close up of physical therapist examining a patients hand and wrist

Hand Therapy

Restore normal functioning in the hands, targeting issues from shoulder to hand caused by accident, stroke, trauma, or disease with hand therapy.

What is hand therapy?

Hand therapy is the art and science of evaluating and treating upper extremity conditions that may include orthopedic injuries or loss of function after a chronic illness or neurologic event like a stroke.

Some physical and occupational therapists take additional training to become Certified Hand Therapists (CHT). These hand therapists have at least 3,000 hours of specialization in treating upper extremity disorders and pass a rigorous national certification exam. Additionally, they are trained explicitly in fabricating custom orthoses, advanced surgical procedures, and rehab management.

Is hand therapy the proper treatment?

With superior therapeutic interventions, you may be able to reverse dysfunctional pathologies and restore normal function in your hands. Common diagnoses that are often treated with hand therapy are:

  • Upper extremity fractures/dislocations
  • Amputations
  • Crush injuries
  • Tendon/ligament/nerve laceration
  • Serious burns/wounds/prevention of scar tissue development
  • Trigger finger
  • Tendon repairs
  • Tendinitis
  • Sprains or strains
  • Arthritis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Autoimmune disorders inhibiting hand function
physical therapist stretches mans wrist to help with pain

Benefits of hand therapy

There are many benefits to hand therapy, including:

  • Manage and reduce hand and joint pain
  • Increase range of motion
  • Improve strength in the hand
  • Improve ability to perform daily activities

Hand therapy resources

Drayer Marketing - Spring 2019
Hand Therapy

What is Certified Hand Therapy?

If your physician has performed a complex surgery or you have a complicated injury or illness, he may specify that you see a certified hand...

Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief Tips
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief Tips

Do you experience hand or wrist pain that makes it hard to do everyday tasks? Is your pain accompanied by numbness or tingling? Does your...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention
Blog

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention Strategies: Tips to Relieve Pain and Avoid Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition typically associated with long hours spent typing away at a computer. But anyone who performs repetitive hand and arm...

What to expect

Your first physical therapy appointment is about creating a personalized treatment plan based on your health history, diagnosis, and goals. Here’s what you can expect at your first physical therapy appointment:

Your first appointment will last about an hour. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

If applicable, bring your physician referral or prescription, insurance card, paperwork, ID, and co-payment.

At your appointment, we’ll do an initial evaluation and discuss your care plan.

*Services are not available at every location. Visit our Locations page for more details.

Physical therapy insurance & payment options

We work with most major insurance providers. Although coverage will vary from plan to plan, many physical therapy, occupational therapy and speciality therapy programs are covered under insurance. Learn more about our insurance coverage and self-pay options for physical therapy.