RBJC Services » Occupational and Hand Therapy

RBJC offers Occupational and Hand Therapy at our Sugar Land and Richmond locations.  Our department is staffed by an Occupational Therapist (OT) who is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).  A CHT is a licensed OT or PT who has at least five years of clinical experience and passed a rigorous exam on the upper quadrant. 

For more information about Occupational and Hand Therapy, please visit www.aota.org, www.asht.org, and www.htcc.org.

Hand Therapy at RBJC

Evaluation

Rehabilitation begins with a one-on-one evaluation.  Our therapist quantifies the deficits by measuring range of motion, muscle strength, sensibility, pain levels, and girth. 

Treatment Techniques

After the evaluation, treatment can begin.  Our clinic uses a variety of treatment techniques to facilitate recovery, such as Physical Treatment Techniques, Physical Agent Modalities, and Customized Splinting. 

Physical Treatment Techniques

1. Therapeutic Exercise: This consists of muscle and joint specific motions and exercises.
2. Manual Therapy: The therapist can assist in gaining motion by gently mobilizing the effected joint.
3. Scar and Edema Management: Scarring and swelling cause stiffness and pain. These are managed from the start of therapy.
4. Functional Activities: Gains made in therapy are applied functionally in the clinic and at home.
5. Strengthening: Resistive exercises are initiated when approved by the doctor. Our patients have access to a full gym to maximize strength.
   

Physical Agent Modalities

Modalities help reduce pain and gain motion.  The following are used at our facility:

• Moist heat
• Fluidotherapy (dry heat)
• Paraffin baths
• Cold packs
• Ultrasound
• Functional electrical stimulation
• Iontophoresis

Custom Splinting

The doctor often orders custom splinting.  The devices are made to guarantee optimal fit and perform the function the doctor desires.
Types of splints:

• Static:  Usually used in the early stages of rehab to allow the affected area to rest and heal.
• Dynamic:  Used to assist with motion of weak muscles, protect structures following surgery, and can aide in gaining motion of stiff joints.  Rubber bands, elastic threads, and springs can be used.
• Static Progressive:  Used for gaining motion of very stiff joints using inelastic components such turnbuckles and Velcro.

Common Diagnoses

Our hand clinic treats conditions from the elbow to the fingers.  Here are common conditions managed in our facility:

• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Ligament injuries and repairs
• Tendon injuries and repairs
• Nerve compressions (carpal tunnel) and injuries
• Joint stiffness
• Repetitive stress injuries (tennis elbow)
• Joint replacements
• Specialty rehab for athletes and musicians

For more information on Hand, Wrist and Elbow Rehabilitation