Hand Therapy for Common Hand Injuries

Hand injuries can be very common yet vary for every person. If you have recently injured your hand and need hand therapy near Brentwood, contact us today. East End Occupational Therapy specializes in treating injuries of the hands and upper extremities. Our staff is dedicated to helping you reach your goals of recovery.

An occupational therapist will evaluate and treat any problem related to your hand and the nearby extremities. Your occupational therapist will help you get back to what you love through the use of non-invasive and state of the art techniques and tools.

Techniques and tools you are likely to encounter when seeking hand therapy near Brentwood include:

Exercise regimes: custom-designed to increase your range of motion and strength
Pain Management
Wellness Education
Joint protection and energy conservation training
Adaptive techniques: suggesting adaptive/assistive device equipment

If you have recently gone into surgery to correct carpal tunnel syndrome, you will still benefit greatly from hand therapy. Carpal tunnel syndrome has customized exercises, stretches, and therapeutic massages that will help improve the strength lost from the operation. Some of the exercises and stretches you will perform are:

Spider Stretches: Put your hands in a prayer position, from there spread your fingers as far apart as you can, then separate the palms and put your fingers together.
Hand Shakes: This exercise is incredibly easy, yet the effects are still there. Shake out your hands as if you are drying them off. This exercise works so well with comparing carpal tunnel that it requires very minimal exercise yet stops your nerves from cramping up.
Forward hand stretch: Place one arm straight in front of you, with your hand facing the floor. Spread your fingers apart and apply gentle pressure with your other hand. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Repeat two times for each hand.

You are likely to experience an increased range of motion, strength, and flexibility to other parts of your extremities, such as your wrist and shoulder, when you start incorporating hand therapy techniques.

Hand injuries happen for various reasons, including work, trauma, repetitive motions, and sports. Common injuries that you are likely to experience to the hand include tendinitis, dislocations, and fractures. You can suffer from other injuries as well, such as burns and damage to the nerve.

Fractures are typically the most common injury for the hand. The most common fracture metacarpal or finger is the ring finger. This is typically caused by a punching motion, with over 80% of these fractures occurring in men. Fractures can vary, with most being caused by blunt force. They are typically hand injuries directly related to sports. With the most common fractures occurring in:

Football (often accompanied by a ligament tear)
Boxing
Basketing
Baseball
Mixed Martial Arts

When you have been injured on the field and require therapy, you will likely be prescribed some sort of splint. When seeking out hand therapy near Brentwood, you can rest easy knowing that your physician will customize and create a unique splint so that you do not have to worry about creating your own. Compression is one of the four methods used for RICE. The others are resting, ice, and elevating.

Using a custom made splint to help with compression can help you in an abundance of ways. They can stabilize your muscles, protect recently repaired and constructed joints after surgery, and reduce inflammation.

People can underestimate the full range of benefits custom splints have. Whatever ailment you have been suffering with, you can rest knowing that our custom splint will help treat and possibly help eliminate:

Arthritis
Nerve Injuries
Tendon Injuries
Fractures
Nerve Compressions.

When seeking hand therapy near Brentwood, you may think to yourself just what occupational therapy can provide? The answer can vary depending on your situation:

It could mean treatment without operation. Which can save you both time and money
Help solve the root cause of the pain instead of just alleviating symptoms.
Can help deal with possible nerve damage
Increased feeling in the hands in there was a nerve injury
Help improve the range of motion and strength
Get back to doing everyday activities
Help you get back to work

No matter how you suffered your injury, the fact remains that you are in pain, and you may need help getting your hands back up to speed. No matter how the injury came about, you can rest assured that you will receive top-of-the-line care and attention that will improve your overall quality of life when you seek hand therapy near Brentwood.

WHAT DOES HAND PAIN INDICATE?

Hand pain can be a frustrating problem with many different causes. While there are numerous potential sources for hand discomfort, many of them have similar symptoms, and the treatment varies only slightly from one to another. However, it is important to distinguish between each cause to avoid future injuries and discomfort best. The following will describe some of the more common causes of hand pain. This is what can be done to relieve the symptoms. Looking for hand therapy near Brentwood, look no further than East End Occupational Therapy today!

