Introduction / Rationale: Hand therapy represents a specialized yet evolving area within perinatal occupational therapy, addressing the unique upper extremity challenges experienced during pregnancy and early motherhood. This emerging role highlights how traditional occupational therapy practice can be adapted to meet the specific needs of perinatal women, enhancing their ability to engage in essential maternal tasks.
Objectives: This presentation aims to explore the development of hand therapy within perinatal care, emphasizing its role in managing pregnancy-related hand conditions, acute injuries, and ergonomic challenges associated with mothering. It will highlight how a specialized approach can support maternal health and function.
Methods / Approach: An occupation-focused approach underpins this practice and will be explored, incorporating functional assessments, splinting, ergonomic education, pain management, and activity modifications tailored to maternal demands.
Results / Practice Implications: The integration of traditional hand therapy techniques with a nuanced understanding of maternal activities facilitates functional recovery while accommodating caregiving responsibilities. Early intervention and holistic strategies ensure that hand function is optimized without compromising the ability to care for an infant.
Conclusion / Contribution to the Occupational Therapy Profession: This presentation will explore the development of this specialized practice, demonstrating how a hand therapy framework can be effectively adapted to address the intersection of maternal health and upper extremity function. The evolving role of hand therapists in perinatal care enhances the well-being of women, contributes to best practices in occupational therapy, and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.