Upper Extremity and Hand Rehabilitation
The UW Health Upper Extremity and Hand Rehabilitation Clinic in Madison, Wisconsin, offers a comprehensive program for patients who have had upper extremity/hand surgery or have suffered trauma resulting in fracture, tendon injury, nerve injury, amputation, wounds and/or scars.
Patients with shoulder injuries or cumulative trauma also benefit from the expertise of our highly skilled therapists. Certified hand therapists work closely with referring physicians and the patient to provide a continuum of care often starting within days of injury or surgery and progressing through the patient's rehabilitation.
This continuum of care eliminates the need for multiple medical providers and duplicated care, resulting in decreased recovery time and medical costs. Improved functional outcomes ensure a quicker return to work and a productive lifestyle.
- Patient education
- Wound/scar management
- Edema and lymphedema management
- Strengthening/range-of-motion programs
- Joint mobilization
- Work preparation and adaptive self-care
- Management of acute or chronic pain
- Desensitization and sensory re-education
- A wide range of modalities, including ultrasound, fluidotherapy, iontophoresis, hot/cold packs, paraffin
Why Use a Hand Specialist
Patient outcomes are maximized as a result of accurate assessment and effective treatment. The intricate anatomy of the arm and hand combined with the technical complexity of newer surgical procedures performed on the arm and hand necessitates a higher level of competency and advanced skills and knowledge for successful outcomes.
The expertise of a hand therapist leads to quick identification of pathology and complex problems. Certified hand therapists are required to re-certify every five years in order to ensure clinical competence. Continuing education is a requirement for re-certification.
Benefits to patients
Hand therapists work closely with the referring physician and the patient to provide a continuum of care often starting within days of injury or surgery and progressing through the patient's rehabilitation. This continuum of care eliminates the need for multiple medical providers and duplicated care, resulting in decreased recovery time and decreased medical costs. Improved functional outcomes ensure faster return to work and a productive lifestyle.
To refer your patients to the Upper Extremity and Hand Rehabilitation Clinic, send a written MD prescription/consult for Occupational Therapy/Hand to the Upper Extremity and Hand Rehabilitation Clinic, or fax to (608) 262-7679.