What is Hand Therapy?

Hand therapy is the non-surgical management of hand disorders and injuries using physical methods such as exercise, splinting and wound care. Hand therapists also treat other upper limb disorders that affect hand function.

Some hand therapists also undertake diagnosis and treatment of common hand disorders, including injections and requesting and interpretation of x-rays.

Hand therapy brings together techniques of occupational therapy (scar management, retraining, splinting, advice on activities of daily living) and physiotherapy (joint mobilisations, stretching, active and resisted exercises, ultrasound). The hand therapist can assist with emotional and psychological support, as well as with restoration of hand function.

Hand therapy has a crucial role in the recovery from injury of the hand or wrist, and in the recovery from hand surgical operations. Hand therapy is integrated into the hand surgery team.