Occupational therapy (OT) is a form of physical treatment that aims to improve a patient’s everyday physical activities requiring fine motor skills. This type of physical treatment differs from physical therapy (physiotherapy or PT) in that physiotherapy helps with the natural movement of large muscles, whereas OT focuses on the movements of small muscle clusters and aims to improve the way these muscles are used in everyday tasks.

Who needs occupational hand therapy?

Perhaps the most important parts of our body are our hands. Intricate muscles in our hands enable us to do seemingly menial tasks like drinking a glass of water, hold a pencil, type, etc. However, in the case of a hand or wrist injury, even the smallest movements become painful and inconvenient, and people who suffer such injuries often find it hard to return to 100% normal hand usage.

This is where occupational hand therapy comes to the rescue.

Occupational hand therapy aims to physically rehabilitate muscles in the hand and wrist. It aims to help patients use their hands in everyday life without experiencing fine motor difficulties, discomfort, hand stiffness, numbness, tingling sensations, or other kinds of pain.

Occupational hand therapist examining hand x-ray

Benefits of occupational hand therapy

Hand pain is often taken for granted until it causes permanent damage to the sensitive muscles and nerves passing through. Considering occupational hand therapy is the best way to relieve muscular, tendon, or nerve-related pain and stress early on.

Resumption of hand movements

Occupational hand therapy includes various guided kinetic activities, precisely monitored muscle stretches, heat application using different modes, massages, and bone adjustments. As a result, patients start regaining control of their hand movements and feel their dexterity return to normal after long periods of pain and/or an inability to move their hands in certain ways.

Attention to detail in physical movement

When you visit an occupational therapist regularly, one thing you will learn for sure is to be more thoughtful of the movements of your hands and fingers. This not only helps avoid future injuries and complications but also improves posture and overall body movement.

If you are located in New Jersey, you can find certified occupational hand therapists at Able Hands Rehabilitation to treat hand sprains and other hand & wrist physical therapy needs. We are located in Edison, Freehold, and Old Bridge, NJ.

Reach out to us on 732-727-7333 or have your questions answered by our Certified Hand Therapists through ablehandsrehab@gmail.com.