We rely on our hands more than we realise. That means pain, stiffness, swelling, or even a bit of weakness can make simple tasks feel awkward or impossible. Buttoning a shirt. Holding a pen. Lifting a cup of tea. It’s the small things that start to add up.
That’s why we’re excited to welcome a certified hand therapist to our Wairau Valley clinic. Specialising in the assessment and treatment of complex hand and wrist issues, she brings targeted expertise that goes beyond general physiotherapy.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with persistent pain, or just feeling like something’s not quite right, hand therapy could be the missing piece. Below, we explore who benefits most and why hand physio is often the smartest first step.
Why See a Hand Therapist for Hand Pain?
If you’ve ever had hand pain, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s serious enough to do something about. Maybe you’ve asked your GP. Maybe you’ve tried a brace. Maybe you’ve ignored it, hoping it would just pass.
But hand injuries and conditions aren’t always obvious. The anatomy is compact, layered, and incredibly active. A generalist might give you temporary advice, but if the pain keeps returning, it’s time for something more targeted.
That’s where a hand therapist comes in. They’re not just any physio; they’ve trained specifically in the mechanics and conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm. They understand how small issues in small joints can have a big impact.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- They assess subtle patterns and problems others might miss
- They know when to treat, when to protect, and when to push
- They can make and fit custom splints to protect or improve function
- They offer focused rehab plans that are based on your hand, not a generic protocol
If you’re searching for a proper solution, not just short-term relief, a hand therapist is where to start.
What Conditions Can Hand Therapy Help With?
Many of the most common hand problems develop slowly, as daily habits and repetitive movements start to place stress on the same tissues over and over. Typing, carrying children, using tools, gripping weights, scrolling your phone, it all adds up.
You might first notice a dull ache in the wrist, a finger that doesn’t move quite as smoothly, or tingling that wakes you at night. Sometimes it’s weakness, sometimes it’s swelling, sometimes it’s just a feeling that something isn’t quite right. These symptoms often creep in quietly, which makes them easy to ignore, until they start affecting your everyday life.
That’s where hand physio becomes essential. Addressing these issues early can stop them from progressing into something that requires more intensive treatment.
Here are some of the most common conditions our hand therapist treats:
- Repetitive strain injuries, often caused by prolonged typing, lifting, tool use or awkward hand positions
- Tendinopathies affecting the wrist or thumb, including De Quervain’s, which can make lifting or gripping painful
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, a nerve compression issue that leads to numbness, tingling, and reduced grip strength
- Trigger finger, where a tendon becomes inflamed and causes the finger to lock or catch during movement
- Joint conditions, such as early arthritis or hypermobility, which may cause stiffness, pain or reduced control
Surgical and Accidental Injuries: Why Hand Rehab Is Essential
Hand injuries don’t always come from overuse. Sometimes it’s a fall, a broken glass, a bike crash, a saw, or something going sideways in the kitchen. These injuries often land you in emergency care, and they’re more common than you might think. Globally, it’s estimated that up to 30% of all emergency department visits involve the hand or wrist.
Some of these injuries will need stitches. A few will require surgery. But the majority fall into a grey area where the visible damage heals, yet the hand doesn’t feel quite the same again. That’s because while the wound may close or the fracture may set, the recovery process doesn’t end there.
Without proper hand rehab, you’re more likely to end up with:
- Ongoing stiffness or loss of range
- Weakness in grip or dexterity
- Pain with movement or pressure
- Nerve sensitivity or scar tissue issues
- Poor coordination or delayed return to work or sport
A hand therapist doesn’t just help you recover, they help you rebuild. From regaining full motion after tendon surgery to managing sensitivity around a scar, rehab is what bridges the gap between “healing” and using your hand properly again.
What a Hand Therapy Session Looks Like
If you’ve never seen a hand therapist before, you might not know what to expect, and that’s completely normal. The good news is, sessions are designed to be thorough, practical, and tailored entirely to what you need.
At your first appointment, we’ll take time to understand the full picture. That includes your symptoms, history, lifestyle demands, and goals. We’ll assess how your hand moves, how it grips, where it hurts, and whether there are issues with sensation, strength, scar tissue or joint mobility.
From there, your treatment might include:
- Hands-on therapy to ease stiffness, release tension or improve circulation
- Targeted exercises to build strength, restore movement and support healing
- Splinting or bracing to protect joints, reduce strain, or support daily function
- Scar care and swelling management where needed
- Education around hand use, pacing, positioning, or returning to work or activity
Ready to Book?
Hand pain that lingers, limits your grip, or disrupts your routine shouldn’t be ignored. Whether it’s from overuse, injury, or surgery, the right treatment can help restore comfort and confidence in how your hand moves and feels.
If you’ve been trying to find a certified hand therapist, we’ve made it easy. Our new hand therapist in Auckland, based at our Wairau Valley clinic, offers specialised care backed by experience, insight, and a clear plan for recovery.
Book online today and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
