1. What is hand therapy? 

Hand therapy is a specialised area of rehabilitation that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow.

Kaizen Hand physiotherapy offers advanced training and expertise with trained occupational and physical therapists to help you manage hand and upper extremity conditions.

2. When should I consider hand therapy? 

Hand therapy makes sense if you have experienced an injury or condition affecting your hand or upper extremity.

This can include fractures, sprains, tendonitis, nerve injuries, arthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation, repetitive strain injuries, and more.

Hand therapy can help you regain functional use, reduce pain, improve strength and range of motion, and enhance overall hand function.

Injuries from sports like skiing can make hand and wrist physio vital.

3. What can I expect during a hand therapy session? 

During a hand therapy session, we will evaluate your condition, assess your range of motion, strength, sensation, and functional limitations.

A customised treatment plan will be formulated for you which include exercises, manual therapy techniques, splinting, pain management strategies, and education on self-care and injury prevention 

4. What types of treatments are used in hand therapy? 

Hand therapy treatments can vary depending on the specific condition, severity, and individual needs. Common treatments may include:

• Therapeutic exercises: Strengthening exercises, range of motion exercises, and functional activities to improve hand and upper extremity function.

• Manual therapy techniques: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue mobilisation, scar management, and manual stretching to improve mobility and tissue healing.

• Over the counter splinting: At Kaizen we can advise you on what splint to get from the pharmacy or online. This will ensure your hand or wrist is properly supported, protected, or immobilised during the healing process.Unfortunately we do not have capacity for custom-made splints at Kaizen. 

• Pain management: Various modalities will be utilised to manage pain and reduce inflammation.

• Education and self-management: Providing guidance on ergonomics, activity modification, joint protection techniques, and home exercises to promote self-care, injury prevention, and long-term management.

5. How long does hand therapy take? 

The duration of hand therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the type and severity of the condition, your response to treatment, and your commitment to the prescribed exercises and self-care. Some conditions may require only a few sessions, while others may require several weeks or months of therapy. At Kaizen, we will discuss the expected timeline with you and regularly assess your progress to make appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan.

6. Is hand therapy only for post-surgical cases? 

No, hand therapy is not limited to post-surgical cases. While it is commonly used in post-operative rehabilitation, hand therapy can benefit various non-surgical conditions as well. It can help manage acute injuries, chronic conditions, overuse injuries, fractures, joint stiffness, nerve compressions, and more. Hand therapy aims to restore optimal hand function, regardless of whether surgery is involved.

7. Can hand therapy prevent the need for surgery? 

In some cases, hand therapy can help manage and improve hand conditions to the extent that surgery may not be necessary. Through exercises, splinting, pain management, and other interventions, hand therapy can alleviate symptoms, improve function, and promote healing. However, each case is unique, and the need for surgery is determined by the specific condition and the recommendations of your healthcare provider.

Interested? Book Hand physiotherapy in our London clinic today.

Check out what to do if you get injured while skiing abroad