What should you know about pacific hand therapy?

A therapist assesses movement, grip, sensation, swelling and the tasks that matter to you, such as writing, dressing or using tools. Treatment may include exercises for tendon glide and joint motion, strengthening, scar care, swelling control, splint fitting and advice on protecting healing tissues. The plan changes as your hand responds.

Hand therapy may support recovery from De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, a distal radius fracture, Dupuytren's Contracture, hand osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It can also follow procedures such as carpal tunnel release or Dupuytren's surgery.

Bring details of your symptoms, previous treatment, work or hobbies, and any splints you already use. Practise the prescribed movements at the recommended frequency, but stop and report sharp pain, new numbness or increasing swelling. Keep dressings and incisions protected as instructed, and use joint-protection techniques during repetitive tasks.

A home programme works best when it fits daily routines. Short, regular practice can be easier to manage than one long session, while the therapist monitors technique and adjusts resistance or range.

Seek prompt medical advice after an injury if a finger or wrist looks deformed, becomes cold or blue, loses sensation, or cannot move. After surgery, contact the treating team for spreading redness, wound discharge, fever, sudden swelling or pain that is escalating rather than settling.

Ask which movements are safe now, how a splint should fit, which symptoms mean you should pause exercises, and what functional goal will guide progression. Clarify whether you need a review by the surgeon or another clinician if movement or sensation does not improve.