Hand Pain Physical Therapy Antonia, MO. Hand therapy offered by Antonia, MO physical therapists focuses on easing pain, restoring mobility, and getting you back to the activities that matter most.

Hand pain affects everything: writing, typing, cooking, caring for kids or aging parents, lifting at work, playing your favorite sports, or even sleeping comfortably. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Antonia, MO hand therapists provide evidence-based hand therapy tailored to your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.

No matter if your hand pain began with a sudden injury or built up from repetitive stress, our licensed Antonia, MO therapists create individualized plans that relieve pain and restore function.

You can request an appointment, reach out to the nearest Axes location, or stop by for a free injury screening to get started.

What you’ll learn on this page

• Common causes of hand pain and why it lingers.
• The ways physical therapy relieves pain and improves hand movement.
• Hand conditions we treat at Axes.
• Therapies and treatment options supported by scientific research.
• How to know it’s time to schedule with a hand therapist.
• Why Antonia, MO residents choose Axes Physical Therapy.

What Causes Hand Pain?

Hand pain can come from irritated tendons, inflamed joints, compressed nerves, stiff scar tissue, or irritated soft tissue.

Your pain may come from a sudden incident, such as an injury or surgery, but more often it develops slowly from repetitive motion, poor posture, or arthritis. Knowing the cause helps our Antonia, MO therapists design the right plan for you.

• Overuse and repetitive strain: constant movement—typing, playing instruments, or using tools—can overload tendons and cause pain.
• Nerve compression: when the median or ulnar nerve is pinched, it can lead to tingling, weakness, or sharp pain.
• Arthritis and joint stiffness: when joints become inflamed or worn, movement becomes limited and painful.
• Sprains, strains, and fractures: ligament or muscle injury and immobilization can lead to swelling, weakness, and stiffness.
• Post-surgical limitations: after procedures for fractures, tendon repair, or carpal tunnel release, targeted rehab restores motion and strength safely.

Your Antonia, MO Axes therapist reviews your motion, strength, and how you use your hands each day to identify the root cause. That assessment shapes a plan that treats the root cause and fits your life.

How Does Antonia, MO Physical Therapy Help Hand Pain?

Physical therapy addresses painful tissue, improves joint and tendon glide, restores strength and dexterity, and teaches you how to move with less strain. The goals are simple and measurable: less pain, better motion, stronger grip and pinch, and easier daily activities at home, work, and play.

• Reduce pain and inflammation: manual therapy and targeted modalities calm irritated tissues.
• Restore mobility: your therapist applies soft-tissue mobilization and guided stretching to loosen tight areas and restore flexibility.
• Build strength and endurance: progressive exercises target intrinsic hand muscles, forearm support, and shoulder stability for durable results.
• Improve function: your therapy includes practical movements—gripping, typing, or lifting—to rebuild comfort and coordination.
• Prevent recurrence: ergonomic coaching, activity pacing, and a home program keep you feeling good long-term.

Common Hand Pain Conditions Our Antonia, MO Physical Therapists Treat

• Carpal tunnel syndrome results from median nerve compression, causing numbness and reduced grip strength.
• Tendonitis and tenosynovitis—including De Quervain’s—involve inflammation that limits motion and causes pain.
• Trigger finger—a condition where tendons in the finger catch or lock during movement.
• Dupuytren’s Contracture (gradual tightening of tissue in the palm that can pull fingers into a bent position)
• Thumb (CMC) arthritis and wrist osteoarthritis cause stiffness and pain during gripping or twisting motions.
• Sprains and strains from sports, falls, or work.
• Fractures and stiffness after casting or immobilization.
• Post-surgical rehab helps patients regain motion and strength safely after surgical procedures.
• Ulnar nerve irritation—pain, tingling, or weakness from nerve compression in the elbow or wrist.

If your symptoms aren’t on this list, our Antonia, MO hand therapists will still evaluate you with a free injury screening. Many hand issues respond well to the same evidence-based principles: reduce irritation, restore motion, retrain movement, and strengthen for your real-world needs.

Hand Pain Treatment Options in Antonia, MO

Each treatment plan is customized around your condition, goals, and comfort level. Our therapists guide you through each stage, making adjustments as you heal.

