Are your hands aching from yardwork and gardening?

Here’s some advice from certified hand therapist Kathy Heimer OTR/L, CHT:

“Your garden is not usually a dangerous place, but any time you work with your hands, there is a risk of injury or strain. A hand therapist can help with seasonal injuries – and with chronic conditions like arthritis or tendonitis.

“Hand therapists provide non-operative interventions, preventative care and post-surgical rehabilitation for a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions.

“If you experience an injury or a chronic pain in your hands, see your primary care provider, who can refer you to a hand therapist. At your first visit, we’ll test your grip strength and range of motion, and then make a treatment plan. You’ll usually experience noticeable progress in a week or two. With a few treatments over the course of several weeks, we work with you to reduce your pain and improve function.”

Kathy is a board-certified in hand therapy and Graston Technique (to treat soft-tissue conditions). She has over 15 years’ experience as an occupational therapist, and has been certified in hand therapy since 2014.

Can Kathy give you a hand? To make an appointment, call Rehabilitation Services in Northfield at (507) 646-8800.