Hand therapy is the art and science of evaluating and treating injuries and conditions of the upper extremity which includes the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand.  A hand therapist is an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist who specialize in treatment of pathological upper extremity conditions resulting from trauma, disease, congenital or acquired deformity. Hand therapists provide non-operative interventions, preventative care, and post-surgical rehabilitation for a wide variety of upper extremity disorders. They work closely with orthopedic surgeons who also specialize in the hand to ensure maximal outcomes for patients. Hand therapists bridge the gap from medical management of upper extremity conditions to successful recovery, allowing individuals to function normally in their daily lives.

Why see a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)?

Hand therapy evolved from the need for a specialist with the knowledge and experience required to manage the challenging recovery of complex hand and upper extremity injuries. It is the merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the upper limb with function and activity. Hand therapists utilize specialized skills to provide therapeutic intervention to prevent dysfunction and restore optimal use of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.

A Certified Hand Therapist has dedicated their career and efforts to obtain national credentialing that requires a deep dive into all upper extremity anatomy, ailments, and advanced treatment techniques. To obtain the CHT credential, a hand therapist must practice for a minimum of three years, accumulating a minimum of 4,000 hours of treatment for hand and upper extremity disorders, and pass a rigorous certification exam to demonstrate their competency in assessment and treatment of the upper extremity. Every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years. All hand therapists at CAO are either certified or completing our mentorship program on the path of becoming a CHT.

What are the benefits of hand therapy?

A qualified hand therapist is trained to evaluate and treat any problem related to the upper extremities. They are trained to help you in the following ways:

• Custom splint fabrication
• Manage and improve pain
• Regain strength and function
• Increase range of motion and dexterity
• Desensitize nerves following injury or trauma
• Provide education and training to adapt to daily activities and responsibilities
• Improve ability to return to work, sports, and home care
• Reduce the need for corrective/reparative surgery

Common hand therapy conditions

• Arthritis
• Amputation
• Boutineere Deformity
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• DeQuervain’s Disease
• Dupuytren’s Disease
• Fractures and Dislocations
• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
• Joint Replacement for Arthritis
• Ligament Tears/Instability
• Mallet Injury
• Orthopedic pediatric injuries/conditions
• Repetitive Strain Conditions
• Shoulder Conditions
• Sports Injuries
• Swan Neck Deformity
• Flexor and Extensor Tendon Injuries/repair
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
• TFCC Injury (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear)
• Worker’s Compensation Injuries
• Wrist Injuries