Occupational Therapy and Hand Rehabilitation Services, P.C.

07/05/2022

So true…

06/02/2022

Let's talk about Edema...which is swelling in the hand, wrist, and/or fingers. Severe edema, which can occur after an injury or a surgery, needs to be addressed as soon as possible so that it does not cause flexion contractures (fingers have a permanent bend in the knuckles) and a fixed deformity. An excerpt from"Fundamentals of Edema Management" by
Aida E. Olvera-Dyckes, in Cooper's Fundamentals of Hand Therapy, 2020, explains it well:

Edema (oedema) is a common condition after upper extremity injury or surgery. Dorsal hand edema causes the skin to tighten, forcing the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints into hyperextension and the interphalangeal (IP) joints into flexion. As a consequence, the collateral ligaments of all the joints tighten and the volar plates of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints shorten. The arches of the hand are lost and the thumb becomes adducted and extended.

Clinical Pearl
Without early intervention from a therapist, the anatomical response to hand edema can result in fixed contractures with fibrotic changes of tissues and shortening of musculotendinous units. Sadly, an inexperienced therapist or one who is not familiar with the importance of addressing edema immediately, will sometime ignore edema which will end with a devastating result for the patient.

05/25/2022

THIS is your brain on :

04/20/2022

Have you ever had a hand injury and had someone tell you to squeeze a ball to get your strength back? A Certified Hand Therapist KNOWS that for some injuries and conditions, squeezing a ball DOES NOT help your hand but can actually cause more damage. Your Hand Surgeon or Primary Care Physician can provide you with a referral to see an Occupational Therapist. Audrey J. Buck OTD, OTR/L, CHT has worked in Chautauqua County as an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist for over 35 years and has her Clinical Doctorate in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation. See her for an evaluation and a research based treatment plan suited specifically for your concerns/diagnosis.

04/08/2022

Snag big savings on U.S. hotels through accessibleGO Travel Club. Plus, search hotels based on their accessibility features.

03/23/2022

Scottsdale, Arizona

03/21/2022

After a massive stroke eight years ago, Kevin Eubanks, of Paragould, Ark., lost the ability to use his left arm – and he has missed hugging with both arms ev...

03/10/2022

Sunday Care Therapy says these seven simple visual hacks you can do at home will help loved ones with dementia navigate their home, eat more, and find items at home.

03/09/2022

03/09/2022

Improve trunk control with patients of all varying levels.