The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) defines hand therapy as “the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper extremity of the human body, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle.”
Hand therapists are occupational therapists or physical therapists who, through extra training and experience, have specialized knowledge of upper extremity function. A Certified Hand Therapist has a minimum of five years of clinical experience, successfully passed and examination of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation and meets mandated criteria to maintain this specialized credential.
Using targeted assessment and treatment, hand therapists work with their patients to prevent injury or impairment, restore function, and improve improve hand and upper extremity mobility, enhancing participation in daily life.
What are the main benefits of hand therapy?
Hand therapy offers a wide range of benefits, from avoiding surgery to restoring hand function and helping patients return to work and daily activities faster. Specific benefits include:
Treatments that don’t require an operation
Reducing sensitivity to nerve issues
Relief from pain and inflammation
Expedited timeline for returning to work
Increased ability to perform everyday tasks
Regaining feeling after a nerve injury
Personalized home exercise programs, including exercises to improve strength, movement, and strength and range of motion
Teaching patients how to use splints to help with pain and stiffness
Stretching exercises and massage therapy to help release scar tissue and ease joint pain
Ongoing rehabilitation services for patients managing a chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis
With more than 70 hand specialists on our team, Professional PT is the largest provider of Certified Hand Therapy in the Northeast.
Occupational Hand Therapy at Professional
Occupational therapy at Professional is limited to hand therapy only. Almost all of our hand therapists are OTs, but they focus exclusively on hand and wrist conditions and other upper extremity conditions.
Occupational therapy and PT are closely aligned, but physical therapy treatments focus on improving function, addressing soft tissue restrictions, and reducing pain, while occupational therapy focuses on helping patients perform daily activities that their condition or illness prevents them from doing. While a PT might help someone bend and straighten their elbow after injury, an occupational therapist might help the same person be able to button their shirt or complete tasks while recovering.
How can a hand therapist help me?
A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and treat injuries and conditions related to the upper extremities. Our helpful hand therapy team effectively treats and rehabilitates the patient through postoperative rehabilitation, preventative, non-operative, or conservative treatment, or industry consultation.
The therapist works closely with the physician and patient to provide a continuum of care through a personalized treatment plan. This often starts within days of the injury or surgery right through to the patient’s return to work and/or a productive lifestyle.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for hand physical therapy?
Before committing to a hand therapy treatment plan, you should be sure that you’re a good candidate, and that hand therapy is actually right for you.
Hand therapy can be particularly useful for patients who suffered an accident or trauma that left them with scars, wounds, burns, injured tendons or nerves, fractures, or amputation of fingers, hands, and arms. Those with conditions like tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome, or cubital tunnel syndrome, also frequently benefit from hand therapy, as do patients living with arthritis affecting the hands or fingers.
When to book an appointment
While hand therapy can address a wide range of issues, there are a few common instances when you should be sure to book an appointment. These include:
Wrist Fractures:
One of the most common reasons for seeking hand therapy, a wrist fracture is no fun for anyone. The sooner you get it checked out, the happier you’ll be.
Elbow fractures can really limit your range of motion, and hamper your ability to perform everyday tasks. A hand therapist can help improve your elbow mobility with effective exercises and casting.
Following an injury or surgery, custom splints can be a valuable part of the recovery process. Our certified hand specialists can design custom splints to help patients achieve optimal healing and support during recovery. They can fabricate splints that will help stretch and increase range of motion at a particular joint in the elbow, wrist and hand.
This typically occurs during rotational movements and weight bearing scenarios, and it can really put a damper on your softball season or gym schedule. Hand therapists can put together an effective program for managing ulnar-sided wrist pain, to reduce pain and improve your mobility.
Our hand therapy services
ADL (Activities of Daily Living) Training
Adaptive Equipment
Custom Orthotic Fabrication
Dexterity Training
Edema Management
Ergonomic Evaluations
Home Exercise Programs
Joint Mobilization
Nerve Mobilization
Pain Management
Physical Agent and Modalities
Scar Management
Sensory Desensitization and Re-education
Strengthening
Therapeutic Exercises to Improve Range of Motion and Function
Work Hardening/Conditioning
Wound Care
Get hand therapy today
Our occupational therapists will diagnose your hand pain and customize a rehabilitation plan just for you. We will work in an effective way to get you back on your feet, focused on your wellness before, during and after therapy.
Choose from the location list on the form, to request an appointment at an HT clinic near you.
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FAQs About Physical Therapy for Hands
Do I need a referral from hand surgeons to start hand therapy?
Not always. While many patients are referred by hand surgeons following surgery, most states allow Direct Access, meaning you can often begin hand therapy without seeing a physician first. Our physical and occupational therapists will still coordinate with your physician throughout your care as needed.
What should I expect during my first hand therapy appointment?
Your first visit typically includes an evaluation of your hand and upper extremity conditions, a discussion of your symptoms and goals, and the start of a personalized treatment plan. Your therapist may also begin addressing immediate concerns, such as pain and inflammation, right away.
How long does a hand therapy session take, and how many will I need?
A typical session runs about 30 to 60 minutes, though this can vary based on your treatment plan. The number of sessions you’ll need depends on your diagnosis and its severity; our hand therapy team evaluates each patient individually and sets clear milestones, so you always know what progress to expect.
How does hand therapy help improve strength after an injury?
Hand therapists build personalized exercise programs to improve strength in the affected hand, wrist, and elbow, gradually restoring strength and range of motion as your injury heals. These programs are adjusted over time based on your progress and specific goals.
Can hand therapy help me avoid surgery?
In many cases, yes. For patients with conditions such as tendonitis, mild carpal tunnel syndrome, or early-stage arthritis, a personalized treatment plan combining stretching, splinting, and targeted strengthening can reduce pain and restore hand function without surgery. Your hand therapist will work with your physician to determine whether conservative treatment is a safe path forward for your specific condition.
Cake Boss’s Buddy Valastro Seeks
Hand Therapy Treatment with Professional PT
Well-known celebrity master baker, Buddy Valastro suffered a severe injury to his right hand and has undergone multiple surgeries. He chose Professional PT’s Deana Swanson, MS, OTR/L, CHT for his recovery treatment to help him return to work and get back to doing what he loves, baking!
Below is a condensed list of insurances we participate with throughout our network of physical therapy clinics. Find your particular provider below based on your area. For a complete listing of all insurance providers and individual plans by name: CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL INSURANCE PAGE.
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