What is Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapy?
Certified orthopedic physical therapy is a type of rehabilitation that focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, including those of the fingers, wrist, hand, elbow, and shoulder. The goal of this type of therapy is to help patients recover from their injuries and regain their function, mobility, and strength.
In this article, Troy, MI area board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Uzma Rehman discusses the various types of orthopedic physical therapy available at Macomb Hands Surgery.
Types of Orthopedic Physical Therapy
One of the most common orthopedic physical therapy modalities used for treating injuries of the fingers, wrist, hand, elbow, and shoulder is corticosteroid injections. These injections are used to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area. They are typically used in combination with other forms of therapy, such as exercise and manual therapy.
Custom splinting is another important orthopedic physical therapy modality used for the treatment of upper extremity injuries. Custom splints are designed to fit the patient’s specific injury and can help to support and immobilize the affected area, promoting healing and preventing further damage.
Edema reduction and control is another key aspect of orthopedic physical therapy for upper extremity injuries. This may include manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and other techniques to help reduce swelling and promote circulation in the affected area.
Hand exercises are an important component of orthopedic physical therapy for injuries of the fingers, hand, and wrist. These exercises help to improve range of motion, strength, and dexterity in the affected area, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Modalities such as heat, ice, and electrical stimulation may also be used in orthopedic physical therapy to help reduce pain and promote healing in the affected area. Sensory reeducation is another modality that may be used to help patients regain sensation and function in the affected area.
Soft tissue massage is another important aspect of orthopedic physical therapy, particularly for injuries of the shoulder and upper back. Massage can help to reduce pain and tension in the affected area, promoting relaxation and improved mobility.
Training and work conditioning are also important components of orthopedic physical therapy. These may include exercises and activities designed to help patients return to their normal activities, as well as education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future injuries.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Exercises
Exercises are a crucial component of orthopedic physical therapy for injuries of the fingers, hand, and wrist. These exercises can help improve range of motion, strength, and dexterity in the affected area, which can ultimately aid in the healing process and prevent future injuries.
Here are some of the types of exercises that may be incorporated into our physical therapy programs for upper extremity injuries at Macomb Hand Surgery in the Troy, MI area:
- Range of Motion Exercises: These exercises help to increase the mobility of the joints in the fingers, hand, and wrist. They may include exercises such as wrist flexion and extension, finger flexion and extension, and finger abduction and adduction.
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening exercises help to build the muscles in the hand, wrist, and forearm, which can help to improve grip strength and dexterity. Examples of these exercises may include wrist curls, finger curls, and grip exercises using a hand grip or therapy putty.
- Stretching Exercises: Stretching exercises help to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the muscles and tendons of the hand, wrist, and forearm. Examples of these exercises may include wrist flexor and extensor stretches, finger stretches, and forearm stretches.
- Coordination Exercises: Coordination exercises help to improve the ability to perform fine motor tasks, such as writing or manipulating small objects. Examples of these exercises may include picking up and manipulating small objects with the fingers, or performing handwriting exercises.
- Functional Activities: Functional activities involve practicing everyday tasks that require the use of the hand, wrist, and fingers, such as buttoning a shirt or opening a jar. These exercises help to improve overall function and promote independence.
Benefits of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Exercises
The benefits of incorporating exercises into a physical therapy program for upper extremity injuries are numerous. First, exercises can help to improve circulation, which can aid in the healing process. Additionally, exercises can help to reduce pain and inflammation, increase range of motion, and prevent the development of scar tissue.
Furthermore, exercises can help to improve overall strength and dexterity in the affected area, which can help to prevent future injuries. Strengthening and stretching exercises can help to improve grip strength and flexibility, while coordination exercises can help to improve fine motor skills.
Overall, exercises are a vital component of orthopedic physical therapy for injuries of the fingers, hand, and wrist. By incorporating a variety of exercises into a physical therapy program, patients can achieve improved function, reduced pain and inflammation, and a decreased risk of future injuries.
Top Orthopedic Physical Therapy | Troy, MI
In addition to surgical procedures, Dr. Rehman and the orthopedic physical therapists at Macomb Hand Surgery provide the highest level of orthopedic physical therapy to help patients recover and regain function following an injury. Our advanced physical therapy modalities may include exercises, splinting, stretching, massage, injections and other methods to help improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the affected area.
If you or a family member has suffered an injury or illness of the fingers, hand, wrist, arm, elbow, and shoulder, schedule an appointment with board certified orthopedic doctor Dr. Uzma Rehman. With rapid diagnosis and treatment, and state-of-the-art orthopedic physical therapy, patients can achieve the best possible outcomes and return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
