Aside from strengthening and stretching hand exercises, your physical therapist may also incorporate the following techniques: 

  • Modalities such as heat, paraffin, contrast baths, ultrasound, cold laser and iontophoresis, NMES/electric stimulation
  • Neuromuscular re-education, electrical stimulation, mirror therapy, sensory re-training and desensitization techniques
  • Manual therapy including soft tissue and joint mobilization, scar management and edema management
  • Post-surgical wound care and dressing changes
  • Custom splint fabrication of static, dynamic and static-progressive splints
  • Serial casting and CMMS (casting motion to mobilize stiffness)
  • Education in joint protection and activity modification, correction of joint imbalances, and prevention of joint deformities
  • Therapeutic exercises, upper body strengthening, re-balancing and conditioning exercises
  • Education in posture and ergonomics, recommendations for modifying the workstation and daily activities
  • Recommendations for assistive or adaptive devices