Nederlands 
Hand therapy
What is hand therapy?
Hand therapy is a specialisation within physiotherapy, focusing on complaints of the hand, wrist, fingers and forearm. You can come to us after surgery, after an injury or strain, but also for chronic complaints such as osteoarthritis or rheumatic disorders.
If additional imaging is needed, we have ultrasound at Fysio Fitaal to image soft-tissue structures directly. We always draw up a personalised treatment plan tailored to your complaint, your goals and your daily life.
We work according to the Fitaal Method: Fit, Forward and Final. The Fit phase focuses on protection and basic recovery. In the Forward phase, we build mobility and strength. And in the Final phase, we return to the activities that are important to you, whether that is work, sports or just making pain-free coffee.
Splints and braces
Splints and braces are devices we use to support your hand, wrist or fingers, give them rest or provide targeted movement. At Fysio Fitaal, we fit customised splints in thermoplastic material: a plastic that moulds precisely around your hand for a perfect fit.
A splint is rigid and immobilises a joint so that damaged structures can recover, for example after surgery or fracture. A brace is dynamic and guides or directs movement, as in recovery after tendon repair.
We measure the following types:
- Wrist splint
For osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or after a fracture - Thumb splint
For De Quervain, CMC osteoarthritis or Skiduim - Finger splint
For a damaged or operated finger; mallet finger, trigger finger
After fitting, we check the fit and adjust the splint during the recovery process. Having a splint fitted is also possible without an extensive treatment programme.
What can you expect from hand therapy?
Hand therapy at Fysio Fitaal is always tailor-made. We start with a comprehensive examination: not only of the complaint itself, but also of how your hand moves, which structures are involved and what your goals are. Based on this, we draw up a personalised treatment plan.
Our treatment offerings include:
- Manual therapy and mobilisations of joints in wrist, hand and fingers
- Exercise therapy focusing on strength, coordination and endurance
- Splint fitting: measuring, fitting and checking
- Personalised home exercise programme
With hand complaints, the approach is extra careful. We always follow a phased recovery plan:
| Phase | Period | Focus |
| Fit | Week 1-3 | Reduce swelling, maintain mobility, splinting |
| Forward | Week 4-8 | Increase mobility, start strength building |
| Final | Week 9-12+ | Functional load, return to work and sport |
Hand therapy is suitable for athletes, office workers, the elderly. You can also attend without a doctor's referral.
Reimbursement hand therapy
Physiotherapy, including hand therapy, is covered by the supplementary insurance. The number of reimbursed sessions depends on your health insurance and package. Custom-made splints are in some cases reimbursed from the supplementary insurance or via the basic insurance if prescribed by a specialist.
Do you have questions about reimbursement or want to know what your insurance covers? Feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help you find out more.
You can also visit us without a doctor's referral. Do you have a referral letter from a hand surgeon, general practitioner or rehabilitation doctor? Then bring it with you to your first appointment.
Who is hand therapy for?
Hand therapy is for anyone with hand, wrist or finger complaints, regardless of age or background.
Athletes who climb, row, play tennis or engage in contact sports put intense strain on their hands and wrists. Injuries from falls, overuse from repetitive movements or acute injuries during training are common. Targeted hand therapy ensures a safe return to sport.
Office staff who spend a long time working with a mouse and keyboard every day can suffer from RSI complaints or carpal tunnel syndrome. We both treat the complaint and give advice on work posture and load structure.
Elderly who suffer a wrist fracture after a fall or deal with osteoarthritis, benefit from hand therapy to continue to function independently in daily life.
Common complaints we treat
Wrist complaints
Wrist problems are often complex can greatly affect your daily life. The wrist is a joint...
Rowing wrist intersection syndrome
A rower's wrist, also known as intersection syndrome, is particularly common in rowers and sports...
Tennis elbow (Epicondalgia lateralis)
Tennis elbow is an overuse syndrome of the extensors in the wrist
Throwing elbow
In a pitcher's elbow, there is particularly pain on the inside of the elbow.
Trigger finger treatment
Are you experiencing pain, stiffness or a 'clicking' sensation in your finger or thumb? If so,...
Frequently asked questions about hand therapy
Do I need a referral for hand therapy?
No, you can also visit us without a doctor's referral. You can make an appointment directly via the website or by telephone. If you have been referred by a hand surgeon or GP, please bring the referral letter and any medical information with you to your first appointment.
How long does a hand therapy programme take?
This varies greatly depending on the complaint. Simple overuse complaints we sometimes address within four to six sessions. After surgery, a full rehabilitation programme can take three to six months. At the first appointment, we discuss what to expect based on your situation.
Will my health insurance cover a splint?
The fitting of a splint falls within regular physiotherapy treatment. If you have supplementary physiotherapy insurance, the costs are usually reimbursed by the health insurer. If you do not have supplementary insurance, the costs are €40 per treatment.
Can I visit without having surgery?
Sure. Many patients come with complaints that have not required surgery. Hand therapy is very effective in conservative treatment of complaints such as carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain, trigger finger or osteoarthritis.
Can I have a splint fitted without a whole course of treatment?
Yes, it is possible to have only a customised splint fitted. We will then briefly assess your complaint and measure the splint immediately. If you want further treatment afterwards, you can always do so.
Making an appointment at FysioFitaal
We work from multiple locations in Tilburg, always close by for professional and accessible physiotherapy. Fill in the contact form and we will contact you soon. Together, we will work on your recovery!