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Swelling

Expert hand therapy for relief from swelling.

Swelling

What is Swelling?

Swelling is a common and often challenging issue following hand injuries and hand surgeries. It can significantly impact recovery by limiting movement, causing discomfort, and delaying the healing process. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of managing swelling, the various techniques used in hand therapy, and how these services can help you regain optimal function and mobility in your hand.

Understanding Swelling

Swelling after a hand injury is a natural part of the body’s healing process, triggered by tissue damage and the release of inflammatory mediators. This causes vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels, leading to fluid and protein leakage into surrounding tissues. The lymphatic system, responsible for draining excess fluid, becomes overwhelmed by the increased volume, leading to persistent swelling.

While swelling is a normal part of the healing process, excessive or prolonged swelling can hinder recovery and lead to complications such as stiffness and scarring.

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Expert hand therapists, best patient outcomes

Services

We offer a wide range of hand therapy services to help you overcome any hand, wrist or arm injury. Treatment could include rehabilitation exercises to build strength and support, or a custom made splint or cast to help mend your condition.

Convenient Sydney Locations

We offer a wide range of hand therapy services to help you overcome any hand, wrist or arm injury. Treatment could include rehabilitation exercises to build strength and support, or a custom made splint or cast to help mend your condition.

Specialist Physiotherapists

Looking after your hands is our highest priority. Our Certified Hand Therapist will tailor a treatment plan to your needs and lifestyle. We may need to refer you onto surgical advice or for x-rays or other scans should we need to have a clearer picture of your situation.

The Role of Hand Therapy in Managing Swelling

1

Manual Edema Mobilization (MEM)

MEM is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps to move excess fluid from the swollen area back into the lymphatic system. This method involves light, rhythmic strokes applied in a specific pattern to encourage fluid drainage and reduce swelling.
2

Compression Therapy

Using compression garments, bandages, or wraps can help control swelling by applying consistent pressure to the affected area. Compression aids in preventing fluid accumulation and promotes fluid return to the lymphatic system. Hand Therapists can make customised compression garments or refer patients to a company that specialises in making compression garments following finger amputations.
3

Elevation

Elevating the hand above the level of the heart is a simple yet effective method to reduce swelling. Hand therapists often recommend specific positioning techniques to maximise the benefits of elevation.
4

Cold Therapy

Applying cold packs to the swollen area can help constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow and decreasing swelling. Hand therapists can provide guidance on the appropriate use of cold therapy to avoid complications.
5

Range of Motion Exercises

Gentle exercises that promote movement can help reduce stiffness and improve fluid circulation. Hand therapists design tailored exercise programs to encourage movement without aggravating the injury.
6

Education and Self-Management

Hand therapists educate patients on techniques they can perform at home to manage swelling. This may include instruction on proper use of compression garments, safe exercise routines, and other self-care strategies.

Managing swelling after a hand injury or surgery is crucial for a successful recovery. Hand therapy offers a comprehensive approach to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and restore function. If you need help with managing swelling after a hand injury or hand surgery, get in touch with one of our Sydney hand therapy clinics today for an appointment. 

The Hand Physio Clinic 

The Hand Physio Clinic 

The Hand Physio Clinic 

The Hand Physio Clinic 

The Hand Physio Clinic 

Discuss your Hand Physiotherapy With Us

Please feel free to get in touch with any questions or queries you might have. We are always happy to hear from you.

Phone

02 9744 2201 0426 560 336

Fax

02 9744 2525

Email

[email protected]

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