Hand Therapy for Athletes: Returning to Play Without Re-Injury

Sport-specific demands drive the plan

A lineman's hand, a tennis player's wrist, a gymnast's thumb and a pitcher's finger all fail differently and all return differently. The rehabilitation plan is built backwards from the exact grip, impact and load the sport requires.

Protective orthoses for practice and play

Playing orthoses are fabricated to the athlete's hand and to the rules of the sport — enough protection to keep the repair safe, enough freedom to keep the athlete useful on the field or court. Many athletes train in one orthosis and compete in another.

Criteria, not calendars

• Full pain-free active motion in the affected joints.
• Grip and pinch strength within a defined percentage of the uninjured side.
• Sport-specific task tolerance demonstrated in the clinic before it is tried in practice.
• Confidence in the hand under speed and contact, not just in slow controlled reps.

Published sports rehabilitation work

Sports Illustrated reported in November 2015 on the hand rehabilitation of an NFL defensive end, work carried out at this practice. We do not publish patient names, photographs or treatment details without written HIPAA authorization from the patient.

Frequently asked

Can I keep conditioning during hand rehabilitation?

Almost always. Programs are coordinated so that cardiovascular and lower-body training continue safely while the hand heals.

Do you work with coaches and athletic trainers?

Yes. With your permission, we coordinate the return-to-play progression with your surgeon and your training staff.