Hand therapy helps a patient regain maximum use of his or her hand after an injury, surgery or the onset of a disease. The treatment is provided by a hand therapist, someone who is first trained as an occupational or physical therapist and then receives additional training in hand therapy. Hand therapists teach exercises, create customized splints, apply modalities, and help the hand heal and protect it from additional injury. The SOLPT hand clinic offers full evaluation and treatment services for patients with common injuries to the hand and/or arms, including:

• cumulative trauma disorders
  
• fractures
  
• tendon repairs
  
• joint and ligament injuries
  
• joint replacement.
  

After a comprehensive assessment, a qualified hand therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan for the patient. The plan allows the patient to return to optimal levels at work or school. These services can include:

• sensory reintegration
  
• soft tissue mobilization
  
• static or dynamic splinting
  
• biofeedback
  
• education
  
• ergonomic consultant
  
• adaptive equipment
  
• home program and education.
  
  

Occupational therapy is a health profession which utilizes the application of purposeful, goal-directed activity in the assessment and treatment of persons with disabilities. The occupational therapist can use motor activities to facilitate the use of the upper extremities, sensory motor integration, fine visual and oral motor control, gross motor activities, activities of daily living such as eating, dressing and personal hygiene, and finally, motor aspects of pre-vocational skills.