How Occupational Therapy Can Help with The Physical and Physiological Implications of Hand Injuries & Conditions

A hand injury can be just as debilitating to an individual as the loss of a lower limb. The multiple functional tasks the hand performs and how we use our hands to express ourselves, mean that the loss of hand function can cause major problems for an individual.

The hand is an exceptional tool. It is designed to perform many complex movements and grip positions in order to manipulate and hold objects, communicate with others and react to sensory stimulation.

Daily Hand Function:

Simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, putting your clothes on, holding your child’s hand or even putting your hands in your pocket, can be extremely challenging for people with hand injuries and hand-related conditions. These daily challenges are frustrating and distressing to individuals as they become more dependent on splints, specialist equipment or the support of others.

Employment:

The long-term implications of reduced hand function may impact on the individual’s ability to return to work, resulting in a short-term loss of income or even unemployment. The employer will need to consider alternative roles for these employees or adapt the work environment to accommodate their reduced hand function.

An experienced occupational therapist has a vast amount of product knowledge and can advise an employer on the various different companies to approach which specialise in ergonomic work tools. Common ergonomic office products include adapted keyboards, wrist supports and document holders. For industrial and manual work environments, the occupational therapist is likely to consider electric power tools and protective gloves to enable the individual to continue working. Products can vary from electric screwdrivers to nail guns which can be supplied by most DIY manufacturers. These tools reduce the effort, manipulation and stress on the injured hand.

Communication:

We all use our hands as a communication tool. Subconsciously we express ourselves using our hands to make our point clearer. For a deaf person who relies on sign language this can be devastating. Hand injuries can affect their communication and social skills, as well as their ability to perform daily functional tasks.

Appearance:

How our hands look, can reflect on how much care we take with our appearance. I recall treating a smartly dressed lady who sustained a minor rose-thorn injury to her dominant hand. The wound became infected, resulting in extensive removal of the effected tissue and many subsequent operations to reconstruct her hand. Two years later she continued to be troubled by the appearance of her hand which effected her self-confidence when meeting new people and socialising. She would not leave the house without her gloves, to hide her disfigurement. Rehabilitation for this lady included scar management, cosmetic camouflage and counselling.

Sensation:

A loss of sensation to the hand can put the individual at risk from further injuries. Individuals may be unable to detect risks such as burning or entrapment. I recall that I treated a gentleman who sustained burns to his hands whilst a work. The loss of sensation to his fingertips reduced his dexterity to the point that he could not manipulate the small electrical wires and tools he used in his daily work as an electrician. He was provided with bespoke pressure gloves which were adapted at the fingertips by stitching silicon sheeting to the pressure glove to enable him to hold and manipulate the electrical wires.

Hand Therapy & Rehabilitation:

There are many ways of reducing the impact of hand dysfunction. Specialist advice from a qualified and experienced occupational therapist can improve function, appearance and reduce discomfort in the affected limb. Hand exercises, scar massage, splinting, adaptive equipment and counselling can be extremely beneficial to the individual, helping them to maintain their independence in all areas of their life.

Occupational Therapists work closely with individuals to minimise the effect that hand dysfunction has on a person’s life by considering their daily functional needs, hobbies, work role, environmental and psychosocial needs.

Intervention by a specialist occupational therapist can help prevent loss of independence, unemployment and even improve mental well-being.

For more information on how occupational therapy can help people with hand and upper limb injuries, please call The Rehab Team on 01283 260382.