Hand therapy – a specialized form of occupational therapy:
There are different specialties to occupational therapy, and hand therapy is one of them. Hand therapy focuses on treating orthopedic upper-extremity issues to optimize the functional use of the arm and hand. Hand therapy is used to treat several conditions surrounding the upper extremities, including but not limited to:
- Sprains/strains
- Fractures
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lacerations
- Amputations
In general, hand therapy in Silverdale and Kent, WA focuses on the biomechanical issues of upper-extremity conditions. It’s a patient-centered approach that addresses the needs of the patient, such as being able to lift objects, open a jar, or button a shirt.
There are several interventions that a hand therapist can make, in order to help you comfortably perform daily functions. This may include any combination of therapeutic exercises, mirror therapy, orthosis design, pain management, manual therapy, taping, ergonomics, or compression therapy. There are several activities that a hand therapist may have you perform in order to strengthen your upper extremity after an injury, such as working with putty, using a gripper, or using dumbbells. Contact PhysioWorks today!
There are several benefits to hand therapy, including:
- Management of acute or chronic pain
- Design and implementation of home exercise programs to increase motion, dexterity, and/or strength
- Training in the performance of daily life skills through adapted methods and equipment.
- Preventative, non-operative or conservative treatment
- Customized splint fabrication for prevention or correction of injury
- Desensitization following nerve injury or trauma
- Sensory re-education after nerve injury
- Conditioning prior to returning to work
Meet Our New OT Hand Therapist
Eleni Polites
Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
Eleni received her Certified Hand Therapist license in November of 2024, but actively worked in hand clinics since 2019 treating a variety of conditions including conservative, post op, wound care, complex trauma, and sport injuries. Eleni’s interest has largely been in the overhead athlete where she has treated a range of youth to professional athletes. Eleni has spent most of her career working under hand surgeons, most recently Dr. Thomas Trumble.
Eleni played Division I softball during her undergraduate studies where she also developed an interest in exercise science and programming. Currently, Eleni competes as an IFBB professional bodybuilder. She enjoys integrating her training techniques and biomechanics into treatment intervention with her patients.
Contact PhysioWorks for relief!
You feel better emotionally when you can comfortably engage in your hobbies and everyday activities. If you believe you could benefit from occupational therapy, don’t hesitate to request an appointment today in Silverdale or Kent, WA. PhysioWorks is ready to get you started on the path toward living a more enjoyable, comfortable and functional life!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!