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. 2020 Apr;40(2):122-130.
doi: 10.1177/1539449219888835. Epub 2019 Nov 25.

Fostering Holistic Hand Therapy: Emergent Themes of Client Experiences of Mind-Body Interventions

Sandy C Takata  1 , Mark E Hardison  1 , Shawn C Roll  1
Affiliations

Fostering Holistic Hand Therapy: Emergent Themes of Client Experiences of Mind-Body Interventions

Sandy C Takata et al. OTJR (Thorofare N J). 2020 Apr.

Abstract

Mind-body interventions are a viable holistic approach to rehabilitation; however, evidence for mind-body approaches in hand therapy is lacking. This study explored the experiences of clients with musculoskeletal disorders undergoing two mind-body interventions within hand therapy. Qualitative data were obtained from clients who received mindfulness meditation and sonographic biofeedback as part of hand therapy. Semi-structured interviews conducted after four therapy sessions elicited participants' experiences and acceptability. Emergent themes were identified through an iterative, qualitative descriptive process. The following three themes emerged as results: insight on the body, relaxation and relief, and I am in control. A fourth theme was identified in the acceptability data, that is, mindfulness as a meaningful activity. At least one of the interventions was acceptable to each participant. Positive participant experiences support further consideration of mind-body interventions as a useful holistic approach in hand therapy to support wellness, quality of care, and participation in recovery.

Keywords: biofeedback; hand therapy; integrative medicine; mindfulness; therapeutics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Timing of individual interventions within each therapy visit. Note: This order of interventions across the four visits was used for half of the participants, whereas the mind–body components in Visits 2 and 4 were switched for the other half of the participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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