Preventing and Treating Injuries
At Katherine Jackson Occupational Therapy, PPLC in Evanston, IL, we understand the joy dogs bring to our lives. Daily walks, time for play, and unconditional companionship make them wonderful partners.
But as both an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist (CHT,) and as a fellow dog enthusiast, I also know that dog care can sometimes lead to hand and upper extremity injuries. Read more to avoid accidents unintentionally caused by your furry friend. I’d rather see you at the dog park than in the hand therapy clinic.
Dog-Related Hand and Arm Injuries
Even well-loved pets can be unpredictable. In my career as a hand therapist, I’ve treated dog owners who experienced:
- Wrist fractures from accidental bites during rambunctious play
- Finger fractures from tangled leashes
- Elbow fractures from slipping on steps due to leash pulling
- Metacarpal fractures from falls on wet grass due to a sudden chase
- Distal radius fractures from slipping on ice during morning walks
These injuries can disrupt not only pet care but also work, family routines, and daily activities.
Hand and Arm Conditions Interfering with Pet Care
Pets don’t always cause accidents, but sometimes our underlying conditions make it difficult to manage their care. Some of the most common issues I treat in the hand therapy clinic include:
- Carpal tunnel
- Tennis or golf elbow
- Wrist tendinitis
- Arthritis
- Rotator cuff injury
Treating these conditions early helps you enjoy your pet more fully without pain.
How Hand Therapy Supports Recovery
At Katherine Jackson OT, we specialize in orthopedic hand-to-shoulder rehabilitation. Treatment is personalized and evidence-based, often including:
Custom Orthoses
- Wrist cock-up orthoses for distal radius fractures or wrist sprains. These may be custom made or specifically recommended for an appropriate fit to support healing.
- Ulnar and radial gutter orthoses for metacarpal injuries. These are custom molded to the hand during the period of immobilization and for protection in the early healing stages.
- Finger-based orthoses for fractures or sprains. Custom molded to promote optimal alignment.
- Posterior elbow mold for elbow fractures. This is custom-made and lighter weight than traditional fiberglass casts. Elbows need relative immobilization because they become very stiff, very quickly when fully immobilized.
Swelling & Edema Management
- Compression wraps or gloves help to reduce local swelling and stiffness to optimize healing and allow for improved finger and hand function.
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD,) a rhythmic, light touch manual technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce swelling.
Restoring Motion & Function
- Scar mobilization after surgery (if surgical repair was involved due to a complex fracture)
- Soft tissue techniques including myofascial release, cupping, and dry needling
- Functional retraining to restore grip, motion, and strength for real-life tasks
Our goal is always to help you safely return to valued life activities, including caring for your dog and the other life tasks that keep you busy.
Prevention: Training as a Safety Tool
One of the most effective ways to prevent dog-related injuries is professional training. Investing in a trainer can help with:
- Teaching leash-walking skills to reduce pulling
- Managing over-responsiveness to other dogs, people, or noises
- Encouraging safe play strategies that engage your dog without putting you at risk
It’s worth the time and cost to make daily care safer and more enjoyable, for both you and your pet. Ask friends and neighbors for a recommendation. Local training centers provide group sessions. Trainers may meet in an outdoor locale or in your home to provide 1:1 sessions. Take it from me, training is worth every dollar spent. My rescue dog was nearly unwalkable when we adopted him and though he is not perfect after training, we manage with numerous behavioral strategies (and ample treats!)
Hand Therapy in Evanston for Dog Owners and Beyond
At Katherine Jackson Occupational Therapy, PPLC, we combine expert hand therapy with compassionate, individualized care. Whether you’re recovering from a dog-related hand injury, orthopedic fracture, or upper extremity condition, our supportive environment helps you heal while regaining confidence in daily activities.
If you are seeking hand therapy in Evanston or the Chicago North Shore, we invite you to connect with us. Together, we’ll keep you strong, functional, and ready to enjoy life with your furry companion.
This post is dedicated to Loki and Grover:
Loki,2012-2020 “the good bad dog”. May you chase tennis balls over the rainbow bridge until your heart is content.
Grover, my BFF and hunter-extraordinaire.
Flourish Recovery & Wellness 