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

When your hands hurt, everyday life gets difficult—from work and family tasks to hobbies and rest. At Axes Physical Therapy, our Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, 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.
• Evidence-based treatments your plan may include.
• Signs and symptoms that mean you should consult a hand therapy specialist.
• Why patients throughout Creve Coeur, MO rely on Axes for expert care.

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 Creve Coeur, MO hand therapists guide your treatment plan.

• Overuse and repetitive strain: repeated gripping, typing, or tool work can inflame tendons and soft tissue, especially with excess phone use.
• Nerve compression: pressure on the median or ulnar nerve can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
• Arthritis and joint stiffness: when joints become inflamed or worn, movement becomes limited and painful.
• Sprains, strains, and fractures: even minor injuries can result in stiffness, weakness, and reduced motion if not treated early.
• Post-surgical limitations: after procedures for fractures, tendon repair, or carpal tunnel release, targeted rehab restores motion and strength safely.

Your Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, 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: 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: 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 Creve Coeur, 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, such as De Quervain’s, cause pain and swelling around the thumb and wrist tendons.
• 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 wrist osteoarthritis cause stiffness and pain during gripping or twisting motions.
• Sprains and strains often result from athletic activity, impact, or heavy lifting.
• Fractures and stiffness after casting or immobilization.
• Post-surgical rehab after tendon repair, fracture fixation, or carpal tunnel release.
• Ulnar nerve irritation—pain, tingling, or weakness from nerve compression in the elbow or wrist.

Don’t see your condition here? Our Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, MO

Your plan will match your diagnosis, goals, schedule, and comfort level. Our therapists guide you through each stage, making adjustments as you heal.

• Manual therapy: gentle joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques to reduce stiffness, improve glide, and relieve pain.
• Nerve and tendon gliding exercises: restore mobility of nerves and tendons to relieve pressure and improve function.
• Therapeutic exercise: progressive strengthening and control exercises for better grip, wrist support, and endurance.
• Splinting and bracing: provide stability, support recovery, and relieve stress on healing tissue.
• Modalities: such as heat, ice, ultrasound, or e-stim can reduce pain and support tissue recovery.
• 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: practical education on movement efficiency and posture to protect your hands.
• Home exercise program: customized exercises help maintain strength and flexibility between visits.

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

When Should I See a Hand Therapist in Creve Coeur, 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.
• You struggle with daily tasks like opening jars, typing, or buttoning.
• 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 pain decreases and motion improves, we progress your plan so gains stick.

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

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. A structured, progressive program can calm symptoms and rebuild capacity, even if you’ve “tried everything.” Our therapists guide you at your pace, building recovery gradually and safely.

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.
• Focus on building strength in the hand, wrist, and shoulder muscles for better support.
• Warm up before high-demand tasks; cool down with gentle stretching.
• Stick with your prescribed home program to maintain progress.

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

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

• Local, patient-first care: conveniently located clinics across Greater St. Louis with flexible hours.
• Expert clinicians: highly trained Creve Coeur, MO therapists specializing in upper extremity rehabilitation and recovery.
• Evidence-based approach: your care is guided by the latest science and real patient results.
• 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 Creve Coeur, MO Physical Therapists Today

Your hands play a vital role in everything you do—work, family, and recreation—and we’re here when pain holds you back. Axes Physical Therapy offers friendly, expert care in Creve Coeur, 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.

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