What is Hand Therapy? Hand therapy is the non-surgical management of hand disorders and injuries using physical methods such as exercise, splinting and wound care. Hand therapists also treat other upper limb disorders that affect hand function.

Some hand therapists also undertake diagnosis and treatment of common hand disorders, including injections and requesting and interpretation of x-rays.

Hand therapy brings together techniques of occupational therapy (scar management, retraining, splinting, advice on activities of daily living) and physiotherapy (joint mobilizations, stretching, active and resisted exercises, ultrasound). The hand therapist can assist with emotional and psychological support, as well as with restoration of hand function.

Hand therapy has a crucial role in the recovery from injury of the hand or wrist.

It is important to know that a hand therapist is an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) who, through advanced continuing education, clinical experience and integration of knowledge in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, has become proficient in treatment of pathological upper extremity conditions resulting from trauma, disease, congenital or acquired deformity. These therapists can treat basic hand conditions and CasaPance counts with a team of specialized surgeons and physical therapists to treat these conditions.

What Can A Hand Therapist Do For Me?

Hand therapists bridge the gap from medical management of upper extremity conditions to successful recovery, allowing individuals to function normally in their daily lives. Hand therapists provide non-operative interventions, preventative care and post-surgical rehabilitation for a wide variety of upper extremity disorders, from simple fingertip injuries to complex replanted extremities.

Patients with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, or neurologic conditions, such as a stroke, can benefit from therapy through education on joint protection and energy conservation, and with recommendations for adaptive equipment or devices to improve function. A hand therapist employs a variety of techniques and tools, including activity and exercise programs, custom orthotic fabrication, management of pain and swelling and wound and scar care. A hand therapist can also be a consultant in the industrial world, training employees in healthy work habits.

Learn more about different specialties and procedures online.