Hand rehabilitation (therapy); is a treatment that aims to improve the quality of life and recovery in problems affecting the hand and arm, shoulder, elbow and wrist. This process includes preventive and therapeutic physiotherapy applications. Therapies; restore hand functions after injuries, surgical interventions or chronic diseases.
This process is carried out by a multidisciplinary team and aims to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of patients.
What is hand rehabilitation?
Hand rehabilitation; is the non-surgical treatment of hand disorders and injuries using physical methods such as exercise, splinting and wound care. This process is managed by a team consisting of physiotherapists, orthotics/prosthetic specialists, hand surgeons and other specialists. It aims not only to provide physical recovery but also psychological and social support.
When is treatment required?
Rehabilitation is often recommended in the following cases:
Injuries: Injuries, fractures, contusions, nerve damage and amputations in the area
Post-Surgery: Nerve and tendon repairs, arthroplasty (joint replacement), burn treatment, microvascular surgery and treatments for congenital (born) hand deformities
Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis
Overuse Syndromes: Tendinitis or nerve compression caused by repetitive movements
Neurological Problems: Stroke, cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries and cervical spinal cord lesions
Muscular Diseases: Muscular diseases such as myopathy and muscular dystrophy
What are the stages of hand rehabilitation?
The process requires a personalized treatment plan according to the patient’s condition. The following steps are followed in this process:
Evaluation
Functional Evaluation: Edema (swelling) rate, range of motion and muscle strength are measured.
Measurement: A detailed evaluation is made using special measuring strips, volumetric and goniometer tools.
Treatment Methods
Electrotherapy: Methods such as analgesic electrical stimulation and functional electrical stimulation are used to reduce pain and increase muscle functions.
Heat and Cold Applications: Pain and swelling are controlled with hot or cold packs.
Exercise Programs: Special exercises are planned according to the patient’s needs. These exercises aim to increase the mobility of the hand and fingers.
Robotic Hand: The robotic hand, which has started to be used in recent years, was developed to overcome the limitations of traditional rehabilitation and to provide the patient with a more intensive and accurate physiotherapy program. The movements applied with the robotic hand allow the impaired signal flow between the brain, spinal cord and muscles to improve. With this treatment, the muscles are strengthened, edema due to inactivity is reduced and joint restriction is prevented. Its main purpose is to improve the person’s hand and arm functions by stimulating brain plasticity.
Psychological and Social Support
During the treatment process, psychologists and social workers provide support to meet the emotional and social needs of patients.
What are the benefits of hand rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation significantly increases the quality of daily life of patients. The main benefits of this process are:
Reducing Pain and Swelling: Pain and swelling are controlled with electrotherapy and heat/cold applications.
Increasing Mobility: The range of motion of the hand and fingers is increased with exercise programs and methods such as hand robots.
Increasing Muscle Strength: Muscle strength is regained with regular exercises and electrical stimulation.
Psychological Recovery: Patients’ morale and motivation are increased with psychological support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Rehabilitation
What disorders are suitable for hand rehabilitation?
Hand rehabilitation is suitable for hand and upper extremity injuries, post-surgical recovery, arthritis, nerve damage and muscle diseases.
How long does treatment last?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the patient’s condition and response to treatment. It can last from a few weeks to a few months.
What is the function of the robotic hand in rehabilitation?
The hand robot actively or passively supports movements that the patient cannot perform. This method is especially effective in cases of nerve damage or paralysis.
Are therapies painful?
Pain is usually minimal during the therapy process. Methods such as electrotherapy and heat/cold applications are used to reduce pain.
Is full recovery possible?
A full recovery is achieved in most patients with therapies. However, in some cases, functional losses may be permanent.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic
- WebMD
- Cleveland Clinic
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)