Occupational therapy vs physical therapy is a common question for people recovering from injury or dealing with movement challenges. Both therapies help improve function, reduce limitations, and support a return to daily life. While their goals often overlap, each focuses on different aspects of recovery.

At ATI Physical Therapy, care is focused on physical therapy and specialized services like hand therapy. This guide explains the difference between OT and PT, how hand therapy fits in, and how to know which type of care may be right for you.

Reviewed and contributions made by Michele Auch, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, Doctor of Occupational Therapy & Certified Hand Therapist

Key Takeaways

• Occupational therapy and physical therapy both support recovery and independence.
• Physical therapy focuses on movement, strength, and pain reduction.
• Hand therapy is a specialized area focused on the arm, wrist, and hand.
• Certified Hand Therapists have advanced training in upper extremity care.
• In most cases, no doctor’s referral is needed to begin care at ATI Physical Therapy.

What is Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving strength and mobility. It is commonly used after injury, surgery, or when movement becomes limited due to pain or dysfunction.

A physical therapist evaluates how your body moves and identifies limitations in strength, flexibility, and coordination. Treatment is designed to improve how your body performs during everyday activities like walking, lifting, and reaching.

Physical therapy often includes:

• Strength and mobility exercises
• Manual therapy
• Balance and coordination training
• Injury recovery and prevention strategies

The goal is to help you move better, feel better, and return to activity safely.

What is Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals perform meaningful daily activities, often referred to as “occupations.” These include self-care tasks, work responsibilities, and hobbies.

Occupational therapists emphasize improving independence by adapting tasks, building skills, or modifying environments. Common areas of focus include:

• Dressing, bathing, and grooming
• Fine motor skills, especially involving the hands and fingers
• Cognitive and sensory processing
• Home or workplace modifications

While general occupational therapy is not offered across ATI clinics, elements of this approach are incorporated into specialized services like hand therapy.

What is Hand Therapy

Hand and upper extremity therapy is a specialized area of rehabilitation focused on the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. It combines principles of both occupational and physical therapy to restore function and improve daily use of the upper extremity.

Hand therapy is particularly important because injuries to the arm and hand can impact many areas of life, including work, daily routines, and recreational activities.

What is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)

A Certified Hand Therapist is an occupational or physical therapist with advanced training and experience in treating upper extremity conditions.

To earn the CHT credential, a therapist must:

• Have at least 3 years of clinical experience
• Complete more than 4,000 hours of hand therapy practice
• Pass a rigorous certification exam

This ensures a high level of expertise in managing complex hand and upper extremity injuries.

If you or a loved one is experiencing pain or movement limitations, come to ATI Physical Therapy for an initial evaluation. Our team will connect you with the right specialist and build a personalized plan around your needs. In most cases, no doctor’s referral is needed to begin care.

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By the Numbers: Rehabilitation and Recovery

Rehabilitation services like physical therapy and hand therapy play a key role in recovery and long-term health.

• Each year, an estimated 8.6 million sports and recreation-related injuries occur in the United States (National Safety Council).
• 26% of all emergency room visits involve hand injuries
• Approximately 25 % of all sports-related injuries involve the hand or wrist (Rettig, 2023; Amadio, 1990)
• Musculoskeletal conditions are a leading cause of disability worldwide, often requiring rehabilitation to restore movement and function (World Health Organization).
• Rehabilitation is a key health strategy that helps improve function and independence across a wide range of conditions (World Health Organization).

These trends highlight the importance of specialized care in helping people recover and stay active.

Key Differences Between OT, PT, and Hand Therapy

Understanding the difference between occupational therapy, physical therapy, and hand therapy can help you choose the right care for your needs.

Focus of Care

Physical therapy focuses on overall movement, strength, and mobility. Occupational therapy focuses on daily activities and independence. Hand therapy focuses specifically on restoring function in the upper extremity.

Area of Treatment

Physical therapists treat the entire body. Occupational therapists often focus on functional tasks and daily activities. Hand therapists specialize in the shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand.

Type of Care

Physical therapy often includes exercise and movement training. Occupational therapy includes task-based training and environmental modifications. Hand therapy combines both approaches to restore function and improve daily use of the arm and hand.

Level of Specialization

Hand therapists, especially Certified Hand Therapists, have advanced training in complex upper extremity conditions, making them uniquely qualified to treat injuries involving the hand and arm.

