Hand Therapy

Hand Therapy (Occupational Therapy specialty) is a healthcare profession focused on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and upper extremity that impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Hand therapists use evidence-based interventions such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, activity modification, custom orthotic (splint) fabrication, patient education, and physical modalities to reduce pain, restore function, improve mobility, and promote tissue healing following injury, surgery, or illness.

Hand therapy aims to help individuals return to their highest level of functional independence by improving fine and gross motor skills, range of motion, strength, coordination, sensation, and dexterity needed for self-care, work, and leisure activities. In addition to rehabilitation, hand therapy emphasizes prevention by educating patients on ergonomic principles, joint protection strategies, and adaptive techniques to minimize the risk of reinjury and support long-term upper extremity health.