Key points

• Impaired hand function can make everyday tasks like dressing, eating, or grooming difficult.  

• Occupational therapists are specialists in upper limb function.

• Occupational therapy focuses on enabling meaningful functions for daily life. 

• Occupational therapy helps restore hand mobility, independence, and fine motor skills. 

• Common causes of hand issues include arthritis, neurological conditions, injuries, repetitive strain, and aging.  

• Occupational therapists use targeted functional tasks to improve grasp, coordination, manipulation, and strength.  

• Occupational therapists can assess for adaptive tools like reachers, specialised cutlery, utensils, computer mouses, and pens etc to support independence during recovery. 

• Active+ occupational therapists create personalised plans based on individual needs, goals, and daily routines. 

• Active+ offers expert support for those recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic hand conditions. 

Why hand function matters 

When hand function is impaired, even the simplest daily tasks like buttoning a shirt, brushing your hair, or holding a coffee cup can become difficult.  Fortunately, occupational therapy can play a helpful role in hand rehabilitation, helping you regain independence, dexterity, and confidence. 

At Active+, our occupational therapists provide tailored interventions designed to restore fine motor skills and improve quality of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with limited hand function, read on to learn how occupational therapy can support your recovery. 

What can impact healthy hand function? 

Hand function involves a complex range of precise, coordinated movements. While these movements are often taken for granted, a wide range of conditions can disrupt their performance. Occupational therapy for hand rehabilitation focuses on restoring these skills through guided interventions and therapeutic exercises. 

Common causes of impaired hand function include: 

• Arthritis: Joint pain and stiffness reduce range of motion and grip strength. 

• Neurological Disorders: Conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis can affect motor control and nerve signaling. 

• Injuries: Fractures, sprains, and tendon injuries can significantly impact hand mobility. 

• Repetitive Strain: Overuse injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome are common in those with repetitive hand use. 

• Aging: Natural wear and tear can reduce muscle strength and coordination over time. 

How occupational therapy helps hand function

Occupational therapy supports individuals of all ages in regaining their ability to perform everyday tasks. At Active+, our therapists complete an assessment and then create personalised treatment plans to address each patient’s goals and specific needs. Occupational therapists use functional tasks as a means to increase function. These plans often include functional tasks to improve: 

• Grasp Patterns: Tasks to securely hold and manipulate items of different sizes and weights. 

• Gross Grasp: Tasks that promote strengthening the whole hand to hold larger objects. 

• Pincer Grasp: Enhancing fine motor control to pick up small items with the thumb and forefinger. 

• Tripod Grasp: Developing a stable grip using the thumb, index, and middle fingers.  

• In-Hand Manipulation: Moving objects within the hand, such as shifting coins or adjusting a pencil. 

• Bilateral Hand Coordination: Using both hands together effectively, which is crucial for many daily tasks. 

• Wrist and Hand Strength: Improving endurance, grip strength, and joint stability.  

These techniques are essential for tasks like opening jars, tying shoelaces, or even using assistive devices safely. Occupational therapists also guide patients in using adaptive tools like  reachers and utensils to maintain independence while regaining function. 

What to expect with an Active+ occupational therapist

Every journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Our therapists assess your current hand function, understand your daily routines, and learn about your personal goals. Based on this assessment, we create a structured rehabilitation plan that aims to: 

• Enhance fine motor skills 

• Improve strength and coordination 

• Reduce pain and discomfort 

• Restore independence in everyday life 

Through targeted tasks, activity modifications, equipment prescription and pain management techniques, occupational therapy can significantly improve your ability to perform essential tasks and participate in meaningful activities. 

Getting started with hand therapy at Active+ 

Hand impairments can be frustrating, but with the right support, recovery is within reach. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or rebuilding strength after an injury, occupational therapy for hand rehabilitation can help you take control of your progress. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and start your journey toward stronger, more functional hands with the guidance of our expert occupational therapists.  Click here to find an Active+ occupational therapist near you.