How Hand Therapy and Physical Therapy Work Together

Hand therapy and physical therapy often work together to provide comprehensive care, especially for complex injuries.

For example:

• A physical therapist may address shoulder strength, posture, and overall movement
• A hand therapist may focus on fine motor control, grip strength, and hand function
• A hand therapist can fabricate a custom orthosis (a splint) to position, protect, mobilize or immobilize joints in your arm or hand
• Both providers collaborate to support full recovery

This combined approach helps restore both movement and function across the entire upper extremity.

What Hand Therapy Specialists Treat

Hand therapy specialists are trained to evaluate and treat a wide range of upper extremity conditions, including:

• Soft tissue sprains and strains
• Fractures of the upper extremity
• Arthritis and joint degeneration
• Shoulder conditions
• Nerve injuries and compression syndromes
• Tendon injuries and repairs
• Scar management and wound care
• Overuse injuries and tendinopathies
• Amputations and complex trauma cases
• Neurological conditions affecting the arm and hand
• Conditions requiring customized bracing or splinting

They also provide custom splinting to support recovery and function.

When to See a Physical Therapist or Hand Therapist

If pain, stiffness, or limited movement is affecting your ability to stay active or perform daily tasks, it may be time to seek care.
You may benefit from physical therapy if:

• You have full-body pain or mobility limitations
• You are recovering from a lower extremity injury
• You want to improve strength, balance, or movement
• You may benefit from hand therapy if:
• You have pain or injury in your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder
• You are recovering from upper extremity surgery
• You are having difficulty with gripping, lifting, or fine motor tasks
• You need specific hand or arm splinting

If you or a loved one is experiencing pain or movement limitations, come to ATI Physical Therapy for an initial evaluation. Our team will connect you with the right specialist and build a personalized plan around your needs. In most cases, no doctor’s referral is needed to begin care.

Ready to take the next step?
Book an Evaluation Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Is occupational therapy the same as physical therapy?
No. Occupational therapy focuses on daily activities, while physical therapy focuses on movement and mobility.

What is hand therapy?
Hand therapy is a specialized area of rehabilitation focused on the upper extremity, including the shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand.

What does a Certified Hand Therapist do?
A CHT provides advanced care for complex upper extremity conditions using specialized training and experience.

Do I need a referral for hand therapy?
In most cases, no referral is needed to begin care at ATI Physical Therapy.

The post OT vs PT vs Hand Therapy: Understanding the Differences appeared first on ATI.

Typing should not hurt. Wrist pain is one of the most common complaints among desk workers, especially as hours at keyboards and devices increase. Whether it feels like an ache, stiffness, or tingling, these symptoms can often be eased with a few ergonomic adjustments and guided movement strategies. This guide explains how wrist pain develops, what causes it, and practical ergonomic fixes that actually work. You will also learn how physical therapy can help with long-term wrist pain relief and carpal tunnel prevention.

Reviewed and contributions made by VP of Clinical Development Thomas Denninger

Key Takeaways

• Small changes to workstation setup can reduce wrist pain from typing and mouse use.
• Poor posture, repetitive motions, and static positions increase stress on wrist tendons and nerves.
• Stretching, strengthening, and positioning adjustments are essential for wrist pain relief.
• Physical therapy can address stiffness, weakness, and ergonomics for lasting improvement.
• In most cases, no doctor’s referral is needed to begin care with ATI Physical Therapy.

Why Wrist Pain is so Common at Work

Wrist pain often develops slowly from long hours of typing, texting, or using a mouse. When your wrists stay bent or your forearms are not supported, tendons and nerves in the carpal tunnel can become irritated. Over time, this leads to stiffness, tingling, or pain that worsens by the end of the day. The good news is that small, consistent changes can make a big difference.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), proper ergonomic setup and movement breaks are key to reducing repetitive strain injuries in office environments (APTA Ergonomics and Repetitive Strain Injury Resources). Most cases of mild wrist pain can improve with posture correction, strengthening, and activity pacing before they become chronic.

If you are feeling wrist pain, stiffness, or tingling from long hours at your desk, come to ATI Physical Therapy for an initial evaluation. A licensed therapist will assess your movement patterns and wrist strength to create a plan designed around your needs. In most cases, no doctor’s referral is needed to get started.