• Manual therapy: targeted mobilization and soft tissue work help relieve pain and improve flexibility.
• Nerve and tendon gliding exercises: promote healthy movement of tissues to reduce tingling, numbness, or tightness.
• Therapeutic exercise: targeted strengthening for grip, pinch, wrist stability, and fine motor control; progressive loading for lasting change.
• Splinting and bracing: custom or prefabricated support to rest irritated tissue, protect healing structures, or improve function during tasks.
• Modalities: therapy tools like temperature treatment and e-stimulation help control pain and inflammation.
• Dry needling: targets muscle trigger points to relieve tension and improve circulation.
• Edema management: manual and compression-based methods to limit swelling and promote healing.
• Ergonomics and activity modification: workstation setup, tool choices, pacing, and task strategies that reduce stress on your hands.
• Home exercise program: customized exercises help maintain strength and flexibility between visits.

Education is built into every plan we design. Our Antonia, MO team explains the “why” behind your pain, helping you heal smarter and stay confident.

When Should I See a Hand Therapist in Antonia, MO?

You should consider scheduling an evaluation if you notice any of the following:

• Pain, stiffness, or swelling lasts longer than a few days or keeps returning.
• Tingling, numbness, or pain that worsens during rest or nighttime hours.
• Grip or pinch strength is worsening.
• Simple hand tasks—like opening jars or typing—are painful or hard to manage.
• You’re in recovery after a recent hand injury or surgical procedure.

Addressing problems early prevents ongoing irritation and strain in nearby muscles and joints. If imaging or referral is needed, we’ll coordinate with your provider.

What Does a Typical Hand Therapy Session Look Like?

After your initial evaluation, each session may include a mix of hands-on care, mobility work, and targeted strengthening. You’ll work through movements specific to your goals and get an easy home program to continue progress. As your hand gets stronger and more flexible, we adjust your program to keep results lasting.

Read our guide on what happens at an Axes hand therapy appointment.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery time varies depending on the condition, duration of symptoms, overall health, and how closely you stick with your plan. Noticeable progress often happens within the first few visits.

Our goal is steady, sustainable progress, with regular check-ins and clear milestones so you know exactly how you’re doing.

Will I Need a Brace or Splint?

Occasionally, short-term bracing is recommended to calm irritation and promote healing. When prescribed, your brace or splint will be custom-fitted and paired with exercises to keep your hand strong and flexible.

Can Physical Therapy Help if I’ve Had Hand Pain for Months?

Yes. Long-standing pain often involves stiff joints, sensitive nerves, weak support muscles, and movement habits that keep tissues irritated. With the right progression, physical therapy can reduce chronic irritation and help you regain full use. Our therapists guide you at your pace, building recovery gradually and safely.

How to Prevent Hand Pain From Coming Back

• Use neutral wrist positions for typing, mousing, and tool work.
• Pause for brief movement breaks when performing repetitive motions.
• Focus on building strength in the hand, wrist, and shoulder muscles for better support.
• Do quick warmups and gentle stretches before and after strenuous use.
• Continue your home exercises regularly to prevent symptoms from returning.

Little changes go a long way. Our therapists help you choose the habits with the greatest impact.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Antonia, MO Hand Treatment?

• Local, patient-first care: friendly clinics across Greater St. Louis with convenient scheduling.
• Expert clinicians: highly trained Antonia, MO therapists specializing in upper extremity rehabilitation and recovery.
• Evidence-based approach: treatment plans built on current research and outcomes tracking.
• Real-life results: we focus on what matters to you—typing without pain, lifting confidently, playing your instrument, or holding your grandchild.
• Clear communication: our therapists keep you informed, confident, and involved throughout your recovery.

Start Your Hand Pain Recovery With Our Antonia, MO Physical Therapists Today

Your hands are essential to how you work, connect, and enjoy life. If hand pain is getting in the way, we’re here to help. Axes Physical Therapy delivers compassionate, research-backed treatment in Antonia, MO to restore comfort, confidence, and movement.

Get started by booking online, calling your closest Axes location, or dropping by for a free injury screening.

Your recovery starts today—let’s get your hands strong, pain-free, and ready for everything you love.