The Benefits of Hand Therapy for Chronic Pain Issues

Between your wrist, palm, and fingers, you have 27 bones. With so many bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in such a small part of the body, it is essential to take care of them. We use our hands for most of the tasks we need to accomplish throughout the day. Wrists are one of the most common joints people develop arthritis in. Luckily, there are ways you can treat your hands to either help manage arthritis symptoms or manage other injuries like tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, tendonitis, or cubital tunnel. It is essential to take care of your hands and the joints within, and hand therapy can help you maintain your trusted hands. 

How Does Hand Therapy Work?

Hand therapy can be used in a variety of ways. Patients can use it as a rehabilitation tool to assist after a medical procedure, much like physical therapy. If you have arthritis or other chronic pain issues, hand therapy can also be used as preventative care or to help relieve symptoms. The hand therapist will use various techniques to strengthen muscles, reduce swelling, protect joints, and restore range of motion. When going through the treatment, you might have to do exercises that require you to use your own muscle strength or use putty, grippers, weights, and other aides. 

What are the Benefits of Hand Therapy? 

Those who utilize hand therapy often receive several benefits through the treatment. Many patients prefer hand therapy because it offers a holistic treatment to chronic pain issues rather than an invasive treatment method like surgery. Hand therapists use safe and effective techniques to treat the cause of your pain that allows for preventative treatment, so you hopefully will not have to get surgery in the future. You also receive pain management and conditioning before returning to work or sports. For those who undergo hand therapy, they also see benefits in an increased range of motion and better dexterity in their hands. 

Our hands are an essential part of our bodies, but when they do not work right or cause us pain, it can seriously impact our lives. Consider trying out a holistic approach to your chronic pain and give hand therapy a try. Not only will you reduce your risk of needing surgery from chronic pain illnesses, but you will also receive many benefits and manage your pain. If you are interested in trying out hand therapy, contact your doctor for a referral today.