Hand/Upper Extremity/Splinting

With the increase use of computers and other technologies, coupled with involvement in sports at much earlier ages, children are experiencing an increased number of repetitive and traumatic injuries to their hands and upper extremities. These disorders can have severe implications for a child's independence in his or her daily life, self- care, play, sports participation and school performance. The Braintree Hospital's Pediatric Program's staff provides a unique understanding of the management of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation in children

We Offer Evaluation and Treatment for:

• Orthopedic and sports related injuries
• Traumatic injuries such as; fractures, dislocations, tendon / nerve damage and amputations
• Congenital deformities of the upper extremity
• Burns to the arm or upper quadrant
• Overuse syndromes ("Nintendo Thumb", tendonitis)
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and other joint inflammation disorders
• Post-surgical conditions
• Pain and weakness with hand or upper extremity activities

Experienced Occupational Therapists

Upper extremity and hand impairments in children require special considerations. At Braintree Hospital's Pediatric Clinics, children are evaluated and treated by Occupational Therapists with special training in child development and upper extremity and hand rehabilitation. Our professional staff is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and certified by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Many of our specialists are certified by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission.

Treatment may include:

• Range of motion and strengthening exercises
• Normalizing muscle tone and sensation
• Pain management
• Developmental and psychosocial considerations
• Functional tasks impacting activities at home, school, sports and leisure
• Splinting and equipment needs
• Environmental modifications and considerations
• Biofeedback and other modalities
• Caregiver education and training for a home program and functional impairments

Splinting

Upon physician orders, customized hand and elbow splints are manufactured on site. The child and his caregiver are instructed in the care and daily scheduling for the use of the splint. Ongoing monitoring of fit and use is provided.

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