Our hands are essential to everyday life from tedious computer use to the tender moments we share with our loved ones. But this repetitive use can lead to wear and tear that affects productivity and quality of life. This is where hand therapy comes into play. Designed to restore function and alleviate discomfort, hand therapy is essential for anyone experiencing hand or wrist issues.
What is hand therapy?
Hand therapy is a specialized area of rehabilitation focused on treating and improving conditions affecting the hands and wrists. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain that hasn’t gone away on its own or an acute injury that needs immediate attention, hand therapy techniques can help heal and strengthen these joints for an improved quality of life. These therapies also support recovery post-surgery, ensuring that your hands regain strength and mobility as swiftly as possible.
Types of hand therapy modalities
As a holistic physical therapy provider, we strive to customize each treatment plan to each person’s experience of hand or wrist problems while seeking total recovery and prevention of future complications. This comprehensive approach can include any or multiple of the following techniques:
- Targeted stretching exercises
- Condition-specific strengthening plans
- Occupational therapy
- Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
- Heat and cold therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Ergonomics training
Our providers can use these and other evidence-based techniques to provide pain relief, increase strength and dexterity, and improve your hand and wrist function.
Conditions hand physical therapy can treat
Hand and wrist conditions can range from mildly annoying to debilitating, depending on your overall health condition and lifestyle standard. Common conditions we treat with hand therapy techniques include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Repetitive stress injury
- Tendonitis
- Nerve pinching
- Trigger finger
- Post-surgery recovery
Hand therapy has many successful treatment options for both specific injuries or conditions as well as chronic conditions that resist a simple diagnosis. No matter what your experience with physical therapy in the past, we encourage you to discover our unique, personalized approach that takes your health history and preferences for treatment into account by scheduling an appointment with our experts.
What to expect from your hand therapy appointment
Your first hand therapy appointment will involve a thorough assessment of your condition. The therapist will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and conduct physical examinations of the affected area. Based on this information, they will develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
Follow-up sessions and progress tracking
Subsequent hand therapy physical therapy appointments will focus on implementing your specific treatment plan. Your therapist will guide you through exercises and administer treatments, monitor your progress, and make necessary adjustments. Regular follow-ups ensure that your therapy remains effective and responsive to your needs.
Scheduling your first hand therapy session
If you’re experiencing hand or wrist discomfort, consider reaching out to our local hand therapy specialists. When possible, we can even schedule same-day or next-day appointments to help you find relief quickly. Start a conversation with our team by calling a nearby clinic location or contacting us online today!
