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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Excel Physical Therapy4.9

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Olivia and Dave made dealing with my back pain a pleasure. The entire staff at all care is super friendly, provide a welcoming, and positive atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your review. We hope your back is feeling good!

I highly recommend Maximum Performance Physical Therapy. I was so impressed with the care that I received from the minute I walked in the door. From the office to the physical therapy, everyone I encountered was knowledgeable, professional and, most importantly, a pleasure to deal with. If you are in need of a physical therapist, this is the place to go without a doubt.

Response from the owner:Mari- THank you for the very nice review!! We are happy that you had such a good experience here and we appreciate your recommendation. If you need anything in the future, please let us know!

After breaking my wrist last July, Ive had the most wonderful experience in my healing process at the Ivy Rehab in Princeton NJ working with Physical Therapist Connie D. She has been working with me twice weekly. Connie is friendly, knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and seeks effective ways to gradually facilitate my healing and above all strengthen my wrist and deal with carpal tunnel and nerve issues caused by the fall. You might say, well this is what she's supposed to do as a therapist, but you should understand that losing mobility and strength is very difficult emotionally and psychologically for me since I work full time and am a caretaker for my husband. I tend to lose patience with the slow healing that nature dictates at my age, and lose confidence that the situation will ever improve. But Connie's special talent is that she is a positive encouraging force in my life right now and she explains why it takes so long and proves through changing my exercises to target my goals and monthly testing that I am indeed improving. I have also worked with Bob at the Princeton office, and he too is knowledgeable, friendly and patient. In fact the whole office from reception through to every aid have been pleasant, upbeat and extremely heloful and welcoming. But Connie is a very special person, she cares very much about all those she works with and she has a delightful sense of humor, a very important and appreciated quality for me and others working through issues more serious than mine. She truly lights up the place.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-stars! It means so much. – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Princeton

Can't say enough about the staff and care I've been getting at Ivy Rehab. Truly revolutionary approach to PT and a staff that makes the experience fun along with getting results.

My 10 year old son had the best learning experience here. He enjoyed the atmosphere and the interaction with staff. A truly caring, understanding place to help your child. Very thankful

Response from the owner:We're so thankful for your kind words and positive review! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – Cincinnati – Western Hills

So I came across this place and I am so glad I did. A few years back I was struggling with a shoulder injury and after trying many methods of recovery and failing I figured I would give this place a shot. I met Paige and we went over my injury and with a few sessions of cupping/scraping tissue work, etc. My shoulder felt great and I was so relieved. Fast forward a few years and unfortunately I come across another injury and was prescribed PT by my Orthopedic Dr. I quickly recalled Paige and Maximum Performance and I was sure if I was going to see anyone for an injury it would be them! The place is awesome, the staff is top notch and the service is beyond exceptional. This team is passionate and it shows. Looking for a PT then look no further.

Response from the owner:Edson- Thank you so much for your kind words about our practice. We are happy to hear that you have had such a good experience at Maximum Performance and particularly with your physical therapist, Paige. Thank you for choosing us again!

Cori and the staff are so friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Very warm environment and the high level of care truly shines through each person from the moment you walk in. I would recommend this location to everyone I know.

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

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

I've been procrastinating giving this review, not because I was unhappy about anything but because it's one of my many character flaws. Actually it was a great experience working with Dylan and his staff! It was life-changing! I was hospitalized for over a week earlier in 2025, and was signed up for physical therapy to regain my strength and balance. With Dylan's help and encouragement, I've totally changed for the better. In fact, I'm in the best shape now than I've been in for the last 10 years. I stayed with Dylan as long as I could, and re-signed up as many times as Medicare would allow. Anyway, I very much recommend anyone to do their physical therapy at the IvyRehab in Farmville. You won't be sorry!

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Farmville

Ivy Rehab Moorestown helped me so much! Brant and his team are so welcoming and friendly, and always professional. I've never had a PT experience where not only were the exercises explained well, but the physiology, too–in simple terms. They instilled confidence as I grew stronger and more aware of how to support my (minor but nagging) problem areas. Thank you, thank you, Brant and team!

Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Moorestown

The therapists and staff are all very kind, helpful, knowledgeable and positive! It is a wonderful place to go for therapy and to begin to feel so much better and stronger!!!

Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – New Hyde Park

Great experience with Back in Action, Chris is an excellent therapist. You get one on one attention here which is very helpful to the healing process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Back in Action Physical Therapy, Apex

Megan has been great with my son and is helping him so much! The whole staff at the Canton location have all been great and very understanding if we needed a change.

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

Have not had positive experiences with PTs… …,so when I developed a serious case of tennis elbow I was reluctant to try it again. Because of proximity I chose Ivyrehab…Since I am a daily tennis player I was initially concerned that I would have to postpone my play for an extended period of time… Apon meeting Chris Thomas I was assured that was not necessarily so… He developed a plan that specifically addressed the areas that were impacting my play…almost all exercises were designed to be replicated at home … the results were quick and allowed me to be back on the court within a two week period… I am now pain free and back playing daily… all thanks to Chris and the Ivy staff… I am delighted and highly recommend this professional affable group individuals Russ Riggio

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, New Hyde Park

Chris, the physical therapist and director, is impressively knowledgeable and offers a hands-on approach to the injury he is working on. He employs intelligent manual exercises and is an attentive listener who genuinely cares about your safe and robust recovery. Chris's personalized program helped me regain my strength and vitality, making him a fantastic therapist. I wholeheartedly endorse Chris to anyone seeking physical therapy; his expertise and dedication instill confidence in his patients. I look forward to entrusting my future recovery to Chris once again. Thank you, Chris, for your exceptional care!

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

Look no further, IvyRehab will get you back feeling good in no time. I worked with Terry for a torn labrum in my shoulder and a torn ACL, and I can’t recommend him enough. He was incredible, very attentive, super knowledgeable, and really personable. More than anything he got me back feeling healthy and playing sports in no time! The whole office has an amazing vibe. All the therapists and front desk staff really operate as a team and feel like a family. It’s a fun environment where you can tell they truly care about helping you get better and about you as a person. 10/10 would recommend this place to anyone in the area🙌🏽

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 – Philadelphia – Center City

I’ve been to IV of a couple of times they have long-standing employees with great values, care as well as they educate you as to have your healing overall, a great experience. I have six weeks to go and I feel better already.

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, Rhinebeck

Ivy rehab Swift Creek is the absolute best. From the time you walk in you are greeted with smiles from everyone . Great staff that cares and makes you want to come back and that says a lot …..

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, Midlothian – Swift Creek

Chris P. was wonderful. He made sure you were comfortable yet made sure you were doing your exercises correctly. Professional and caring at the same time. Would highly recommend him as well as everyone at the Caledonia office.

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, Caledonia

Jalina is the best PT we have come across in our 5.5 years of physical therapy for our daughter. She thinks outside of the “textbook” and sees my daughter for who she is and what she needs verses our past PTs who insist upon “what has always worked.” We are so grateful for finding her!

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 for Kids, Virginia Beach – Princess Anne

my physical therapist Karen Hogan-Curran at ivy Rehab in New Hyde Park was extremely professional and patient as well as very understanding during our treatment sessions..i recommend her very highly.

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