Hand therapy
To help you to recover from your injury or surgery on your hand, your hand therapist will give you advice about what activities you can and cannot do. As you recover and your injury heals, you will be able to gradually increase the amount of activities you can do.
Examples of daily activities and their classification (light, medium or heavy) are listed below and you will be advised by your hand therapist on the level of daily activities you can perform following your injury or surgery.
Light activities
Personal
- Washing or shaving
- Putting on light clothes
- Fastening zips or buttons
- Using a knife, fork or spoon, but not cutting meat
- Combing hair
- Putting on socks
- Tying shoe laces
Other activities
- Reading newspaper or book
- Playing cards
- Using the telephone
- Handling money
- Using remote control
- Writing and typing
- Dusting
- Switching on light switches
Medium activities
Domestic
- Sweeping up
- Unscrewing jars or tins
- Hanging washing out
- Washing up and wiping up
- Ring pull can opening
Other activities
- Holding pint of liquid or cup of tea
- Using scissors
- Using towel
- Opening and closing door
- Using key to open door
- Driving
Heavy activities
Manual work
- Hand washing and wringing out cloths
- Gardening
- Carrying shopping
- Ironing
- Cooking and lifting saucepans and kettles
- Making bed
- Vacuuming
- Lifting children or heavy objects
- Cleaning car
- Decorating
- Sport – golf, swimming, gym, cycling, running, football
Who should I contact if I have any problems?
If you have any questions regarding your hand therapy please contact the hand therapy team on
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]