What to know about BAHT hand therapy

BAHT is commonly used in connection with the British Association of Hand Therapists. A hand therapist may be an occupational therapist or physiotherapist with additional expertise in hand and upper-limb problems.

Assessment looks beyond pain alone. The therapist may examine swelling, scars, sensation, tendon movement, joint range, grip, pinch, dexterity, and how the hand performs at work, home, or sport.

Treatment can include a custom orthosis, swelling or scar management, movement exercises, progressive strengthening, sensory retraining, and practical task modification. Hand therapy may support recovery after a distal radius fracture, carpal tunnel release, or Dupuytren's surgery, and may help manage De Quervain's tenosynovitis, hand osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or Dupuytren's contracture.

Bring referral letters, operation details, imaging reports, and any splint or exercise sheet already supplied. Wear clothing that exposes the elbow and forearm, because hand function can be influenced by movement farther up the limb.

Explain which tasks matter most to you and demonstrate the specific grip or motion that is difficult. Follow the prescribed frequency and effort for exercises; doing more can irritate healing tissue, while avoiding all movement can contribute to stiffness when movement has been cleared.

Seek urgent help after injury or surgery if fingers become cold, pale, blue, newly numb, or difficult to move. Rapid swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, a wound that opens, severe escalating pain, fever with spreading redness, or a splint that causes colour or sensation changes also needs prompt attention.

Tell the therapist before continuing exercises if a movement produces sharp pain, new tingling, loss of function, or swelling that does not settle. The programme may need adjustment, or the surgical or medical team may need to reassess the hand.

Ask which tissues are protected, which movements are encouraged, how an orthosis should fit, and how progress will be measured. Clarify limits for lifting, driving, computer work, self-care, and sport, along with the symptoms that should pause the programme.