Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers Recognizes Hand Therapy Week

CHICAGO, June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of the upcoming Hand Therapy Week, Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers—the largest physical therapist owned and managed practice in the U.S.— recognizes its team of occupational and physical therapists who specialize in hand therapy.  Accelerated appreciates the contribution of hand therapists with their versatile, specialized services, as well as injury and illness prevention skills.

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Sponsored by the American Society of Hand Therapists, Hand Therapy Week (June 3-9, 2013) is an integrated national program that promotes the advantages of prevention and treatment procedures for patients who have lost function of a hand and/or upper extremity. We value the use of our hands, and any loss of function through injury or accident can drastically change our lives.

"Hand and upper extremity injuries are one of the most common causes of visits to emergency rooms," said Eric Warner, PT, MS, CEO of Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers. "They range from simple lacerations to complex injuries that can result in severe functional limitations. So, without question, the Accelerated hand therapy program is important and helping patients on a daily basis. "

The Accelerated Hand Therapy Program addresses many of the specific conditions related to the hand and upper extremity, such as fractures, tendon and nerve injuries, amputation, arthritis, and overuse injuries. In a private, comfortable, and friendly environment, patients receive personal, hands-on care from Accelerated's certified hand therapists. Treatment begins with thorough evaluations that assess strength, sensory, dexterity, and range of motion. Therapists offer the most advanced treatment available, including customized programs with unique therapy exercises. The Accelerated Hand Therapy Program is designed to maximize improvement, which expedites return to work and/or return to recreational and daily activities.

As part of hand therapy awareness and injury prevention week, Accelerated encourages everyone to take extra caution, be aware of everyday activities that can lead to hand and upper extremity injuries, and think about simple ways to prevent pain, injury, and loss of function:

• Cut away from your hand when using a knife.
• Do not use knives for pounding or prying.
• Use proper tools designed for a specific task.
• Do not remove guards from dangerous equipment such as circular saws.
• Never reach into a snow blower to dislodge a clog.
• Use proper tools to avoid the blade when cleaning mower.
• Do not allow children to play around escalators or elevators.
• Wear wrist guards for sports such as rollerblading, street hockey, or skate boarding.
• Wear cut-resistant gloves when doing heavy duty work.

In addition to our hand therapists, the Accelerated team includes more than 760 physical and occupational therapists, along with other rehabilitation specialists.  Accelerated therapists are certified in many specialties, and continue to advance their skills through continuing education and specialized training. As a result, our patients can always be certain that they will receive exceptional care guaranteed to meet their very specific needs.

About Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers
Chicago-based Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers is a premier provider of a wide array of comprehensive patient services and specialized rehabilitation programs. Since 1989, Accelerated has grown to over 230 outpatient rehabilitation centers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio and Arizona, becoming the top choice for many professional athletes, large employers, and busy professionals. For more information about Accelerated, call 877-97-REHAB, or visit www.acceleratedrehab.com.

Contact: Kim Rosenlund, Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers

SOURCE Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers