Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy

The Hand Center at UMass Memorial Medical Center offers a complete range of diagnostic and treatment options for all forms of hand and upper extremity problems, including trauma, work-related, congenital, arthritic and sports-related injuries in both children and adults. Patients treated include those with nerve injuries, fractures, tendon injuries, amputations, arthritis, repetitive motion injuries and those recovering from reconstructive hand surgery. The Hand Center team includes orthopedic hand surgeons, plastic surgeons, and physical and occupational therapists that have specialized knowledge in the treatment of hand disorders.

The Hand Therapy Center provides evaluation of patients' range of motion, strength, sensation and functional hand and arm use. Therapy interventions are designed to improve strength and motion, decrease pain and improve functional use. Custom splints are made for patients to protect or position joints or to improve hand use.

Hand therapists provide comprehensive computerized evaluations that determine hand function and impairment in relation to the normal population. The results of these tests are often used to plan therapy programs or make recommendations regarding temporary or permanent disability.