Hand Therapy - Albert Lea, Minnesota

Occupational therapists help you restore upper extremity function after an injury or operation. Occupational therapists also help you prevent further deterioration caused by arthritis and soft tissue disorders.

Hand therapy care

Individualized hand therapy may benefit patients with:

• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• De Quervain's tenosynovitis
• Digital amputation
• Distal radius fracture
• Dupuytren's disease
• Phalangeal fracture or dislocation
• Post-op trigger finger
• Stiffness/decreased hand or wrist range of motion
• Tendon transfers

Benefits of hand therapy include:

• Conditioning prior to returning to work
• Desensitization and sensory re-education following nerve injury or trauma
• Developing individualized home exercise programs to increase range of motion, dexterity and strength
• Functional training with a focus on daily life skills
• Managing acute and chronic pain
• Preventive, nonoperative or conservative treatment
• Splint fabrication for prevention or correction of injury

How it works

During your initial evaluation, the occupational therapist will:

• Assess your range of motion, strength, functional abilities and limitations
• Create a treatment plan that includes individual goals, interventions and home exercises
• Address the effects your problem has on your daily life
• Create a splint, if one is needed

During follow-up appointments, the occupational therapist will:

• Evaluate your progress and pain level
• Provide treatment interventions appropriate for your diagnosis (e.g., heat, ice, ultrasound, paraffin, iontophoresis)
• Provide manual therapy, such as edema massage or joint mobilizations, if needed
• Adjust your splint or device, if needed
• Progress your exercises and functional activities related to daily living or work