Hand Therapy Specialist

Maryland Orthopedic Specialists

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Bethesda, MD, Rockville, MD, & Germantown, MD

Whether you have an acute injury or have had extensive chronic hand pain, you can find relief at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained hand surgeon, Peter G. Fitzgibbons, MD can diagnose and treat your condition. Dr. Fitzgibbons works closely with leading occupational therapist Steph Clement, OT, in the Bethesda, Rockville, and Germantown, Maryland offices to provide therapeutic hand treatment. Call either office to schedule an appointment or book online.

Hand Therapy Q & A

Why do I need hand therapy?

Hand therapy is essential for healing soft tissues and bones after an accident or trauma. Your doctor may suggest a custom hand therapy program if you have:

Bone fractures
Strains or sprains
Nerve damage
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sports injuries

Hand therapy isn’t just for injuries. You can benefit from hand therapy if you have pain and inflammation due to arthritis or another chronic pain-causing condition in your hands, wrists, or elbows.

What should I expect from hand therapy?

Your hand therapy treatments are tailored to your specific needs. If you’re recovering from major trauma or surgery, your therapy sessions might initially involve passive exercises where your therapist gently stretches your fingers and wrist for you. Sessions may also include localized cold laser therapy or massage.

As you get stronger, Dr. Fitzgibbons and Steph get you started on exercises designed to strengthen your hand and improve flexibility. You spend some time learning specialized exercises and techniques during your sessions, although you need to continue your exercise regimen throughout the day at home, as recommended.

During the first few weeks, you might have hand therapy sessions 2-3 times per week. As you continue to improve, this gradually tapers down to 1-2 weekly visits for several months, or until you’re fully recovered.

When can I play sports after a hand injury?

Dr. Fitzgibbons and Steph work with athletes and exercise enthusiasts on a regular basis. They understand how important it is to continue your training or get back to work if you work in a hands-on field. When you can start participating again depends on your specific condition.

With mild soft tissue injuries, you might benefit from kinesiology taping or bracing, which could allow you to start playing again sooner. If you have a fracture or are recovering from hand surgery, Dr. Fitzgibbons and Steph might recommend that you wait until you’ve been through several hand therapy sessions. This could take a month or more.

If you have a hand injury or chronic pain issue, schedule an evaluation at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division. You can call or book your appointment online.

What we offer