What is the Difference Between a Hand Therapist and a Physiotherapist?

Are you looking for a hand therapist in BC? When it comes to the treatment of chronic pain and mobility issues, patients can choose from a wide range of health solutions. 

Two main avenues in particular may be relevant for patients suffering from certain upper limb conditions: physiotherapy and hand therapy. They are both routinely recommended to patients who are recovering from accidents and injuries or who have other health conditions. To understand which one would work best for you though, it is important to distinguish between them.

What is a Physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist helps patients suffering from painful conditions that affect various parts of the body, including the bones, the muscles, the cardiovascular system, and the nervous system. A physiotherapist can not only diagnose those conditions, but they can also recommend exercises and lifestyle changes that patients can incorporate into their daily routine and treatment plan. 

What is a Hand Therapist?

Hand therapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Hand therapists therefore possess additional training and qualifications that allow them to diagnose and treat injuries and painful conditions that affect mobility in the upper limbs. Hand therapists can thus help patients suffering from conditions that affect the hands, the wrists, the forearms, the elbows, and the shoulders.

Differences Between a Physiotherapist and a Hand Therapist

Both physiotherapists and hand therapists must undergo rigorous training and education programs to earn their licenses. To become a licensed physiotherapist, practitioners must earn a degree in physical therapy. Hand therapists on the other hand must first train as a physiotherapist or occupational therapists, before specializing in hand therapy.

Both physiotherapists and hand therapists seek to provide pain relief to patients. However, while physiotherapy focuses on mobility and educating patients on how to actively participate in day-to-day activities again, hand therapy focuses more on restoring body functions that patients are struggling with due to their injuries or conditions. Patients will sometimes begin their treatment with a physiotherapist and later be referred to a hand specialist for specialized treatment. 

While both hand therapists and physiotherapists will prepare treatment plans and recommend exercises and lifestyle changes that patients can put into practice at home, the activities prescribed by a hand therapist will be more specialized and tailored for hand conditions and injuries.

When Should You Seek Treatment from a Hand Therapist?

If you have sustained an upper limb injury or you are experiencing pain in your hands or other areas of your upper limbs, your current healthcare provider will usually suggest seeing a hand therapist. If you have been seeing an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist or have been undergoing treatment with a physician or a surgeon, your hand therapist will not only handle your treatment plan, but will also work closely with the rest of your medical team. 

Hand Therapy in the Lower Mainland

Are you looking for effective hand therapy in in the Lower Mainland? Back in Motion Health provides several services for patients suffering from painful upper limb conditions. Contact us today to book a consultation with us for hand therapy in Coquitlam, or physiotherapy in Vancouver, Richmond, Abbotsford, Surrey or Coquitlam.

Paramjot Dhillon earned her Master’s in Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal) from Punjabi University, India, in 2009 and has over 11 years of experience in clinical practice and teaching. She was an Associate Professor at Christian Medical College and Hospital, India, and has published nine research articles in reputable journals.

Paramjot is certified in Functional Dry Needling Level 1 and Pelvic Health Level 1. She has also completed advanced courses in Mulligan Manual Therapy, sports-related concussion management, vestibular rehabilitation, and the evaluation and treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain.

Book online with Paramjot Dhillon in Coquitlam!