Hand injuries can significantly impact daily activities, from simple routines to more complex tasks. Recovering from these injuries often requires specialized, experienced care to address both immediate needs and long-term functionality. Hand therapy focuses on improving mobility, rebuilding strength, and enhancing hand and upper limb coordination. Through tailored approaches, it helps individuals regain confidence in their abilities and return to their normal activities. In this blog, we’ll explore common hand injuries and how Hand Therapy, can support recovery and improve overall function.
1. Sprains & Strains
Hand and wrist sprains are some of the most frequent injuries, often caused by falls, sudden impacts, or overstretching during sports, workplace, or daily activities. These injuries may involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments (sprains) or tendons (strains). If left untreated, they can lead to persistent pain and limited movement.
How hand therapy helps:
- Targeted exercises: Hand therapists can design programs to rebuild ligament strength and prevent stiffness.
- Manual techniques: Soft tissue mobilisation can reduce scar tissue and promote healing.
- Supportive devices: Splints or braces can stabilise the area during recovery.
With proper guidance, a customised treatment plan can minimize complications and recovery time, improve flexibility and prevent a chronic problem developing.
2. Fractures
Fractures in the hand or wrist often require immobilisation with casts or splints, leading to stiffness and muscle weakness over time. Once the bones heal, proper rehabilitation is crucial to regain full functionality.
Therapy focuses on:
- Minimising/treating any scar formation or adhesions
- Restoring mobility with gentle range-of-motion exercises.
- Strengthening weakened muscles using resistance tools or exercises.
- Retrain co-ordination with proprioception exercises
- Gradually reintroducing fine motor skills training as per individualized required.
By addressing both strength and dexterity, hand therapy supports a smoother transition back to normal activities while helping to reduce the risk of future injuries.
3. Tendon & Nerve Injuries
Deep cuts or accidents can damage tendons and nerves, often leading to a loss of fine motor control or sensation. An injury for example impacting the flexor tendons or the median nerve (associated with carpal tunnel syndrome) can severely impact your hand’s functionality.
Hand therapy’s role in recovery:
- Tendon repairs: Post-injury/repair guidance by experienced Hand Therapists can guide patients through rehab to promote healing while preventing adhesions.
- Nerve re-education: Specialised exercises to help restore sensation and coordination/motor control to affected areas.
- Adaptive tools: Provision and instruction for patients to use assistive devices in order to temporarily regain independence in daily tasks.
With regular sessions, hand therapy can significantly restore both dexterity and confidence.
Accredited Hand Therapists at Coffs Shoulder to Hand clinic can Support Your Recovery
Delaying treatment for hand injuries can prolong recovery and increase the risk of permanent damage. Early intervention through accredited, experienced hand therapists can help minimize complications but maximise your recovery time, promoting healthy healing, and hence help patients return to their daily routines faster.
At Health on High, we understand the challenges hand injuries can present daily. Our team of accredited hand therapists in Coffs Harbour is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for various hand and upper extremity conditions. We stay updated with modern treatment techniques to provide care tailored to your needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment for physiotherapy in Coffs Harbour, please get in touch with us.