Hand Occupational Therapy

Hand therapists (also referred to as occupational therapists) specialize in conditions affecting hands and upper extremities, including the arm, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and finger joints.

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Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Occupational Therapy / Hand Therapy

What is Hand Therapy Treatment?

Hand therapists (also known as occupational therapists) specialize in conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities. Many pursue certification and advanced clinical training to develop specialist skills in hand therapy.

Becoming a hand therapist involves advanced training to treat patients through hand therapy for conditions such as post-surgical rehabilitation, non-surgical hand injuries, conservative care, preventive strategies, and work-related consultations—with input from your physician or surgeon when needed.

Hand therapy often continues even after a patient returns to work or daily activities to further improve function and range of motion.

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What Are Different Types of Hand Therapy Procedures?

Range of motion/stretching
Strengthening
Therapeutic exercises
Wound / scar management
Desensitization techniques
Edema control
Soft tissue mobilization / massage
Functional activities
Work simulation
Work place modifications
Modalities (including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat/ice, iontophoresis)
Custom splinting
Custom casting
Home program instruction

How We Approach Hand Therapy

Licensed hand therapists at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy work with you to prevent injuries, improve function after surgery or injury, and help you get back to feeling like yourself again. We treat a variety of conditions—from arthritis and osteoarthritis to chronic and degenerative conditions, trauma, and neurologic recovery after stroke.

Our hand therapists provide one-on-one care to design a custom rehabilitation plan tailored to your specific injury or condition.

Hand pain treatment through occupational therapy can result in:

Faster recovery times
Custom splint fabrication
Decreased medical costs
Better functional outcomes

Request your appointment today at an Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy location near you to learn more about hand therapy.

FAQs

Can hand therapy help arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other chronic degenerative conditions?

Yes. Hand therapy can benefit people with arthritis, osteoarthritis, and chronic degenerative changes by improving motion, supporting joint function, and helping restore function.

Do I need a physician or surgeon referral for hand therapy?

In many cases, you can schedule an appointment directly. However, a physician or surgeon may recommend hand therapy based on your diagnosis, surgical needs, or a history of chronic disorders.

Is hand therapy available for pediatric cases or simple fingertip injuries?

Yes. Hand therapy can support pediatric care, including simple fingertip injuries, and can also assist with recovery after neurologic events like stroke when upper extremity function is affected.

What conditions do hand therapy specialists treat in the hand and upper extremity?

A hand therapy specialist may treat the arm, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and finger joint issues, ranging from trauma and deformity to orthopedic and neurologic conditions.

What should I expect at my first visit (PT assessment and diagnosis)?

Your first visit typically includes a PT assessment, a review of symptoms and history, and clinical testing to support diagnosis. Your therapist will recommend a plan that may include therapeutic exercises and orthotic fabrication when appropriate.

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Discover how Ivy Rehab can help you achieve your therapy goals.

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Check out some of our 4 and 5 star reviews

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Bo is an amazing physical therapist. He diagnosed my physical condition and came up with a great therapy plan. I am grateful that I came to Excel because he is the best! Thank you Bo!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Hackensack – University Plaza

Clean, spacious, professional, convenient, friendly and flexible. Arvid was great to work with. I'm going to take what I learned and apply it home. If I do not accomplish my goal with my feet, I'll return after summer. However, the staff were great and the atmosphere is very welcoming. I wouldn't mind recommending this place or coming back.

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback, we're grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – North Arlington

I was hit with sciatica leading into the holidays. The pain was so bad that I was having trouble taking my dog for walks. After working with Aaron and his Team, I was able to get back on the treadmill. I just celebrated my 50th birthday and ran 5 miles without pain! Still doing my stretches and exercises!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Mount Olive

Chris is a great PT. Very experienced and takes the time to listen to what you need. Wouldn't hesitate to refer anyone that needs PT to Chris and his team!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Caledonia

I owe my recovery from a total knee replacement to Anish at Ivy Rehab Fishers. His kindness, knowledge, compassion for his patients and his willingness to listen to what you want is unmatched. Appointments are always on time. I would highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Fishers

Tim and his team are awesome! They helped me get back to 100% after a high ankle sprain that I sustained. They are courteous, knowledgeable, and fun. They made the rehab process much more enjoyable than I would’ve thought. Definitely recommend!

Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, King of Prussia

Megan and team helped me get back to myself! They were super patient from the beginning and worked with me till I felt confident enough to do things on my own again! Big thanks to them!

