What You Should Know About Hand Physical Therapy

Do you know that the pair of hands you have are easily subjected to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injury and arthritis? Because this area of the body is vulnerable to a variety of problems and necessary for a variety of tasks, hands on physical therapy may be required. Hand physical therapy can be done using a combination of techniques, however always make sure you are working with a licensed physical therapist. PT professionals must undergo education, training and licensure before they can practice on patients.


Sometimes you can prevent problems with your hands before they occur, or take care of minor problems before they become major ones. For example, if you work with your hands performing repetitive tasks like typing or assembly line duties it is a good idea to perform regular exercises before, during and after work. Some employers actually require this and lead their employees through a basic exercise session prior to the beginning of the workday. Simple stretches that focus on the hands and wrists can go a long way towards preventing injury. Take breaks to stretch your hands (and the rest of your body) at regular intervals throughout the day.

If you are already experiencing pain or limited function due to certain conditions a physical therapist can help you. First you should consult with your doctor as a referral may be necessary. There may be imaging studies done such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans. There are also techniques like arthroscopy where a microscopic camera is inserted into the problem area so it can be quickly and accurately diagnosed and treated. A PT will also teach you any exercises they recommend to stretch and strengthen your hands. These exercises are designed to be easy yet effective for their intended purpose.

With some hands on physical therapy treatments massage, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, heat and ice may be used. These therapies may be used to enhance an exercise program or used on their own. Your individual therapy regimen will of course depend on what your therapist feels is best for you. Hand physical therapy is one area where some therapists specialize. You may choose to seek out a specialist who works only on this area. Of course your doctor can help you locate a physical therapist for your condition and as mentioned before may need to do a referral.





You Can Be Me -- A Career in Physical Therapy (APTA)

 

Physical Therapy News:

 

Hawkeyes' Clayborn keeps anger, opposing offenses in check
There is a word for all of us. No matter how meek, no matter how frail, no matter how religious...


Baseball: Moustakasa big night powers Royals
Canfield's Sporting Goods, a locally owned rugged outdoor sporting goods store with 55,000 square feet of display space, has been a must stop for outdoorsmen. More Athletes' Training Center Athletes' Traning Center is a world-class facility featuring the most qualified staff in the Midwest providing physical therapy, sports, performance, and ...


The Differences In Elder Care Services | Rehabilitation and .
Time passes and so do we. Before we know we're older and our parents or relatives. Care of them and ensure that their needs can be met to ensure a favorable...


Study: Long Stay Makes Astronauts Weak as 80-Year-Olds
Astronauts can become as weak as 80-year-olds after six months at the international space station, according to a new study that raises serious health concerns as Russia and the United States contemplate prolonged trips to Mars...


Pen Bay Physical Therapy Opens Waldoboro Location
In response to patient requests, Pen Bay's outpatient physical therapy department will be opening a new location Sept...


Support Groups
Jefferson County is fortunate to have a broad range of nonprofit support groups providing county residents with health and medical support as well as legal, educational and human services support...


 



Surviving Gross Anatomy



Technorati Tags: , ,