Welcome to the Linden Oaks Physical Therapy Hand Program
The Hand Physical Therapy Program
Hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle. It is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning, and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.
Meet the Provider
I wanted to take a moment to share my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible journey I've experienced under your care as my hand therapist. When I first walked into your clinic, I was filled with uncertainty and anxiety about the road ahead, but today, I am walking out with a renewed sense of hope, strength, and gratitude.-Patient
Theoretical knowledge and technical skills are applied, using good clinical judgment, in the assessment and treatment of individuals with diagnoses related to the upper limb (hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder girdle).
These may include but are not limited to:
Adhesions or tightness (e.g., musculotendinis, capsular)
Amputations
Arthritis and rheumatic diseases (Basal Joint)
Carpal Tunnel
Crush injuries/mutilating trauma
Cysts and tumors
Dislocations and subluxations
Dupuytren’s disease
Edema
Fractures
Infections
Ligamentous injury and instability
Muscular strains, tears, and avulsions
Nerve injuries and conditions (e.g., neuropathies, palsies, nerve repairs)
Pain (e.g. complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia)
Replantation and revascularization
Tendon injuries and conditions (e.g., lacerations, transfers, tendonitis, ruptures)
Trigger Fingers
Wounds and scars
A variety of techniques and tools may be used in therapeutic intervention with hand and upper quarter patients, including but not limited to:
Assessment techniques
Adaptive, assistive and ADL devices
Desensitization
Edema Management
Therapeutic Exercise
Functional activity
Joint protection
Manual therapy techniques
Modalities
Neuromuscular re-education
Orthotic design, selection, fitting, fabrication and training:
Patient family and/or caregiver education
Scar Management
Sensory re-education
Splinting
Work conditioning/hardening
Wound care (debridement, suture and staple removal, topical and dressing management, modalities)