At SA Hand Therapy, we prescribe Home Exercise Programs (HEP) to support rehabilitation outside the clinic. Whether recovering from a hand injury, surgery, or managing a chronic condition, a HEP plays a vital role in bridging the gap between clinic sessions and real-life function.
Consistency is key. Research has shown that adherence to HEPs significantly affects treatment outcomes, especially in hand therapy, where recovery depends heavily on repetition, movement quality, and patient engagement (Jack et al., 2010; Holden et al., 2014). Hand therapists design these programs based on specific conditions, goals, and lifestyle, making them both relevant and achievable.
Consistently doing your exercises at home reinforces the progress made during therapy sessions. Movement supports blood flow, promotes tissue healing, and helps restore strength and mobility (Jack et al., 2010). Our clients in Adelaide who consistently follow their home exercise programs often notice quicker improvements in mobility and strength.
Following your HEP helps prevent setbacks. Regular movement prevents scar tissue from stiffening and reduces the risk of re-injury. For people managing more chronic conditions, such as thumb base osteoarthritis, our Adelaide hand therapy team often recommends integrating exercises into everyday activities to build lasting habits and minimise flare-ups. Long-term adherence helps reinforce these gains, making the benefits of therapy more sustainable over time (Holden et al., 2014).
A well-designed HEP fosters confidence in managing your recovery. By learning to carry out exercises independently, you take ownership of your health and become more attuned to what works for your body.
Gentle, regular motion improves joint lubrication, decreases muscle tightness, and can reduce inflammation. Clients who stay active with their HEP often report reduced pain levels and increased functional comfort (Jack et al., 2010).
Your feedback on what feels helpful or challenging can help guide your therapist in adapting the program to meet your needs. Digital exercise platforms, such as therapy-focused apps, enable therapists to personalise home programs and monitor progress, helping ensure exercises remain relevant and achievable (Valdes et al., 2022). These tools can also improve adherence by providing reminders, visual demonstrations, and a sense of accountability between sessions (Valdes et al., 2022).
HEPs are tailored using adult learning principles, recognising that people learn in different ways. Some individuals may prefer written instructions, while others benefit more from video demonstrations or app-based delivery (Valdes et al., 2022). Another recent study by Toci et al (2023) showed that there was much greater compliance with a video delivered program verse a traditional client handout.
By aligning the mode of delivery with each person’s learning preferences, personality and lifestyle factors, therapists can better support understanding, engagement, and long-term success.
At SA Hand Therapy, we understand that sticking to a program isn’t always easy. Here are some common challenges our clients face and what we suggest:
Try setting reminders on your phone, placing notes in visible spots, or linking exercises to daily routines like brushing your teeth.
Focus on small wins, like less pain or improved movement, and track them. Apps or tracking sheets can visually show progress, which is motivating (Holden et al., 2014).
Don’t push through. Discuss your concerns with your therapist, and adjustments can be made to ensure your exercises are safe and manageable.
Emerging evidence suggests that the timing and delivery of HEPs can significantly influence adherence, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions. Rather than prescribing exercises purely in sets and repetitions, integrating them into daily routines (e.g., performing hand exercises while making a cup of tea) may support habit formation and improve long-term consistency. Jack et al. (2010) identified poor self-efficacy, pain, and difficulty fitting exercises into daily life as common barriers to adherence. Similarly, Holden et al. (2014) highlighted the importance of using behaviourally-informed strategies such as goal-setting, self-monitoring, and routine integration to support sustained engagement.
While more research is needed to directly compare routine-linked and repetition-based approaches, aligning exercises with daily activities, guided by individual preferences and learning styles appears to offer a promising pathway to improving outcomes.
Sticking to your HEP is more than a checklist, it’s a vital part of your recovery. Whether you’re healing from a tendon repair, managing chronic hand pain, or regaining strength after surgery. Our Adelaide hand therapy team is here to support you every step of the way.
