Cultural Considerations of Hand Use

Although each of us has the same capacity for hand use based on musculoskeletal structure and physiology, the choice and meaning of hand usage and activity are unique to the individual and influenced by sociocultural values, beliefs, and expectations. Effective therapists provide culturally competent care. For the hand therapist, this involves understanding how patients use their hands and the meaning clients ascribe to that use. This article will provide a review of cross-cultural variations in hand use in activities of daily living, communication, and decoration.