What to Expect During Hand Therapy at Axes Physical Therapy
Whether you’ve been referred by a surgeon, are recovering from an injury, or dealing with pain and dysfunction in your arm or hand, starting hand therapy can come with a lot of questions — and sometimes, anxiety.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we want to take the mystery out of the process. Our team of 18 Certified Hand Therapists across 13 locations — and growing — serves patients throughout the Greater St. Louis region in both Missouri and Illinois. That means expert care is not only available — it’s accessible.
From same-day appointments for custom splints to therapy appointments within 24–48 hours, we make sure patients get the care they need quickly and with a personalized touch. We’re proud to be a trusted resource for local surgeons, physicians, and case managers who rely on our consistent, proven process — and we’re here to make your recovery experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.
To help you feel more confident about starting therapy, we sat down with Chantell Unnerstall, OTR/L, CHT, one of our most experienced clinicians, to walk through what you can expect as a new hand therapy patient at Axes.
Meet Your Hand Therapy Guide: Chantell Unnerstall, OTR/L, CHT
A Washington native and upper extremity rehab expert, Chantell has over 20 years of experience treating patients with complex hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions. She’s a trusted partner to local surgeons and has helped thousands of patients regain independence and function.
“There’s almost nothing I haven’t seen,” Chantell says. “But even more important than experience is making sure every patient understands what’s going on — and that they feel supported every step of the way.”
Step 1 – Getting Started
How to Become a Hand Therapy Patient at Axes
Most patients are referred to us directly by their physician, but you can also reach out through Direct Access (no referral needed) to schedule an evaluation for pain, stiffness, or dysfunction. Some patients even come to us based on recommendations from friends or family who’ve had successful outcomes.
Scheduling Your First Appointment
Call your preferred Axes location — with 13 hand therapy clinics (and counting) across the metro area, we’re nearby when and where you need us. Many of our clinics offer appointments within 24–48 hours, and in some cases, we offer same-day splinting services for post-op or urgent cases.
What Axes Takes Care Of
Before your first visit, Axes will:
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Verify your insurance and provide a benefits quote
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Send you intake paperwork (or you can fill it out in person)
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Prepare your chart so your therapist is ready to go
Step 2 – Your First Appointment
What to Bring
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Insurance card and photo ID
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Any documentation from your doctor
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Any protocols or surgical notes
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A list of your current medications
What to Wear
Loose, comfortable clothing that allows your therapist to easily access the area being treated (e.g., short sleeves or tank tops for shoulder/elbow therapy).
What Happens During the Evaluation
Your Axes hand therapist will:
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Ask about your symptoms, injury/surgery history, and goals
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Measure range of motion, strength, and sensation
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Discuss your pain and any functional limitations
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Begin to form a treatment plan — often including exercises, education, or hands-on treatment right away
“You’ll leave your first appointment understanding what’s going on, what we’re going to do about it, and how we’re going to do it together,” Chantell explains.
Step 3 – Your Plan of Care
After your evaluation:
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Future appointments will be scheduled around your availability and physician orders
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Most patients come 2–3 times per week, with sessions lasting about 1 hour
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You’ll be assigned a dedicated therapist — at Axes, 72% of our patients see the same therapist throughout their care, helping build trust and clinical consistency
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Treatment may include exercise, manual therapy, custom splinting, wound/scar management, functional retraining, and more — tailored to you
Ongoing Communication and Support
Your Therapist = Your Teammate
Recovering from a hand injury often affects more than just physical function — it can impact your job, your independence, and your sense of normal. Our CHTs understand this and are ready to help physically and emotionally.
“There’s always an emotional component to a loss of function,” Chantell says. “We’re here for the whole journey, not just the rehab.”
We Keep Your Doctor in the Loop
Your Axes therapist will send written updates to your physician — especially before follow-ups or post-op check-ins — and many of our therapists work closely with area surgeons. We know their protocols and preferences, and in many cases, we have each other’s cell numbers. That’s how closely we coordinate your care.
What Makes Hand Therapy at Axes Different
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Same-day custom splints available at all hand therapy locations
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Appointments within 24–48 hours — no waiting to get started
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18 hand therapists across 13 locations and growing
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Continuity of care – you’ll work with the same therapist for your entire recovery, whenever possible
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Trusted by physicians – many of our CHTs are hand-picked by local surgeons for their skill and collaboration
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Workers Compensation Experts – our team delivers simple, defensible documentation and understand the communication needs of work comp stakeholders
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Support beyond the treatment table – we care about you as a whole person, not just your diagnosis
Nervous About Starting? You’re Not Alone — and You’re in the Right Place
If you’re hesitant to begin therapy, know that’s completely normal. But as Chantell says:
“As nervous as you feel walking into that first session is how excited you’ll feel walking out of your last one. You’ll not only be stronger and more confident — you’ll have a healthcare partner in your Axes hand therapist.”
Ready to Begin?
Visit axespt.com/locations to find the Axes clinic nearest you and schedule your first appointment.
If you find yourself in situation where you are noticing pain throughout one or both of your arms, let us show you why thousands of patients — and their doctors — trust Axes for expert, compassionate hand therapy.
Find your local Axes Hand Therapist for a free consultation to help guide you in finding ways to both prevent pain and reduce any symptoms you may be experiencing.
