Due To The Complex Functional Needs Of The Human Hand And Upper Extremity
Working with a Certified Hand Therapist is critical to ensure the greatest potential for regaining function following injury or surgery.
What Is Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on the rehabilitation of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. It combines techniques from both physical therapy and occupational therapy to restore function after injury or surgery.
Our hand therapy occupational therapy approach means your care plan addresses not just pain relief, but how your hand works in real daily tasks such as typing, gripping, and lifting. Conditions commonly treated include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, fractures, nerve damage, and arthritis.
Conditions We Treat
Our team provides hand and wrist pain treatment for a wide range of diagnoses, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome. We offer evidence-based carpal tunnel physical therapy to reduce nerve compression, relieve numbness and tingling, and help patients avoid surgery when appropriate.
- Fractures and post-surgical recovery. Physical therapy for broken wrist and post-operative hand conditions requires careful, progressive rehabilitation. We guide you from early protective motion through full return to function.
- Tendon injuries. Flexor and extensor tendon repairs require highly specialized protocols. Our therapists are experienced in guiding patients safely through each phase.
- Trigger finger and stenosing tenosynovitis. Conservative management through targeted splinting and hand therapy exercises can often resolve symptoms without surgery.
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Physical therapy for wrist pain caused by this condition includes targeted stretching, strengthening, and activity modification.
- Nerve injuries. Median, ulnar, and radial nerve conditions affecting sensation and motor control are treated through progressive neuromuscular re-education.
- Arthritis. Hand pain treatment for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis focuses on maintaining joint mobility and reducing inflammation.
- Dupuytren's contracture. Post-procedural therapy to restore finger extension and hand function.
Our Approach to Hand Physical Therapy
Valley Rehab's hand physical therapy program begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your injury, functional limitations, and personal goals. Your therapist will assess range of motion, grip and pinch strength, sensation, and how your condition affects daily activities.
Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy. Hands-on joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques to restore mobility and reduce pain.
- Custom splinting. Fabrication of thermoplastic splints to protect healing structures or correct positioning.
- Hand therapy exercises. Progressive strengthening and range-of-motion programs, both in clinic and at home.
- Edema management. Techniques to reduce post-injury or post-surgical swelling.
- Nerve gliding and desensitization. Targeted exercises for nerve-related symptoms including numbness, tingling, and hypersensitivity.
- Activity modification guidance. Education on how to perform daily tasks without aggravating your condition.
- Scar management. Massage and silicone-based techniques to soften and flatten post-surgical scars.
Enhance Your Mobility, Comfort, and Quality of Life
What sets our program apart:
- Experienced therapists with dedicated training in upper extremity and hand conditions
- One-on-one care so your time in clinic is focused entirely on you
- Customized programs because no two hands are the same, and neither are our treatment plans
- Close collaboration with your physician or surgeon to ensure continuity of care
- Convenient location in Mount Vernon serving patients from the surrounding region
To learn more about our team, visit our about page. To understand what to expect at your first visit, see our new patient information. For questions about insurance and coverage, visit our insurance page. You can also explore our full list of physical therapy services or review our wrist and upper extremity rehabilitation programs.
To Best Help Our Hand Patients Move Work Live, Our Certified Hand Therapist Provides:
Specialized Hand Therapy Evaluations And Treatment
Upper Extremity Traumatic Injury Pre-And Post-Operative Therapy
Upper Extremity Repetitive Injury Rehabilitation And Prevention Management Education
Splinting And Upper Extremity Orthoses (Custom And Prefabricated) Provision And Instruction
Individualized Home Exercise Program (HEP) Provision And Instruction
Frequently Asked Questions
Hand therapy is a specialized focus within physical and occupational therapy that concentrates specifically on the upper extremity from the elbow to the fingertips. Therapists who specialize in this area have advanced training in the anatomy, injuries, and rehabilitation techniques specific to the hand and wrist. Valley Rehab's therapists bring this expertise to every patient's care plan.
The length of your hand therapy program depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your condition, and your personal goals. Some patients recover in a few weeks with focused treatment. Others, particularly those recovering from surgery or complex injuries, may benefit from several months of progressive rehabilitation. Your therapist will outline a realistic timeline at your initial evaluation.
In many cases, you can begin physical therapy without a physician referral through direct access. Requirements vary by insurance plan, and some post-surgical protocols do require a referral. Contact Valley Rehab directly and we will help clarify what is needed for your situation.
Yes, in many cases. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and De Quervain's tenosynovitis often respond well to conservative treatment including splinting, targeted exercise, and manual therapy. Your therapist will be transparent about when conservative care is appropriate and when a surgical consultation may be warranted.
Ready to Get Back to What You Love?
Your hands are involved in everything you do. If pain, stiffness, or injury is slowing you down, our team is here to help. Call us today or request an appointment online and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