Common Causes Of Hand Pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) – CTS is a condition that occurs when one’s median nerve, which begins in the neck and runs through the shoulder, wrist, and into the fingers, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. This pressure on this specific nerve can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
Trigger Finger Or Trigger Thumb – Trigger finger occurs when one’s tendon that bends or flexes your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. The result is that one’s finger gets stuck in a bent position and then suddenly springs open, sometimes with force. This can be painful, and the condition usually affects only one hand.
Arthritis – is prevalent among people over the age of 55, and it can cause several different problems. Arthritis can be difficult to detect because the symptoms, such as stiff joints and pain that tend to worsen in damp or cold weather. This can easily be attributed to other conditions.

What To Do If Your Experiencing Hand Pain

There are some specific things one can do if they are experiencing pain in their hands. For instance, one should try to avoid repetitive hand motions if possible. If you are typing or playing a video game for extended periods, it is important to take frequent breaks. Which will help your muscles relax and decrease the chances of developing future aches. Exercises stretching your fingers are another good idea and can even be done while typing. Finally, applying heat to your hands and taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen will help reduce any discomfort caused by arthritis or other conditions. Our staff can help with hand therapy near Brentwood for your hand conditions.

Contact Us For Hand Therapy Near Brentwood

As you can see, there are a number of different causes for hand discomfort. Fortunately, most cases of hand pain can be treated fairly easily. However, it is important to remember to see a doctor if the discomfort persists because it may be a sign of something more serious such as arthritis or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Schedule an appointment for hand therapy near brentwood with our staff today!

Contact East End OT Hand Therapy Near Brentwood Today!

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WHICH EXERCISE IS BEST FOR HAND PAIN?

It can be difficult to continue with your normal exercise routine when you injure your hand, wrist, or upper extremity. While it’s always best to check with a doctor before beginning any new exercise program, several exercises can help build strength in the injured area while still keeping it mobile and flexible. Here are some of the best exercises for hand pain. Visit East End Occupational Therapy, our Hand therapy near Brentwood, today!

There are several ways to exercise your hands. It would help if you always avoided movements that cause extreme pain or numbness in your hands. Additionally, you should not begin any new exercise routine without first consulting a doctor to see if it’s safe for your specific injury. That being said, here are some great exercises that can be very beneficial in the treatment and prevention of injuries to your hands, wrists, and upper extremities:

Hand Pain Exercises

Finger extension is important in the treatment of many injuries. This exercise uses a small Dyna-Band device, which can be inflated to different strengths depending on the desired level of difficulty. Begin by looping one finger through the band and gently pulling it towards you until resistance forms.
Finger Curls – For this exercise, you will need a small cup or paper bowl, something with a fairly small circumference so that you can easily curl your fingers around it. Fill the bowl with rice or dry beans, whatever you have available to make the exercise more challenging. Begin by sitting in a chair with your injured arm resting on your leg and your palm facing up. Place the small cup at one end of your hand and use your fingers to curl around it. Squeeze as hard as you can for 10 seconds, then release and relax your fingers completely. Continue this motion for 30-60 seconds before switching arms.
Wrist Rolls – Begin this exercise by sitting on a chair with your injured arm resting on your leg, palm facing up. Roll your wrist gently in a circular motion, beginning with small circles and gradually increasing to large ones. Continue this motion for 30-60 seconds before stopping to rest at the bottom position for one minute. Repeat five times.
Finger Stretch – This exercise is a great way to stretch and strengthen your fingers and hands. Begin by sitting in a chair with your injured arm resting on your leg, palm facing up. Flex your fingers so that the tips of your thumbs touch each other and stretch them outward until you feel tension but no pain. Hold this position for five seconds before relaxing for 10 seconds: repeat ten times, three times per day.

