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Understanding Hand Therapists role in Post Surgical Care
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What role does a Hand therapist play in post surgical Care?
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Anatomy of rheumatoid arthritis
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How hand therapists can help in post surgical care
Splinting
​A thumb spica splint is often used to stabilise the thumb and reduce stress on the CMC joint.
By immobilising the thumb in a functional position, the splint allows the joint to rest and can reduce pain during daily activities.
Splints can be worn during flare-ups or while performing tasks that aggravate your symptoms.
Activity modification
We work with you to identify activities that put excessive strain on the thumb joint.
Simple changes, such as using larger handles on utensils, adjusting your grip when lifting objects, or using ergonomic tools, can make a significant difference in reducing pain.
Learning proper hand positions and modifying your daily routine can help prevent further damage to the joint.
Exercises to improve mobility and strength
While rest is important, it’s equally important to maintain mobility and strength in the hand. We’ll guide you through a series of stretching and strengthening exercises that can improve flexibility and support the thumb joint.
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Range of motion exercises: These gentle movements help maintain the mobility of the thumb and reduce stiffness.
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Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the thumb joint can help stabilise the joint and reduce stress on the affected area.
Heat and cold therapy
​Heat therapy can be used to relax the muscles and reduce stiffness in the thumb joint, while cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and numb pain.
Your hand therapist may recommend alternating between heat and cold packs, depending on your symptoms.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint manipulation, can help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and relieve pain.
Your hand therapist will use these techniques to promote healing in the surrounding tissues and help you regain function in your thumb.​
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Range of motion exercises: These gentle movements help maintain the mobility of the thumb and reduce stiffness.
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Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the thumb joint can help stabilise the joint and reduce stress on the affected area.
Adaptive equipment and ergonomic tools
​We may suggest using adaptive tools or equipment to make daily tasks easier on your thumb joint.
Devices like jar openers, large-handled pens, or ergonomic kitchen tools can reduce the amount of strain on your thumb and allow you to continue performing daily activities without pain.
Frequently asked questions about rheumatoid arthritis
How do you treat it?
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What movement should you avoid?
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Can thumb rheumatoid arthritis be reversed?
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