What does hand therapy treat?

A hand therapist may help after an injury, fracture, operation, tendon problem, nerve compression, or a period of reduced movement. Care can address stiffness, weakness, swelling, scar sensitivity, reduced coordination, and difficulty with gripping or fine tasks. It may also support people living with Hand Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Dupuytren's Contracture, or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Treatment is tailored to the problem and may include guided exercises, movement practice, splinting, activity changes, scar care, or techniques to manage swelling and sensitivity. The aim is practical: safer movement and better use of the hand for tasks such as dressing, typing, cooking, or working.

Before an appointment, list the tasks that are difficult and describe when pain, stiffness, numbness, or swelling changes. Bring information about recent injuries or procedures and mention work, sport, or caregiving demands. Use a prescribed splint or exercise only as directed; increasing effort too quickly can irritate healing tissue.

Your therapist may measure motion, grip, sensation, and task performance, then set a home programme. Progress is usually reviewed by function rather than by a single sensation on one day.

Seek prompt care for a hand that becomes suddenly hot, red, very swollen, or severely painful, especially with fever or feeling unwell. New loss of sensation, worsening weakness, a blue or pale finger, or an inability to move after injury needs timely medical assessment. Therapy can be part of care, but these changes may require a clinician to check for infection, nerve, tendon, or circulation problems.

Ask what is limiting your function, whether hand therapy is appropriate now, and which movements or loads should wait. Clarify how often to use a splint, how to judge an exercise response, and which changes should prompt a review.