East End Occupational Therapy

When you’re ready to begin a new exercise routine, always do so slowly and carefully. Start with movements that you can complete easily and only increase the intensity of your workouts as your strength improves. While specific exercises for hand pain might not be necessary after an initial period of recovery from an injury, they are vital in maintaining flexibility and strength in your hands. If you’re looking for more great exercises, check out this website.

East End OT – Hand Therapy Near Brentwood

This is a great set of exercises that are designed to strengthen the hands. While they are not necessarily meant for treating hand injuries, they can help prevent damage and increase hand health. Exercises should always be done carefully to avoid further pain or aggravation of an existing injury. If you have chronic hand pain, you are probably best served by consulting a doctor for more specific treatment options. However, these exercises can be done safely at home to strengthen the hands and maintain general flexibility. Visit East End Occupational Therapy, our Hand therapy near Brentwood, today!

DOES STRETCHING HELP CARPAL TUNNEL?

Every day you wake up, and your fingers and hands feel numb and tingly. The numbness and tingling make it difficult to hold a fork, open a jar, or type an email. When this happens, most people have something called carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is when the median nerve that runs from your forearm into your hand gets pinched at the wrist. Did you know that stretching is one of the best ways to manage carpal tunnel? For more information on other stretches for carpal tunnel relief or how you can prevent this condition from developing. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with East End Hand therapy near Brentwoodtoday!

Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

Many symptoms of carpal tunnel include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. Another common symptom is pain that increases during the night and waking up from sleep because of numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers.

Stretching for Carpal Tunnel Relief

Stretch your wrists by extending them backward, as if you’re going to hit a backhand in tennis. Then take a deep breath and, on exhale, move your hands forward as if you’re going to hit a forehand. These stretches for carpal tunnel release tension in the wrist that can pinch the median nerve and help with pain and numbness.
To stretch your fingers, hold your wrist with your other hand and gently pull your fingers back, so they are straight but not hyperextended. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds, then release. Do this five to ten times with each hand.
Another stretch for carpal tunnel involves rotating your wrists in circles. Slowly turn one wrist clockwise. Hold the stretch for several seconds, stop, and then repeat on the other side. Repeat this motion ten times for each wrist.

There are many great stretches for carpal tunnel relief. Doing them regularly will help you avoid numbness and tingling in your hands and fingers caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. For more information on stretches for carpal tunnel, contact East End OT, Hand therapy near Brentwood.

Benefits Of Stretching For Carpal Tunnel Relief

Reduce carpal tunnel pain
Increased range of motion in fingers and hands
Decrease chances of carpal tunnel flare-ups
Reduce carpal tunnel symptoms and severity
Relieve fatigue and soreness in hands and fingers caused by carpal tunnel syndrome
Increase hand and finger function

How To Reduce Carpal Tunnel Pain And Intensity

It’s best to strengthen the muscles in your hands and forearms to reduce carpal tunnel pain and intensity. Use these two exercises:

Hold a 2-lb weight in one hand and flex your wrist up and down. Hold for five seconds, then relax; repeat this ten times.
Hold a 2-lb weight in one hand and rotate your wrist clockwise and then counterclockwise; repeat this ten times.
Strengthening the muscles in your hands and forearms reduces carpal tunnel pain and intensity by keeping them strong and flexible, reducing pressure on the wrist’s median nerve.

Carpal Tunnel Prevention

Get regular chiropractic treatments to prevent carpal tunnel. A chiropractor can help keep the bones in your hands properly aligned, relieving pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. For more information on reducing pain and intensity caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t hesitate to contact Hand therapy near Brentwood today!

East End OT – Hand therapy Near Brentwood

Therefore, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel can affect your ability to get enough oxygen to your cells, weakening the immune system and making you more susceptible to illness. Stretching is one of the best ways to manage carpal tunnel, as it helps you relieve pain and other symptoms and reduces the risk of flare-ups. For more information on other stretches for carpal tunnel relief or how you can prevent this condition from developing. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with East End Hand therapy near Brentwood today!