Hand Pain Physical Therapy Clarkson Valley, MO. Hand therapy with Clarkson Valley, MO physical therapists helps relieve pain, restore movement and strength, and get you back to the activities you love.

When your hands hurt, everyday life gets difficult—from work and family tasks to hobbies and rest. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Clarkson Valley, MO hand therapists provide evidence-based hand therapy tailored to your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.

If your pain came on suddenly or developed slowly over time, our experienced Clarkson Valley, MO physical and occupational therapists will build a plan that improves movement, strength, and long-term comfort.

To begin your recovery, request an appointment online, contact the Axes clinic closest to you, or visit any of our offices for a free injury screening.

What you’ll learn on this page

• What causes hand pain and why it sometimes sticks around.
• How physical therapy reduces pain and restores function.
• The most common hand injuries and disorders treated by Axes.
• The types of proven physical therapy techniques your plan may feature.
• How to know it’s time to schedule with a hand therapist.
• Why people in Clarkson Valley, MO trust Axes.

What Causes Hand Pain?

Pain in your hand may result from irritated tendons, swollen joints, nerve compression, or tight, inflexible 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 Clarkson Valley, MO therapists design the right plan for you.

• Overuse and repetitive strain: typing, tools, gaming, instruments, assembly tasks, or even phone use can irritate tendons and surrounding tissue.
• Nerve compression: trapped nerves in the wrist or elbow can cause burning, numbness, or hand weakness.
• Arthritis and joint stiffness: cartilage wear and joint inflammation limit motion and cause aching or sharp pain with gripping or pinching.
• Sprains, strains, and fractures: soft tissue or bone injuries often cause swelling and loss of strength.
• Post-surgical limitations: guided rehab following hand or wrist surgery is essential to regain flexibility and function.

At Axes, your Clarkson Valley, MO physical therapist evaluates motion, strength, swelling, sensation, posture, mechanics, and daily demands. That assessment shapes a plan that treats the root cause and fits your life.

How Does Clarkson Valley, MO Physical Therapy Help Hand Pain?

Through physical therapy, patients learn to relieve pain, improve joint and tendon movement, and rebuild strength and coordination. 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: your therapist uses manual therapy and other gentle techniques to ease soreness and promote healing.
• Restore mobility: by combining soft-tissue work with progressive stretching, we help joints and tendons move more freely.
• Build strength and endurance: gradual resistance and targeted exercises improve both fine motor control and long-term muscle support.
• Improve function: practice real tasks like opening jars, typing, lifting, and fine motor control so improvements show up in your day-to-day life.
• Prevent recurrence: your therapist teaches lasting habits—proper ergonomics, pacing, and simple home care—to protect your progress.

Common Hand Pain Conditions Our Clarkson Valley, MO Physical Therapists Treat

• Carpal tunnel syndrome—pressure on the median nerve in the wrist that leads to pain, tingling, or hand weakness.
• Tendonitis and tenosynovitis (including De Quervain’s)
• Trigger finger and overuse-related catching or locking.
• Dupuytren’s Contracture develops slowly, tightening the palm and limiting finger extension.
• Thumb (CMC) arthritis—a common cause of pain at the base of the thumb, along with other wrist arthritis conditions.
• Sprains and strains from sports, falls, or work.
• Fractures and stiffness after casting or immobilization.
• Post-surgical rehab after tendon repair, fracture fixation, or carpal tunnel release.
• Ulnar nerve irritation and other nerve-related pain.

Don’t see your condition here? Our Clarkson Valley, MO hand therapy team will evaluate your symptoms with a free injury screening and create a treatment strategy based on proven rehab principles.

Hand Pain Treatment Options in Clarkson Valley, 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: restore smooth movement through tunnels and around structures to decrease numbness and irritation.
• 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: such as heat, ice, ultrasound, or e-stim can reduce pain and support tissue recovery.
• Dry needling: a precise treatment used to release tight spots and ease pain in the forearm and hand.
• Edema management: manual and compression-based methods to limit swelling and promote healing.
• Ergonomics and activity modification: adjust your environment and habits to prevent strain and promote comfort.
• Home exercise program: simple routines designed to extend your progress outside the clinic.

Each treatment plan includes one-on-one education. Your Clarkson Valley, MO Axes therapists make sure you understand your condition and recovery process, empowering long-term success.

When Should I See a Hand Therapist in Clarkson Valley, MO?

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

• You’ve had pain, stiffness, or swelling that persists or frequently comes back.
• 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.

Getting care early helps you avoid long-term pain and movement issues in your arm or shoulder. 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. We focus on real-world activities that matter most to you, and you’ll go home with a simple plan that fits your routine. As your hand gets stronger and more flexible, we adjust your program to keep results lasting.

You can read more about what to expect at your hand therapy appointments here.

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. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within a few visits.

We aim for consistent, lasting improvement—tracking results and celebrating milestones along the way.

Will I Need a Brace or Splint?

Sometimes. Short-term support can reduce irritation and protect healing tissue, especially with overuse injuries or after surgery. If a brace or splint is appropriate, we’ll ensure it fits your hand and task demands, and we’ll show you how and when to use it so you don’t lose motion or strength.

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. A targeted plan helps desensitize tissues and rebuild strength, even when other treatments haven’t worked. Our therapists guide you at your pace, building recovery gradually and safely.

How to Prevent Hand Pain From Coming Back

• Maintain straight, neutral wrist positions during work and daily tasks.
• Pause for brief movement breaks when performing repetitive motions.
• Regularly strengthen your hand, arm, and shoulder muscles to improve endurance.
• Prepare your hands before demanding activity and stretch afterward.
• Follow your home exercise plan, even after symptoms improve.

Small habits add up. We’ll help you pick the few that deliver the biggest payoff for your lifestyle.

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

• Local, patient-first care: friendly clinics across Greater St. Louis with convenient scheduling.
• Expert clinicians: highly trained Clarkson Valley, MO therapists specializing in upper extremity rehabilitation and recovery.
• Evidence-based approach: we use proven research and measurable outcomes to inform every treatment plan.
• Real-life results: our goal is your everyday success, from pain-free work to enjoying the activities you love most.
• Clear communication: our therapists keep you informed, confident, and involved throughout your recovery.

Start Your Hand Pain Recovery With Our Clarkson Valley, 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 offers friendly, expert care in Clarkson Valley, MO with personalized plans that reduce pain, restore function, and build long-term resilience.

You can schedule an appointment online, contact the nearest Axes clinic, or stop in for a free injury screening today.

We’re ready to help your hands heal so you can return to the activities that bring you joy.