A long history of specialized
care…
The Hand Centers have provided outstanding
rehabilitation of patients with a wide variety of traumatic
injuries and chronic conditions of the hand, wrist, arm
and elbow. In fact, The Hand Centers are the first facilities
in the country integrating the specialties of Hand Surgery
and Hand Therapy.
The therapists at The Hand Centers work
closely with the Center’s Hand Surgeons to provide
comprehensive care. Once referred by the surgeon, each
patient is evaluated and an individualized therapy program
is developed. The therapist plans the rehabilitation program
depending on the nature of the upper extremity problem.
This individualized treatment program is essential to
facilitate a rapid recovery.
For traumatic injury and post-operative
therapy, the emphasis is usually placed on reduction of
swelling, promotion of wound healing, gentle and gradual
movement. Frequently a custom fabricated splint is made
to provide protection of the injured part. Therapy is
progressed according to specific protocols to include
exercises and techniques to allow return to the highest
level of function possible in work, home and leisure activities.
If required, the therapist can evaluate the work site
and make recommendations related to the equipment or work
tasks involved.
For chronic or acquired conditions,
the emphasis is placed on symptom management, function,
prevention and activity modification. When the condition
results in a limited use of the hand, the therapist can
design equipment and splints to improve these limitations.
Throughout the therapy process, home exercises and treatment
techniques are included so that eventually, a home therapy
program can be carried out with occasional visits to the
therapist for monitoring.
The members of the therapy staff
are primarily certified hand therapists (CHTs) who enjoy
a local and national reputation for excellence in Hand
Rehabilitation. All of The Hand Centers’ therapists
serve as faculty for the annual Surgery and Rehabilitation
of the Hand symposia, sponsored by the Hand Rehabilitation
Foundation. This meeting is attended by over 1,000 therapists
and surgeons from the USA and abroad.
