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.

Find a Location

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.

Request an appointment

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.

Find the right therapy today.

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

Find a Location

Check out some of our 4 and 5 star reviews

Excellent

Excel Physical Therapy4.9

See all reviews

review us on

Dealing with Greg for my evaluation and start of my PT has been a great pleasure looking forward to continue working with him to get back to normal and feeling better

Response from the owner:We're thrilled you had such a positive experience, thank you! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Hackensack – University Plaza

I just completed my physical therapy for a knee replacement surgery. I went 3 times a week for 7 weeks. I was extremely satisfied with the experience. I know that without the therapy I wouldn't be able to get around . Both therapists I saw worked very hard to get me walking independently without pain. Every time I went I could tell I was making progress. Now I can walk at least a mile and go up and down stairs easily. The atmosphere in the facility is very friendly and attentive. I was always welcomed when I entered. The staff kept everyone working the entire time that I was there. It was always a pleasure to go there.

Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us this 5-star review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Naperville

The staff was very polite and professional and respectful and friendly and helpful and knowledgeable and courteous. I really felt cared for by Allison and beka and and the place is very clean and and the bathroom was super clean and well stocked

Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Norfolk – Granby

I had a great experience at Ivy Rehab on Washington as I was rehabbing an ankle injury. The whole staff from the front desk to the aides and physical therapists were very kind and friendly. Lauryn was a great physical therapist and was able to pin-point my pain areas. She was able to develop and modify exercises that helped speed along my healing process. I would definitely recommend using Ivy Rehab going forward.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Hoboken – Midtown

Ivy rehab gave me full range of motion after my knee replacement with gentle, persistant work and encouragement. I am very grateful to Kevin at Ivy and that my orthopedic surgeon specifically recommended them.

I see Rachel at Ivy Rehab in Fishers, but I've also had some sessions with Kevin as well. I highly recommend both of them. This was my first time having to go to physical therapy and Shannon makes it easy to understand my insurance benefits and they have a lot of flexibility in their schedule so its easy to make time for appointments. I have been dealing with a hip issue, a labral tear and FAI, and working with Rachel makes living with it virtually pain free. I've been very pleased with my progress over the last few months and I really feel like I'm being listened to when it comes to my therapy goals.

The PT is very knowledgeable and professional. The front desk staff are very helpful about making or changing appointments. The fact that there’s access to Club Fit equipment if needed is great.

AK is absolutely amazing! Incredibly knowledgeable and extremely personable. Chandree is just as personable and knowledgeable! I just finished physical therapy for ruptured Achilles tendon surgical repair and it was a fantastic experience. Niso welcomes you at the front with a very friendly hello with a big smile! The entire staff is so friendly including Joe and they provide a fun environment and a community atmosphere. I can’t say enough good things about this physical therapy practice. 5 stars is not enough!!!!

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

Would highly recommend this office! Lisa does a great job with listening to you and helping you understand what may be causing your pain and the best way to treat it!

Ivy Rehab is a fantastic facility with expert Physical Therapists who offer exercises tailored for each person’s specific needs. In just a few sessions, I’ve regained strength and my headaches have significantly decreased.

Best physical therapy experience you can possibly have. Jeff and Jenna and the entire staff was very friendly and helpful with my injury. It was a long and stressful process, but the entire team was there by my side to help me through it all. I couldn't have asked for a better experience!

We've been attending the Miamisburg location for 3 years now and it's been a wonderful experience all around. From the several speech therapists we've seen over the years, to the front desk receptionist, Johanna. Everyone is absolutely wonderful, skill-wise and knowledge. My girls get excited to go to speech, weekly!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy, Miamisburg

Keith, Michael and the entire staff at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy in Rhinebeck are very professional and helpful in every way. They pay close attention to each patients needs. During rehab sessions they explain clearly how progress is being made toward recovery from my injury. I highly recommend the team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy.

Incredible experience. When I first started physical therapy I did not have any strength or flexibility in my knee after multiple surgeries including ACL. Chris and team provided excellent care and rehab to help me get back to my old level of activity. I couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you!

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

The Montgomeryville Ivy Rehab is easily located near Costco. They demonstrated professional skills. Alex understands her patients with TMJ and neck issues very well and provides the best advice and treatment options.

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 Wales – Montgomeryville

Had my son’s evaluation done here and we both approve! Gabby was very kind and gentle with him during the process. We’re looking forward to starting Speech Therapy next week.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic rating, we're so grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids – Owosso

David helped me through frozen shoulder and planters fascitis and now knee pain. He is great. Makes me work hard, yet gentle, funny and effective. I am torn as to letting others know since this might make him less available for my appointments! The results are always great! AND Julie the receptionist + is very good!

Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at Back in Action Physical Therapy – Apex

Absolutely great place for PT ! Everyone is so nice , very helpful and after 3 weeks I felt so much better . Facilities are also spotlessly clean and I would definitely recommend Ivy Rehab. Therapists Rachel and Chris were both excellent

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

I enjoy going to rehab the people there are very kind and considerate. They are concerned about me and my condition. They work with you and do all they can to get you back to good health. I live going.

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, Bala Cynwyd – North

ABC Pediatrics has been so wonderful. My son loves going to ‘play’. He has no idea he is working on important skills. Ashley does a wonderful job with him. He feels right at home. The ladies at the front desk have been so helpful finding alternative funding as well. I would highly recommend this facility.

Response from the owner:Thank you Christy for the review. Thank you for trusting us in the care of your child!

Wonderful speech therapy experience! Mr. Mike has helped our son so much. While we’re LOVING the actual speech component, the disconnect between front desk staff/billing/Ivy Rehab is fairly confusing and makes the billing component difficult. That being said, Nikki Huntsberger is a rockstar and really knows what she’s doing. Thankful for her assistance with the UHCCF grant & her willingness to explain billing when nobody else knows what’s going on 🙃 Overall a great experience and we’re so so thankful for the services we’re receiving!!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy, West Chester Township!