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Common Causes of Wrist Pain at Work

Repetitive typing and mouse use
Typing with bent wrists or a tight grip increases tension in the forearm and hand muscles. This can inflame the tendons, leading to tendonitis or overuse strain.

Poor desk or keyboard positioning
Desks or keyboards that are too high cause the wrists to extend upward. When repeated all day, this position compresses nerves and strains tendons.

Static posture and lack of movement
Holding one position for hours decreases circulation and muscle flexibility, which contributes to fatigue and discomfort.

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Compression of the median nerve causes pain, tingling, or numbness in the hand and fingers. While it may sound intimidating, early ergonomic changes and exercises can help manage and prevent pain before it starts.

Ergonomic Fixes That Actually Help

1. Adjust your chair and desk height
   Your elbows should be close to your sides and bent at about 90 degrees. Wrists should stay in line with your forearms, not bent up or down.
2. Keep wrists neutral
   As the American Occupational Therapy Association notes, “Avoid wrist extension (wrists bent up) as this increases pressure on the carpal tunnel.” Keeping wrists in a straight, neutral line reduces stress and helps prevent nerve compression (AOTA, Home Office Ergonomic Tips).
3. Move the mouse closer
   Position your mouse close enough that your arm stays relaxed at your side. A vertical mouse or trackball can also reduce twisting.
4. Align keyboard and monitor height
   Your keyboard should sit at elbow level, and your monitor should be just below eye height to promote upright posture.
5. Take movement breaks
   Every 30 minutes, stand up, stretch your arms, and roll your wrists. Frequent short breaks are better than one long stretch at the end of the day.
6. Strengthen and stretch
   Simple wrist exercises improve flexibility and support endurance. Try gentle wrist circles, finger stretches, and light resistance exercises using a therapy band or small weight. Stop performing strengthening and stretching exercises if your pain increases.

How Physical Therapy Helps Wrist Pain

A physical therapist can assess your wrist, elbow, and shoulder movement to identify what is driving your pain. Many wrist problems are linked to posture and repetitive habits that can be corrected with proper training. Your therapist may guide you through:

• Stretching to restore wrist flexibility.
• Strengthening of the forearm, shoulder, and upper back for better support.
• Ergonomic education to adjust your workstation safely.
• Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and improve circulation.
• Nerve gliding or tendon gliding exercises for carpal tunnel relief.

Physical therapy is evidence-based and focuses on sustainable habits to prevent pain from returning.

Quick Self Check

Use these quick questions to see if your workstation may be causing wrist pain: – Are your wrists bent upward or resting on the desk while typing? – Do your elbows extend away from your body instead of staying near your sides? – Does your chair or desk height force your shoulders to shrug? – Do you skip breaks for more than an hour of typing? – Are you gripping the mouse tightly or using your laptop keyboard flat on the desk?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, it may be time for ergonomic changes or a PT evaluation.

When to See a Physical Therapist

Consider an evaluation if any of the following apply:

• Pain or stiffness that lasts more than a week.
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand.
• Pain that wakes you at night or worsens after work.
• Swelling or reduced grip strength.

A licensed physical therapist can identify the cause and design a personalized wrist pain relief plan. If needed, we will coordinate with your physician to ensure you get the right care.

Ready to take the next step?
Book an Evaluation Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my wrists hurt when I type all day?
Holding your wrists in a bent position while typing or using a mouse increases tendon and nerve pressure. Over time, this causes soreness or tingling.

Can wrist pain go away on its own?
Mild pain can improve with rest, stretching, and ergonomic changes, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a physical therapist.

How do I prevent carpal tunnel syndrome at work?
Keep your wrists in a straight, neutral position, take regular movement breaks, and avoid gripping the mouse too tightly. Strengthening your forearms also helps.

What is the best ergonomic setup for typing?
Your keyboard should be at elbow height, your chair adjusted so your feet are flat, and your monitor just below eye level.

Can physical therapy help wrist pain from typing?
Yes. A therapist can identify the cause of your pain, adjust your ergonomics, and provide a personalized wrist-strengthening and stretching plan.

The post Wrist Pain at Work: Ergonomic Fixes That Actually Help appeared first on ATI.

At ATI, we are proud to offer Hand Therapy as one of our specialty services. Our clinics’ physical therapists [PT] and occupational therapy practitioners [OTP] fulfill these roles, helping our patients rehabilitate and strengthen their hands and upper extremities for everyday use.

