HAND THERAPY IN SURREY
Hand injuries can happen while working or playing a sport. Surrey Sports Physio offers professional hand therapy in Surrey to treat diseases or injuries of the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder girdle. As an approved WorkSafe BC Hand Therapy Program provider, we offer specialized treatment for injured workers, supporting their recovery and facilitating a safe return to work and daily activities
About Hand Therapy
Our hand therapy in Surrey combines the theory and practice of occupational and physical therapy to provide comprehensive knowledge of the upper quarter, body function, and activity. Hand therapists use specialized skills to assess and treat diseases or injuries of the upper quarter (hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder girdle, cervical area or multiple joints). In addition, hand therapists work with clients to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse pathological progression to improve quality of life. This also includes wound therapy and prosthesis management.
Who Are Hand Therapists?
Hand therapists are licensed or registered physical or occupational therapists who have become skilled in assessing and treating pathological upper-quarter conditions through advanced continuing education, clinical experience, and independent study. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has met the standards established by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Inc.
Scope of Practice, Treatment Techniques and Tools
The scope of hand therapy practice may involve one or more of the domains listed below. Domains outline the key areas of responsibility in hand therapy practice. The first three domains listed below involve the assessment and treatment of clients with hand injuries:
​SURFACE ANATOMY
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SKIN/CONNECTIVE, MUSCULAR, SKELETAL, NERVOUS AND VASCULAR/LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS
WOUND HEALING
​BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL REACTIONS TO IMPAIRMENT
KINESIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS
POSTURE AND PATHOMECHANICS
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Conditions SURGICAL AND MEDICAL TREATMENT OF CONDITIONS
ASSESSMENT TOOLS
TREATMENT RATIONALE, INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
TREATMENT METHODS, TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS
EXPECTED FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF TREATMENT
EXPECTED PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TREATMENT PROCEDURES
PROFESSIONAL CODES OF ETHICS
​SAFE AND APPROPRIATE USE AND MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT AND ASSISTIVE DEVICES
​SAFETY TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES (E.G., INFECTION CONTROL, EMERGENCY PROCEDURES)
Hand Therapists will assess and treat individuals diagnosed with many hand and upper quarter conditions. These may include but are not limited to:
​Amputations
​Congenital Differences/Anomalies
​Dupuytren’s Contracture
​Fractures/Dislocations/Joint Instabilities
​Inflammatory and Degenerative Arthritis
​Pain-Related Symptoms
​Post-Mastectomy/Post-Radiation Lymphedema
​Soft Tissue Injuries
​Tumours and Cysts
Central Nervous System Disorders As They Relate to the Upper Quarter
​Cumulative Trauma Disorders/Repetitive Stress Injuries
​Cumulative Trauma Disorders/Repetitive Stress Injuries
​Infections
​Multiple System Trauma
​Peripheral Nerve Compressions, Injuries and Disease
​Psychogenic Disorders Involving the Upper Quarter
​Burns
​Vascular Disorders
Patients may be referred to a hand therapist following a variety of medical or surgical interventions, including:
​ Amputation Revision
​ Joint Synovectomy
​ Fracture Fixation/Bone Graft
​ Nerve Decompression
​ Scar Revisions
​ Tendon Transfer
​ Tissue Transfers
​ Arthroplasty
​ Ganglion Removal
​ Nerve Grafts/Nerve Repairs
​ Ligament Repair
​ Skin Grafts/Flaps
​ Nail Bed Repair
​ Neurolysis
​ Soft Tissue Releases
​ Tenosynovectomy
​ Joint Reconstruction
​ Joint Releases
​ Nerve Block/Sympathectomies
​ Tendon Grafts/Tendon Repairs
​ Replantation/Re-Vascularization
​ Use of Pharmaceutical Agents
​ Injections
Hand Therapy Exercises that Can Be Done at Home
Do these hand exercises for injury healing and enhancing hand mobility:
Making a fist: Stretch your hand and make a fist.
Finger stretch: Start with your hand on a balanced surface and gradually straighten your fingers. Hold this position for about a minute, then change hands.
Finger lift: Place your hand flat on a table and gently lift each finger to enhance flexibility. Repeat this exercise 8-12 times for each hand.
Thumb touch: With your hand upright, stretch each finger to touch your thumb.
Grip strengthening: Squeeze a grip-strengthening ball 10-15 times with each hand as tightly as possible.
Claw stretch: Facing your palm outward, move your fingers into a claw-like position for about a minute.
Pinch strengthening: Pinch a soft foam ball between the tip of one finger and your thumb. Repeat for about one minute, a dozen times.
Wrist extension: Elevate your wrist by placing it on a folded towel or similar object with your hand hanging over the edge. Move your hand up and down, first with your palm facing down, then up.
Wrist movement: Similar to the previous exercise, place your wrist/forearm on a folded towel, this time with your hand sideways and your thumb pointing up. Wave your hand up and down through the full range of motion.
Wrist rotation: While standing or sitting with elbows bent at a 90-degree angle, rotate your arms by placing your palms up, down, and so forth.
Thumb extension: Move your thumb from its normal position to the center of the palm and back.
Tendon gliding: Put your hand into different positions (hook fist, full fist, straight fist), then return it to a balanced position.
Remember to perform these exercises gently and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Tip for Preventing Hand Injuries from Sports and Work
Here are five tips each for preventing hand injuries at work and during sports:
Work:
Ergonomic setup: Position your workspace to lower hand strain. Use an ergonomic mouse, keyboard, and chair to maintain a balanced wrist alignment.
Regular breaks: Take routine breaks to rest and stretch your hands. Simple exercises like finger stretches and wrist circles can help prevent sudden immobility.
Proper lifting technique: When lifting heavy objects, keep your wrists straight and use your legs and core muscles to prevent straining your hands.
Hand protection: Wear appropriate gloves if your work involves lifting materials, dealing with chemicals, or hazardous tools. Choose gloves that fit well and provide adequate grip.
Avoid repetitive motions: Repetitive tasks can lead to overuse injuries. Vary your movements and take breaks to reduce strain.
Sports:
Warm-up: Always warm up your hands before sports activities. Gentle stretches and movements improve blood flow and flexibility.
Proper grip: Learn the correct grip for sports equipment (e.g., tennis racket, golf club). Incorrect grip can strain your hands and wrists.
Protective gear: Wear gloves or wrist guards for sports like cycling, weightlifting, or boxing. They provide support and reduce impact.
Technique training: Proper technique reduces the risk of injury. Seek guidance from coaches or trainers to learn safe movements.
Listen to pain: If you feel pain or discomfort, stop immediately. Ignoring warning signs can worsen injuries.
Remember to consult a professional if you have concerns or experience persistent pain.