Do Physical Therapists Treat Hand Conditions?

By: Dr. Alexander Pisanello, PT, DPT

I have heard from many patients recently that ONLY occupational therapists rehabilitate hand conditions. I want to be absolutely clear that this statement is completely and utterly false.  Physical therapists routinely examine, evaluate, and treat hand conditions nationwide. The physiology of the hand is exquisite and complex. The motor and sensory regions of the human brain dedicate a disproportionately large cortical representation to the hand. Hands have the ability to execute motor functions with extreme accuracy making them useful for a variety of different functions like getting dressed, eating, communicating, writing, gesture, art, music, touch and operating equipment.  They are also utilized when performing various sports, recreational activities, and occupational tasks. The hand can be used in a primitive manner or more commonly as a highly specialized structure performing complex manipulations that require multiple levels of precision and force. 

Bishop’s hand due to ulnar nerve damage- image courtesy of Dr. Alex patient

When treating a hand condition, I use an approach to client care considering high quality and objective information to make clinical decisions. I integrate the best evidence from research, clinical expertise, and each individual patient's circumstances. Hand conditions I have experience working with include but are not limited to: hand fractures, hand tendinopathies, finger sprains and deformities, extensor tendon injuries, flexor tendon injuries, tendon and nerve transfers, arthritis, Dupuytren contracture, traumatic hand injury involving multiple structures, the stiff hand, the neurological hand, and complex regional pain syndrome.

Physical Therapists are licensed professionals with extensive education and training enabling them to provide a comprehensive individualized treatment plan to patients with a variety of hand conditions. I have evaluated and treated the hand for over 5 years. I also have 5 years of experience as a university instructor and tutor which includes teaching physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and occupational therapists’ examination, evaluation, and intervention of hand conditions.  

To be competent in hand therapy the physical therapist must be able to identify what structures are impaired and how these impairments affect function.  The physical therapist evaluates and integrates data obtained from the patient considering multiple factors when determining an individualized plan of care for a specific hand condition. Respecting patient values and incorporating patient preferences into the plan of care are important elements to achieving successful outcomes with hand conditions. Physical therapy treatment of hand conditions includes a wide variety of restorative interventions geared towards optimizing the patient’s functional status to improve quality of life. If you are considering evaluation and treatment for a hand condition, contact the Green Room to get one-on-one support from me. I can help you!

 Dr. Alex can be found at our Shaker Pointe location, located on the border of Watervliet and Latham, NY