Hand therapy notes
Straight answers about hands, wrists and elbows
Written by Deborah Austin, OTR, CHT, a Certified Hand Therapist in Boca Raton. General education only — call 561-362-8757 for guidance about your own hand.
Patient guide · 5 min read
Hand or Wrist Pain: When to Stop Waiting and Get It Evaluated
Some hand and wrist pain settles on its own. These signs mean it is time for an evaluation by a Certified Hand Therapist in Boca Raton.
May 19, 2026
Recovery · 5 min read
Swelling and Scar Management: The Unglamorous Keys to Hand Recovery
Edema control and scar mobilization determine how much motion you get back after hand injury or surgery. Here is how to do both well at home.
May 5, 2026
Athletes · 6 min read
Hand Therapy for Athletes: Returning to Play Without Re-Injury
Athletes need hand rehabilitation built around sport-specific demands, protective orthoses and criteria-based return-to-play progressions.
April 21, 2026
Orthotics · 5 min read
Custom Orthosis vs. Drugstore Brace: What You Are Really Paying For
Custom orthoses are molded to your hand in the office and adjusted as you heal. Here is when a store-bought brace is enough — and when it is not.
April 7, 2026
Recovery · 6 min read
Post-Surgical Hand Recovery: The Timeline Nobody Explains
Tissue healing follows predictable phases. Understanding protection, motion and strengthening stages helps you recover after hand or wrist surgery.
March 24, 2026
Patient guide · 4 min read
Your First Hand Therapy Appointment: What to Expect
What to bring, what happens during the evaluation and how to prepare for your first hand therapy appointment in Boca Raton.
March 10, 2026
Conditions · 6 min read
Thumb Arthritis (CMC): Protecting the Joint You Use Most
Pain at the base of the thumb when opening jars or turning keys is often CMC arthritis. Joint protection, custom orthoses and targeted strengthening can help.
February 25, 2026
Conditions · 5 min read
Trigger Finger: Why It Catches and How Therapy Releases It
Trigger finger causes catching, popping and morning stiffness. Learn how blocking orthoses, tendon gliding and inflammation control restore smooth motion.
February 11, 2026
Conditions · 6 min read
Carpal Tunnel Relief Without Surgery: What Actually Works
Night orthoses, nerve gliding, activity modification and graded strengthening can relieve carpal tunnel symptoms. Here is what conservative hand therapy involves.
January 28, 2026
Choosing care · 5 min read
What Is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) — and Why It Matters
A CHT is an occupational or physical therapist with advanced certification in hand, wrist and elbow rehabilitation. Here is what the credential means for your recovery.
January 14, 2026