Hand injury victims are affected in every area of their life, from struggling to cut their food to possibly being unable to do their job. Fortunately, therapy can reduce or eliminate reduced mobility or use for traumatic hand injury victims. In a recent Advance for Physical Therapy & PT Assistants article author Laura Walsh, MS, OTR/L, CHT outlines hand therapy techniques.

She begins by stating the importance of good communication between the referring surgeon and the treating therapist. Because hand injuries often are treated by occupational therapists and involve soft tissues, bones, tendons or nerves it is key for the therapist to understand the structures that are involved and their stability.

Once the patient begins therapy, it is important to initiate range-of-motion (ROM) exercises as soon as possible. Walsh explains that new techniques and technology in surgery and therapy allow hand therapists to advance patients earlier and more rapidly. Therapists must be vigilant about stiffness and scar tissue forming in the hand injury as it will lead to limited active motion.

Additionally, Walsh says, "Therapists must encourage patients to gradually re-introduce the injured hand to activities of daily living while at home." Patients are often nervous about using the injured hand at home and need to be reassured and reminded which activities are appropriate. Therapists should not assume that the activities they complete during therapy are being transferred to home.

Walsh adds that in addition to physical damage, traumatic hand injury patients may also experience emotional suffering. She says, "Sudden changes to life patterns can quickly lead to depression." Often the hand therapists will be the first to notice these signs because of frequent appointments with the patient. Therapists should be vigilant in watching for signs of emotional suffering and report immediately to the patient's physician.
The ultimate goal for hand therapists is to help the patient achieve the maximum use of the injured hand and return to work and a satisfactory life.

Sources: Walsh, Laura, MS, OTR/L,, CHT. "Digital Restoration" Advance for Physical Therapists and PT Assistants. 15 June, 2009. www.advanceweb.com/pt.com. 22 July, 2009.