Hand Therapy

Houston Methodist offers occupational therapy for hand, wrist and elbow injuries and conditions. In many cases, these injuries happen unexpectedly and can occur in a variety of settings, including during daily activities, while playing sports, at work and more.

Our hand therapy team is committed to providing our patients with the most up-to-date evidence-based treatment techniques, along with advanced equipment for an accelerated recovery. Hand therapy can help restore function by relieving pain, preventing additional injuries and increasing strength, flexibility and mobility to improve your overall quality of life.

Our licensed occupational therapists, many of whom are certified hand therapists (CHT) world-class orthopedics and sports medicine physicians, physical therapy assistants and highly skilled technicians work together to develop and implement the best rehabilitation plan for your specific needs. 

Conditions We Treat With Hand Therapy

In terms of your upper extremities, your hands, wrists and elbows are incredibly important components. At the same time, they are also highly susceptible to many injuries and conditions that could severely limit your ability to perform typical physical activities. From chronic joint pain and dislocations to something more serious like fractures and amputations, the following hand, wrist and elbow conditions usually call for highly specialized care: 

Arthritis

Common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which can lead to pain and dysfunction of the upper extremity over time. Our hand therapists can help reduce or alleviate your pain via splinting, modalities and therapeutic exercise to restore functionality to inflamed joints. Patient education regarding joint protection and activity modification is a key component in treating arthritic conditions. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Usually caused by repetitive movements (i.e., typing, texting, knitting, etc.), our therapists employ specific exercises and manual techniques that can provide pain relief for those with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Crushed Fingers, Amputations & Lacerations With Nerve Damage

These kinds of injuries are serious, and in many cases require a customized treatment plan that focuses on the best results for your specific condition. 

Fractures & Sprains

Broken hands, wrists and elbows require targeted therapy to facilitate a full recovery post-healing. Your plan will focus on regaining strength and full range of motion. 

Tendonitis & Tennis Elbow

In many cases, these kinds of conditions can be treated via targeted exercises. The goal is to strengthen the muscles related to the affected tendons and to manage pain. 

Trigger Finger

If the tendons that flex your fingers or thumbs are locking, they may benefit from stretching exercises, splinting, manual therapy and other therapies. 

Our Hand Therapy Services

The occupational therapists and certified hand therapists at Houston Methodist are here to provide comprehensive therapy services customized to treat a range of hand, wrist and elbow conditions. These therapies include: 

• Fluidotherapy: This modality is a dry heat therapy which uses heated air and small particles to transfer heat to and desensitize soft tissue, thereby promoting healing and reducing pain and stiffness.
• Functional capacity evaluation (offered at select locations): An assessment of your ability to perform everyday tasks, which can help your therapist develop an effective treatment plan. 
• Graston technique: This technique breaks down scar tissue using specialized instruments and can help improve the soft tissue mobility in your hands, wrists or elbows. 
• Manual therapy: A hands-on technique that can assist in improving joint mobility, pain reduction and the restoration of full functionality.  
• Splint fabrication: When indicated, our hand therapists fabricate custom made splints using thermoplastic materials to address various joint disorders, injuries and functional limitations, promoting healing, stability and improved function.  
• Ultrasound therapy: This therapy reduces pain and inflammation while promoting health in injured hands and wrists. 
• Youth physical therapy: Our youth physical therapists understand the unique needs of children and are dedicated to providing the best youth care. Available at our Clear Lake location.

Our occupational therapy team will implement a discharge plan that uses a patient-specific combination of home exercise programs and innovative therapies to help you restore functionality and reduce pain.

Signs You Need Hand Therapy

Unsure if you need occupational therapy? If you’ve experienced any of the following in your hands, wrists or elbows, it may be time to consult an upper extremity expert at Houston Methodist:

• Immobility
• Pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Severe swelling
• Stiffness

Our occupational therapists are here to evaluate and determine the best treatment plan for any issues involving your hands, wrists or elbows.  

Meet Houston’s Best Occupational Therapists for Hands & Wrists

Chronic conditions and sudden injuries that affect your wrists, hands or fingers can wreak havoc on your ability to live a normal life. Contact us today at 713.790.3333 to schedule a consultation with our team of certified hand therapists. Our treatment plans are specific to your needs and designed to help you reach the maximum level of improvement.

Learn more about our physical & occupational therapy services >