Response from the owner:It's always wonderful to hear such kind feedback , we appreciate you! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Williamsburg

I called Ivy Rehab on Washington St and the front desk was able to give me clear input right away about my insurance benefits. When I arrived for my first appointment, it was really nice to see some familiar faces from when I was there several years ago. The therapist I had in the past moved to a different Ivy location – all good signs of a decent place to work (I hope!). My therapist, Bobby, was engaged in my process and did great work with me. The support staff were all friendly and easy-going… I don't recall everyone's name, but they include Nicole and Jerry (the good music meister). I recommend giving them a try!

Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Hoboken – Midtown

The best decision I made was going to this PT clinic. Everyone goes above and beyond to make sure that you reach your goals and eliminate pain and discomfort. Getting a second surgery was an easy decision knowing I will have this team behind me every step of the way.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab, North Wales!

I can’t say enough good things about Ivy Rehab in Fishers. My husband worked with Kevin a few years ago after his back surgery. He made such good progress with Kevin, I knew that’s who I wanted to work with me on my knee. I just had a total knee replacement 2 1/2 months ago. Kevin knew just what I needed. His exercises are spot on, and he has answered all of my questions about how or why my knee feels like it does as we progress. I have also worked with Rachel a few times, both before and after my surgery. She is very knowledgeable and helpful and kind. Shannon, our friendly patient coordinator, greets everyone as we walk in. Ask her any question and she’ll have the answer. She will handle scheduling your appointments and can help with insurance matters. I will end the way I began…..I can’t say enough good things about Ivy Rehab in Fishers.

A huge thank you to the entire team for guiding me through my 6-month recovery after shoulder surgery. Your kindness and constant encouragement were truly appreciated and helped me stay positive every step of the way. ^^

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Cary

My experience at Excel Physical Therapy in Englewood Cliffs was a very positive one. Cesar, Natalie and the rest of the team are friendly and attentive to their patients needs. Cesar was knowledgeable about the exercises which were best suited for me. Upon discharge I was confident to continue the exercises at home based on his instructions. Thank you team.

Response from the owner:We're so thankful for your kind words and positive review! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Englewood Cliffs

Ivy Rehab in Island Park is the best Physical therapy experience ever. The minute you walk in you already know you will be well taken care of. John is a fantastic therapist who has a wonderful team working with him. Everyone treats you with care, skill and interest as if every patient matters. There were a couple of times that John was out sick and the entire staff worked like a well oiled machine. Everyone was attended to in a timely caring matter, asking good questions to be sure that your treatment plan was adhered to and felt as if you has a great session.

Response from the owner:It's great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Island Park

My daughter looks forward to her visits! They make it fun and inviting. It’s not like a doctors appt. it’s a play time with learning! She has made so much growth in her one year in SLP, OT and PT.

This group of people are the best. They make you feel like they are invested into you. I came here feeing defeated and left feeling elated.A big thank you to the staff Especi Jen and the rest of the staff.Thank you all for making me feel that I’m going to be ok after Therapy.Thank You Fay Barnett

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Virginia Beach

Absolutely perfect 1st experience. Tracy the receptionist and Brant my therapist were courteous, informative and extremely knowledgeable. They took their time and explained everything. I would recommend this establishment to all my friends and relatives. Thank you for a job well done!

Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Moorestown

Here I am in PT again. But this time I feel like I've made the right decision. This is the best PT experience I've ever had. Thanks for helping me get back on track.

Response from the owner:Your kind review made our day, thank you so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Farmville

My kids have gone here for Torticollis therapy when they were infants, as well as my 3 yr daughter attends now for speech apraxia. She has Ms. Kathleen as her teacher and she is wonderful. Super passionate about her line of work and her enthusiasm draws kids out their shells. I cannot recommend this office enough or their staff. If your kids have any of these issues and need therapy services you won’t be disappointed.

Ivy is the best! I have been working with Ivy a long time and I am grateful for their entire team. Emily, Summer, Haley, Sam are all top shelf. Emily has been such a big help through the entire PT process. She is the best of the best! Highly recommend to all!

Response from the owner:It’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Midlothian – Swift Creek

I worked with Kyle and the team at Ivy Rehab for 3+ months. They were fantastic, knowledgeable and so kind! I wouldn’t be where I am now without them. Highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Comstock Park

Ivy rehab has been so helpful in PT needs. Connie goes above and beyond to help me with my therapy exercises and stretches. She has helped me in just two weeks of PT therapy. The staff is friendly and helpful. I highly recommend Ivy rehab to anyone with PT needs.

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Princeton