What is a Hand Therapist?
A hand therapist is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who, through advanced study and experience, specializes in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity. A hand specialist may also have advanced certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).
What does a Hand Therapist provide?
A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and treat any problem relative to the upper extremities. The hand therapist can effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through postoperative rehabilitation, preventative, non-operative, or conservative treatment, or industry consultation. The therapist works closely with physician and patient to provide a continuum of care. This often starts within days of the injury or surgery right through to the patient's return to work and/or a productive lifestyle.
Postoperative Rehabilitation
- Management of open or sutured wounds (prevention of infection and assistance in healing)
- Control of hypertrophic (raised and/or swollen) or hypersensitive scars
- Reduction of swelling
Preventative, Non-operative, or Conservative Treatment
- Management of acute or chronic pain
- Desensitization following nerve injury or trauma
- Sensory re-education after nerve injury
- Design and implementation of exercise programs to increase motion, dexterity and/or strength
- Splint fabrication for prevention or corrections of injury
- Training in the performance of daily life skills through adapted methods and equipment
- Conditioning prior to returning to work
Why use a Hand Therapy specialist?
- Accurate assessments, immediate care, and effective treatment reduce treatment time.
- The continuum of care eliminates the need for multiple medical providers.
- Faster recovery results in decreased medical costs.
- Resulting functional outcomes ensure a faster return to work and productive lifestyle.
- Hand therapists - both occupational and physical therapists - enhance the skills of others to provide the most comprehensive care for their patients.
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