Hand therapy is the term relating to non surgical management of hand disorders and discomfort. This type of physio aims to lessen pain; focusing on physical methods of treatment, such as massages, exercises and acupuncture. A hand physio typically treats any disorders in the upper body which may affect movement and hand function (such as the wrist and elbow). This type of physiotherapist is a specialist who has undertaken advanced training in the rehabilitation of this area of the body.
Your therapist will be able to support you emotionally and physically throughout your sessions; they may give you advice on how to handle certain activities, while working towards your rehabilitation goals with you.
Why might you visit a hand physio?
Whether it’s due to a past injury, post-surgery or simply a recent change in the function of your hands, our on-site specialist; Harriet, in Folkestone is available to assess you, and based on your diagnosis we may want to see you for regular appointments to build on your progress.
Post-surgery
After surgery on the hand and/or wrist, you may feel stiff and movement might be jarred. Your physio would aim to alleviate the pain and improve range of motion through exercises.
Osteoarthritis
While this can affect any part of the body, wrists and hands are common areas to experience osteoarthritis symptoms. While this is dependant on your condition and other personal factors, your physio may recommend strengthening exercises to support the joints, and stretching exercises to improve movement.
Osteoarthritis
If you’re working in a job that requires repetitive movement, such as hairdressing or decorating, or you play golf and/ or tennis, you may have experienced RSI. You may feel cramps, stiffness and tingling in the hands and arm. Assessing and improving your hand mobility, and looking at other elements that may contribute to RSI, such as posture, may improve your symptoms.
All our therapists can assess wrists and hands, however, our hand specialist is a physiotherapist who specialises in hands, wrists and arm pain. If you are experiencing any specific symptoms in this area, feel free to give us a call for advice, information and possible treatment.