STANDARDISED ASSESSMENTS
Standardised assessment of hand function provides a baseline for treatment so that it is evidence based. Measurements of strength, degrees of movement, dexterity and functional ability give reliable data to measure outcomes with and gives accurate evidence for specialist reports.
SPLINTING
Custom fabrication of splints for a perfect comfortable fit can reduce recovery time and maximize the overall range of motion of a joint.
Types of splints include static splints to rest painful joints or provide a low load stretch preventing deformity. Dynamic splints use springs or elastics to initiate and perform movements by controlling the plane and range of motion of the injured hand. They are also called active splints or functional splints.
THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND
Therapeutic Ultrasound provides mechanical energy to soft tissues to improve the rate of healing and the quality of the repair. It can have the effect of reducing stiffness and facilitating remodelling of scar formation. This is achieved by enhancing the appropriate orientation of newly formed collagen fibres.
EXERCISES PROGRAMMES
Exercises programmes to strengthen muscles and improve functional grip can sometimes benefit from added equipment such as graded theraputty and therabands or grip masters. At Hand Kinetics, a boot camp style regime can be tailored to individual goals and levels of ability. Exercise is very important to keep your hands in tip top shape and it is essential if you are to regain range of motion following injury.
THERMAL THERAPIES
These include wax bath therapy and contrast ice bathing to reduce hand swelling and to improve circulation. The aim is to improve joint range of motion in injured joints that are very stiff. Applied to painful hands the wax bath gives moist heat to ease the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. Wax baths especially help to reduce pain and loosen up your hand and finger joints before exercise.
WORK HARDENING AND CONDITIONING
These are designed to restore neuromuscular and musculoskeletal function including strength, power, endurance, joint mobility, ROM, motor control, cardiovascular endurance and functional abilities. The primary objective of the Work Conditioning program is to restore physical capacity and function to enable the injured worker to return to his or her pre-injury job.
COMPRESSION AND HEAT
Compression treatments can provide relief through mild compression, which reduces swelling, promotes warmth and increases blood circulation to the affected area promoting greater range of motion in affected joints.
MEM MASSAGE
Manual Edema Mobilisation technique to stimulate lymphatic vessels to reduce congested protein rich oedema. Excellent for visible and non-visible swelling causing compression on other structures making movement painful or restricted.
DRY NEEDLING
Dry Needling is a treatment technique which uses sterile single use filament needles directly into injured muscles and tendons. It is designed to eliminate painful trigger points and reduce pain, muscle tension and swelling. Treatment is effective immediately by increasing movement, muscle speed and tissue repair
