Hand Therapy: Relieve Pain and Restore Function
Hand pain, stiffness, or weakness can make daily tasks frustrating and challenging. In this blog, we’ll cover what hand therapy is, how it can benefit you, and some helpful at-home hand pain therapy exercises and tips you can try.
What is Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy is a specialized form of occupational therapy focused on treating conditions that affect the hands, wrists, and upper extremities. It helps improve strength, flexibility, and function, especially for individuals recovering from surgery, injury, or dealing with conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
How Can Hand Therapy Help You?
Hand therapy aims to restore your hand’s normal function, making it easier to perform everyday tasks. Whether you’re experiencing pain from arthritis, recovering from an injury, or dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, our therapists are here to help.
At-home tips for immediate relief:
- Finger stretches: Spread your fingers wide, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
- Grip exercises: Squeeze a stress ball or soft foam ball for a few seconds, then release. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Heat therapy: Soak your hands in warm water for 10-15 minutes to relax muscles and ease stiffness.
- Cold therapy: Apply a cold pack for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling or pain after activity.
These exercises can be done daily to reduce pain and improve hand strength. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be time to seek professional hand therapy.
Types of Hand Conditions We Treat
- Arthritis: Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling can severely impact hand mobility. Hand therapy helps reduce pain and improves function through targeted exercises and joint protection techniques.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Numbness and tingling in the hands can be relieved with specific stretches and splinting.
- Tendonitis: Overuse injuries that cause inflammation and pain can be managed with rest, exercises, and manual therapy.
- Fractures and Post-Surgery Recovery: Hand therapy aids in restoring strength and range of motion after an injury or surgery.
Signs You May Benefit from Therapy
- Difficulty gripping or holding objects.
- Pain or stiffness that limits your daily activities.
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers.
- Reduced range of motion in your hands or wrists.
If you experience any of these symptoms, therapy could significantly improve your quality of life.
How is Hand Therapy Delivered?
Our certified hand therapists will assess your condition and create a tailored plan that may include:
- Manual Therapy: Manual techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility.
- Custom Splinting: Support for healing fractures, tendon injuries, or post-surgery recovery.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Strength-building and flexibility exercises tailored to your needs.
- Education on Hand Protection: Learn strategies to avoid pain and strain during everyday tasks.
At-Home Tips
Here are some additional exercises and tips you can try at home:
- Wrist Flexor Stretch: Hold your arm out, palm facing up, and gently pull your fingers back with your other hand. Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
- Thumb Stretch: Stretch your thumb away from your fingers, hold for 5 seconds, and repeat 10 times.
- Hand Massage: Use your thumb to gently massage the palm of your opposite hand to relieve tension and improve blood flow.
When to Seek Professional Therapy
While home exercises can help, if your pain persists or worsens, professional therapy is essential. Our therapists provide a comprehensive approach to treat both the symptoms and the underlying causes of your hand pain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can hand therapy help with arthritis?
- How much does hand therapy cost?
- What is hand therapy through the NHS?
- What is occupational hand therapy?
- Can hand therapy help with carpal tunnel?
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If hand pain or stiffness is affecting your quality of life, our hand therapists are here to help. Contact us today to book an assessment and start your journey toward pain-free living.