During the first week in June, we celebrate Hand Therapy Week. While we want to take the time to recognize our PTs and OTPs for their work, we also want our potential patients and their families to know how Hand Therapy can help them regain control of their life.

Get Your Free Physical Therapy Screening

Not sure where to start with physical therapy? Get a free screening and let us help you start the path to recovery today.

Get My Complimentary Screening

What is Hand Therapy?

Hand therapy works to improve the functional use of the patient’s upper extremities. This means our therapists treat hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions. In addition, hand therapists use various techniques to strengthen and help restore patients’ function.

What will a hand therapist do?

Many of ATI’s hand therapists are Certified Hand Therapists [CHT]. To become a CHT, a hand therapist must have practiced for at least three years. They must also have had a minimum of 4,000 hours of treatment, focusing specifically on hand and upper extremity disorders. Additionally, CHTs are also required to pass a rigorous examination.

As a result of their training, our therapists are well-equipped to assist and will provide you with the following:

• Accurate assessments
• Personalized treatment plans
• Rehabilitative care, both preventative and post-operative

What are the treatment techniques for hand therapy?

Hand therapists utilize a variety of techniques and approaches to assist their patients. But what your therapist chooses for you depends on your symptoms and needs. Each one of our patient’s cases is unique, and for that reason, their care plan is too.

Therapeutic interventions may include preventative/non-operative conservative treatment or post-operative rehabilitation. In both instances, your hand therapist provides exercises and activities to improve the functional use of your hand and upper extremity. Exercises used by your Hand therapist may include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive exercises to restore strength and mobility
• Activities using tools (e.g., weights and putty) or using everyday objects (e.g., buttons, clothespins, or coins) to help restore function, fine motor control, and manual dexterity
• Custom fabricated orthoses may be used to protect injured structures/surgical repairs, reduce pain symptoms and allow structures to heal, or even improve flexibility
• Manual therapy to address edema, scar tissue, or soft tissue restrictions

Whatever your reason for visiting a hand therapist, their primary goal is to restore function and develop modifications. They want to help you engage with your everyday world.

What are the common injuries and conditions for hand therapy?

Our Hand Therapists are trained to evaluate and treat complex upper extremity cases in the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, including:

• Soft tissue sprains and strains
• Fractures of the upper extremity
• Arthritic/degenerative joint disease
• Rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder pathologies
• Compression-based and traumatic peripheral nerve injuries, such as carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel
• Multiple trauma injuries
• Wound care
• Scar management
• Tendon lacerations and repairs
• Amputations and re-plantations
• Overuse tendinopathies

Regain function in work and life

Our PTs and OTPs are eager to assist you with the social, emotional, and functional components related to everyone they treat. Their goal is to restore function, so you can return to work and play. Learn more about Hand Therapy or find a nearby clinic and start on the path towards recovery today.

The post ATI Celebrates Hand Therapy Week appeared first on ATI.

During the first full week of June, ATI Physical Therapy, the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) and members of the hand therapy community celebrate Hand Therapy Week and the benefits of hand therapy in an effort to raise awareness and educate the public.

With experts deployed across 17 states, ATI’s Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) are Occupational Therapists (OT) or Physical Therapists (PT) who, through advanced study and experience, specialize in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity.

Why see a hand therapist?

A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and treat any problem related to the upper extremity. Hand therapists can effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post-operative rehabilitation, preventative, non-operative or conservative treatment or industry consultation. Therapists works closely with the physician and patient to provide a continuum of care. This often starts within days of the injury or surgery right through the patient’s return to work and/or a productive lifestyle. A hand specialist may also have advanced certification as a certified hand therapist.

What’s the difference between hand therapists and occupational/physical therapists?

Occupational therapists have graduated from an accredited OT program, passed a national registration exam and are licensed to practice as OTs in the state in which they work (unless no licensure exists in that state). Physical therapists that have graduated from an accredited PT program, passed a national registration exam and are licensed to practice in the state in which they work. Both OTs and PTs can practice in any specialty area of their professions, such as general rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, head injury, orthopedics, pediatrics, geriatrics or hand therapy.

A CHT is an OT or PT by profession with at least three years of experience, plus 4,000 hours of hand therapy practice (upper extremity rehabilitation). A CHT must have passed a certification examination that demonstrates knowledge of all areas of hand therapy before being granted the right to use the CHT designation. Hand therapists must renew their credential every five years through continued education and participation in hand therapy to continue using the CHT designation.

