Hand Occupational Therapy
Hand therapists (also referred to as occupational therapists) specialize in conditions affecting hands and upper extremities, including the arm, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and finger joints.
What is Hand Therapy Treatment?
Hand therapists (also known as occupational therapists) specialize in conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities. Many pursue certification and advanced clinical training to develop specialist skills in hand therapy.
Becoming a hand therapist involves advanced training to treat patients through hand therapy for conditions such as post-surgical rehabilitation, non-surgical hand injuries, conservative care, preventive strategies, and work-related consultations—with input from your physician or surgeon when needed.
Hand therapy often continues even after a patient returns to work or daily activities to further improve function and range of motion.
What Are Different Types of Hand Therapy Procedures?
- Range of motion/stretching
- Strengthening
- Therapeutic exercises
- Wound / scar management
- Desensitization techniques
- Edema control
- Soft tissue mobilization / massage
- Functional activities
- Work simulation
- Work place modifications
- Modalities (including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat/ice, iontophoresis)
- Custom splinting
- Custom casting
- Home program instruction
How We Approach Hand Therapy
Licensed hand therapists at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy work with you to prevent injuries, improve function after surgery or injury, and help you get back to feeling like yourself again. We treat a variety of conditions—from arthritis and osteoarthritis to chronic and degenerative conditions, trauma, and neurologic recovery after stroke.
Our hand therapists provide one-on-one care to design a custom rehabilitation plan tailored to your specific injury or condition.
Hand pain treatment through occupational therapy can result in:
- Faster recovery times
- Custom splint fabrication
- Decreased medical costs
- Better functional outcomes
Request your appointment today at an Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy location near you to learn more about hand therapy.
FAQs
Can hand therapy help arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other chronic degenerative conditions?
Yes. Hand therapy can benefit people with arthritis, osteoarthritis, and chronic degenerative changes by improving motion, supporting joint function, and helping restore function.
Do I need a physician or surgeon referral for hand therapy?
In many cases, you can schedule an appointment directly. However, a physician or surgeon may recommend hand therapy based on your diagnosis, surgical needs, or a history of chronic disorders.
Is hand therapy available for pediatric cases or simple fingertip injuries?
Yes. Hand therapy can support pediatric care, including simple fingertip injuries, and can also assist with recovery after neurologic events like stroke when upper extremity function is affected.
What conditions do hand therapy specialists treat in the hand and upper extremity?
A hand therapy specialist may treat the arm, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and finger joint issues, ranging from trauma and deformity to orthopedic and neurologic conditions.
What should I expect at my first visit (PT assessment and diagnosis)?
Your first visit typically includes a PT assessment, a review of symptoms and history, and clinical testing to support diagnosis. Your therapist will recommend a plan that may include therapeutic exercises and orthotic fabrication when appropriate.
Find the right therapy today.
Discover how Ivy Rehab can help you achieve your therapy goals.
