Hand and wrist
Hand therapy, one movement at a time.
Whether your hand was injured, operated on, or has been hurting for a long time, I'll help you restore its motion, its strength, and its place in your daily life.
- William Street, Montréal
- In English or French
- Free 15-minute first call
Who it's for
When your hand can't keep up.
- Recovering
Hand therapy aims to restore upper extremity function and support a return to daily activities following an injury, fracture, or surgery,
- Managing
or when managing acute or chronic conditions such as tendinitis, De Quervain’s, trigger finger, arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- And also
It can also help relieve pain and make everyday tasks easier during pregnancy and postpartum, when lifting, holding, or caring for your baby can strain your hands and wrists.
What I help with
From the base of the thumb to the fingertips.
On the hand model, each dot shows where the condition affects the hand or wrist.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Where the thumb meets the wrist.
Skier’s thumb
At the index-finger side of the thumb’s big knuckle.
Trigger finger
At the base of the finger, in the palm.
Mallet finger
At the fingertip, when the last joint droops and you can’t straighten it.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
On the palm side of the wrist, where the nerve can become compressed or irritated.
And also, anywhere in the hand and wrist
- fractures
- arthritis
- ligament sprains
- crush injuries
- tendonitis
- sports injuries
And at the elbow
- tennis elbow
- golfer's elbow
What it includes
From assessment back to your activities.
An example
Recovering from a hand fracture and having difficulty returning to work? Hand therapy can help restore movement, strength, and function so you can get back to the activities you need and want to do.
Depending on your situation: not every hand needs every step.
- 01
Comprehensive assessment
I assess your hand and wrist (strength, mobility, pain, swelling, sensation), as well as how your symptoms affect work and everyday activities.
- 02
Wound and scar care
Supporting wound and scar healing to help you regain comfortable movement after surgery or injury.
- 03
Custom-made splints
To protect healing structures in a supportive hand and wrist orthotic. I make them myself, at my office.
- 04
Personalized exercise programs
Targeted exercises to restore strength, mobility, and function.
- 05
Movement retraining
Learning new ways to move and use your hand that reduce strain.
- 06
Advice for adapting your activities
Adapting everyday tasks like opening jars, texting, lifting, and carrying to reduce strain while your hand heals.
Your activities
Back to what matters to you.
Hands, since my early days
As a graduate student, I was intimidated by hand therapy: it seemed like a very challenging practice area. Then I unexpectedly stumbled, headfirst, into a replacement position in an outpatient hand therapy department.
“My experience in hand therapy became the lighthouse amidst a sea of professional opportunities and uncertainty.”
As an occupational therapist and a member of the Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec, I now support anyone who needs hand rehabilitation, whatever their stage of life.
Frequently asked questions
Before you trust me with your hand.
Do I need an injury or surgery to come see you?
No. Hand therapy also helps when pain sets in little by little and ends up limiting your movement, with no specific injury.
I'm not sure occupational therapy can help my hand. Where do I start?
With the free 15-minute call. You tell me what you're going through and what you'd like to get back to, and I'll tell you whether hand therapy can help, and what the next steps would be.
Do you also work with the elbow and shoulder?
The elbow, yes, but only for tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. The shoulder, no.
How long is a session?
Usually 60 minutes, for the initial assessment and for follow-ups. In hand therapy, though, a 30-minute session can be enough when appropriate. A virtual session is also possible, upon request.
Is it covered by my insurance?
RAMQ doesn't cover services from my private practice. Your private insurance plan might: your insurer can confirm your coverage and reimbursement limits. I also mention this next to my contact information.
You don't need a medical referral to see me. Your insurer may, however, require one to reimburse services or the making of your custom splint.
Do you accept CNESST or SAAQ clients?
I am not affiliated with the CNESST or SAAQ. These are government insurance programs that may cover claims related to workplace injuries or motor vehicle accidents.
If you have an open claim, you can check with your case manager to see whether you can receive services from me. Please note that the approval process can involve lengthy wait times. I’m happy to work with you! However, I do not communicate or coordinate directly with the CNESST or SAAQ, so you would be responsible for submitting any claims and arranging reimbursement yourself. Depending on your coverage, you may also need to pay some or all of the service fees out of pocket.
Is hand and wrist pain common during pregnancy and postpartum?
Yes, hand and wrist pain during pregnancy and postpartum can be common due to hormonal changes, fluid retention, and increased stress on these areas. My support adapts to the specific challenges and needs of this period.
I write about it in The Rule of Thumb.
Another question? Call me at 514 500-1185.
Also
My other services
Pelvic health
More than the pelvic floor: your body, nervous system, and habits, taken together.
Maternal health
Your body, fatigue, and routines, before and after your baby arrives.
Make an appointment
Let's start with a free 15-minute call.
Karina JacksonI'm the one who answers, in English or French.
To better understand how occupational therapy can help you, before a first appointment. During this call, we will discuss:
- your specific challenges and goals
- what the assessment entails
- possible treatment options
- any other concerns you may have
- the next steps
Montréal, Quebec H3J 1R4
Directions in Google Maps
HoursView availability on GoRendez. Other times available upon request.
Services provided through my private practice are not covered by RAMQ. However, occupational therapy may be covered by private health insurance plans. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and reimbursement limits.