Hand Therapy
The hand therapy team consists of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists who are based within the Sheffield Hand Centre and also in the Therapy Services Outpatient Building on North Lane at the Northern General. Hand therapy is usually accessed after seeing a doctor in the Hand Centre who will make a referral.
What is hand therapy?
Hand therapy is often needed to regain the movement and function of your hand and will be specific to your operation or injury.
Depending on your operation or injury the therapist will assess the movement and function of your hand and discuss with you any problems which you are experiencing. They will also offer advice and discuss a number of different treatment options which will help your recovery.
What can the hand therapy service provide?
The hand therapy team can provide the following services:
- Reduction of swelling (oedema) after your injury and surgery
- A home exercise programme to improve movement, strength, dexterity and function.
- Splints - devices made by the therapist for protection of an injury, to help with using your hand, or to reduce pain and provide comfort
- Advice about managing your everyday activities
- Treatment of scarring including massage, silicone gel and pressure garments
- Sensory re-education
- Functional assessments
- Post operative rehabilitation
- Advice about returning to work and Work Hardening Groups
Leaflets with useful information about exercises and common hand conditions or injuries can be found on the patient information page of this site www.sth.nhs.uk/services/a-z-of-services
