“…man, through the use of his hands, as they are energized by mind and will, can influence the state of his own health.” – Mary Reilly
Our hands do so much for us. Think of all the activities that depend on your hands–from earning a living to enjoying your free time—and you will be quick to appreciate the importance of having healthy hands. Our hands are capable of a wide variety of functions: touching, grasping, feeling, holding, manipulating, and more. They can perform extremely gentle and precise actions such as painting a picture, performing surgery, or playing the piano. They enable us to perform heavy labor, such as hammering a nail, lifting a wheelbarrow, or planting crops. We use our hands to feel whether something is rough or smooth, hot or cold, sharp or dull. We use them to feed babies, comfort our children, and caress a loved one. Our hands even play a vital role in how we communicate and express ourselves.
The importance of hand therapy in today’s healthcare environment cannot be overstated. A hand therapist works with patients who may have been affected by an accident or trauma, leaving them with wounds, scars, burns, injured tendons or nerves, fractures, or even amputation of the fingers, hands or arms. A hand therapist also treats patients who are disabled from the effects of repetitive motion disorders, such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome.
In recognition of Healthy Hand Week, June 4-10, 2012, Bothell Pediatric & Hand Therapy is pleased to offer a series of Hand Injury Prevention Tips articles. As hand therapists we do more than treat injuries — we help people experiencing pain or impairment resume functional activities and improve the quality of their daily lives . . . We help people with what they need to and love to do with their hands.
The therapists at BPHT recognize that hand and upper extremity use is part of everyday life; therefore, we want to ensure that patients receive the best care available! Outcomes of treatment include optimal well-being, return to work, enhanced function in activities of daily living, and increased enjoyment of recreational opportunities.
