Hand Therapist vs. Physiotherapist: What’s the Difference?

freyaparker

posted on 2 weeks ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Understand the difference between a hand therapist and physiotherapist, and when to visit a hand therapy clinic for focused care.

If you’ve injured your hand or wrist, you may be unsure whether to see a hand therapist or a general physiotherapist. While they may seem similar, there are key differences in their expertise and approach.

What Is a Hand Therapist?

A hand therapist is a practitioner with advanced training in upper limb rehabilitation. They often come from occupational therapy or physiotherapy backgrounds and specialise in treating:

Wrist fractures

Tendon and nerve injuries

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Post-operative hand recovery

Chronic hand pain or arthritis

They use splints, exercises, and manual therapy to restore movement and strength.

How Is a Hand Physiotherapist Different?

A general physiotherapist treats a wide range of conditions affecting muscles, bones, and joints across the body. While they can assist with basic hand issues, they don’t typically have the advanced skills required for complex hand injuries.

Choosing Between a Hand Therapist and a Physiotherapist Near You

When looking for a hand physiotherapist near me, it’s important to check if they have hand therapy qualifications or experience. Not all physiotherapists offer upper limb-specific care.

When Should You Visit a Hand Therapy Clinic?

A hand therapy clinic is your best option if:

You’ve had hand surgery

You’re recovering from a broken wrist or finger

You need a custom splint

Everyday tasks like writing or gripping are painful

You’ve been referred by a surgeon or GP

These clinics provide equipment and assessments tailored to hands and wrists.

Ending Thoughts

A hand therapist focuses on upper limb recovery, while a general physiotherapist offers broader treatment. For detailed and effective hand rehabilitation, specialist care is often more beneficial.

FAQs

1. Can a physiotherapist treat hand injuries?
Yes, but complex or post-surgical hand cases are better handled by a hand therapist.

2. Do I need a referral to see a hand therapist?
It depends on the clinic. Some require referrals, while others accept direct bookings.

3. Is splinting part of hand therapy?
Yes. Custom thermoplastic splints are often used to support healing and reduce strain.

freyaparker

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