Hand Therapy Week

The week of June 9th - 13th is hand therapy awareness and injury prevention week. People value the use of their hands, and any loss of function through injury or accident can drastically change ones life. The intricate anatomy of the arm and hand often requires very delicate surgery and the use of microscopic techniques. The technical complexity of these types of surgeries requires a high level of care during post operative recovery.

Surgical and therapeutic management of hand injuries and conditions has become a specialized area of medicine and therapy. The hand and upper extremity clinic of Progressive Physical Therapy features Occupational Therapists who have the experience and skills to stay on top of this rapidly changing field. Custom splints and braces are fabricated on site and the therapist work closely with physicians and surgeons to provide the highest quality of care.

Some of the most common ways that we can injure the hands are fireworks, lawn mower repair, snow blowers, pumpkin carving, kitchen accidents, factory work and the use of carpentry tools. Hand therapists specialize not only in treating injuries but prevention as well. As part of hand therapy awareness and injury prevention week therapist encourage the public to take extra caution and be aware of simple everyday activities that can lead to hand and upper extremity injuries. Some of these injuries can dramatically change ones life.

Injuries to the hand and upper extremity are one of the most common causes of visits to the emergency room. They can range from simple lacerations to complex injuries which can result in severe functional limitations. The following is a list of simple ways to prevent disabling injuries to the hand and keep you out of the emergency room:

• Cut away from your hand when using a knife ( ex. cutting a bagel).
• Do not use knives for pounding or prying.
• Decals help alert people to large areas of plate glass which appear Ainvisible@ and canshatter and cut. Injury does not usually occur from going through the glass - but from a quick withdrawal.
• Use proper tools designed for a specific task.
• Do not remove guards from dangerous equipment such as circular saws.
• Never reach into a snow blower to dislodge a clog. Even if it is turned off the auger is stillwith tension and will turn once debris is removed.
• Use proper tools to avoid blade when cleaning mower.
• Do not allow children to play around escalators or elevators.
• Wear wrist guards for sports such as roller-blading, street hockey or skate boarding.
• Wear cut resistant gloves when doing heavy duty work.
• Slow down, speed frequently only decreases accuracy and control.

These are just some basic common sense ideas that could save you from pain, surgery, treatment and possibly loss of function. For more information about hand therapy, awareness and injury prevention week call Progressive’s Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic at 301-729-3485 or visit our website at www.progressive-pt.net.

This article was submitted by Neil Blake, OTR/L of Progressive Physical Therapy.