Rehabilitation and Therapy for Hands, Wrists, Elbows, and Shoulders in the Greater Philadelphia Area
Living with pain, discomfort, or limited mobility in your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder can make even the simplest activities a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right physical and occupational therapy, you can regain control and return to living life the way you want.
At the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, our specialists provide personalized treatment and rehabilitation plans designed for exceptional results. In fact, our practice was the first in the country to integrate the specialty of hand surgery and hand/upper extremity therapy, creating a model for continuous patient care and injury management. Today, we’re still recognized for our dedication to collaboration, and you can trust that your therapist will work closely with your doctor or surgeon to ensure you progress at the right pace for your unique goals and lifestyle.
If you’re struggling with an upper extremity condition or recovering from an injury, now is the time to make an appointment with one of our expert therapists in Philadelphia, PA.
Our Orthopedic Therapy Services in Greater Philadelphia
- Activity Modification
- Assistive Technology
- Comprehensive Evaluation
- Custom Splint Fabrication
- Ergonomic/Work Site Assessment
- Functional Retraining
- Musician's Return to Play Program
- Physical/Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Prevention Programs
- Sports Conditioning
- Symptom Management
- Therapeutic Exercises
Traumatic Injury and Post-Operative Therapy
For post-surgical hand therapy and trauma care, we typically focus on the reduction of swelling, the promotion of wound healing, and the development of gentle and gradual movement. As therapy progresses, we may include exercises and techniques that allow you to return to the highest level of function possible in work, home, and leisure activities. If required, your therapist can evaluate your work site and make recommendations related to the equipment or work tasks involved. We can also provide a custom-fabricated orthosis (splint) that offers protection and support for the injured area.
Therapy for Chronic Ailments & Disease Management & Prevention
For chronic or acquired conditions in the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, therapy most commonly involves managing symptoms, improving function, preventing disease development, and modifying daily activities. Throughout the process, home exercises and treatment techniques are included so that eventually, you can follow the home therapy program with occasional visits to the therapist for monitoring and any adjustments. When the condition results in a limited use of the hand or arm, your orthopedic therapist can design equipment and orthoses (splints) to improve these limitations.
Hand Therapy in the Greater Philadelphia Area
When injury, arthritis, or surgery causes pain or stiffness in your fingers or wrist, your independence may feel out of reach. Thankfully, our certified hand therapists in Philadelphia provide comprehensive rehabilitation designed to restore dexterity, improve grip strength, and reduce discomfort. Treatment may include:
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Customized splints or supports
- Scar management after surgery
- Techniques to restore fine motor skills
With consistent therapy, many patients regain the ability to perform detailed tasks without pain or strain. Whether you’re recovering from carpal tunnel surgery, a fracture, or ongoing joint stiffness, our hand care specialists will tailor a plan that supports your unique needs.
Wrist Therapy in Greater Philadelphia
Because the wrist is involved in nearly every movement of the hand, even minor discomfort can quickly interfere with your routine. With the right guidance, you can regain comfort and function in your daily life. In fact, our wrist therapy programs focus on reducing inflammation and pain, restoring range of motion, improving strength and stability, and preventing reinjury through proper techniques. No matter if you’re recovering from a wrist sprain, strain, fracture, tendonitis, or surgery, count on our rehabilitation plans to improve movement and flexibility.
Elbow Therapy in Greater Philadelphia
From tennis elbow to fractures, injuries to the elbow can create lasting pain and limit your range of motion. Even simple movements like reaching, bending, or carrying objects may become difficult. In order to restore function while minimizing pain, it is important to work with an orthopedic therapist. They will help you build strength and stability in your elbow through:
- Strength training and mobility exercises
- Soft tissue techniques to reduce stiffness
- Education on proper movement patterns
- Supportive braces or splints as needed
Our goal is to eliminate your pain, restore full extension and flexion, and ensure you can use your entire arm as a functional, coordinated unit.
Shoulder Therapy in the Greater Philadelphia Area
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, but this incredible range of motion comes at the cost of stability, making it prone to injury. Fortunately, our orthopedic rehabilitation specialists in Philadelphia provide comprehensive solutions for all types of shoulder conditions, including:
- Rotator Cuff Tears and Tendinopathy
- Shoulder Impingement
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
- Instability and Dislocations
- Post-Surgical Recovery
By focusing on restoring flexibility and strength, reducing stiffness and pain, and improving joint stability, our therapists will help you return to your normal activities with less pain and improved mobility.
Why Should You Consider Orthopedic Rehabilitation From Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center?
- We are Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) with local, national, and international recognition for excellence.
- Our therapists and surgeons work together to conduct research, author textbooks, and publish articles in professional medical journals.
- Procedures and protocols that are developed at Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center are well-known and used by therapists worldwide.
- Our therapists and surgeons chair and serve as faculty for the annual Surgery and Rehabilitation of the Hand Symposium, an educational meeting attended by over 1,000 therapists and surgeons from around the world. The symposium is sponsored by the Hand Rehabilitation Foundation, in conjunction with Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center.
Do You Need Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy for the Upper Extremities?
Patients often wonder whether they need occupational therapy or physical therapy while recovering from surgery or an injury to their hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder. For many patients, a combination of both therapies delivers the best results.
That’s why, at the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, we carefully evaluate each patient’s condition and goals before developing a comprehensive treatment plan. After performing a physical exam and collaborating with your doctor or surgeon, we may recommend physical therapy exercises to restore strength, mobility, and physical function and occupational therapy to improve performance during everyday tasks.
Reach Beyond the Pain With Specialized Therapy
You don’t have to let pain or discomfort in your hands or arms keep you from living life to the fullest. Our orthopedic therapy specialists in Philadelphia, PA, create customized treatment plans designed to reduce pain, improve mobility and flexibility, increase strength and endurance, and make daily tasks easier and more comfortable. So, get in touch with our therapists today and find your new normal.