Occupational and Physical Therapy
Hand Center of Evansville
Hand Center of Evansville offers therapy services provided by occupational and physical therapists with multiple years’ of experience. Our therapists are nationally recognized certified hand therapists (CHTs) with a reputation for excellence in Hand Rehabilitation. The status of Certified Hand Therapist is obtained after completing a minimum of five years clinical experience (including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy), and successfully passing a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper upper rehabilitation.
“Our therapists work directly with our hand surgeons to provide complete patient care.”
Our therapists work directly with our hand surgeons to provide complete patient care. Upon referral by the surgeon, each patient is evaluated by the therapist and an individualized therapy program is developed based upon the type and extent of the upper extremity problem.
For chronic or progressive conditions, our hand therapists focus on managing symptoms, patient education, ergonomic considerations, and activity modification. Acute injuries and post-operative injuries usually require reduction of edema and inflammation, wound healing, and gentle motion at the appropriate time in the rehabilitation process. For many conditions, the therapist may fabricate a custom splint to protect injured structures, prevent further injury, and promote healing.
Therapy is progressed to include exercises and manual techniques to return the patient to the optimal level of function in work, home, and recreational activities. Frequently, hand therapists may design an individualized home program, typically including activity modifications, home exercises, and custom-made splints with close monitoring of progression and/or updating and modifying the home program as needed by the therapist.
Common Treatment Diagnoses
- Carpal tunnel/Peripheral nerve injuries
- Cumulative trauma/Repetitive stress injuries
- Tendinitis (tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow)
- DeQuervain’s
- Trigger fingers/thumb
- Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Operative and non-operative fractures and dislocations
- Tendon lacerations
- Burns
- Sprains of the fingers, wrist, and elbow
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Joint replacements
- Lacerations/Wounds
Types of Therapy Treatment
- Custom-designed and fabricated splints
- Wound care
- Scar management and edema control
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
- Individualized range of motion, strength and endurance building
- Patient education/activity modification programs
- Therapeutic modalities including ultrasound, iontophoresis, electrical stimulation
