Hand & Upper Limb Rehab

Hand and upper limb rehabilitation addresses a wide range of conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tennis elbow, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, wrist TFCC injuries, mallet finger, hand and wrist fractures, post-surgical recovery, stroke-related hand weakness, repetitive strain injuries, and arthritis of the hand and fingers. Treatment focuses on restoring grip strength, range of motion, fine motor control, and the ability to perform everyday activities independently.

Hand therapy is a highly specialised area of occupational therapy focused exclusively on the upper extremity — from the thumb and fingers through the wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder. Unlike general physiotherapy, hand therapists have advanced training in upper limb anatomy, splint fabrication, scar management, nerve injury rehabilitation, and the fine motor demands of daily tasks such as writing, cooking, and self-care. In Singapore, hand therapy is primarily delivered by AHPC-registered occupational therapists with specialised certification.

A hand therapy session typically begins with a comprehensive assessment of joint range of motion, grip and pinch strength, sensation, and the functional demands of your daily activities. Based on this, your therapist designs a personalised programme that may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, custom splinting, oedema and scar management, pain relief modalities, home exercise instruction and even, advanced robotics.

Sessions are tailored to your specific condition, surgical history, and recovery goals — and your programme is updated regularly as you progress.

Yes. Lifeweavers offers home therapy sessions for individuals who are unable to travel to a clinic, including elderly patients, post-surgical patients, and those recovering from stroke. Home-based hand therapy allows the therapist to assess your actual living environment, adapt exercises to your daily routine, and provide training to caregivers and family members.

Home visits are available across Singapore and are particularly beneficial for patients managing upper limb conditions alongside other rehabilitation needs.

The duration of hand and upper limb rehabilitation depends on the nature of the condition, severity of injury, and individual factors such as age and overall health. Minor soft tissue injuries may respond well within a few weeks of targeted therapy, while post-surgical recovery or neurological conditions such as stroke may require several months of consistent rehabilitation.

Your therapist will set clear, staged goals and review your progress regularly to keep your recovery on track and adjust the plan as needed.