Hand rehabilitation and occupational therapy

Occupational therapy for hands has been recognized as a speciality within the profession since the 1940s. The growing numbers of patients with acquired or congenital problems affecting their hands as well as the newer surgical procedures now available to restore lost function has challenged therapists. To manage the highly specialized needs of the complicated hand problems seen in the clinical setting, there is emphasis on perfecting technical skill. Equally required is the ability to remediate not only the physical dysfunction but also the patient's response to this dysfunction. For it is in this holistic approach to patient care that occupational therapy has its true strength in helping to successfully remediate the difficulties of the patient with a hand problem. Practical application of this principle is shown in a case study.