Hand and upper limb injuries can significantly affect everyday life, from simple tasks at home to more complex duties at work. Hand therapy offers specialised treatment for these injuries, ensuring quicker, more effective recovery. According to Christina Harwood, an Accredited Hand Therapist at EKCO Hand Therapy and the Education Manager at the Australian Hand Therapy Association, many people underestimate the value of seeing a hand therapist early in their recovery.
Understanding Hand Therapy in Everyday and Workplace Contexts
Hand therapists combine knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and ergonomics to restore function and reduce pain. They work closely with individuals whose hand or upper limb injuries interfere with daily tasks or job requirements. Hand therapy at work often involves ergonomic assessments, tailored exercises, and custom splinting to help employees recover while staying productive.
Same Diagnosis, Different Outcomes in Common Wrist Fractures
It’s easy to assume every wrist fracture heals the same way, but Christina highlights how factors such as age, general health, and the mechanism of injury (e.g., a fall from a height vs. a fall from the same level) all influence recovery. Hand therapists can adapt treatments to these variables, helping avoid delays in regaining mobility and strength.
Misdiagnosed Conditions Affecting the Upper Limb
Not every hand or wrist complaint is straightforward. Some injuries—like sprains or tendinopathies—can mimic other conditions and lead to prolonged pain if misdiagnosed. Hand therapists have the expertise to pinpoint the root cause and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Pain Level Doesn’t Equal Severity of Injury
Pain intensity isn’t always a reliable measure of how severe an injury is. A broken wrist might hurt less than a sprain, or vice versa. Hand therapists employ specialised assessments to determine the true extent of damage, ensuring that patients receive the correct level of care.
Tendinopathies: Types, Treatments, and Impact on Work
Tendinopathies can affect anyone from office workers to athletes. Through proper evaluation, splinting, and exercise routines, hand therapy can help minimise downtime and prevent chronic complications. This approach is particularly crucial in a workplace setting where prolonged absence can impact both the employee and employer.
Surprising Realities in Hand and Upper Limb Injuries
Christina notes quirky examples like professional football players who eventually require finger amputations due to repeated trauma. These stories underscore the importance of early, accurate assessment and continuous management.
The Takeaway: Early Intervention Matters
Seeking hand therapy promptly when recovery isn’t going as expected can improve outcomes. By tailoring interventions to each patient’s unique circumstances, hand therapists help people—from office employees to manual labourers—return to their daily activities and jobs faster and with fewer complications.
If you’d like more information on how hand therapy at work can benefit you or your team, contact Phoenix Occupational Medicine to explore tailored solutions.
