Patients with different ailments and injuries can benefit from hand therapy. The rehabilitation process is effective for people who, for example, have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cerebral palsy, fractures, and a prior stroke. Hand therapists often work with a surgical team and help the patient regain physical functioning after surgery.
Hand Therapy for Arthritis
Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the joints. A person with these conditions feels pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, with the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis, but treatments can slow down the progression of the disease, relieve pain, and preserve mobility.
Hand therapy can improve the life quality of people who have the following problems:
Lacerations, amputations, or burns Tendonitis Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Fracture or surgery on the arm, shoulder, or hand Neurologic conditions, including stroke, that affect the use of the hand
Hand therapy plays a crucial role in this process. It is vital to exercise the joints daily. Participating in joint-friendly physical activity can improve arthritis pain, function, mood, and quality of life. A hand therapist will offer the patient a personalized strategy. They will assess the condition of your joints, muscle strength, balance, and endurance to help you put together an exercise program for coping with your arthritis.
Wrist Exercises
These exercises help to improve flexibility, and it is possible to do them at any time. You can also use light weights to gain strength, but always check with your hand therapist before trying it.
It is also important to highlight that the exercises listed below should not replace a consultation with a hand therapist, who will choose the activities carefully based on your overall health and physical condition.
Alphabet Writing
Hold the forearm with the opposite handStart writing the capital letters of the alphabet in the air with loose fingersWhen it becomes too easy, make the letters smaller and the movements more precisePeople who need extra support can rest their elbows on a table
Wrist Extension and Flexion
Put your wrist on a folded towel on a table and leave your hand handing on the edgeStart with your palm facing down and move your hand up and down at the wristRepeat it with the palm facing up
Wrist Ulnar/Radial Deviation
Support your forearm on a table on a rolled-up towel for padding on your knee, with your thumb facing upwardMove the wrist up and down through its full range of motion
Wrist Supination and Pronation
Stand or sit with your arm at your side and the elbow bent to 90 degrees, with palm facing downRotate your forearm so that your palm faces up and then down
Wrist Flexor Stretch
Hold the arm out and keep the palm of your hand facing downUsing the other hand, hold the fingers and stretch the wrist backward until a stretch is felt on the inside of the forearmRepeat the movements 10 times and repeat the exercise with the other arm
Grip Exercises
Some diseases, such as arthritis, can affect your grip strength. Simple daily exercises can help with movements and also re-establish the strength in your hands.
Grip Strengthening
Squeeze a grip-strengthening ball as tightly as you can for a few secondsRepeat the movements 10 times in each handYou can also use a tennis or stress ball
Pinch Grip
Hold a ball between your thumb and another fingerSqueeze it for five seconds Repeat the movement 10 times in each hand
Finger Exercises
Finger exercises are essential for improving strength and flexibility and relieving pain.
Hand/Finger Tendon Glide
Start with all your fingers straight and make a hook fistMake your hand straight again and make a full fistMake a straight fist; return to a straight handRepeat the movement 10 times in each hand
Make An O
Start with your hand straight and slightly bend your thumb toward the other fingersMove your index finger until it touches your thumb and makes and O shape Hold it for 30 secondsRepeat the movement with each finger 10 times in each hand
Claw Stretch
Hold the palm of your hand in your direction with the fingers straightBend the fingers towards the base of each finger until your hand resembles a clawKeep this position for 60 seconds and repeat four times in each hand
Thumb Flexion
Start with the thumb positioned outwardMove it across the palm and back to the starting position
A Word From Verywell
Arthritis can reduce the movement of your hand, arm, and shoulders. You can experience pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Hand therapy can be a part of your arthritis management plan besides medical therapy. Exercising your joints can potentially help reduce pain and preserve range of motion in your hand. It is essential to schedule an occupational or physical therapist to get a personalized exercise program. It’s important to perform these exercises within your limits and avoid straining the joints in your hands further through physical activity.
Harvard Health Publishing. Relief for hand arthritis.
Harvard Health Publish. 5 exercises to improve hand mobility.
Massachusetts General Hospital. Wrist and Elbow Strengthening and Stretching Exercises.
Harvard Health Education. Workout for aching hands.
American Occupational Therapy Association. The Unique Role of Occupational Therapy in Rehabilitation of the Hand.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Hand Therapist: What Is A CHT, OT Or PT?
