Does a physiotherapy perform hand therapy?

Hand therapy focuses on useful movement and function, not only the hand in isolation. Assessment may cover swelling, scar sensitivity, grip, pinch, dexterity, sensation, joint movement and how the wrist, elbow and shoulder contribute to a task. Treatment can include guided motion, strengthening, tendon or nerve gliding, scar care, desensitisation, splint advice and practice of activities such as writing, dressing or gripping. After surgery or a fracture, the timing and limits of movement must follow the treating clinician's instructions.

Describe the tasks you need to regain, whether that means opening containers, using a keyboard, lifting a child or returning to work. Bring any prescribed splint and information about an operation, wound or fracture. Use only the exercises and loading advised for your stage of healing; hand tissues can be irritated by forceful gripping or prolonged stretching. Protect a healing wound, follow splint instructions and tell the therapist about numbness, increasing swelling or colour changes. Small, frequent practice may be easier to fit around daily activities than one demanding session.

Seek prompt medical help for a hand or arm that becomes cold, pale or blue, rapidly swollen, severely painful, visibly deformed or newly unable to move. New or worsening numbness, weakness, spreading redness, drainage from a wound or fever after surgery also needs medical review. After an injury, do not use rehabilitation exercises to test a suspected fracture or dislocation; have it assessed first.

Which movements and loads are safe at this stage? Do I need a splint? How should I manage swelling or a scar? Which daily task should I practise first? What change would mean I need an earlier review?