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At C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy, we specialize in pre-surgical and post-surgical rehabilitation for hand, wrist, and upper extremity conditions. Whether preparing for surgery or recovering from a procedure, our dedicated hand therapy in St. James, NY, is designed to support you every step. Surgery is often necessary for injuries or chronic conditions, but the journey to full recovery begins long before and continues well after the procedure. That’s where our expert hand therapists come in.

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Pre-surgery rehabilitation, or “prehab,” strengthens the muscles, improves flexibility, and prepares your hand for a smoother recovery post-surgery. Our goal is to optimize your surgical outcomes and make recovery as seamless as possible.

Post-surgery rehabilitation is crucial to restore functionality, manage pain, and reduce scar tissue. Our therapists use personalized techniques, including manual therapy, custom splinting, and therapeutic exercises, to help you regain mobility and strength in your hand and wrist. Our comprehensive approach ensures you recover faster, with better outcomes, and return to your daily life with improved hand function.

If you’re in St. James, NY, and require specialized hand therapy, trust CJ Hand Therapy for expert care tailored to your unique needs.

Comprehensive Hand Therapy in St. James, NY: Pre- and Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

At C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy, we understand the importance of hand rehabilitation both before and after surgery. Whether preparing for surgery or recovering, our specialized hand therapy in St. James, NY, is designed to help you achieve optimal outcomes. Our licensed hand therapists work closely with you to develop personalized treatment plans aimed at restoring strength, flexibility, and functionality in the hand, wrist, and upper extremities.

Hand surgery can be critical in treating conditions or injuries, but rehabilitation before and after surgery is equally important to ensure long-term success. From pre-surgical strengthening to post-surgical recovery, we aim to maximize your hand’s potential and help you return to normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.

The Importance of Pre-Surgery Hand Therapy

Hand therapy before surgery, also known as prehabilitation, plays a vital role in preparing your hand, wrist, and elbow for the upcoming procedure. Engaging in targeted exercises and therapies before surgery can significantly impact the speed and effectiveness of your recovery. Here’s why pre-surgery hand therapy is essential:

Hand Therapy in St. James NY
  • Strengthening Muscles

One of the key focuses of pre-surgery hand therapy is to strengthen the muscles surrounding the area being operated on. By building up muscle strength prior to surgery, you can reduce the likelihood of post-operative muscle weakness and improve overall hand function after surgery.

  • Improving Flexibility

Hand surgery often leads to stiffness in the affected area. Pre-surgical therapy works to maintain or even improve your current range of motion. Exercises aimed at increasing flexibility can prevent post-surgical stiffness and make the recovery process smoother.

  • Reducing Swelling

Certain conditions may cause swelling in the hand, wrist, or elbow before surgery. Our hand therapists use various techniques to help reduce this swelling, which can improve surgical outcomes and lead to faster recovery times.

  • Preparing for Post-Surgical Recovery

Pre-surgery hand therapy helps you become familiar with the types of exercises and therapeutic techniques you will encounter after your surgery. Knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and better prepare you for the rehabilitation process. Our therapists also provide valuable education on post-surgical care, including wound management, pain control, and how to protect the surgical area.

Conditions That Benefit from Pre-Surgical Hand Therapy

Many hand conditions benefit from pre-surgery rehabilitation. Some of the most common conditions we treat with prehab at C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy in St. James, NY, include:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Preparing the wrist and hand for surgery can improve outcomes and minimize post-surgical complications.
  • Tendon Injuries: Strengthening surrounding muscles and maintaining flexibility before surgery helps optimize recovery.
  • Fractures: Pre-surgical rehabilitation can help preserve mobility and reduce post-surgical stiffness in fractured areas.
  • Arthritis: Managing symptoms and improving hand function before surgery can significantly enhance post-surgical recovery for those with arthritis.

Post-Surgery Hand Therapy: The Path to Recovery

After undergoing hand surgery, the rehabilitation process is critical to restoring function, reducing pain, and ensuring a full recovery. Post-surgical hand therapy at C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy involves a combination of techniques designed to help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your hand and wrist. Here’s what you can expect from our post-surgery hand therapy in St. James, NY:

  • Scar Management

Surgical procedures often result in scarring, which can lead to stiffness and reduced mobility. Our hand therapists use advanced scar management techniques, including massage, desensitization, and stretching, to minimize scar tissue formation and improve skin and tissue mobility.

  • Pain Control

Managing pain after surgery is a key aspect of recovery. In addition to hands-on techniques, our therapists may use modalities such as heat, cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to help control pain and promote healing. These methods not only reduce discomfort but also help speed up the recovery process.

  • Restoring Range of Motion

Regaining a full range of motion after surgery can be challenging. Our therapists create customized exercises to gently and gradually restore movement in the hand, wrist, and elbow. These exercises are designed to stretch and strengthen tissues while minimizing the risk of re-injury or excessive stiffness.

  • Strengthening Exercises

As you progress through your rehabilitation, strengthening exercises will be introduced to help rebuild muscle strength and improve endurance. These exercises are crucial for restoring the functional capabilities of your hand and preventing future injuries.

  • Custom Splinting and Bracing

After certain types of surgery, splinting or bracing may be required to protect the hand and promote healing. At C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy, we design custom splints and braces tailored to your specific needs. These devices help maintain proper alignment, prevent re-injury, and facilitate a safe recovery.

  • Functional Retraining

Once pain and swelling are managed and basic mobility is restored, our therapists will focus on functional retraining. This involves exercises and activities designed to help you regain the ability to perform daily tasks, such as gripping, writing, or typing, and get you back to your normal routine.

Hand Therapy in St. James NY

Common Surgeries Requiring Hand Therapy

There are a variety of surgical procedures that benefit from post-surgical rehabilitation. At C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy, we specialize in post-surgery recovery for the following common hand surgeries:

  • Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: After surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve, hand therapy helps restore wrist mobility and strength.
  • Tendon Repair Surgery: Tendon injuries can severely limit hand movement. Post-surgical therapy focuses on restoring tendon gliding and strength.
  • Fracture Fixation: Fractures often require surgical intervention, followed by therapy to regain mobility and reduce stiffness.
  • Trigger Finger Release: Post-surgical rehabilitation helps restore smooth tendon motion and improve finger function after release surgery.
  • Joint Replacement Surgery: For patients with severe arthritis, joint replacement surgery is sometimes necessary. Hand therapy is essential for regaining strength and mobility in the affected joints after surgery.

Why Choose C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy for Pre- and Post-Surgery Rehabilitation?

At C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy, our experienced hand therapists are dedicated to providing the highest level of care. Our clinic in St. James, NY, offers personalized treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Here’s why so many patients trust us for their hand therapy:

  • Expertise in Hand Rehabilitation

Our therapists are specially trained in treating complex hand and upper extremity conditions. We use evidence-based practices to deliver effective and personalized care.

  • Comprehensive Care

Whether you need pre-surgical strengthening or post-surgical rehabilitation, we provide comprehensive hand therapy services designed to address every stage of the recovery process.

  • Patient-Centered Approach

We believe in involving our patients in their care. Our therapists work closely with you to understand your goals and preferences, ensuring that your therapy plan is designed to help you achieve the best possible results.

  • Convenient Location

Our clinic is conveniently located in St. James, NY, making it easy for residents of the surrounding areas to access high-quality hand therapy services.

Contact C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy in St. James, NY, Today

If you’re preparing for hand surgery or recovering from one, don’t wait to start your rehabilitation journey. At C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome through personalized and expert care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for hand therapy in St. James, NY, and take the first step toward restoring strength and mobility in your hands.