REHABILITATION OF THE HAND
Laying a strong groundwork through the initial evaluation focuses intervention in two ways. First, the therapist will know immediately what things the client values and enjoys, and what he or she needs to “get back to.” This groundwork enables the therapist and client to collaboratively set goals that reflect what the client needs and wants to do. Second, the client will understand that therapy is addressing his or her whole body, mind, and lifestyle—including any psychological and social issues—and not just an isolated injury. The practitioner may begin with preparatory methods (e.g., range of motion, muscle strengthening, physical agent modalities) or purposeful activities (e.g., simulated occupations, components of occupations or other meaningful activities). As the client progresses, the intervention expands to address actual performance of desired life tasks and occupations (e.g., self-care, kitchen tasks, work activities). The therapist chooses activities carefully, to be sure they relate to components or actual activities that the client will be doing during or after rehabilitation and links preparatory methods to the ultimate end goal—which is to resume active participation to the extent possible. Occupations (activities) may not be designed to assist with healing the injury itself; they may be used as a means of helping clients return to psychological and social well-being while waiting for their bodies to heal. Adaptations will be made to occupations as appropriate to allow
for immediate engagement if that is the desire of the client. For example, an occupational therapy practitioner can support a mother with a tendon repair of her dominant hand in her desire to bake a cake for her child’s birthday by showing her adaptive techniques to compensate for her limited hand mobility. These techniques might include making cupcakes, which can be much easier than baking a cake because the paper-lined tins can be filled by scooping out batter instead of pouring it from the bowl, and using canned frosting and colored sugar sprinkles to avoid the need to forcefully grip a decorating bag. When possible, occupational therapy practitioners provide orthotics and adaptive equipment that facilitate rather than inhibit early participation in daily activities such as dressing or driving. Outcomes: The ultimate goal of occupation-based hand therapy is to ensure that the rehabilitation process promotes healing while also enabling clients to perform meaningful activities both in the clinic and in their daily lives. This approach fosters positive outcomes for clients, including enhancing their satisfaction with the therapy experience and results, maintaining their ability to engage in desired roles within their family and the community, and most importantly, experiencing quality of life as they define it. Call Physical Therapy Institute of Illinois today to discuss your condition and see how we can help you regain a pain-free life. “We highly recommend PT Institute of Illinois. They were awesome at getting my daughter back to the activities she loves. The office staff is also very friendly and professional. Appointments were very easy to make and accommodating to our schedule. Thanks PTII!” - C.G. & R.G. “They were awesome at getting my daughter back to the activities she loves”
Come Back In For A Consultation Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury or you want to improve your health, you can choose the physical therapy practice you want! Come back to PTII for a consultation today!
See our physical therapists for: • Recent injury • Nagging aches and pains • Back and neck pain • Joint pain and movement problems • Walking or balance difficulties
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FOX RIVER GROVE LOCATION: 1009 IL Route 22 Suite 1 Fox River Grove, IL 60021-1998
PARK RIDGE LOCATION: 1550 North Northwest Highway Suite 120 Park Ridge, IL 60068
T 847-462-8707 F 847-462-9208
T 847-298-3079 F 847-298-4019
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