Hand therapy rehabilitation services are performed by specially trained physical or occupational therapists who are skilled in treating conditions involving the upper extremity, including the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand.

What Is Hand Therapy?

Hand Therapy is a specialty of rehabilitation performed by an occupational or physical therapist that focuses on conditions of the upper extremity (shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand). Whether you've had a traumatic injury, chronic pain, arthritis or surgery, hand therapy plays an important role in assisting you in returning to your highest level of function and gets you back to your previous lifestyle.

Common Conditions Treated with Hand Therapy

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Trigger finger
Mallet finger
Elbow, wrist, hand and finger fractures
Finger dislocations
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Arthritis
Dupytren’s disease
Tendon injuries
Hand burns
Ganglion cysts
Hand infections
Post-operative upper extremity rehabilitation

Treatment for Hand Therapy

Hand Therapy consists of the use of multiple therapeutic interventions to assist the patient in attaining their maximum function for regaining their independence in their daily lives. At your first Hand Therapy visit, the therapist will conduct an evaluation to determine what treatment is appropriate for you based on your diagnosis, your functional limitations, and what your goals are to get you back to where you want to be. Treatments may include:

Custom orthotic fabrication
Manual therapy
Exercises for all parts of the upper extremity for increased motion, flexibility and strength
Edema control and management
Scar management
Sensory re-education
Therapeutic activities including fine and gross motor coordination
Customized home exercise program
Adaptive equipment education

Who Treats Hand Therapy?

Hand Therapy is performed by occupational or physical therapists who are proficient in the treatment of upper extremity rehabilitation through clinical experience with advanced knowledge in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology of pathological conditions of the upper extremity, whether caused by trauma, congenital disease, surgery or acquired deformities. A hand therapist can achieve further advanced education and certification by becoming a certified hand therapist, also known as a CHT. These therapists must have a certain number of hours and years practicing primarily in the specialty of the upper extremity to apply to sit for the rigorous certification examination to demonstrate competency in their field. They typically work closely with orthopedic hand surgeons to ensure successful outcomes for patients.

Insurance and Fees

Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation accepts most insurances.

Request an Appointment

A referral from another healthcare provider is not required for patients to receive services at our rehabilitation facilities. Our clinicians will consult with your healthcare providers as needed.

Learn More About the Orlando Health Rehabilitation Services

Orlando Health provides a full spectrum of short- and long-term rehabilitation services for the evaluation and treatment of patients with a wide range of orthopedic, neurological or musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Our goal is to help each patient regain their highest level of function and independence — whether that means activities of daily living or returning to work or sports.

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