Hand therapy offers treatments focused on joint protection, energy conservation, work simplification, range of motion exercises and pain reducing modalities. Joint protection techniques include respecting pain, avoiding positions that cause deformity, and using larger joints or adaptive equipment. Pain management may involve modifying activities, heat/cold therapy or contrast baths. Range of motion exercises should be done pain-free without overstressing joints. Energy conservation involves separating tasks, taking breaks, and planning ahead.

1. W H AT C A N H A N D
T H E R A P Y D O F O R
Y O U ?
Conservative Treatment for Arthritis

2. H A N D T H E R A P Y O F F E R S
T R E A T M E N T F O C U S E D O N :
• Joint protection
• Energy conservation
• Work simplification
• Range of motion exercises
• Pain reducing modalities
• Use of splints/orthoses
• Use of adaptive equipment

3. J O I N T P R O T E C T I O N
1. Respect for Pain
2. Rest and Work Balance
3. Reduction of Effort
4. Avoidance of Positions that Cause Deformity
5. Use of Larger/Stronger Joints
6. Use Each Joint in its Most Stable Position
7. Avoidance of Staying in One Position
8. Avoid Activities that Cannot be Stopped
9. Use of Adaptive Equipment

4. PA I N M A N A G E M E N T
• Modify/Eliminate any activities or exercises that cause a flare-up of symptoms
such as warmth or redness around joints, or pain that lasts more than 2 hours
• Modalities
• Heat
• Cold
• Contrast Baths

5. A C T I V E R A N G E O F M O T I O N A N D E X E R C I S E
• Range of motion exercises should be performed pain-free without over
stressing the joints
• Maintain a good exercise program which may include warm water aerobics,
swimming, walking, bike riding or low impact aerobics

6. E N E R G Y C O N S E R VAT I O N
• Separate daily tasks including leisure activities into manageable amounts, and
take rest breaks as needed.
• Use carts to move heavier items to conserve energy and reduce pain/stress on
joints.
• Plan Ahead
• Gather required items together before starting an activity.
• Organize work/storage spaces for accessibility.
• Keep commonly used items within easy reach and keep heavy items at waist level.

7. C O N TA C T U S …
• 1210 Gemini Place, Suite 200,
Columbus Ohio
• 614-262-0907
• American Society of Hand
Therapists - www.asht.org