Everything you need to know.

Hand therapy is a specialist clinical field focused on the assessment and treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist and upper limb. Hand therapists are physiotherapists or occupational therapists who have undertaken advanced training in the anatomy, biomechanics and rehabilitation of the hand.

They treat everything from acute injuries and fractures to post-surgical recovery, chronic conditions and nerve injuries — with a depth of knowledge that goes far beyond what a general physiotherapist can offer for this region of the body.

Physiotherapy covers the whole body. Hand therapy is a sub-specialism within physiotherapy focused exclusively on the hand, wrist and upper limb. A specialist hand therapist has significantly more detailed knowledge of the anatomy, surgical procedures and rehabilitation protocols specific to this region.

If you have a hand or wrist condition, seeing a specialist hand therapist — rather than a general physiotherapist — is likely to result in a more accurate assessment and more targeted treatment.

Jen treats the full range of hand, wrist and upper limb conditions, including:

Post-operative recovery after hand or wrist surgery · carpal tunnel syndrome · trigger finger · Dupuytren's contracture · thumb arthritis (CMC joint) · fractures · tendon injuries · ligament injuries · nerve injuries · repetitive strain · musicians' hand injuries · and chronic pain affecting the hand and wrist.

See the full conditions list →

Hand therapy exercises are tailored to the specific structures involved in each patient's condition. They typically include range of motion exercises to restore joint movement, tendon gliding exercises to prevent adhesions, grip and pinch strengthening, nerve gliding exercises for nerve injuries, and functional exercises that replicate the movements needed in daily life, work or sport.

Exercises are progressed based on tissue healing and individual response — not on a fixed timeline. The home exercise component is integral to the programme, not optional.

Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to deliver gentle energy into soft tissues. In hand therapy, it may be used to help soften and improve the flexibility of scar tissue, reduce pain and stiffness, and improve movement following injury or surgery.

It is often combined with scar massage, stretching and exercise as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.

No. You can self-refer directly without a letter from your GP or surgeon. If you do have a referral letter, surgical discharge notes or imaging reports, please bring them to your first appointment as they are useful context.

If you are claiming through private health insurance, please check with your insurer that your policy covers hand therapy before booking.

Your first appointment lasts sixty minutes. It begins with a detailed conversation about your injury, symptoms and goals — not a checklist. Jen wants to understand what happened, how things have progressed, and what a good outcome looks like for you.

From there, she moves into a structured clinical evaluation: range of motion, grip and pinch strength, sensation and joint stability. Where you have had surgery or imaging, she will review any available notes and scan reports.

By the end of the appointment you will have a clear understanding of your condition and a personalised plan for what comes next.

This depends entirely on your condition, the complexity of your injury and how you respond to treatment. Some patients need only two or three appointments. Others with complex post-surgical cases or chronic conditions benefit from longer courses of treatment.

Jen will give you a realistic estimate at your first appointment and review it as your rehabilitation progresses.

Chelsea — Complete Physio, First Floor, 321 Fulham Road, London SW10 9QL. Near Chelsea & Westminster Hospital.

Canary Wharf — Kaizen Physio, Unit 7, YY Building, 30 South Colonnade, London E14 5HX. Within Until Canary Wharf.

Both locations are accessible by public transport. Book directly at either clinic →

Home visits may be available depending on location and clinical need. Please get in touch directly to discuss whether a home visit is appropriate for your situation.