Category Archives: News

What is a Certified Hand Therapist?

Physical therapy is something we may have all heard about, but hand therapy might be an unfamiliar territory.  Although physical therapy and hand therapy are similar, there are some major differences between the two that should be understood.  We use our hands every single day, so trusting a certified hand therapist is essential to aiding […]

Hand Pain in Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and are wondering why you are having numbness and tingling in your hands, you’ve come to the right place.  Hand pain in pregnancy can often occur, and if you’re feeling that tingle in your wrists and hands, chances are the culprit may be carpal tunnel. According to ResearchGate studies, carpal tunnel […]

Custom-Made Orthotics & Braces

At Desert Hand and Physical Therapy, we create custom orthotics (AKA “splints”) with a one-of-a-kind fit. These splints aid in the healing of numerous diagnoses. A physician may request a custom orthotic to protect an injury (bone fracture, tendon laceration post repair, etc.)  to help mobilization of a stiff joint, or to minimize pain and [...]

Mallet Finger Injuries & Treatment

WHAT IS A MALLET FINGER? “Mallet Finger” is a term for a terminal tendon rupture, which is an injury of the tip of the finger that causes the DIP (distal interphalangeal) joint to droop into flexion. The DIP joint is the first knuckle from the top of the finger and mallet finger occurs when striking […]

Frozen Shoulder – How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Adhesive capsulitis, better known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in your shoulder. It is a condition that gradually appears over time, and it is not the result of an acute injury. Signs and symptoms begin to appear and slowly worsen over time. So, what do you do when you […]

Outpatient Therapy: Fact vs Fiction

Here to debunk your common misconceptions about occupational and physical therapy is Partner and Director Brittany Moya, CHT. What is Fact and what is Fiction?   THERAPY FICTION 1: “I don’t need to see a therapist in-person to do therapy” Therapy Fact: A simple online search may get you some exercises or tips on how […]

Patient Highlight – A Special Story & Patient: Meet Loni!

An Amazing Girl with an Amazing Case of Hand Therapy Working and Providing Improved Function at Desert Hand and Physical Therapy Laveen   Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of our pediatric therapist, Casey Blaesing, paired with the excellent care provided by Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Laveen clinic patient Loni has thrived and become much […]

Spice Up Your Hand Therapy Ideas with Halloween-Themed Exercises

HOW TO MAKE HAND THERAPY FUN IN THE FALL SEASON Occupational and physical therapy at its basis has a plethora of combinations of opportunity for exercise. Some are straight forward, movement based. Some are functional. Some are simulation of activity. The focus of all activities performed in the clinic and adapted at home is to […]

Dry Needling, Perspective from a Certified PT

Dry Needling at Desert Hand and Physical Therapy                                  What is Dry Needling? Dry Needling can be used to treat many different pathologies, including chronic pain, scar management, and increasing soft tissue extensibility. Thin needles are inserted through critical areas […]

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