Hand Therapy
A Chance to See a True Specialist- In An Intricate Area
Hand Therapy is a highly specialised, life-changing treatment modality. It helps people recover & strengthen one of the most important parts of our bodies.
If you experience pain in your hands from Shopping, Computer Work, Preparing Food, Opening Jars, Turning Keys, Holding your Golf Club or your Tennis Racket;
Having a therapist that can effectively treat your hands, can provide a Thorough, Long-Lasting Recovery.
We Can Provide;
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Advice on How to Prevent Future Injuries
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Develop an Understanding of Hand Ergonomics
Additionally, our Hand Specialist Can;
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Formulate, or Enhance your Treatment Plan
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Provide Occupational Therapeutic advice
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& Individual Exercise Prescriptions
Hand Therapy can help you with the following conditions (and more):
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Finger and thumb sprains or dislocations
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Rehabilitation following fractures
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Mallet fingers
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Trigger fingers
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Instability issues
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Nerve compression syndromes
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Tendinopathies
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Muscle strains
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Hand pain
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Tennis and golfer’s elbow
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Stiff joints or reduced mobility
What Injuries/Conditions Are Treated By Hand Therapy?
.. Or Call Us
For Accurate Diagnosis & Effective Treatment
Why Choose Hand Therapy..?
Our hands are extremely important for most things we do, whether it is simple daily tasks like dressing yourself, eating or driving, work-related tasks (typing, swinging a hammer, etc.) and even recreational activities like your favourite sports and hobbies. The anatomy is also particularly intricate and delicate. So, when you have a condition involving your hands, it is recommended to see a special therapist who has specific knowledge and experience regarding this body part.
A Hand Therapist is trained to assess hand conditions, knows how the structures work in relation to each other and how movement and power are generated. Furthermore, since Hand Therapy is a unique mix of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, the therapist is able to prescribe exercise, analyse movement, and provide treatment.
Combining all this knowledge and clinical experience, a Hand Therapist can formulate and carry on a treatment plan that will help the patients regain the function, mobility and strength to be able to use their hands and return to the activities they need or want to do.
What should I expect from my appointment?
First of all, the therapists will go through a few questions to gain a clear understanding of your condition, symptoms, needs and any information regarding other treatments you may have tried in the past. This will be followed by a detailed examination of your hand to understand the nature of the problem and help decide on the treatment plan to follow.
Treatment will depend on the condition treated, but the therapist will be able to explain what modalities are needed and start treatment at your first appointment.
What type of treatments should I expect?
The type of treatment will depend on the type of condition presented. These are some common Hand Therapy interventions:
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Manual Therapy techniques: these modalities are designed to help improve circulation, tissue length and overall mobility. It is important to have mobility in order to function and use your hand. Some manual therapy techniques can also be used to help improve scarring and adhesions, which can sometimes prevent movement.
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Oedema management: If you are experiencing swelling, your therapist can utilise various treatments in order to reduce the puffiness. This can include gentle massage, kinesio taping and the use of compression bandages or garments.
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Exercise prescription: exercise is another important part of Hand Therapy and can be used to improve mobility, strength or function. The Hand Therapist will choose exercises depending on various factors, including your condition and needs, tolerance and pain level. Exercises are also tailored on relevant activities for you such as tasks that may be needed for your occupation or a specific sport or hobby you love.
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Sensory retraining and desensitisation: when your condition involves nerves, you might experience numbness or tingling in your hand. Your therapist may use these techniques to “retrain” your nerves and normalise sensation.
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Functional advice and education: after assessing your hand’s current movement and abilities, the treatment plan is tailored to your condition and what tasks you need or want to go back to. Throughout your treatment journey, you will be advised and educated on how to use your limb more efficiently and safely or adjust if full function is not achievable due to the healing stage or the severity of the condition.
TESTIMONIALS
injured my little finger in a fall a few months ago. It never fully straightened after & I thought I was going to have to put up with it. After an x-ray the Doctor said there was nothing he could do so I accepted that I would have a bent little finger.
I mentioned it to my Physio while I was having my review for my ACL repair - to which I have made an amazing recovery thanks to my Physio's guidance and excellent treatment.
I was delighted after a few sessions of shockwave & mobilisations my finger was straight and fully functional.
Siobhan- Dublin