Specialized Care for Hands and Upper Extremities
Occupational Therapy from Shoulder to Fingertip
From writing a note to opening a jar, your upper extremities – from your shoulders down to your fingertips – are essential for nearly every task you perform throughout the day. When an injury, surgery, or condition like arthritis compromises your ability to use them, it can disrupt your entire life. In orthopedic medicine, "occupational therapy" refers specifically to treatments aimed at improving the function of your shoulders, wrists, hands, and fingers.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we offer expert occupational therapy services for patients as part of our broader Rehabilitation Services. Our team, which includes highly skilled Occupational Therapists (OTs), sub-specialized Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs), and upper extremity surgeons (Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Mark Yaffe), is dedicated to restoring your function. Using advanced techniques, custom splint fabrication, and personalized treatment plans, we provide the specialized care needed to overcome injuries and conditions of the upper extremity, helping you get back to your life with confidence.
What is Occupational Therapy and How Does it Work?
What is Occupational Therapy and How Does it Work?
In orthopedics, occupational therapy focuses on restoring function to the upper extremities, from the shoulder to the fingertips. It helps people of all ages overcome challenges caused by injury, illness, or disability so they can participate in daily activities. Hand therapy is a highly specialized subset of occupational therapy that concentrates on the intricate structures of the hand, wrist, and elbow.
Your journey will begin with a detailed evaluation by one of our occupational therapists. They will assess your range of motion, strength, and sensation to understand your current abilities. Based on this evaluation, they will create a personalized treatment plan with therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and custom splints if needed to help you reach your goals. Our aim is to bridge the gap between your current condition and the functional skills you need for work, home, and leisure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are experts in treating a wide array of conditions affecting the upper extremity. They have undergone rigorous training and certification to manage complex injuries and post-operative recovery with precision.
We provide specialized care for:
- Fractures and Dislocations: Of the hand, wrist, and elbow.
- Tendon and Nerve Injuries: Including repairs and rehabilitation after surgery.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries: Such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the hand and wrist.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Following procedures like carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, or ligament reconstruction.
- Custom Splinting: Creating custom-fit splints to support, protect, or mobilize joints.
- Work-Related Injuries: Assisting patients in safe recovery and return-to-work planning.
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is a sub-specialty within the realm of orthopedic occupational therapy.
CHTs must have a minimum of three years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. To earn this credential, they must pass a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation.
Because of their advanced training, CHTs are experts in the complex anatomy of the arm and hand. They are proficient in fabricating custom splints and have a deep understanding of post-surgical protocols.
Unlike off-the-shelf braces, custom splints (or orthotics) are fabricated by your therapist directly on your body for a perfect fit. Using specialized thermoplastic materials, an occupational therapist molds the splint to provide the exact support and positioning your injury requires.
Custom splints serve several purposes:
- Protection: They immobilize an injured area after surgery or a fracture to allow for proper healing.
- Positioning: They hold a joint in a specific position to prevent stiffness or correct a deformity.
- Mobilization: Some splints are dynamic, designed to help you regain motion by applying a gentle, prolonged stretch.
- Function: They can be designed to help you perform daily tasks while an injury heals.
Our therapists are experts in fabricating a wide range of custom splints for any upper extremity need.
Getting started with our specialized occupational therapist is easy. Our services are available to help you recover function and get back to your daily life without limitation. For scheduling, we ask that you call our dedicated rehabilitation line to ensure we can coordinate your care effectively.
Call Only: (847) 885-0078
We look forward to helping you feel better soon.