Orthopedics

Home > Orthopedics > Hand Therapy

Hand and Upper Extremity

This area of the human body is uniquely complex and includes the joints, bones, and muscles of the fingers, hand, wrist, arm, elbow, and shoulder. Its intricate and mobile design, coupled with the use and abuse sustained each day, can make this region of the body highly susceptible to injury.

Evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of the hand require a special skill set. Lake Hospital System's Human Motion Institute ofers physicians who specialize in hand and upper extremity.

For a referral to a Lake Hospital System Human Motion Institute physician, call the Best of Health Line at 1-800-454-9800.

Hand Therapy

Hand therapists treat patients with acute or chronic conditions that limit the mobility in the hand, arm, or shoulder. Often, they see patients after an injury or surgery.

The goal of hand therapy is to increase function and range of motion and to strengthen and desensitize the affected area. They do this through active and passive therapies, including nerve reconditioning and muscle stimulation.

Hand therapists also provide wound care, splinting, and protection for arthritic joints. Hand therapists can be either physical therapists or occupational therapists who have at least five years experience in treating hands and upper extremities and have passed a national exam.

Lake Hospital System has state-of-the-art hand therapy clinics at the Tyler Blvd. Urgent Care Center (440-974-3588) and LakeWest Hospital (440-954-6036). For an appointment, call either location (physician prescription required).