PT Hand Therapy

A hand therapist looks at pain, swelling, sensation, range of motion, strength and the tasks you need for work or home. Treatment may include tendon or nerve gliding, joint movement, scar care, splinting, grip practice and advice on protecting a healing area. The approach differs after a Distal Radius Fracture, with De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, or when Hand Osteoarthritis causes stiffness. Rheumatoid Arthritis may also require joint protection and pacing. A therapist can adjust exercises when a finger catches, the wrist feels unstable or numbness interferes with dexterity.

Bring details of the movements that are difficult, such as fastening clothes, typing, opening jars or carrying a bag. Use a splint only as directed, because fit and wearing time matter. Practise the home programme at the agreed intensity and record changes in swelling, sensation and function. Dupuytren's Contracture may need a different plan from an injury, and therapy can be coordinated around procedures such as Carpal Tunnel Release or Dupuytren's Surgery when appropriate. Protect the hand from sudden heavy loading while tissue is healing.

Seek an assessment when hand pain, stiffness, weakness or tingling persists or interferes with ordinary tasks. Contact your care team promptly for a cold or pale finger, rapidly increasing swelling, wound discharge, fever, severe pain after surgery, or a sudden inability to move a finger or wrist. New or worsening numbness deserves review because nerve irritation and circulation problems need a different response from routine exercise soreness.

What is limiting my hand function: pain, stiffness, tendon, joint or nerve irritation? How should my splint fit? Which exercises are safe now, and which activities should wait? What change should prompt an earlier review?