The Finnish 'hands-on' experience

Abstract

Twenty-four hundred years ago, the respected healer, Hippocrates emphasised to his students, 'First of all, do no harm'. Complications in hand therapy consist of those that are created for us and those that we create. Surgery of the hand because of its complexity, brings to bear firm principles and techniques. Every therapist involved with the treatment of the hand, must understand and employ these principles. Problems and complications may be prevented wen a team approach to the treatment of the hand is undertaken surgeons and therapists. The 3rd international Congress of the International Federation of Societies of Hand Therapists was held concurrently with the 6th Congress of the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand in Finland (June 1996) to promote the unrestricted, complete and latest knowledge amongst the participants.