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Occupational, and Hand Therapy |
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To contact us: |
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Hands On Therapy 215 S. Perkins Road Stillwater, OK 74074 t 405.780.9919 f 405.780.9920 |
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Hand Therapy for Arthritis |
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Hand Therapy can play an integral part in the treatment of arthritis. While arthritis is not preventable there are things arthritis sufferers can be taught to do at home to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and help them lead more productive lives.
While medications play an important role in the management of symptoms, many patients are concerned by the loss of some of their “tried and true” arthritis medications which have been pulled off the market in the wake of health safety concerns. Hand Therapy is a valuable adjunctive treatment to provide long term benefit for a more functional and less painful daily life. Benefits of hand therapy treatments may include: • Reduction of pain, deformity, disability, instability • Increased range of motion and function • Increased strength and endurance
Hand Therapists may use different approaches to the problems caused by arthritis. The focus of therapy for these individuals is to educate them to self manage their symptoms. Possible interventions may include: • Instruction in use of adaptive equipment and task modification to make activities of daily living easier and less painful • Fabrication of custom orthoses to stabilize and/or support joints • Development of a customized home exercise program • Stretches to keep joints more loose and flexible • Exercises to increase muscle function for endurance and strength • Modalities such as fluidotherapy and ultrasound to decrease pain • Instruction in joint protection, energy conservation and work simplification to protect and reduce external stresses on joints
A referral offers your patients another option to help them deal with the problems associated with arthritis. You can make a referral by calling 405.780.9919 or simply give your patient a prescription for hand therapy and have them contact our office to make an appointment. Appointments are generally made within one to two working days from the time of referral and are often available the same day. Detailed reports will be provided to the referring physician detailing the patient's treatment plan and progress with therapy.
Pamela Jinks, OTR/L CHT is the only therapist in the Stillwater area who holds the advanced certification credential of CHT (Certified Hand Therapist). She has practiced in the Stillwater area since 1992. She has specialized training in the treatment of the hand and upper extremities to help patients hasten their return to an active and productive lifestyle. Hand therapy can be beneficial for many conditions involving the hand including carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, tendonitis, sprains, strains, stroke, etc.
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