Hand injuries and OMM

[DocBR]

Hi all, I broke my little finger (5th middle phalanx) on my dominant hand playing basketball about two weeks ago. Because of the nature of the fracture the hand surgeon I have been seeing says that I could easily displace the bone into the PIP joint. I asked him about OMM and he said that I cannot use the finger to produce any force or bare weight for 4 more weeks.

For anyone who has had something like this or knows of someone who has, how difficult is it to accommodate this in OMM labs? Are there usually ways to work around it and atleast get some hands on experience? We are doing lumbar HVLA and inominates for the next few weeks and I am hoping that I will not be stuck just watching.

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[Typical]

Just use the other finger; it feels as good

 

[PT2MD]

I would talk to a certified hand therapist. They are often occupational therapists but some physical therapists are CHT as well. It's kind of a niche practice focus in rehab, but they are the best folks to see if you are having hand issues. There is a search button for a local hand therapist in your area on this website. Good luck.

http://www.asht.org/

 

[ShyRem]

Go talk to your OMM faculty. I'm sure they've worked around worse injuries than this.

 

[BMW19]

We used forearms and elbows to do our HVLA of the Lumbar and pelvic bones. Chiropractors use their hands.

Hi all, I broke my little finger (5th middle phalanx) on my dominant hand playing basketball about two weeks ago. Because of the nature of the fracture the hand surgeon I have been seeing says that I could easily displace the bone into the PIP joint. I asked him about OMM and he said that I cannot use the finger to produce any force or bare weight for 4 more weeks.

For anyone who has had something like this or knows of someone who has, how difficult is it to accommodate this in OMM labs? Are there usually ways to work around it and atleast get some hands on experience? We are doing lumbar HVLA and inominates for the next few weeks and I am hoping that I will not be stuck just watching.

 

[SOUNDMAN]

I would talk to a certified hand therapist. They are often occupational therapists but some physical therapists are CHT as well. It's kind of a niche practice focus in rehab, but they are the best folks to see if you are having hand issues. There is a search button for a local hand therapist in your area on this website. Good luck.

http://www.asht.org/

He saw a hand surgeon. He has a fracture. He needs to HEAL somewhat, even if you were going to start early rehab...hence the 4 or so weeks no rub a dub dub during OMM.

During these labs there's not too much which fine hand manipulation, where you can't just stick out your little pinky to protect it. Tell the OMM faculty and you'll be fine.

 

[PT2MD]

We see patients who've had digital fractures, tendon repairs, and amputations from hand surgeons (plastics and ortho) less than 1 week out of surgery. If the surgeon thinks it's appropriate, seeing a CHT is the way to go.

The 2-4 weeks of "healing" is plenty of time to develop a nasty contracture if not managed appropriately. I'm sure your physician has thought of this and would have made any neccessary referral. Should you need eventual rehab, make sure you see a hand therapist. Good luck.

 

[DocBR]

Thanks for the feedback! I spoke with the faculty and everything should work out great. The surgeon I am seeing has a hand therapist on staff so I am sure he will send me right to her if need be, but so far everything is looking good for recovery without a therapist.