Hand & Upper Limb Therapy
Hand and upper limb rehabilitation is the treatment and management of traumatic/repetitive strain injuries as well as planned surgery to the hand or upper limb. Injuries such as fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, nerve compressions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, burns, amputations, and joint replacements are amongst some of the conditions that we treat.
Treatment may be through conservative means (i.e. treatment other than surgery) or following surgery. Treatment is tailored to the individual’s condition/injury and needs and is based on a comprehensive assessment. It can involve a variety of treatment modalities.
Treatment may include splinting when necessary. Splints are custom-made from low temperature hard thermoplastic or other soft materials (such as neoprene) and are measured to fit each individual patient – fabricated to their specific injury/condition. For example; a splint would be made for individuals who require immobilisation of certain joints to protect a fracture or tendon.
Re-gaining range of motion is essential in rehabilitation in order to be able to perform daily activities. Managing swelling and pain is included in our therapy as well as normalisation of sensation. Strengthening is addressed once the injury has stabilised. Addressing specific functional activities that one may struggle with following a specific injury or condition is also a vital part of rehabilitation and getting patients back to their lives.
Fabricating pressure garments is also part of our work. Pressure garments are used to address the management of swelling and scars. Most commonly pressure garments are fabricated for those individuals who have sustained burns or undergone surgeries requiring skin grafts or flaps.
Management of arthritis is also a large portion of our practice, both in adults and children. We treat arthritis in conservatively and the post-surgical phase; looking at joint protection principles, adaptations to activities of daily living as well as splinting and soft tissue management to prevent further deterioration of the joints, prevention of joint and soft tissue deformities, as well as managing pain.
Treatment for Hand Therapy
- Soft tissue massage
- Scar management
- Kinesio and dynamic taping
- Oedema management
- Mobilisation of joints
- Pressure garments
- Custom-made hard and soft splints
- Nerve mobilisation
- Strengthening
- Activities of daily living
- Assistive devices
- Pain management
Schedule an Appointment
For an integrated approach to Occupational Therapy services, contact us on the details below.
Hands, Lymphoedema & Breast Cancer
079 491 6450
hands@otzone.co.za