By Sarah Fasolo
Suzanne Harriman thought surgery would alleviate all the problems with her right hand. But even after recuperation, she experienced difficulty opening and closing her hand, and bending her fingers. Try hand therapy, she was told by Dr. Kevin Burton of Orthopedic Associates of Hartford and the Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital.
So Harriman contacted Eileen Lucas-Brooks, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist, who provided five weeks of extensive therapy focusing on increasing Harriman’s strength and dexterity.
Hand therapy uses a number of therapeutic techniques to improve your level of function. With the occupational therapy at the rehabilitation center and the supplemental exercises she did at home, Harriman could see the improvement.
“I’m almost back to 100 percent,” she said.
Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network in Storrs offers both occupational therapy and physical therapy — therapeutic programs that not only aid in recovery but also promote health. These programs help prevent injury, as does patient education about proper body mechanics. Through rehabilitative therapy, people are able to get back to activities they need to do and want to do.
Hartford Healthcare Rehabilitation Network, a not-for profit member of Hartford HealthCare offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, sports medicine and health & wellness programs. With over 35 locations across the state, it is Connecticut’s top rehabilitation provider. Please call 860.696.2500 or click here for more information.