Hand Pain Physical Therapy Cottleville, MO. Hand therapy from Cottleville, MO physical therapists helps you recover motion, rebuild strength, and return to doing what you enjoy most.

When your hands hurt, everyday life gets difficult—from work and family tasks to hobbies and rest. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Cottleville, MO hand specialists combine compassion and clinical expertise to create a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

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

Request an appointment online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any of our locations for a free injury screening to get started.

What you’ll learn on this page

• Common causes of hand pain and why it lingers.
• How physical therapy reduces pain and restores function.
• Hand conditions we treat at Axes.
• Evidence-based treatments your plan may include.
• How to know it’s time to schedule with a hand therapist.
• Why people in Cottleville, MO trust Axes.

What Causes Hand Pain?

Hand pain often stems from irritated tendons, inflamed joints, pinched nerves, or tight scar tissue.

Sometimes it’s one clear event, like a fall or surgery. More often it builds up over time from repeated motions, poor ergonomics, or underlying arthritis. Understanding the source of your pain helps our Cottleville, MO hand therapists guide your treatment plan.

• Overuse and repetitive strain: typing, tools, gaming, instruments, assembly tasks, or even phone use can irritate tendons and surrounding tissue.
• Nerve compression: when the median or ulnar nerve is pinched, it can lead to tingling, weakness, or sharp pain.
• Arthritis and joint stiffness: inflammation and cartilage loss can make gripping or pinching painful and difficult.
• Sprains, strains, and fractures: ligament or muscle injury and immobilization can lead to swelling, weakness, and stiffness.
• Post-surgical limitations: guided rehab following hand or wrist surgery is essential to regain flexibility and function.

At Axes, your Cottleville, MO physical therapist evaluates motion, strength, swelling, sensation, posture, mechanics, and daily demands. From that assessment, we build a personalized plan that targets your pain and supports your daily routine.

How Does Cottleville, 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. Our aim is clear: less pain, greater movement, better strength, and confidence in everything you do.

• Reduce pain and inflammation: focused hands-on treatment and precise modalities help soothe irritated tissues and decrease discomfort.
• Restore mobility: by combining soft-tissue work with progressive stretching, we help joints and tendons move more freely.
• Build strength and endurance: customized strengthening routines develop lasting hand, wrist, and arm stability.
• Improve function: training focuses on the everyday actions that matter most, ensuring your progress translates to real-world use.
• Prevent recurrence: your therapist teaches lasting habits—proper ergonomics, pacing, and simple home care—to protect your progress.

Common Hand Pain Conditions Our Cottleville, 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)
• Trigger finger—a condition where tendons in the finger catch or lock during movement.
• Dupuytren’s Contracture develops slowly, tightening the palm and limiting finger extension.
• Thumb (CMC) arthritis and other hand/wrist osteoarthritis.
• Sprains and strains can occur after sudden twists, falls, or repetitive stress at work.
• Fractures and stiffness can leave lasting weakness or limited mobility if untreated.
• Post-surgical rehab helps patients regain motion and strength safely after surgical procedures.
• Ulnar nerve irritation and other nerve compressions cause numbness and coordination loss in the hand.

Don’t see your condition here? Our Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO

Your physical therapy program is designed to fit your diagnosis, lifestyle, and pace of recovery. We track your progress and fine-tune your plan as your movement and comfort improve.

• Manual therapy: targeted mobilization and soft tissue work help relieve pain and improve flexibility.
• Nerve and tendon gliding exercises: restore mobility of nerves and tendons to relieve pressure and improve function.
• Therapeutic exercise: targeted strengthening for grip, pinch, wrist stability, and fine motor control; progressive loading for lasting change.
• Splinting and bracing: designed to support injured areas, reduce pain, and promote safe movement.
• Modalities: as appropriate, options may include heat or cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to manage pain and promote healing.
• 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: practical education on movement efficiency and posture to protect your hands.
• Home exercise program: simple routines designed to extend your progress outside the clinic.

Every plan includes education. Your Cottleville, MO Axes therapists make sure you understand your condition and recovery process, empowering long-term success.

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

It’s smart to schedule an evaluation if:

• You’ve had pain, stiffness, or swelling that persists or frequently comes back.
• You notice numbness, tingling, burning, or nighttime symptoms.
• Grip or pinch strength is worsening.
• Simple hand tasks—like opening jars or typing—are painful or hard to manage.
• You’re recovering from a fracture, sprain, or hand surgery.

Early treatment can prevent chronic irritation and compensations elsewhere in the arm and shoulder. When additional tests or referrals are required, our team will handle coordination with your physician.

What Does a Typical Hand Therapy Session Look Like?

Once your evaluation is complete, each session blends manual therapy, mobility work, and strength training for recovery. 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?

The timeline for recovery depends on your injury, your health, and your consistency with therapy. 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 one is needed, your therapist will fit it properly and teach you safe wear schedules to maintain strength and motion.

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

Yes—chronic hand pain usually stems from stiffness, nerve sensitivity, or weak support muscles that can be retrained. With the right progression, physical therapy can reduce chronic irritation and help you regain full use. We progress your therapy step by step, always matching your comfort and capability.

How to Prevent Hand Pain From Coming Back

• Keep your wrists in neutral positions while typing, using tools, or mousing.
• Break up repetitive activity with short, gentle movement pauses.
• Strengthen hand, forearm, and shoulder support muscles.
• 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 Cottleville, MO Hand Treatment?

• Local, patient-first care: community-based clinics throughout Greater St. Louis focused on your comfort and convenience.
• Expert clinicians: experienced Cottleville, MO physical therapists with advanced training in hand and upper extremity care.
• Evidence-based approach: treatment plans built on current research and outcomes tracking.
• 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 Cottleville, MO Physical Therapists Today

When pain limits your ability to use your hands, our Cottleville, MO therapists are ready to help you recover. Axes Physical Therapy offers friendly, expert care in Cottleville, MO with personalized plans that reduce pain, restore function, and build long-term resilience.

Request an appointment online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any of our locations for a free injury screening to get started.

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