Hand Therapy Services

What Is Hand Therapy?

Conditions or injuries related to your upper extremities often require specialized treatment beyond traditional occupational therapy.

Hand therapy focuses on the treatment of the upper part of your body such as your elbow, wrist, and hand. Due to the complex anatomy of your upper limbs, evaluation and proper treatment are managed by certified hand therapists. Our hand therapists provide patients with expert care focused on preventative measures and restoration for a wide range of upper-limb conditions.

Hand Therapy Services

Receiving hand therapy provides many benefits in addition to an increase in functional ability, such as improved mental health. Patients of hand therapy are able to begin a return to daily functional activities soon after the start of treatment. Strength, flexibility, coordination, movement, and other functions of the upper limbs are reclaimed due to the specialized treatment you receive from hand therapy.

Hand therapy services at UPMC include the evaluation and treatment of various injuries and conditions, including but not limited to:

Conditions Treated by Hand Therapy

• Arthritis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Tennis elbow

Injuries Treated by Hand Therapy

• Injuries and pain related to the elbow, forearm, wrist, finger
• Fractures (including sprains and dislocations)
• Lacerations (wounds)
• Amputation
• Burns
• Post-surgery recovery

Treatment Plans for Hand Therapy

Individualized treatment plans at our hand therapy services pay special attention to your limitations, personal needs, and goals throughout the entire therapy process.

Your first hand therapy session may include:

• Initial measurements of your hand or other limb
• Evaluation of current strength and movement
• Examination for swelling and other abnormalities

Post-initial appointment your therapist will direct you through various exercises and may require you to wear a splint on a regular basis. Other forms of hand therapy treatment include the application of ice or heat as well as the use of modified equipment to increase personal freedom.

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