Hand Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference — and Which One Do You Need?

As a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with over a decade of experience in the field of occupational therapy, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing the world of rehab can be — especially after surgery, injury, or chronic pain. One of the most common statements I hear at Reach Beyond Therapy in Redondo Beach is:

“My doctor told me to go to hand physical therapy.”

While both disciplines are essential parts of recovery and healing, there are some key differences in training, scope, and outcomes — especially when it comes to your hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

What is Hand Therapy?

Hand therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation focused specifically on the upper extremity — from your shoulder down to your fingertips.

Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are occupational OR physical therapists who have:

• A minimum of 3 years of clinical experience

• Over 4,000 hours of direct hand therapy treatment

• And must pass a rigorous national board exam

• For occupational therapists, they must also already be certified in advanced practice in the use of physical agent modalities (PAMs) and hand therapy, prior to passing the board exam.

The next popular question is: What is occupational therapy?

OTs focus on helping people regain the ability to perform activities (or "occupations") that are meaningful to them. For example, if you are a mother, that may be being able to lift your baby without pain. If you are a cyclist, that may be being able to bear weight on your wrists for extended periods of time while gripping the handles and brakes. If you are a musician, that may be being able to grip and move your fingers quickly to play your guitar or piano. The list goes on — our hands are our most important tools.

Hand therapy often includes:

• Custom splints

• Fine motor coordination

• Grip strengthening

• Joint protection and energy conservation

• Nerve gliding, desensitization, and sensory retraining

That level of specialization means we’re not just generalists — we deeply understand nerve injuries, tendon repairs, post-surgical rehab, splinting, scar management, repetitive strain, and more.

When You Need a Hand Therapist

If your issue involves:

• Carpal tunnel or other nerve compressions

• Tendon or ligament repairs

• Fractures of the wrist, hand, or elbow

• Custom splinting or bracing

• Post-surgical rehab of the upper extremity

You’ll likely get faster, safer results with a Certified Hand Therapist.

In fact, many of my patients in Redondo Beach come to me after trying traditional PT but hitting a plateau. Once they begin focused hand therapy, they may start to see instant improvements.

Why It Matters — Especially in Redondo Beach

Here in the South Bay, we see a high number of:

• New moms with wrist pain from lifting babies

• Athletes with hand fractures or overuse injuries

• Post-op patients needing skilled splinting and scar or wound care

• Professionals with carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis from hours at a desk

In these cases, specialized care leads to better outcomes. That’s why doctors often refer directly to CHTs when a patient’s hands are involved.

A Note From Me to You

I’ve worked in hospitals and private clinics — and what keeps me going after all these years is helping people feel strong and confident again in their daily lives. Whether it’s holding your child, typing without pain, or finally being able to sign your name again after surgery — my goal for you is my goal too.

If you’re wondering which path is right for you, I’m always happy to offer a quick consultation. There’s no pressure — just professional advice from someone who’s been in the field a long time and truly cares about helping you heal.

Reach Beyond Therapy
Redondo Beach, CA
Specializing in hand therapy, wrist injuries, splinting, and post-op rehab