Pediatric Hand Therapy
Pediatric Hand Therapy
Scottish Rite for Children was the first pediatric orthopedic center in the U.S. to employ full-time hand surgeons. However, we know that children with hand and upper extremity differences require more than surgery to live full, active lives.
Our dedicated pediatric hand therapists work with children of all ages who have congenital and trauma- or injury-related hand and upper extremity differences. They help children improve strength and functionality through exercises, assistive devices (such as braces) and orthotics to gain independence and confidence.
About Our Hand Therapy Program
Specially trained occupational therapists, our certified hand therapists help children with all hand and upper extremity differences treated at Scottish Rite. These diagnoses include, but are not limited to:
- Brachial plexus injuries and other conditions that cause nerve damage
- Congenital hand and upper limb conditions, which exist at birth
- Fractures
- Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Soft tissue damage
- Sport-related injuries that affect the hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder
- Traumatic injuries
Your child’s hand specialist is a member of your child’s care team. When possible, a hand therapist will attend your child’s first visit at Scottish Rite to fully understand his or her diagnosis and begin developing a treatment plan.
If you live far away, our hand therapists will coordinate therapy services with a specialist close to you.
If you live in or near Dallas and your child needs ongoing care, he or she can visit Scottish Rite regularly to meet with our occupational therapy team.
During your child’s first visit with a certified hand therapist, the therapist will review his or her health history and ask questions about how your child’s injury or limb difference impacts his or her ability to dress, bathe, eat, use the toilet, participate in school or sports, and play with their friends.
This visit allows your child’s hand therapist to develop a treatment plan designed for your child’s needs. The plan may include creating a custom splint or orthotic device, serial casting to improve range of motion, dry needling or constraint induced movement therapy to help your child with daily activities
Our certified hand therapists make every effort to keep sessions fun. They also work with you to help you continue a home exercise program that helps your child get the most out of therapy.
Our certified hand therapists work closely with your child’s medical team. They can provide care as early as your child’s first medical appointment, and we offer hand therapy at both Scottish Rite locations in Dallas and Frisco.
Locations
Dallas Campus
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
2222 Welborn Street • Dallas, Texas 75219
Main: 214-559-5000 • Orthopedics: 214-559-7559
Frisco Campus
Scottish Rite for Children
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center
5700 Dallas Parkway • Frisco, Texas 75034
Main: 469-515-7222 • Orthopedics: 469-515-7250
FAQs
What Is Pediatric Hand Therapy?
Pediatric hand therapy is a special type of occupational therapy that helps children with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities. Certified hand therapists have expertise in treating children of all ages.
How Can Pediatric Hand Therapy Benefit My Child?
Hand therapy helps your child improve hand and upper limb function and fine motor skills. It gives children confidence to perform activities of daily living and allows them to participate in play, school and social interactions.
What Happens During a Pediatric Hand Therapy Session?
Pediatric hand therapy sessions typically include engaging activities, exercises and games tailored to your child’s age and developmental needs. Therapists can also teach your child to perform a specific activity he or she may not be able to do because of a hand or upper limb difference. Hand therapists use play to make therapy enjoyable and effective for your child.