BROOKINGS – Brookings Health System has expanded its rehabilitative services to now include hand therapy. Occupational Therapist Sara Lutz, MSOTR/L, will treat patients with conditions that affect their upper extremity, including the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder.

Hand therapy services Lutz will offer on an outpatient basis includes:

• Customized splinting or bracing to help immobilize an affected area or to support the limb during day-to-day activities
• Treatments to reduce pain and improve tissue healing
• Edema management techniques to reduce swelling
• Scar tissue management
• Stretching and exercises to regain motion and improve strength.

Some conditions of the hand and arm system Lutz will treat include tendonitis, injuries and fractures, arthritis, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff repairs.

Lutz comes to Brookings Health from Hand Therapy of Wyoming in Gillette, Wyo., where she worked for over three years providing direct patient care with a heavy emphasis on orthopedic hand therapy. She holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from The University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., and an associate degree in occupational therapy assisting from Lake Area Technical College in Watertown.

Patients who want to learn if they could benefit from hand therapy may call Brookings Health System’s Rehabilitative Services at 605-696-8060. A physician referral is required for hand therapy services. More information is also available online at brookingshealth.org/Hand.