Hand & Arm Occupational Therapy

Massachusetts General Hospital has one of the largest occupational therapy departments in the country, and our certified therapists work alongside renowned orthopedic and plastic surgeons to deliver the best possible care. Mass General therapists are licensed and registered occupational therapists, with advanced certifications in hand therapy. We often recommend therapeutic services to persons with hand and arm injuries who have physical limitations that affect their ability to function. Therapists collaborate with patients and their families to set and reach goals, find confidence, and achieve independence in their daily activities and tasks.

Our therapists employ comprehensive, patient-specific evaluation and treatment techniques which are supported by evidence-based practice. Mass General therapists use outcome measures to ensure their patients optimally return to their previous level of function at home, work and play.

Mass General hand therapists treat a variety of post-surgical and post-traumatic injuries, including replantations and revascularizations, tendon repairs, burns, fractures and dislocations, along with degenerative disorders, such as osteoarthritis, and tendon conditions, including De Quervain’s Disease and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). They are highly skilled in the application and modification of treatment techniques, including range-of-motion and strengthening exercises, wound care, joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, static and dynamic splinting, physical agent modalities, ergonomic assessments and workstation modifications, and patient education. Physical agent modalities are treatments that produce a response in the soft tissues of the hand and arm using light, water, temperature, sound or electricity.

Mass General's Hand Therapy Service works by referral, so patients require a physician’s order including date and diagnosis before beginning therapy. If you feel you may benefit from occupational therapy for the hand and arm, schedule an appointment with our Hand & Arm Service and discuss this treatment option with your doctor.

Read more about the services offered by Mass General's Hand & Arm Service and the Department of Occupational Therapy.