14 Hand & Upper Extremity Occupational Therapy Locations
- Located in Denver & Colorado Springs
- Highly Skilled Therapists
- Flexible Appointment Times
Hand & Upper Extremity Occupational Therapy
Orthopedic Centers of Colorado Occupational Therapy Services are dedicated to restoring your independence and enhancing your quality of life following orthopedic injuries or conditions. Our team of skilled occupational therapists specializes in addressing the functional challenges that arise from musculoskeletal issues, helping you regain confidence and autonomy in your daily activities.
At our facilities, we believe in a holistic approach to orthopedic occupational therapy, focusing not only on physical rehabilitation but also on optimizing your ability to engage in meaningful occupations. Whether you’re struggling with tasks at home, work, or in the community, our goal is to equip you with the skills and strategies needed to overcome barriers and live life to the fullest.
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Hand Therapy
Hand therapy can help improve your hand function, reduce pain, and enhance your overall quality of life by providing customized treatment plans that address your specific needs and goals. Hand therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation that focuses on treating conditions and injuries affecting the upper limb, including the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Here’s how hand therapy works:
– Hand therapists are occupational therapists or physical therapists who have advanced training and expertise in treating upper limb conditions.
– They begin with a comprehensive evaluation to assess the patient’s symptoms, function, and goals. This helps them develop an individualized treatment plan.
– Hand therapy treatments can include a variety of techniques such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, modalities (e.g. heat/cold), splinting, adaptive devices, and patient education. The goal is to reduce pain, improve range of motion, strength, and function.
– Hand therapists often work closely with hand surgeons to provide pre- and post-operative care, helping patients regain function after injuries or surgeries.
– The ultimate aim of hand therapy is to help patients return to their normal daily activities and productive lifestyles by addressing their specific upper limb impairments.
In summary, hand therapy is a specialized field that utilizes a range of therapeutic interventions to rehabilitate the hand, wrist, and upper extremity, enabling patients to regain function and independence.
What Kind of Exercises Are Involved In Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy exercises are tailored to the individual patient’s needs and goals, ranging from basic stretching and strengthening to more advanced dexterity and coordination activities. The exercises aim to improve overall hand function, reduce pain, and help patients return to their normal daily activities. The main types of exercises involved in hand therapy include:
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- Stretching and range of motion exercises:
– Wrist extension and flexion exercises
– Thumb extension and flexion exercises (thumb adduction/abduction)
– Finger extension and flexion exercises
– Wrist stretching exercises
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- Grip and strength exercises:
– Squeezing a stress ball or rubber ball to strengthen finger grip
– Using an elastic band to stretch and strengthen fingers
– Towel wringing exercises to improve crush grip strength
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- Dexterity and fine motor exercises:
– Pen rotation exercises to improve finger manipulation
– Pen sliding exercises to enhance fine motor skills
– In-hand translation exercises using small objects
– Thumb tapping exercises to improve finger flexibility
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- Technology-assisted exercises
Comprehensive Therapy Offerings
Hand / Occupational Therapy
Our Hand/Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals participate in meaningful daily activities (occupations) despite physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.
The goal of occupational therapy is to enhance independence, productivity, and quality of life by improving clients’ abilities to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), work-related tasks, and leisure activities.
Hand/Occupational therapists use a holistic approach, incorporating activities, adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, and therapeutic interventions to address physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory aspects of functioning.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy primarily focuses on restoring movement and function to individuals who have experienced injury, illness, or disability.
The goal of physical therapy is to alleviate pain, improve mobility, restore function, and prevent further injury or disability for the patient.
Physical therapists use various techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, modalities (e.g., heat, cold, electrical stimulation), and education to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Sports Performance
Sports performance therapy, or sports rehabilitation, focuses on optimizing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and facilitating the safe return to sports activities after injury.
The goal is to enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries through education and conditioning, and rehabilitate athletes following injuries to restore optimal function and prevent recurrence.
Sports performance therapists use a combination of exercise prescription, sport-specific training, biomechanical analysis, injury prevention strategies, manual therapy, and performance enhancement techniques to address the unique needs of athletes.
Services Offered
Functional Assessment and Goal Setting
- Comprehensive evaluation of your functional abilities, including activities of daily living (ADLs), work-related tasks, and leisure pursuits.
- Collaborative goal setting to identify priorities and establish a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and aspirations.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Training
- Training in essential self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation.
- Adaptive techniques and assistive devices to facilitate independence and safety in performing ADLs.
Workstation Ergonomics and Rehabilitation
- Assessment of your workstation setup and ergonomic factors contributing to musculoskeletal discomfort or injury.
- Recommendations for ergonomic modifications and proper body mechanics to prevent further strain and promote productivity.
Joint Protection and Energy Conservation Techniques
- Education on joint protection strategies to minimize stress on arthritic or injured joints during daily activities.
- Training in energy conservation techniques to manage fatigue and optimize efficiency in completing tasks.
Splinting and Orthotic Management
- Custom fabrication of splints or orthotic devices to support and stabilize injured or unstable joints.
- Instruction in the proper use and care of splints to maximize their effectiveness in promoting healing and function.
Home Modification and Adaptive Equipment Training
- Assessment of your home environment to identify barriers to independence and safety.
- Recommendations for home modifications and assistive equipment to enhance accessibility and facilitate participation in daily activities.
Our Approach To Providing Care
Expertise & Experience
- Our team of occupational therapists specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation and has extensive experience in helping individuals overcome functional limitations.
Patient-Centered Care
- We prioritize your goals, preferences, and unique circumstances, ensuring that our treatment approach is tailored to meet your individual needs and aspirations.
Collaborative Approach
- We work closely with your healthcare team, including physicians, physical therapists, and other specialists, to ensure coordinated care and optimal outcomes.
Empowerment & Support
- We are committed to empowering you with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to take control of your orthopedic health and live life to the fullest.
Hand / Occupational Therapy Locations
