Hand Therapy
Our specialized hand therapists are dedicated to helping you restore strength and function.
Medically reviewed on Sep. 16, 2026.
Experienced, Compassionate Hand Therapists
UC Davis Health's hand therapy program has decades of experience providing specialized care for hand and upper limb injuries, conditions and after surgery. Our certified hand therapists have extensive training in the complex structures and movements of the hand.
We understand that easily using your hands is important to your independence and quality of life. Our therapists work with your health care team to develop a customized plan that works with your needs and lifestyle.
On this page
Services We Provide
Health conditions, injuries and surgeries can affect how you use your hands, wrists or arms, which can interfere with your life. Our certified hand therapists can help. We work with you to improve movement, relieve pain and help you regain strength. Services we provide include:
Custom Orthotics and Splinting
Our team specializes in fittings for wheelchairs, braces, orthotics and other assistive devices. We guide you through using adaptive technology, such as wheelchair add-ons, that can enhance your independence and make daily tasks easier.
Education and Self-Care
Knowing how to care for your hand at home is a crucial part of recovery. We teach you strategies for protecting your joints and changing the way you do everyday tasks to make them easier.
Functional and Work Conditioning
Regaining your ability to work requires endurance while preventing pain and fatigue. We create programs that help you practice real-world activities so you can return to your job or hobbies with confidence.
Movement and Strengthening Exercises
We help you rebuild range of motion, strength and coordination through carefully designed exercises. We choose activities specifically for your needs and adjust them as you improve.
Pain Management
We use hands-on therapy to help with pain and discomfort. Our team also teaches you ways to feel more comfortable during your daily activities.
Prosthetic Training and Adaptation
We help you learn to use prosthetic devices. Our specialists guide you through daily activities with your device to help you increase independence.
Sensory Retraining
If injury or surgery has affected how your hand feels or moves, we guide you through exercises to restore feeling. These activities can help you re-learn coordination between your brain and your hands.
Swelling and Inflammation Control
It helps to reduce swelling after an injury or surgery so you can heal and move more easily. We teach you techniques like elevation, compression and gentle massage to decrease stiffness and improve your recovery.
Wound Care
Proper care of surgical incisions can improve long-term function. We provide expert guidance on wound care and use techniques to help prevent scarring and stiffness.
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Referring Physicians
To refer a patient, submit an electronic referral form or call.
Patients
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Benefits of Hand Therapy
Specialized hand therapy can significantly improve your everyday life. When you work with our team, you receive a plan that focuses on healing, function and a path back to the activities you enjoy.
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Faster Recovery
Hands are complex structures, and our certified hand therapists have deep expertise in how they move and heal. This focused knowledge means we can identify the best approaches for your specific needs, so you achieve better long-term results.
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Streamlined Care
Your hand therapist works with your surgeon or physician to coordinate your treatment plan and progress. This close collaboration means that every step of your recovery builds on the last, giving you a smoother journey to healing.
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Return to Activities After
We concentrate on helping you do the things that matter in your life, whether that's work, hobbies or caring for your loved ones. Our goal is to restore your ability to live independently and do the activities that bring you meaning.
What to Expect
We want you to feel prepared and confident throughout your hand therapy journey. Here’s what you can expect as you work with our team.
Collaborative, Personalized Sessions
We build each therapy session around you and your specific needs. Your therapist works closely with you to understand what's challenging, what's improving and what matters most in your recovery. We choose every therapy or exercise for your ability and goals.
Measurable Progress
We work with you from your first visit to establish clear, achievable goals for your hand strength, movement and use. Your therapist will regularly check your improvement and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Our goal is helping you heal as much as possible.
Home Exercises
Your therapist will teach you specific exercises and care routines to practice at home. Doing these between your therapy sessions makes a significant difference in your recovery.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the best in 6 specialties
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and neonatology. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and recognized in 23 types of care including acute kidney failure, cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, diabetes & endocrinology, ear, nose & throat surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, geriatrics, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pneumonia, pulmonology & lung surgery and stroke.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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