The aim of hand therapy is to promote healing and maximize the function of the hand and upper limb, allowing individuals to return to performing activities (e.g. work-related activities, sports and hobbies) which are meaningful to them.

For upper limb conditions or injuries that do not require surgery, hand therapy treatment may include :

• Splinting
• range of motion exercises
• strengthening
• therapeutic modalities such as wax bath therapy and ultrasound therapy.
• post-operative management of hand and upper limb injuries.

Common conditions/injuries of hand and upper limb include:

• Fractures and/or joint dislocations of the elbow, forearm, wrist, palm, fingers and thumb
• Joint or ligament injuries (e.g. TFCC injury)
• Nerve compressions, injuries and repairs
• Tendon injuries and repairs (e.g. mallet finger, tendon lacerations)
• Repetitive strain injuries (e.g. trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, tendinitis)
• Crush injuries, nail bed injuries, finger amputations
• Sports injuries to the upper limb
• Pain, myofascial and overuse conditions
• Arthritis
• Dupuytren’s contracture

A hand therapist will customise therapy plans based on the condition, symptoms and needs. Treatment options may include:

• Heat therapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Exercises to improve joint and muscle movements
• Management of swelling
• Scar management and desensitization
• Strengthening exercises
• Soft tissue, manual and trigger point release therapy
• Sensory re-education following nerve compression/injury
• Pain relief/management
• Functional retraining and preparation for return to work
• Ergonomics advice on posture on workstation set up
• Personalised home exercise program
• Customized splinting services for both upper and lower limbs.