Hand Therapy Services

What is Hand Therapy?

It’s More Than Just the Hand

Hand therapy isn't always just about the hand! Your hand, arm, shoulder, neck, and upper back all work together, so sometimes we need to look beyond the spot that hurts.

At Pathways, our focus is the hand and arm, from the elbow to the fingertips, with the shoulder, neck, and upper back included as needed.

Who Provides Hand Therapy?

Hand therapy can be provided by occupational therapists and physical therapists with training and experience in treating the hand and arm.

Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) have gone a step further, meeting specific requirements for advanced clinical experience and certification in hand therapy.

What Does Occupational Therapy Have to Do With Hand Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on the things that give meaning and purpose to your daily life — the tasks you need to do to get through your day, and the activities you want to do to enjoy your day.

And we use our hands for so much of that! From getting dressed and preparing a meal, to working, gardening, crafting, playing an instrument, or spending time with family and friends, our hands help us do the things that matter to us.

In OT, we work with you to address injury, weakness, pain, surgery, illness, and other symptoms or factors that may be getting in the way of the things you need and want to do each day.

What Can Hand Therapy Do for Me?

When Hand or Arm Problems Get in the Way

If you are affected by an injury, illness, surgery, or the progression of a chronic or autoimmune condition, you may experience a decline in function along with symptoms that can be frustrating, fatiguing, painful, and downright inconvenient!

Your Path Back to What Matters

Our goal is to help you decrease your symptoms, increase your movement and strength, and improve your function.

Together, we'll set goals to help you regain your ability to participate in the things you need and want to do.

Common Problems We Help With:

Arthritis
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis — what's the difference?

Carpal Tunnel
Pain, tingling, or numbness in the thumb and fingers? Does it feel like you need to shake your hand out?

Cubital Tunnel
“I hit my funny bone and it won't stop!” — especially when that feeling travels down into your pinky finger.

Tennis or Golfer's Elbow
Also called lateral or medial epicondylitis — and you don't even have to play tennis or golf?!

Wrist or Hand Fractures
From a fall or stumble — oops, ouch!

Joint Pain & Arthritis After Surgery
You had the joint fixed... now what?

Trigger Finger
It may be painful or swollen, or your finger may just get stuck in a bent position.

How We Approach Your Care

Treatment is tailored to you and may include hands-on techniques, dry needling, therapeutic activity and exercise, splinting, education, and other approaches depending on your needs and goals.