Hand therapy specialists provide:

• Accurate assessments, immediate care and effective treatment to reduce treatment time
• A continuum of care eliminating the need for multiple medical providers
• Faster recovery results in decreased medical costs
• Functional outcomes ensuring a faster return to work and productive lifestyle
• The most comprehensive care for their patients

Injuries and conditions treated by hand therapists

Through preventative, non-operative, conservative treatment, post-operative rehab and industry consultation, ATI hand therapists can effectively evaluate and treat complex upper extremity cases including:

• Soft tissue sprains and strains
• Fractures of the upper extremity
• Arthritic/degenerative joint disease
• Rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder pathologies
• Compression-based and traumatic peripheral nerve injuries
• Multiple trauma injuries
• Wound care
• Scar management
• Tendon lacerations and repairs
• Amputations and re-plantations
• Overuse tendinopathiesz

Are you experiencing pain in your hand, wrist or arm?

Stop by your nearest ATI Physical Therapy clinic for a complimentary screening and get back to doing you. Our certified hand therapists will guide your recovery through expert hand therapy services and can assure the best outcome for patients in need of this specialized care.

The post Celebrating Hand Therapy Week appeared first on ATI.

We use our hands everyday, and for every little thing. From waking up in the morning . . . to getting ready for bed . . . if our hands aren’t working right, or are causing us pain, it can really disrupt daily life.

Pain or weakness in the hands (and wrists and elbows) typically stems from two sources: injury or disease. And, just like the complex and intricate duties the hands perform each day, is the complexity and intricacy of the hands’ anatomy. It is for this reason that treatment is best “placed in the hands” of hand therapists.

What is Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy is the rehabilitation of the hands and upper extremities, which includes the wrist, elbow and shoulder. Many of ATI’s hand therapists are Certified Hand Therapists, who through many years of additional training beyond practicing as a physical or occupational therapist, have a specialized knowledge of the hand. Hand therapists utilize exercise, custom splinting, wound care and preventative care to help restore patients’ function.

Why Hand Therapy?
An injury to your hand, wrist, or elbow can be extremely annoying—particularly if it interferes with sports, leisure, work, and/or basic daily tasks. Hand therapists are able to focus on resolving the symptoms which are limiting you from completing not only the things you need to do, but also the things you love to do.

So what are some of the more common ailments of the hands?  And, most importantly, how can they be treated?

Phyllis Peterson, Certified Hand Therapist with ATI Physical Therapy in Cleveland, has over 30 years experience practicing physical therapy, and over 15 years treating hand and upper extremities. Phyllis discusses common symptoms and treatments available for ailments of the hand:

“An injury to the upper extremity can cause pain and swelling, in addition to decreased mobility, strength and function,” says Phyllis. “There are numerous conditions that affect the hand, and hand therapists can evaluate them to help determine the best course of treatment to help resolve symptoms and restore function.”

Hand therapy utilizes modalities such as; ultrasound, Iontophoresis, Fluidotherapy, paraffin and electrical stimulation to assist with the relief of pain. In some situations, the utilization of custom fabricated splints may be indicated to assist with improving flexibility, reducing pain, and protection of injured structures or surgical repairs. Manual therapy in the form of edema or scar massage and soft tissue mobilization is also utilized. Additionally, exercise is a major component in treatment of an upper extremity injury. Every condition which affects the hands requires an individualized evaluation to determine what type and frequency of exercise would best achieve the goals of the individual.

Common injures or conditions that a hand therapist will be able to evaluate and treat include:
• Arthritis
• Nerve Compressions/Irritations (Carpal Tunnel and Cubital Tunnel)
• Dupuytren’s Disease (abnormal thickening of the tissue just beneath the skin known as fascia)
• Sprain and Strains
• Tenosynovitis/Tendonitis (DeQuervain’s, Trigger Finger, and Epicondylitis)
• Fractures
• Post-surgical

Hand Therapists provide “hands on” care to help you achieve your goals and return to the highest quality of life! If you are suffering from aches and pains in your hands, contact your local ATI for a complimentary screening. The hand therapists at will evaluate your injury and provide you with options for continued care.

The post Pain in the Hand? Hand Therapy May Help appeared first on ATI.