‘I Have My Independence Back!’
On April 28, 2021, while on a morning run near her home in Farmington, Rosemary Lowden was hit by a car, sustaining severe trauma to her right arm, wrist, hand, and ankle.
At Strong Memorial Hospital, she underwent two surgeries, describing orthopaedic surgeon Dr. John Paul Ketz and Physician Assistant Stacy Byrne as “exceptional.” Rosemary considered herself blessed to be in their care, and as far as she was concerned, the blessings continued as she began treatment that June at Thompson’s Physical Rehabilitation Services location in Victor. She called it “my hopeful place.”
“Why hopeful? Because with each visit, I was getting stronger and on the way to regaining my independence,” Rosemary said.
When she first started working with senior occupational therapist Zach Nobles, Rosemary wasn’t able to complete such tasks as raising her arm, using a swab to clean her ears, or dressing herself.
“My fingers could hardly move,” she said. “Zach was not only knowledgeable and an expert in his field, but he was also kind, compassionate, and patient in answering my questions and concerns.”
Hand therapy can help with injuries of the hand itself, as well as the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Therapists assist patients in restoring independence and function, as well as prevent dysfunction. This can include treatment of:
- Arthritis
- Fractures and dislocations
- Tendonitis and tendon injuries
- Nerve injuries and compression syndromes
- Amputations
- Joint replacement
- Sprains and strains
- Wounds and scars
Zach said a hand therapy program is individualized for each patient based on diagnosis, needs, and personal goals. Treatment techniques may include:
- Custom splinting
- Sensory re-education/desensitization
- Strengthening
- Stretching
- Scar management
- Edema control
- Pain control
- Joint protection
- Adaptive equipment
- Wound care
- Functional activity
- Modalities (heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, and laser therapy)
- Ergonomic assessment and modification
- Patient education
As part of Rosemary’s customized treatment plan, Zach built special braces for her which she considered “amazing.” Also at the clinic in Victor, she received treatment for her ankle from Physical Therapists Sarah Andres and Carrie Pragle, both of whom she considered “top-notch.”
Rosemary’s visits to the Victor clinic were typically twice per week, ending in February 2022. Due to the extent of her injuries, she may always have some long-term issues such as limited motion in her wrist, but she added, “Without a doubt, I am able to use my right hand - especially my fingers - thanks to Zach.”
“I have my independence back!” she said.
“I was so appreciative to have the level of expertise in my backyard without having to travel to Rochester, especially since I could not drive and had to rely on my husband for transportation,” Rosemary added, noting, “My wonderful husband took care of all of my needs and not driving to and from Rochester twice a week was a blessing for both of us.”
With both occupational therapists and physical therapists who have advanced education and clinical experience, Thompson offers non-invasive hand therapy at 7670 Omnitech Place in Victor, and at our Canandaigua location in Thompson Hospital, 350 Parrish Street. A prescription from a primary care doctor is required in order to schedule an appointment for hand therapy at either location. For more information, call 585-602-0075.