Scroll to find out about common conditions treated by Hand Therapists
Common Conditions Treated
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Finger, Hand and Wrist Pain
We assess and treat all types of finger, hand and wrist pain, helping identify the underlying cause and providing targeted therapy to reduce discomfort, restore movement, and improve daily function.
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Finger/Hand Fractures and Sporting Injuries
Fractures and sporting injuries often occur from falls, direct impact, or ball‑handling sports. Hand therapy supports healing with custom splints, swelling management, and guided rehabilitation to reduce stiffness, rebuild strength and help you return to sport or daily activities safely.
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Finger Dislocations
Finger dislocations commonly happen during ball sports, falls or sudden force to the finger. Hand therapy helps to stabilise the joint, protect healing tissues, and restore normal movement through splinting, exercises and gradual strengthening.
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Mallet Finger
Mallet finger usually occurs when the fingertip is forced into the bent position often during ball sports causing an inability to straighten the fingertip. Hand therapy provides custom splinting and a structured rehabilitation plan to ensure proper tendon or bone healing and regain fingertip straightening.
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Trigger Finger/Thumb
Trigger finger or thumb is often caused by inflammation in the lining of the tendon from repetitive gripping, forceful hand use or an underlying pathology. Hand therapy reduces pain and triggering through splinting, tendon‑gliding exercises, soft‑tissue treatment and activity modification.
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Hand and Thumb Arthritis
Arthritis in the hand or thumb commonly develops from wear‑and‑tear, previous injury or joint degeneration. Hand therapy helps manage pain, improve mobility and protect joints with tailored exercises, splinting, heat therapy and practical joint‑protection strategies.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve, often linked to repetitive hand use, pregnancy, swelling or prolonged wrist bending. Hand therapy can relieve symptoms with splinting, tendon and nerve‑gliding exercises and ergonomic advice.
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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes irritated at the elbow, often from prolonged bending, pressure or repetitive strain. Hand therapy helps by improving elbow positioning, reducing nerve irritation and restoring strength and sensation through bracing, targeted exercises and ergonomic adjustments.
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TFCC Injuries
TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) injuries often result from falls, forceful twisting the wrist, or heavy lifting. Hand therapy supports recovery with splinting/bracing, swelling management and progressive strengthening to restore stability and reduce pain.
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ECU Tenosynovitis
ECU tenosynovitis is caused by irritation of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon, commonly seen in racquet sports, gym training or due to repetitive wrist movements. Hand therapy aims to reduce tendon inflammation, improves wrist control and restores pain‑free movement through splinting, exercises and manual therapy.
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De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is often caused by repetitive lifting, gripping or new‑parent activities that strain the thumb tendons. Hand therapy helps relieve pain with custom splinting, soft‑tissue treatment, activity modification and exercises to restore smooth, comfortable thumb movement.
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Post operative hand therapy
Many of the above conditions as well other soft-tissue conditions (like Dupuytren’s disease and ganglion cysts) may require surgery. Post-operative hand therapy aims to support optimal positioning with splinting alongside managing scarring, restoring movement and regaining strength with exercise.