Recovery for Chris Stapleton’s Hand Injury

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.

Dear Everybody, First of all, I want to thank you for all of the positive thoughts and kind words you have shared over the last few days. So many of you have been inconvenienced and I’m grateful for your patience and graciousness. After seeing a specialist, I have some information to share. I’m on the road to recovery from a broken bone & a detached tendon in my right index finger. The doctor is hopeful that with some physical therapy I will be playing guitar again soon. Right now, I can’t possibly give you guys the show you deserve. I always want to give you my very best. There is little in this world that I enjoy more than getting to make music with all of you night after night. Thank you for the privilege. Your support and understanding through all of this lets me know now, more than ever, I have the best fans in the world. Sincerely, Chris Stapleton

A post shared by Chris Stapleton (@chrisstapleton) on Jun 1, 2017 at 7:03pm PDT

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