What is Hand Therapy?

Occupational Therapists (and some physiotherapists) can go on to train as hand therapists. This requires many years of post-graduate study of anatomy and physiology of the hand and arm, learning about conditions which affect the hand, wrist and arm and how to assess and treat them.

The three Miriam May Hand Therapists have many years of experience working in the fields of orthopaedics, plastic surgery, burns, rheumatology and trauma both in the NHS & in the private sector.

Hand therapists play a critical role in helping people of all ages overcome the effects of any injury, surgery or upper limb condition so that they can return to everyday tasks or occupations.

The Hand Therapist will assess the hand, wrist and forearm thoroughly including joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves in order to identify the underlying cause of your problem.

The Hand Therapist is familiar with all surgical procedures and will guide you through your rehabilitation, working closely with the surgeon.

Following assessment, the Hand Therapist will identify goals of treatment which often includes increasing range of movement, strength, dexterity and function while reducing pain and swelling

The Hand Therapist gives graded activities through a structured home programme plus practical solutions to empower people to return to their lives

Thermoplastic splinting

The hand therapist can custom-make thermoplastic splints, such as this one on the thumb, to support painful or unstable joints.

Following assessment, the therapist will discuss with you whether splinting is clinically recommended and then whether it is best to have an individually fabricated thermoplastic or neoprene one or whether you could order one off the shelf.