In her enlightening book Healing Hands: Understanding Surgery, Recovery, and Prevention, M. Lockwood, RN, BSN, CDCES, offers far more than a medical manual—she opens the door to her own lived experience, giving readers a deeply personal, clinically informed, and powerfully human guide to understanding and navigating hand-related conditions, especially thumb joint arthritis.
What makes Lockwood’s narrative so compelling is its authenticity. As a registered nurse with decades of experience, Lockwood spent her career helping others, serving as a case manager and consultant across hospital floors, insurance firms, and workers’ compensation cases. Yet, while she was educating others about injury and recovery timelines, her own hands were silently deteriorating—worn down by years of report writing, data entry, and continuous computer use.
She didn’t realize the subtle yet relentless damage being done through repetitive motion until the discomfort in her thumbs began to impede her quality of life. Her story is particularly eye-opening because it mirrors the reality of millions who depend on computers and mobile devices for work. In Healing Hands, Lockwood gently but firmly warns readers: if we ignore the signs and delay prevention, the damage might become irreversible.
Lockwood charts her personal and clinical journey with transparency—from the early warning signs and non-invasive treatments like splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy, to more advanced interventions like corticosteroid injections and ultimately, surgical correction. Her diagnosis: carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis, often referred to as basal joint arthritis. This common but debilitating condition makes even basic movements—like pinching, writing, or holding objects—painful and difficult.
The beauty of Lockwood’s writing lies in its balance of vulnerability and strength. While she acknowledges the mental toll that chronic pain can exact, she also serves as a model of resilience. Her tone is never self-pitying. Instead, she positions her journey as a cautionary tale and a roadmap for others. She doesn’t just talk about what happened—she reflects on how it happened and what can be learned from it.
Most importantly, Healing Hands is filled with solutions. Lockwood provides comprehensive guidance on ergonomic tools, adaptive strategies for daily living, and the significance of lifestyle changes to reduce long-term joint strain. She breaks down complex surgical terminology into understandable terms, easing the anxiety of readers who may be facing similar procedures. The book includes sections on surgery preparation, rehabilitation timelines, mental health impact, and even small tricks and tools—like using pump bottles, styluses, and left-handed scissors—that make a major difference post-surgery.
By combining her professional knowledge with personal vulnerability, Lockwood creates a bridge between medical science and lived experience. She is a caregiver-turned-patient who understands both sides of the healthcare equation. Her insights into how occupations affect hand health are especially vital in today’s digital workforce.
Ultimately, Healing Hands serves as an essential companion for anyone facing hand arthritis, recovering from surgery, or simply looking to preserve joint health in an increasingly tech-driven world. Lockwood proves that even when the hands that healed others begin to falter, they can still write, guide, and uplift. Through her voice, readers don’t just learn—they feel understood, empowered, and prepared for whatever lies ahead.
