Country artist Chris Stapleton had to cancel several tour dates due to a broken bone and a detached tendon in his hand. We went to our expert, Certified Hand Therapist and Occupational Therapist, Sheena Pasricha at our Montclair, NJ location to provide some insight about Chris’ injury and what recovery might look like.
What type of treatment does an injury like this require?
Based on the description of his injury, he will most likely be treated by a Certified Hand Therapist who (probably) fabricated his splint. He may be in the splint for 4-6 weeks to assist with fracture healing and to shorten the ligaments/tendon and assist with soft tissue healing.
As a Certified Hand Specialist, what would you say therapy could look like?
Based on similar injuries experienced by others, the first phase of rehab which is the immobilization phase is to protect the healing structures while providing hand therapy treatment to decrease the inflammation and perform range of motion to the unaffected joints. Once the fracture is healed formal therapy on the injured digit can begin with the long term goal to get his hand back to normal use and strength.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
While I have not treated Chris Stapleton, we at Professional Physical Therapy wish him a speedy recovery so that he can get back to his “Life in Action.”
To view the original article on Chris Stapleton’s injury, visit People.com.
Note: Professional Physical Therapy has not treated Chris Stapleton. While each person, condition and injury is unique, the information above reflects general guidelines.
Sheena Pasricha, OT, CHT
Regional Director of Hand and Occupational Therapy, Montclair, NJ