DCH Regional Medical Center
jeason@dchsystem.com; mhartley@dchsystem.com
DCH Phelps Outpatient Center
(205) 759-7860
The therapists at DCH Hand Therapy provide evaluation and treatment of hand disorders ranging from traumatic injuries to chronic conditions and diseases of the hand. With more than 80 combined years of experience, our therapists work with family physicians to manage a variety of diagnoses.
DCH Outpatient Hand Therapy is located on the second floor of the Phelps Outpatient Center on the campus of DCH Regional Medical Center. Hours are Monday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Appointments can be made by your family physician, or by you with a referral from your physician. We will provide your family physician with reports of your therapy from your initial evaluation until your discharge from the program.
DCH Outpatient Hand Therapy accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Worker’s Comp and private company insurance. All HMO plans that cover hand therapy are also accepted. Patients who do not have insurance can meet with our financial counselors to set up a payment plan.
If you have been diagnosed with any of the following, the therapists at DCH Outpatient Therapy may be able to help you:
Arthritis
CMC pain and osteoarthritis
Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
DeQuervain’s Syndrome
Sprains of the fingers, thumb, wrist and elbow
Contusions and crush injuries
Contractures and motor nerve palsies
Palmar Fasciitis
Trigger Fingers
Burns
Tendonitis
Unstable joints
Non-specific Hand Pain
Arthritis Care
Splinting
Our therapists are trained in fitting pre-fabricated splints, as well as construction of custom splints for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendonitis, trigger finger, contractures and nerve palsies. Splinting of CMC arthritis is one of our most requested services, and usually decreases pain and increases function.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome or other nerve entrapment syndromes can help delay or prevent the need for surgical release. Patients are treated with specific nerve gliding exercises and may also receive iontophoresis using ketoprofen or dexamethasone. Frequently, symptoms may be relieved with custom or prefabricated splints to rest the nerve. Patients are also educated in techniques for performing daily activities that decrease the stress on their nerves.
Information Following Hand Surgery
Being prepared often helps you not be as anxious and frustrated about a new situation. Here are some ideas that will help make your recovery time after hand surgery a little easier.
Be prepared to temporarily perform home activities “one-handed”.
Plan to avoid extreme temperatures. Heat can cause skin problems from perspiration and cold causes pain due to restricted blood flow.
Elasticized pants and pull over shirts are often the easiest clothes to wear after hand surgery.
Consider shirts with larger armholes and/or bulky dressing to make room for your cast or splint.
Slip on shoes rather than shoes that tie may be easier for you.
Loosen container lids for hygiene articles, food or medicine bottles.
Use soap-on-a-rope or pump liquid soap when bathing.
Be prepared to take a shower with the affected arm protected by a plastic bag.
Keep your arm elevated for swelling control.
Buy frozen prepared meals. Freeze homemade casseroles or eat out.
Consider the possibility of needing help with transportation.
Consider arranging to have someone available to help after surgery with work or home activities.
If therapy is indicated for your recovery, our certified hand therapists are available to meet your needs. Tell your physician that you choose DCH Outpatient Hand Therapy, the only specialized hand clinic in Tuscaloosa.
Arthritis Care Program
While there is no cure for arthritis, DCH Outpatient Hand Therapy’s Arthritis Care Program can teach you how to manage your symptoms and maintain your independence.
While there are many remedies passed down from generation to generation, such as wearing a copper bracelet or soaking in hot water with Epsom salt, a well-balanced therapy program is the only way to reduce and manage arthritis pain. The goals of the Arthritis Care Program are:
To make you life with arthritis easier
To reduce your pain as much as possible
To maximize your independence at home and/or work
To minimize further joint damage
To allow you to play an active role in controlling your arthritis
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