Hands-On Therapy for Hand Issues
Hand Therapy
Hand therapy is a type of occupational therapy that focuses on restoring function to the fingers, hands, wrists, arms, elbows, and shoulders. The goal of hand therapy it to help patients return to their activities of daily living and be as independent as possible after injury or disability affecting the upper extremities. Hand therapy can help reduce upper extremity pain and improve strength, range of motion, and dexterity. It may be used in addition to pain medication or surgery. Or, hand therapy may be used in place of other treatments.
What Types of Injuries or Conditions Benefit from Hand Therapy?
Any injury, impairment, or disability in the upper extremity could benefit from hand therapy. We treat patients who have been affected by:
- Fractures
- Burns
- Sprains
- Dislocations
- Overuse injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow
- Nerve problems
- Arthritis
- Stroke-related disability
- Surgery to the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder
- Finger, hand, or arm amputation
What Techniques are Part of Hand Therapy?
The Penn Highlands Hand Therapy program uses the following techniques to treat injuries and disabilities of the upper extremities.
- Range-of-motion activities
- Strength-building exercises
- Fine and gross coordination exercises
- Edema control techniques
- Joint mobilization
- Joint protection
- Splinting
- Wound and scar management
- Dexterity training
- Training in the use of assistive devices
- Patient education to avoid reinjury
Occupational Therapy
The Rehabilitation Center - ElkA Service of Penn Highlands Elk
The Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at 123 Hospital Avenue in DuBois offers:
- Hand Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Language Pathology Services
The Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at 757 Johnsonburg Road in St. Marys offers:
- Hand Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Language Pathology Services
