• Can physical therapy help my mom?

My mom had surgery in her hand and is still recovering from it. She can't completely close it. Can physical therapy help her? Or should she go for occupational?

10 Answers

  • Physiatrist (Physical Medicine) | Sports Medicine
  • Bellevue, WA

Yes, there are specialists in physical therapy and occupational therapy that focus on hands. Look up hand therapy in your area and there are many techniques they can use. if you had surgery, generally your surgeon will prescribe post-surgical therapy to get back to your best function

  • Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)
  • Beverly Hills, CA

All dependent the type of surgery recommendation by the surgeon. Generally speaking occupational therapist can help more with the hand problem

  • Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)
  • Miami, FL

Both should be able to help. Historically, occupational therapy handles hand injuries, but physical therapists are more than capable of handling these injuries, too.

  • Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)
  • New Hope, Pennsylvania

It’s abnormal after surgery to have limited mobility, etc. I would go to a physiatrist to have an examination and then a treatment plan. Physio is good for her to get the correct exercises, but getting a medical doctor to make sure all is okay post-surgery.
I hope this helps.

  • Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)
  • Brooklyn, New York

Hello there,

To answer your question, either discipline can work with post surgical forearm, wrist hand rehabilitation, however, in my experience, occupational can focus on the more intricate, fine motor work.

  • Hand Surgeon
  • Great Neck, NY

She should probably go for occupational therapy and see a certified hand therapist (CHT). They in general have more experience treating hand conditions than physical therapists. However, there are some physical therapists that are also certified hand therapists so a PT with a CHT degree would be appropriate as well

  • Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)
  • Hinsdale, IL

Occupational therapists are trained for hand and arm therapy. They most certainly will be able to help with your mom's recovery.

  • Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)
  • Sarasota, Florida

Generally speaking, a patient with a hand issue is usually seen by an occupational therapist; and there are some occupational therapist who only treat or specialize in hand therapy.

  • Hand Surgeon
  • Chevy Chase, MD

A certified hand therapist would be the best choice. Usually, they are occupational therapy trained. But there are some physical therapists who are certified hand therapists also.

Harrison Solomon, M.D.

  • Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)
  • Concord Twp, OH

Occupational therapy would likely be best. You should speak to her surgeon for a referral.

Copyrights © 2021 by TODAY'S NURSE. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy