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What Happens at a Hand Therapy Session?


October 19th, 2024

Are you about to attend your first session with a hand therapist? In this blog, Back In Motion Health shares what to expect from your first hand therapy appointment. 

Who is Hand Therapy for?

Hand therapy is suitable for patients who suffer from the following:

  • Hand injuries
  • Chronic hand conditions
  • Hand surgery recovery
  • Neurological conditions affecting hand function 

What Should You Expect from Your First Hand Therapy Session?

Are you about to go for your very first hand therapy session? Here are a few things that you can expect from your appointment:

  • Paperwork – The first thing that you will be asked to do is fill out certain documents, including medical history and consent forms.

  • Initial assessment – During your first visit with your hand therapist, you will undergo a comprehensive examination to assess your condition and pinpoint the main goals of your treatment plan. During this assessment, you may be asked to talk about your medical history, including any previous injury that you may have suffered, as well as the medications that you are currently taking. Your hand therapist will also evaluate the strength, flexibility, and range of motion of your hand and check how your current injury or condition affects your daily life.

  • Patient education – Your hand therapist will teach you how to adapt your routine to your treatment plan. You will also be taught exercises and pain management techniques that you can do at home.

  • Putting together a personalized treatment plan – Based on your initial assessment, your hand therapist will create a treatment plan that will consist of the following:
  1. Targeted exercises to improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion
  2. Pain management therapies such as the use of heat, ice, or electrical stimulation
  3. Custom-made splints to support your hand during the healing process
  4. Practice of activities of daily living (ADLs)

Benefits of Hand Therapy

There are several benefits to undergoing hand therapy. Firstly, it is highly effective at alleviating pain and inflammation in your hand, thus reducing your discomfort and improving your quality of life. It also allows you to regain hand function by improving the strength, flexibility, and dexterity of your hand.

In addition, hand therapy can help speed up your recovery, especially after an injury or hand surgery. It also helps to pinpoint any underlying hand issues that you may have, which can prevent the occurrence of complications or further injuries in the future. By seeking the help of a hand therapist, you will therefore be able to perform your daily tasks free from pain and stiffness and thus regain your independence of movement following a hand injury.

Schedule an Appointment with a Hand Therapist Today

Are you looking for an experienced hand therapist for the treatment of a hand injury? With a wide range of  multidisciplinary services designed to treat a number of painful conditions, Back in Motion Health is here to help. Our hand therapists will work with you to help you achieve your goals effectively through personalized treatment plans, rehabilitation techniques, and preventive care strategies. We also cater to ICBC patients.

Book your appointment with us online today to get started on your healing journey at one of our clinics in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Richmond and Surrey-Newton.

Paramjot Dhillon | Hand Therapist


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!