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What is hand therapy and what are the best tools & techniques to implement it?

Updated: Nov 28, 2021

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Over the years, a variety of unforeseen events may befall us and bring about far-reaching changes in our day-to-day functioning.


From work accidents to inflammatory processes, our palms and wrist are exposed to a variety of factors that may limit our abilities to make optimal use of them.


To prevent further deterioration and restore normative functioning, medical experts offer a variety of non-invasive strategies that will allow you to restore your abilities and daily routine.


Hand therapy consists of a wide range of techniques and exercises designed for the diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of a variety of medical conditions in the hand and arm area.


With various tools and occupational guidelines, you will have optimal chances to regain a significant level of function slowly but surely. Therefore, hand therapy is a crucial element in your rehabilitation.


But what is hand therapy exactly? If you are dealing with a severe hand or arm injury, here are a few pointers that will allow you to get the most out of your treatment.



What can you accomplish from hand therapy?


When it comes to hand therapy, the variety of deficits that can be treated throughout your rehabilitation is deep and extensive.


Below we summarized a few of the most common deficits you may face and practical techniques\tools you can implement in order to help in your condition:


Hand weakness


There are many tools and techniques you can use to strengthen your muscles and tendons during your rehabilitation. From dedicated bands to weights and even firm play dough, there are many exercises that will allow you to regain your strength and flexibility. Here are three simple exercises that are most recommended for everyday practice at home or during work:

  • Lay your forearm on a flat surface and allow your hand to dangle off the edge facing down. Bend your wrist to stretch your hand up and down, against gravity. After 10 recursions, repeat with your hand facing up.

  • Stretch your wrists every hour by extending your arm forward, grabbing your hand, and gently but firmly pulling it back.

  • Extend and flex your thumb back and forth in your palm. Repeat 20 times.





Difficulty in performing daily activities


There are many physical therapy aids designed especially for the wrist, fingers, and arm joints. Using dedicated springs or bands, you will be able to emulate your work environment and typical functions and ease your way into your old habits.



Edema and scar treatment


Touch therapy techniques, Kinesio tape, and a host of other tools make it possible to provide a comprehensive restoration that includes not only the soft tissues but also the surface of the skin.


Hand therapy can help reduce edema, redness, and inflammation and soften scar tissue over time.


Adjustment in your workspace


The most significant intervention, though, extends far beyond the treatment sessions. To ensure effective long-term rehabilitation, intervention is required in all areas of life.


  • Make sure you adjust your chair and desk's height properly. You should keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle and make sure your wrists lay flat on the surface.

  • Get proper support to your wrists by using ergonomic pads or purchasing an adjustable keyboard that allows you to control tilt.

  • Your monitor position can also affect your hand wellness. Make sure it is within eye level and not forcing you to lower your head. This will usually cause your shoulders to slump and hinder your posture.

Remember: your commitment to the process is an important factor in any hand therapy process.


How can Playwork help your hand therapy process?


Now that you understand what is hand therapy and how it can empower and sustain your rehabilitation process, we invite you to learn about a new and unique solution that will not only help you regain function - but guarantee you hours of enjoyment throughout the process.


Playwork is an innovative physiotherapy technology that reimagines hand patients' rehabilitation process.


This smart play-based therapy ball provides a comprehensive response to a wide range of situations and allows for high customization to the patient's needs.


With one easy-to-use and fun therapy tool, you can perform dozens of different exercises that are suitable for all stages of rehabilitation.






You got so far – why not have fun with it?


We at Playwork believe that the key to a successful rehabilitation begins with your motivation and dedication to the work that awaits ahead.


This is why we have invested in-depth thinking, many resources, and professional knowledge accumulated over the years to develop a fun rehabilitative solution that will allow you to practice vital functions through play.


The range of possibilities that can be generated with Playwork is immense. Our team of professionals will accompany you throughout the process and provide you with dedicated exercises that will allow you to make the most of the therapy ball, according to your physician's treatment plan.


Monitor your progress easily throughout the entire program


Playwork's smart Playball allows your physician to track your performance and make any adjustments necessary in the hand therapy plan in real-time.


The ball provides specialists with qualitative data that aids them in the assessment process without any need to keep records during the exercises.


Throughout the entire exercise, you will have reliable and encouraging feedback that will help you adjust your performance and achieve optimal results.


Want to learn more about the wide range of possibilities you can enjoy with Playwork? Contact us now and power your rehabilitation plan with a groundbreaking solution.



 

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