From Stiff to Strong: 5 Signs You Need Specialized Hand Therapy
There are few body parts we could say are more useful and necessary in our daily lives than our hands. We use them so frequently in our work, our play, our hobbies and chores, that it’s easy to take them for granted. That is until we start to experience stiffness, pain or weakness that affects our ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. The importance of functional hands underscores the reason behind specialized hand therapy. When our hands are not working correctly, it impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives.
With that in mind, here are five signs that specialized hand therapy may be right for you:
1. Persistent Pain or Stiffness
Sometimes we experience temporary pain from minor injuries or overuse. This pain will usually pass on its own, but ongoing pain or tightness in the fingers, wrist, or hand could indicate underlying issues. Degenerative conditions like arthritis can cause pain or stiffness in the hands. Nerve conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome may cause numbness, tingling or pain. Tendon problems like tendonitis can cause swelling and discomfort.
Any persistent pain or stiffness in the area may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Experiencing these symptoms on an ongoing basis should be taken as a sign that you may need to reach out to a specialized hand therapist.
2. Difficulty Gripping or Holding Objects
Another indicator of a potential underlying medical condition is a reduction in grip strength. Weak grip strength or frequently dropping items can signal nerve or muscle dysfunction. There are several nerve-related conditions and musculoskeletal conditions that can cause a weaker grip. If this is an ongoing or recurring problem, you should strongly consider contacting a specialist for a proper evaluation.
It's also possible to experience a mild nerve injury without realizing it. This type of injury can manifest itself through muscle weakness and a reduction in grip strength. This can be a sign that you should seek professional help before the problem worsens.
3. Numbness or Tingling in the Fingers
Numbness or tingling can be caused by several different factors. A simple nerve compression from standing or sitting in the same position too long can cause some temporary tingling. This can also come from leaning on your elbows or crossing your legs. In most of these cases the numbness or tingling will be very temporary and pass without a cause for concern.
These symptoms can also indicate a vitamin deficiency, or be a side effect of some medications, in which case that may be something to discuss with your doctor. Experiencing these symptoms on an ongoing or recurring basis can also indicate a more serious underlying condition like peripheral neuropathy. If these symptoms persist or worsen over time – or if they are accompanied by other symptoms – you should strongly consider seeking medical attention.
4. Limited Range of Motion
Some tendon or joint problems can cause a limited range of motion in your hands. If you find yourself suddenly unable to fully open or close your hand, or if you have trouble with fine motor tasks like writing, brushing your teeth, or zipping your jacket, this can indicate an underlying condition. There are several medical conditions that can present through a limited range of motion in the fingers, hands and wrists. If this is a persistent problem, it is best to seek out a specialist as quickly as possible before the symptoms worsen.
5. Recovery from Surgery or Injury
An obvious time to reach out to a specialized hand therapist is when you are recovering from an injury or surgery on your hand or wrist. Therapy should be considered an essential tool for post-surgical rehab for fractures or tendon repairs. The same goes for recovering from hand, wrist, or finger injuries. A specialized hand therapist can develop a treatment and recovery program tailored to your specific condition and capabilities. A therapist can also help you track your progress and adjust your treatment program as needed, greatly improving your odds of making a full and complete recovery.
A specialized hand therapist can help you diagnose and treat a wide range of hand-related conditions. Beyond that, hand therapy is a great way to improve mobility and function in your hands and wrists. You can improve your strength and dexterity, reducing the likelihood of future injuries or surgeries. As with all physical therapy, specialized hand therapy is about more than just helping you recover after an injury. It can be an opportunity to improve the functional abilities of your hands and your overall quality of life.
If you are experiencing any of the signs above or feel like you could benefit from specialized hand therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local professional. The sooner you take action, the greater the possibilities for a positive outcome.