In many workplaces, hand and wrist injuries are unfortunately common, especially in jobs requiring repetitive tasks or the use of heavy machinery. From carpal tunnel syndrome in office settings to fractures and ligament injuries in industrial roles, hand injuries can hinder daily tasks and reduce quality of life. Occupational hand therapy is a specialized treatment approach that helps individuals regain function, alleviate pain, and prevent future injuries.
This post will cover what occupational hand therapy involves, common workplace hand injuries it treats, and how it can support recovery and enhance workplace safety.
What is Occupational Hand Therapy?
Occupational hand therapy treats injuries and disorders affecting the hands, wrists, and upper extremities. It’s often tailored to help individuals return to their jobs after an injury by restoring physical capabilities or retraining certain motor skills. Typically, it’s delivered by an occupational therapist (OT) or a certified hand therapist (CHT), trained to address the intricate needs of hand function and ergonomics in the workplace.
The Goal: Restore strength, dexterity, and range of motion, reduce pain, and provide practical skills for injury prevention.
The Approach: Involves personalized therapy plans based on the specific demands of the patient’s job, combining exercises, manual therapy, and ergonomic guidance.
Common Workplace Hand Injuries Treated with Hand Therapy
Many workplace injuries can benefit from occupational hand therapy, including:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Often associated with repetitive motion (such as typing or assembly line work), this condition results from compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis: Repeated use of the hands and wrists can inflame tendons, resulting in pain and stiffness. This condition is common in professions requiring repetitive lifting or typing.
Trigger Finger: Caused by repetitive gripping, trigger finger can make it painful or impossible to straighten the finger.
Fractures and Sprains: Manual labor jobs or any job involving heavy equipment can lead to fractures or sprains of the wrist or fingers.
Lacerations and Crush Injuries: Common in industrial settings, these injuries can involve extensive nerve and soft tissue repair therapy.
Hand Therapy Techniques
Each of these injuries requires a unique approach, combining stretches, strength-building exercises, and often, splinting or supportive equipment.
The Role of Hand Therapy in Workplace Injury Recovery
After an injury, therapy can help workers gradually return to their job roles. Here’s how it aids in recovery:
Pain Management: Occupational hand therapy can reduce pain and inflammation through manual therapy, exercises, and potentially other modalities (like ultrasound or TENS).
Restoration of Movement and Strength: Injuries can cause stiffness and weakness, which occupational therapy addresses with exercises designed to restore range of motion and strength.
Skill Re-Education: Many tasks require fine motor skills or coordination that may need retraining post-injury. Therapy can help individuals regain the skills required for their job.
Ergonomic Training: Therapists work to prevent re-injury by advising on proper body mechanics and posture for work tasks, often involving a detailed ergonomic assessment of the workspace.
Ergonomics and Injury Prevention
Injury prevention is crucial for long-term health and workplace safety. Occupational hand therapists often provide ergonomic assessments and training to help workers avoid re-injury. Here’s what this may involve:
Workspace Adjustments: Suggestions on desk height, keyboard position, or tool modifications.
Training on Safe Techniques: Learning better body mechanics to minimize strain, such as lifting techniques, hand position adjustments, and stretching routines.
Use of Adaptive Equipment: Recommending wrist braces, hand supports, or other equipment that can reduce pressure on vulnerable areas.
Benefits of Occupational Hand Therapy
Faster Return to Work: Therapy can help patients regain work-specific skills faster by addressing functional limitations directly tied to job requirements.
Reduced Risk of Re-Injury: Learning safe work habits and strengthening vulnerable areas reduces the likelihood of future injuries.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Beyond work, hand therapy improves patients’ ability to perform everyday tasks, benefiting their overall well-being.
Occupational hand therapy can be life-changing for individuals dealing with hand and wrist injuries due to workplace accidents or repetitive strain. Promoting recovery, improving strength and dexterity, and focusing on injury prevention support workers in reclaiming their independence and returning to their jobs confidently.
South Shore Orthopedics offers comprehensive care options for those facing hand injuries to aid recovery. Schedule an appointment with our occupational hand therapist to see how we can support your recovery journey.