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We want to take this moment to recognize the hard work our Certified Hand Therapists do to help our patients and our community!
According to the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is:
"A nationally registered occupational therapist or physical therapist who, through advanced continuing education, clinical experience and integration of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, has become proficient in treatment of pathological upper-quadrant conditions resulting from trauma, disease, or congenital or acquired deformity."
The name "Hand Therapist" can be misleading!
This is because a CHT is trained and skilled at treating anything from shoulder to fingertip. If you have an issue with your upper extremity, why not see a therapist who specializes in that one area of the body?
Hand therapy can provide the following:
- Both non-operative and post-operative treatment of upper extremity injuries and conditions
- Help with recent or long-lasting pain
- Help to reduce pain or burning from nerve related issues
- Learning to feel again after a nerve injury (sensory re-education)
- Teaching home exercise programs to help with movement and strength
- Custom-made splints to protect an injured bone, tendon, or ligament, or surgical repair. Splints may help prevent or improve stiffness
- Learning to complete everyday activities with special tools
- Help getting back to work, sports, or hobbies
- Help with a patient’s recovery after surgery. This may include assistance with helping wounds heal, preventing infection, scar treatment and reducing swelling.
What conditions do CHTs treat?
- Finger, wrist, elbow fractures
- Carpal tunnel (non operative or post operative)
- Nerve compressions such as radial nerve palsy and cubital tunnel
- Golfer's elbow, tennis elbow
- Arthritis of the thumb (basal joint)
- Trigger finger (non-operative or post operative)
- Tendon injuries
- Amputations
- And more!
Can a therapist treat hand and upper extremity issues if they are not a CHT?
- Yes! several of our Occupational Therapists treat hand injuries and are heading towards taking their CHT certification examination! They are also excellent and compentent hand therapists as well.
- We love supporting and working with our therapists to help them reach their goals too! :)
Call, text or email us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Certified Hand Therapists!
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