The joy of working in hand therapy

Why I chose hand therapy as my specialism.

Having worked in a regional NHS trauma centre for many years, I enjoyed the biomechanical approach to hand therapy as well as being able to fabricate bespoke splints and hand orthosis. Working alongside orthopaedic and plastic consultants in the acute stages of medical intervention, provided excitement and professional recognition.

However, the stress and repetitiveness of my NHS role eventually ground me down and I decided to dip my toe into private practice. Working alone in the community was rather daunting at first, as there were no other clinicians to offer support and I found it difficult to replicate the clinic setting in someone’s own home. Over time I began to realise that I was no longer restricted in my approach to hand rehabilitation, in fact I could use any functional activity to promote hand recovery and rehabilitation. 

Today my work is guided more by my clients than the medical model. Using a client centered approach, I now include everyday activities such as baking, gardening and pet care into the therapy session which not only promotes independence but is also much more enjoyable for both the client and therapist. 

A recent client owned a very large shire horse and we would meet at the stables so we could use her horse to desensitise her affected hand; rubbing the scar and surrounding area on different parts of the horse until she could tolerate touch. Mucking out, feeding and cleaning horse blankets was a good exercise to promote hand strength and dexterity which eventually enabled her to fully control the reins and ride again.

Putting the core values of occupational therapy into practice when working in hand therapy has resulted in client cooperation and engagement in treatment, positive outcomes that are meaningful to the client and exceptional value for money for the case managers and insurance companies.