Whether you are in search of expert OT, PT, or Hand Therapy – here are 5 things every hand therapist will have in their bag or clinic.
So your doctor or nurse practitioner has given you a prescription for OT. More specifically, she wants you to seek the help of a hand therapy specialist. A quick Google search for “Hand Therapists near me” compiles a list of outpatient PT/OT clinics, and you book an appointment with the one that has the best reviews. When you arrive and settle in, you find yourself in a setting that resembles a gym. Tons of equipment and lots of large massage tables. But where is that hand therapy section? After all, you may have a tiny injured finger, and everyone around you is doing squats and lifting large weights. You may find yourself thinking…”Wait, am I in the right place? Isn’t this just a regular physical therapy office?” Well, before you sneak out the door, here are some items a hand therapist may already have on the premises. Look around for the following 5 things every hand therapist will have in this specialized practice:
1. Your Hand Therapist may sit at a Table Or Desk with you
The setup may resemble a manicure station, because the therapist sits across from the patient. The patients sits across from the therapist for a good part of the session. You’ll often see lotions and small tools organized on the desktop, drawers or shelves nearby. If you are receiving care at home, your session might take place in your kitchen or dining area.
2. Smaller Weights and Putty
The dumbbells used in Hand Therapy usually range from a pound to just a few pounds. We also have tiny finger weights the size of a Hershey’s kiss. We usually keep putty (or theraputty as we call it in the biz) in clear containers so the colors are visible (different colors have different densities). You’ll see patients squeezing, pinching, rolling and even manipulating it with small tools. Your therapist may even hide small items (such as buttons) in the putty and have you pick it out to work on your finger strength.
3. A Dynamometer (Grip) and Pinch Gauge
At your very first sessions, we use a dynamometer to measure your grip strength and the strength of your finger pinch. It’s about the size of a small hair dryer, and has a display similar to a scale. Hand Therapists may remeasure your strength over time and take notes on the progress you are making.
4. Rolls of Velcro Straps and Splinting Material
In addition to massage and exercise, hand therapists are skilled in fabricating splints (or orthotics). Sheets of thermoplastic material are cut from a pattern and submerged in hot water. Once it cools down the material is draped and molded around your hand or finger. Finally, velcro straps are added to keep the splint secure and snug. The style of the pattern, as well as the thickness of the plastic, depends on your specific needs. Custom orthotics require a doctor’s prescription.
5. Fun Toys
Hand Therapists aim to improve hand strength and fine motor precision. Hand held puzzles, marbles, and board games (such as monopoly) help you work on skills like picking up a pencil, counting bills and coins, and using eating utensils without pain or discomfort.
Know Your Therapist
OTs and PTs know their human anatomy and movement. Hand Therapists specifically focus on the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Not only are we skilled in healing the tiniest strands of muscles in your hand (over 30… just in your hand), but we can also work on improve your daily living skills (such as brushing your teeth).
It’s usually a good idea to speak to someone ahead of time and find out if some of the items above are available to you. Asking the right questions may help you save time, and assure you are getting the type of care your doctor expects. Often, your doctor may also have a list of hand therapists they recommend and would be happy to share that with you as well
Hand Therapy is just one of many specialties within Occupational Therapy itself. Now you know the 5 things every hand therapist will have…congrats! A big part of our job is helping you with self care activities such as improving your hand function, so you are able to brush your hair or fastening buttons on a shirt with less pain. Daily Living OT specializes in Hand Therapy. As an added bonus, we are a mobile practice and are able to bring all the equipment you need to recover, right to your home. Visit dailylivingOT.com to learn more about our services.