Occupational Therapy and/or Hand Therapy are forms of therapy that help patients get back to a normal functioning state of daily living. Often times, Occupational Therapy is a term used for conditions relating to a hand condition/injury but it can also be for ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living). Occupational Therapy is commonly used for patients that suffer from a stroke or a brain injury to help them regain their functionality, regarding muscle movements, to complete daily tasks. Occupational Therapy can also be for patients that have trouble safely navigating throughout their home or surroundings (ie: local grocery store). In these instances, an Occupational Therapist may ask the patient to bring in a video or pictures of the patient’s home, to help understand the struggles the patient may be having at home regarding going up and down stairs, reaching for the cabinets in kitchen, or safely maneuvering around the house and over throw rugs. For many, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy can be very similar and often overlap. The great thing about SportsMed, is that in many of our locations we have both Occupational and Physical Therapists, so they can work together to help a patient achieve their goals. When hand therapy is needed, it is best to see a hand therapist that specializes in the hand and isn’t just an Occupational Therapist who happens to treat the hand. Hand Therapists generally focus 80% of their time, if not 100% of their time, to hand conditions. This is extremely helpful for patients that have a complicated hand injury that is effecting their hand movements. All Hand Therapists at SportsMed Physical Therapy have over 5000 hours of treating hand conditions. They are experts in all hand conditions, bracing and also splinting needs. Hand Therapy and also Certified Hand Therapy, are offered at SportsMed, in many of our locations, but not all; so please be sure to check our locations tab for office specifics. Areas of occupational therapy specialization: All postoperative upper extremity/hand injuries Custom splinting & bracing for all hand/upper extremity injuries Arthritis Trigger Finger Tennis/Golfers Elbow Carpal Tunnel Frozen Shoulder
