This capstone project will cover peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) in the upper extremity and the consequences that they pose to adult which can impair their activities of daily living (ADLs). Interventions for individuals with PNIs, such as sensory rehabilitation methods (SRMs) and tactile stimulation, will be explored to improve hand allodynia and fingertip dexterity for enhanced participation in daily activities. The majority of research articles on tactile stimulation interventions focus on pain reduction. To inform the best evidence-based practice of occupational therapy, it is critical to establish the relationship between tactile stimulation interventions and their impact on dexterity and discover how that measure correlates with an improved ability to participate in ADLs. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the current literature and explore the impact of various SRMs interventions to treat patients with PNIs, such as utilizing desensitization approaches and graded motor imagery, and how those interventions may be used not only to reduce pain but also to increase dexterity for improved daily functional performance.
