Vocational and psychosocial adjustment for the client with a hand burn.

The disruptive effects of a hand burn injury permeate all aspects of a person's life. Hand burn rehabilitation is a multi-staged process; returning the client to functional occupational roles is its' ultimate goal. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature that examines return to work and psychosocial adjustment for the client with a hand burn. Other issues reviewed include: wound management; edema; positioning; activities of daily living; and therapeutic exercise. This paper concludes with an example of a work hardening clinic, and a case study, in order to illustrate the application of information provided.