Best rated certified hand therapy Portland? We take pride in our one-on-one, manual approach to recovery, and compliment our treatments with many cutting edge techniques, orthotics (splints) and modalities. We are constantly on the move to find the best, most effective way to treat our patients, and return them as quickly as possible to doing what they do best. We offer comprehensive upper extremity and hand therapy to our clients. Juno graduated in 2016 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman’s University and became a certified hand therapist in 2020. She has been working steadily towards creating novel treatments in both clinic and research to maximize client outcomes. See more info at certified hand therapy.
Typical conservative treatment involves immobilization to reduce recurring irritation/triggering to the flexor tendon. This will involve the certified hand therapist at Happy Hands creating a custom splint immobilizing a single finger joint. You will find that it will limit motion in that joint but allow movement everywhere else. It is recommended you wear this for 2-3 weeks. Afterwards, if conservative splinting is insufficient, then a cortisone injection may be recommended next. If that fails, you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss possible trigger finger release. That procedure entails opening the pulley to prevent further triggering. Healing is typically prompt with most patients returning to normal routine within 4 weeks.
Hand therapy is one of many specialty services provided by occupational therapists (OT), with certified hand therapists having more extensive training. What Is Hand Therapy Used For? Hand therapy is effective for people who have undergone a hand, arm, or upper extremity injury. Whether caused by chronic conditions such as arthritis, physical trauma, or surgery, hand therapy can reduce pain and rehabilitate your extremities. Some examples of common symptoms that hand therapy can help alleviate are: Swelling; General pain; Stiffness of joints, tendons, and ligaments; Fine motor problems. Having traumatic hand injuries can cause daily life to come to a standstill, so restoring various motor functions is crucial for rehabilitation.
What are the Benefits of Occupation-Based Hand Therapy? The primary benefit of occupation-based hand therapy is not only to restore function to biomechanical issues, but to restore the ability to perform the activities that mean the most to each patient to give them a rewarding lifestyle, physically and mentally. Patients typically encounter: Increased psychological well-being, feeling a sense of normalcy by practicing familiar roles and habits; Increased motivation for therapy participation as it represents a return to their normal way of living; A stronger patient/therapist partnership as the patient plays an integral part in their own recovery and goals.
Why See a Hand Therapist? Our hands are complex structures made up of a system that works together to provide motion and sensory information, including touch and temperature. They help us carry out intricate tasks such as writing and preparing food, which use our fine motor skills, as well as performing heavier activities such as lifting and carrying. Our hands and arms can be susceptible to a number of different disorders, including injuries, medical conditions, and degenerative conditions such as arthritis. They can also be vulnerable to pregnancy-related conditions and sports injuries, and a hand therapist knows how to help relieve your suffering and pain. Find more info on portlandhandtherapy.org.