In summer 007, Jesica Krame was a healthy, active teenager who had just graduated high school and was enjoying working outdoors at her summer job. That changed one day when she was using a chainsaw to cut wood.Her hands slipped, and to her horror, she felt the chainsaw grind into her left hand. All the tendons in that hand were damaged except for those in her pinky finger. Jesica was rushed to the Emergency department where she was told she would need surgery and extensive therapy to regain the use of her hand.

Concentrated Care
Hand therapy focuses on rehabilitation of the upper extremities, including the arms and hands. This type of therapy can be used for injuries related to strain and overuse, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or, in instances like Jesica’s, where an injury has affected the use of one hand.

“I work with patients to manage open or closed wounds, infections, scar tissue and pain,” said Susan Grace, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., C.H.T., doctor of occupational therapy, registered and licensed occupational therapist and certified hand therapist in the Rehabilitation Services department at VVMC. “Hand therapy techniques help patients increase their range of motion, dexterity and strength to restore optimum function.”

After consulting with Jesica’s physician and assessing her condition, Susan determined Jesica would require wound care, protective splinting and exercises to regain motion. The various exercises and treatments helped manage her scar tissue to prevent it from adhering to her tendons, and she also went through a program at home.

“Susan always had a very positive attitude and was patient in showing me a number of exercises, including ones I could do at home,” said Jesica. “We always laughed and had fun, and I felt like I was getting the specialized care I needed to make a recovery.”

Healing Hands
After hour-long therapy sessions three times per week over the course of nearly two months, Jesica’s hand therapy—and her commitment to getting better—paid off.

“There were tough moments when I went through a lot of pain,” said Jesica, “but Susan always was there, encouraging me and making me more determined.” One year later, Jesica has experienced a full recovery. With the exception of her surgical scar, she said no one would ever know she had been injured.

“I couldn’t do anything with my hand before therapy,” she said. “I am so grateful to Susan for helping me become a healthy teenager again.”

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