requires you to constantly use your hands for carrying heavy objects will have the same effect on a person as well. Unfortunately, constant activity can lead to major injuries. Even if you don’t feel discomfort, but you live one of these lifestyles listed above, you may still have this problem. Get checked out today, just to be safe!
What Injuries and Illnesses Does Hand Therapy Treat?
Certified Hand Therapist near Westbury can be extremely beneficial for a number of different conditions, here are just some of them:
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Ganglion Cyst
Tennis Elbow
Hand Pain
Repetitive Motion Disorder
Trigger Finger
Golders Elbow
De Quervains Tenosynovitis
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Sprains, Dislocation, and Fractures
Burns and Wounds
Amputations
Fine Motor Skill Deficiencies
Arthritis
How Can Hand in Hand help?
Here at Hand in Hand, Certified Hand Therapist near Westbury, we specialize in treating shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands. The treatment sessions we provide are commonly one-on-one, to provide the most attention for our patients. We also offer pediatric care for younger patients, as well as patients with special abilities/needs. If you are looking for a good Certified Hand Therapist near Westbury, look no further. To book an appointment or to learn more, visit our website today!!
A hand fracture is commonly a break or crack in one or more of the bones of your hand. The fracture can be caused by a direct blow or fall. It is important to treat a fractured hand as soon as possible because the bones might not heal in proper alignment, which can affect your ability when doing everyday activities. In addition, early treatment can result in less pain and stiffness. At Hand In Hand Occupational Therapy, we offer personalized care for fractured hands. Our Certified Hand Therapist near Westbury will evaluate, diagnose, and treat your hand injury.
Symptoms of a Fractured Hand
It is important to see ourCertified Hand Therapist near Westbury for treatment when you think your hand may be fractured. You will know your hand is fractured if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
Severe pain
Swelling
Tenderness
Bruising
Obvious deformity, such as a crooked finger
Stiffness or inability to move your fingers or thumb
Numbness
Risk Factors of a Fractured Hand
Almost anyone can injure their hand, resulting in a fracture. However, your risk of a fractured hand may be increased if you participate in sports like football, soccer, rugby, or hockey. In addition, Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, may also increase your risk of a broken hand.
Fractured Hand Treatment
Our Long Island hand therapy will do a series of tests to test the severity of the fractured hand. Then, based on the severity, a treatment plan will be determined. One form of treatment can be immobilization. This consists of putting the hand in a cast or splint to restrict movement. Another treatment is medication. Medications like pain relievers can be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Therapy can also be advised to strengthen and increase the range of motion of the hand. A final form of treatment may be surgery to implant pins, plates, rods, or screws, which will help hold your bones steady while they heal.
Contact Our Office
Hand fractures should be taken care of as soon as they are recognized. If you are suffering from hand fracture symptoms, see our Certified Hand Therapist near Westbury. At Hand In Hand Occupational Therapy, we can help you get the treatment you need.
With that being said, injuries in the wrist are quite common. If you experience pain or have an injury in your wrist, visit a Certified Hand Therapist near Westbury. Our Hand In Hand Occupational Therapy team is skilled in helping patients recover and improve so they can maintain skilled needs for working and daily living.
Common Wrist Injuries and Disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that commonly leads to numbness, weakness, and tingling in hand. A pinched nerve in the wrist causes this.
A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous lump or mass that is formed when fluid leaks from a joint.
Gout is a form of arthritis that causes severe pain and tenderness from a buildup of uric acid in the joints.
Fractures of the wrist are the technical term for a broken wrist in which one or more of the bones in the wrist are cracked or broken. It causes immediate pain, swelling, and tenderness.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness at the wrist crease and is the most common type of arthritis. It develops over time as the cartilage in the wrist naturally wears down.
Sprains and strains are injuries to the ligaments, muscles, or tendons. A sprain often occurs when the ligaments that support are stretched and ultimately torn. This can happen when the wrist is bent or twisted. Strains are similar, except the muscles and tendons in the wrist are overstretched.
Tendinitis is the inflammation of one or more tendons in the wrist. It usually is more prevalent in individuals with repetitive injury to a tendon or overuse of a tendon.
Who Is At Risk For Wrist Injuries?
There are many different types of wrist injuries and many different ways these injuries can occur. One way your chances of injuring your risk is increased is by participating in sports. By playing certain sports, you are exerting repetitive stress on the wrists. You may also fall on your hands, causing a strain, sprain, or break. Another way of increasing your risk of injuring your wrists or developing disorders in the wrist is by making repetitive wrist motions in simple everyday activities and for example, playing video games, texting on the phone, or typing on a keyboard. Lastly, certain diseases can cause pain in the wrist, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Our occupational therapy near Westbury can provide you with treatment if you happen to get injured.
How Can I Prevent Wrist Injuries?
Using wrist guards is one way you can prevent injuries while participating in sports or any psychical activity. They support the wrist and can be useful in preventing broken bones from falling during activities such as basketball, gymnastics, or skateboarding. At work, you can avoid injury by performing stretches and taking breaks when needed. If you spend hours on a computer typing, you might want to invest in an ergonomic keyboard and use proper typing techniques. You also want to be sure that you are taking care of your bone health and are keeping your bones strong. To do this, make sure that you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Lastly, visit our Certified Hand Therapist near Westbury.
Contact Us
If you have suffered a wrist injury, visit our Certified Hand Therapist near Westbury at Hand In Hand Occupational Therapy. We treat several different conditions, including wrist fractures, chronic and acute injuries, tendon and ligament injuries, tendonitis, and so much more. Schedule an appointment today to treat your pain!