Hand and upper extremity therapy services helps patients increase strength, endurance and function. Our therapy program uses advanced technology and is one of the most comprehensive in the region.
We offer therapy services to patients in the hospital recovering from surgery and in several convenient locations on an outpatient basis. Our rehabilitation program is staffed with occupational and physical therapists, many of whom have advanced certifications and specialty training in lymphedema, brachial plexus, ergonomics and work rehabilitation.
Partnering with Patients to Achieve Treatment Goals
Our therapists take a patient-centered approach to care, creating individualized treatment plans based on your unique goals and circumstances – such as returning to work or a sport. Many patients consider their therapists their “go-to” resource for education and answers to questions.
Our Therapy Team
Our team of occupational and physical therapists specialize in the therapy management of hand to shoulder conditions and injuries. Our experienced staff, many of whom have achieved certified hand therapist (CHT) designation, work closely with the referring physician to provide the best care for each patient’s unique situation.
Therapy Services
Our team of therapists deliver comprehensive therapy for hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders, including:
- Activity modification — Therapists work through “activities of daily living” with patients, teaching them strategies for approaching tasks, creating alternative approaches and suggesting aid devices and support resources as appropriate so they can function at the highest level.
- Brachial plexus therapy — Therapists use specific range-of-motion exercises to prevent the muscles and joints from tightening in brachial plexus injury patients. They also assist with neuromuscular re-education and strengthening to improve functional use.
- Custom orthosis (splint) fabrication
- Desensitization
- Edema management
- Ergonomics — is the study of how humans interact with elements of their environment to keep healthy and productive. Through our Ergonomics Program, therapists who are experts in the field can evaluate where patients spend their time to suggest ways to correct current conditions and prevent future injuries. This many include elements such as furniture choice, posture, and strengthening or stretching exercises. Learn more about our Ergonomics Program.
- Functional capacity evaluations
- Individualized exercise programs — Improving range of motion, reducing swelling, increasing mobilization, re-educating muscles and building stamina are all goals of individualized exercise plans. As patients regain function and strength, therapists incorporate a variety of activities with weights, equipment, resistance bands and other tools.
- Lymphedema symptom relief — Therapists use massage, compression garments and exercise techniques to relieve symptoms of lymphedema following cancer surgery or radiation.
- Manual therapy techniques
- Pain management — Therapists work with patients to control pain in order to increase tolerance for exercise and prepare muscle tissue for additional work. Both medications and non-medical techniques including ice, heat, electrical nerve stimulation and other approaches may be used.
- Patient and family education — Education about the diagnosis, treatment elements, recovery expectations and timing, and how they all work together smooth the rehabilitation process.
- Prosthetic training
- Scar management
- Splinting — Therapists are experts in the science of creating custom-made splints as supportive structures. Splints may aim to improve function or to immobilize an injured limb, depending on the diagnosis and stage of rehabilitation. Work reconditioning — Therapists ease a patient’s return to their job through work rehabilitation (or work reconditioning), developing exercises and activities to simulate job functions and teach patients strategies for preventing reinjury. Learn more about our Work Reconditioning program.
- Wound care
Virtual Visits Are Available
Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We'll assess your condition and develop a treatment plan right away. To schedule a virtual visit, call 414-777-7700.
