Hand Therapy

Central Indiana’s Premier Hand Therapy Experts

Strong, healthy hands are essential for everything from simple daily tasks to peak athletic performance. At Forté Sports Medicine, our expert hand therapy team provides personalized care to help patients in Carmel, Greenwood and Noblesville to regain strength, mobility and function.

With specialized techniques and a commitment to excellence, we address various conditions to support your recovery. Whether healing from an injury or managing a chronic condition, our team is dedicated to delivering results-driven care tailored to your unique needs.

What Is Hand Therapy?

Hand therapy focuses on treating conditions affecting the upper extremities, from the shoulder to the hand. It involves techniques and tools like custom orthotics, range-of-motion exercises, tissue treatments, interventional pain management and strength training. Occupational Therapists may also use taping and dexterity exercises to restore function and alleviate discomfort.

Hand rehabilitation therapy often works in tandem with physical or occupational therapy to create a comprehensive treatment plan and is essential for individuals managing pain or recovering from injuries. Below is a list of several issues that hand physical therapy can treat:

• Arthritis
• Orthopedic Conditions
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tennis Elbow
• Trigger Finger

The Benefits of Hand Physical Therapy

Recovering strength, flexibility and function in your hands plays a vital role in performing everyday tasks. Hand physical therapy helps individuals improve their quality of life by addressing pain, stiffness and injuries. It can support recovery from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or fractures. The results of therapy often empower people to regain their independence and participate in the activities they enjoy most. Here are some key benefits of hand therapy:

• Improved Range of Motion—Therapy focuses on exercises and techniques that gently stretch and strengthen muscles, tendons and joints. This increases flexibility and reduces stiffness, allowing you to perform various movements more easily.
• Pain Relief—Targeted therapies reduce inflammation and alleviate pain caused by injuries or various conditions. This enhances overall comfort while supporting the healing process.
• Strength Restoration—Exercises tailored to your condition build hand, wrist and elbow strength over time. Improved strength helps with lifting, gripping and other essential daily activities.
• Enhanced Functionality—Therapy addresses specific motor skills, improving the ability to perform precise and coordinated movements. This makes tasks like typing, writing or cooking more manageable.
• Faster Recovery—Therapy speeds up the process by promoting proper healing for those recovering from surgery or injury. It helps prevent long-term complications and helps patientsregain normal function quicker.

What to Expect from Hand Therapy

Your hand therapy sessions focus on helping you regain strength, flexibility and functionality in your hand and wrist. A trained therapist will guide you through personalized exercises targeting your needs. These exercises aim to improve mobility, reduce pain and support recovery. Expect a collaborative process, where your occupational therapist works closely with you to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed. Below, you’ll find examples of common hand therapy exercises and how they aid in recovery:

• Finger Lifts – Place your hand flat on a table, then lift each finger one at a time. This exercise strengthens individual fingers and improves coordination. Isolating each finger helps increase flexibility and dexterity.
• Wrist Stretching – Extend your arm with the palm facing down, then gently pull your fingers back toward you. This stretch reduces stiffness and improves wrist flexibility. It can also relieve tension after prolonged hand use.
• Grip Strengthening – Squeeze a stress ball or similar object with controlled pressure. This movement builds overall hand strength and supports everyday activities like opening jars or gripping utensils.
• Thumb Flexion—Touch your thumb to the base of your pinky finger, then return to the starting position. Repeating this motion improves thumb flexibility and range of motion. It also enhances your ability to grasp small objects.
• Tendon Glides—Make a fist, then straighten your fingers fully, repeating the motion several times. This exercise helps reduce stiffness and increases the mobility of the tendons in your fingers, aiding in smoother hand movements over time.

Schedule Your Hand Rehabilitation Today

Take control of your recovery and regain confidence in your hands’ abilities. At Forté Sports Medicine, we provide personalized care tailored to your specific challenges and goals. With our skilled therapists and proven techniques, you can achieve the improvements you’re striving for. Don’t wait to enhance your quality of life. Reach out to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations in Carmel, Greenwood or Noblesville, IN. Reach out now to start your healing journey and experience the difference specialized care can make.