About Hand Therapists

American Society of Hand Therapists - California Chapter

What is a Hand Therapist?

A hand therapist is an occupational or physical therapist who, through advanced study, specializes in rehabilitating patients with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity.

The therapist’s high degree of specialization requires continuing education and, most often, advanced certification. This enables the hand therapist to work with patients hastening their return to a productive lifestyle.

Who Does a Hand Therapist Serve?

A hand therapist works with patients who may have been affected by an accident or trauma leaving them with wounds, scars, burns, injured tendons or nerves, fractures, or even amputation of the finger, hands, or arms.

A hand therapist also treats patients who are disabled from the affects of repetitive motion disorders – such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients seeking the care of a hand therapist also suffer from such chronic problems as arthritis or a neurological condition.

A hand therapist works with the patient – in any situation – 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.

What Does a Hand Therapist Provide?

A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and identify any problem relative to the upper extremities. The hand therapist can effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through such methods as postoperative rehabilitation, rehabilitation or industry consultation.

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

Rehabilitation

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

Industry Consultation

Hand therapists may consult with various industries establishing preventive programs for workers with cumulative trauma disorders. Hand therapists recommend modifications of workstations and alternative work methods to help ensure healthy work styles of all employees.

Why Look for a Hand Therapist?

Read below to find out why you should look for a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) or Occupational or Physical Therapist specializing in the upper extremity.

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 the other to provide the most comprehensive care for their patients.

Where do Hand Therapists work?

Hospitals

Rehabilitation centers

Industrial medicine facilities

Privately owned therapy clinics

Sports medicine facilities

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN Hand Therapists (HTC) VS. CERTIFIED Hand Therapists (CHT)

HTC: Licensing requirement to practice hand therapy

CHT: Demonstrating expertise by passing the examination in the field of Hand Therapy.

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