Evaluations

Our Hand Program begins with an extensive clinical evaluation (history, joint mobility, strength, edema, sensation, function, A/AA/PROM). All medical, vocational, and social history aspects will be considered to develop a plan of care that will get you back to your activities of daily living. Upon completion of the evaluation, we will present to you what the recommended duration and course of treatment options should be.

Modalities to Assist in Pain Relief

We may use several methods to reduce your pain throughout treatment sessions, including heat, paraffin bath dip, cold (vaso-pneumatic compression pump), ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

Custom Splinting

Certified Hand Therapists make custom splints for many conditions. The process of fabrication starts with designing a custom pattern from which the splint is made of—a low temperature thermoplastic material. The splint is secured to the body part with velcro straps, and the fitting and fabrication is specific to the purpose of the splint and the patient’s comfort. They have several purposes:

• Immobilize and rest
• Protect injured areas
• Assist range of motion and increase function
• Stretch connective tissue and increase joint mobility
• Prevent or correct joint deformity
• Maintain alignment of a joint after joint replacement

Splints used to immobilize and protect are referred to as static splints. Splints that allow motion, or use motion to increase range of motion, may be referred to as dynamic or static progressive. Prior to leaving with a splint, your therapist will educate you in the wear, care and precautions of use.

Manual Therapy

A variety of techniques and procedures may be used in therapeutic intervention with hand and upper extremity injuries, including but not limited to:

• Joint mobilization
• Passive range of motion
• Manual edema mobilization (MEM)
• Scar mobilization
• Deep friction massage
• Soft tissue mobilization

Therapeutic Exercises

• Active range of motion
• Active/active-assist range of motion
• Strengthening
• Conditioning/endurance
• Desensitization
• Grasp/pinch exercises

Neuromuscular Reeducation

• Kinesio tape
• Muscle reeducation
• Dexterity and coordination training
• Sensory reeducation

Therapeutic Activities

• Activities of daily living (reaching, lifting, carrying, dressing, etc.)
• Grasp and pinch prehension activities

Education

• Symptom management
• Activity modification in home, work, school or leisure (Ergonomic education and training)
• HEP – Home Exercise Program
• HSP – Home Strengthening Program
• Arthritis joint protection instruction/energy conservation instruction
• Training in ADL/adaptive/assistive devices

Serving the Hand Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Custom Splinting needs of San Diego, CA, including Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside,
San Marcos, Vista, Cardiff, Solana Beach, and Escondido.