How You Can Benefit from Certified Hand Therapy

Whether you have broken your hand, have arthritis, have carpal tunnel syndrome, or suffer from another type of hand pain, certified hand therapy in Las Cruces, NM, can have you feeling like your old self again in no time. All Del Valle and Hand Therapy physical therapists are committed to working with you until you regain your hand strength.

Why Work with a Certified Hand Therapist

Hand therapists are physical or occupational therapists who have completed advanced training to treat conditions of the hands and upper extremities. To earn the designation of certified hand specialist, a physical or occupational therapist must complete an additional 4,000 hours of training, including supervised experience, and pass a state exam.

When you come to your first appointment at Del Valle, the certified hand therapist working with you completes an in-depth assessment to determine your functional limitations. Your therapist is also interested in your strengths and will teach you how to capitalize on them.

Specific Hand Exercises to Help You Recover

The specific type of exercises your therapist assigns you depends on your diagnosis and current level of functioning. Your therapist teaches you the exercises and then supervises you while you complete them at our practice. To optimize your recovery, you should complete the same exercises several days per week at home. Below are two examples of exercises you may be assigned.

• Joint blocking: With one palm turned up, massage each finger just below the joint using the other hand. Continue to massage each finger for five seconds and then bend and straighten them one at a time.
• Wrist extension and flexion: Support your forearm with the opposite hand, make a slight fist, and bend your wrist back and forth.

Contact us to learn more about certified hand therapy in Las Cruces, NM, today.