Description

In desensitization exercises, the painful area of the hand is touched and stimulated to gradually reduce oversensitivity. Texture rubbing, constant touch, pressure, or immersing the hand into materials such as rice or beans are the most commonly used techniques. The training begins with tapping or rubbing a texture that is slightly intolerable over the hypersensitive area. The hand is alternatively moved around in a container with small particles (e.g., rice, beans), or the particles are dropped over the painful area. The exercises are repeated several times a day for a few minutes or until relief, which can be experienced as numbness, occurs. The material used can be chosen from a hierarchy of materials of increasing initial discomfort, and treatment is upgradedat regular intervals. After each session, the hand should be used in functional activities that were previously uncomfortable. If relief is not achieved after each treatment, other interventions need to be considered. Otherwise there is a risk of sensitization,72 meaning that the treatment might trigger and cause an adverse effect.