Hand Therapy

For those who suffer from chronic pain or have experienced a hand, arm, or upper limb injury, hand therapy can be effective in improving symptoms and restoring function. Through hand therapy, patients find that they can return to their daily routine with less pain, or, in some cases, entirely pain-free.

The goal of hand therapy is to improve functionality in the upper limb, and therapists employ all different types of exercises and techniques to achieve that goal. Just like working out muscles at the gym may leave you sore the next day, hand therapy may leave your hand or arm feeling tender. While hand therapy is not typically painful, patients may experience discomfort during or after treatment.

For patients beginning hand therapy, the first session is an evaluation in which a certified physical or occupational therapist develops a treatment plan custom tailored to meet their needs and goals. Each subsequent session consists of the therapist guiding the patient through different techniques and exercises. These techniques include but are not limited to hands-on manipulation, range of motion exercises, strengthening, and stretching. Each hand therapy session will look different depending on the patient, condition, and goals.

When a patient begins hand therapy, their certified hand therapist or occupational therapist will perform an evaluation from which an individualized treatment plan will be developed. Depending on the injury or condition that has led a patient to seek hand therapy, there is often a home exercise program incorporated into the treatment plan.

Patients who are recovering from an injury can benefit greatly from hand therapy. Rehabilitation can help patients with healing, sensory re-education, and pain management. People who have experienced injuries may also need custom splinting to ensure proper healing and to prevent further injury.

Whether or not a patient needs a referral for hand physical therapy depends on the state. There are a number of states that permit patients to receive physical and occupational therapy without a referral from a doctor. However, with some insurance providers a referral is mandatory for patients who want their evaluation and treatment to be covered. Check with your insurance provider to determine whether or not you’ll need a referral from your medical doctor to receive hand physical therapy.

No two patients are exactly alike, and thus neither are any two outcomes. Patients typically experience incremental improvement with each session. Many patients continue hand physical therapy from two to four months, but the projected timeline varies based on the severity of the condition.