Our hands and upper limbs play a crucial role in our daily lives, from simple tasks like buttoning a shirt to more complex activities such as typing or playing a musical instrument. When injuries or conditions affect these areas, it can significantly impact our quality of life. This is where certified hand therapists (CHTs) come into play, offering specialized care to help individuals regain function and independence.
What is a certified hand therapist?
A CHT is either an occupational or physical therapist who has advanced training in the complex anatomy and function of the upper extremity, including the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder.
- Extensive clinical experience, with a minimum of five years in the field and over 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand therapy.
- Certification, achieved by passing a rigorous examination that demonstrates their expertise in upper extremity rehabilitation.
This specialized training enables CHTs to provide comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
Unique services provided by a certified hand therapist
CHTs offer a range of specialized services designed to address various conditions affecting the upper extremity:
1. Post-surgical rehabilitation
After surgeries involving tendon and nerve repairs, joint replacements, fracture fixations, or ligament reconstructions, CHTs develop personalized rehabilitation plans to restore function and strength.
2. Custom orthoses (splinting)
CHTs have extensive training in fabricating and fitting custom orthoses (splints) to:
- Protect healing structures
- Restore function
- Prevent or reduce joint deformities
These custom devices are essential for optimal recovery.
3. Edema and scar management
Proper management of swelling and scar tissue is vital for functional recovery. CHTs employ skilled techniques to minimize these issues, promoting better outcomes.
4. Neurological rehabilitation
For individuals with nerve injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome or nerve palsies, CHTs provide:
- Sensory re-education
- Motor retraining
These interventions help restore sensation and movement.
5. Work and sports-related rehabilitation
CHTs develop individualized rehabilitation protocols for those suffering from repetitive strain injuries or traumatic hand injuries, aiming to restore function for a safe return to work and sports activities.
6. Dexterity and functional training
To improve independence in daily activities, CHTs focus on restoring fine motor skills and dexterity, essential for tasks like:
- Instrument use
- Tool handling
- Job-specific functions
Benefits of working with a certified hand therapist
Engaging in therapy with a CHT offers numerous advantages:
- Restored function – CHTs aim to help patients regain the use of their hands and upper limbs, enabling them to perform daily tasks and enjoy hobbies without pain or limitation.o
- Renewed confidence – As function improves, so does confidence. Patients often feel more independent and capable after therapy.
- Gained knowledge – CHTs educate patients about their conditions, treatment options, and preventive strategies, empowering them to take an active role in their recovery.
- Reduced stress – Managing pain and improving function can significantly reduce the stress associated with injury or chronic conditions.
Conditions treated by certified hand therapists
CHTs are equipped to handle a variety of conditions affecting the upper extremity, including but not limited to:
- Tendon injuries
- Such as tears and repairs.
- Nerve conditions
- Including neuropathies and nerve entrapments like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Arthritis
- Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis affecting hand and wrist joints.
- Fractures and dislocations
- Providing post-injury rehabilitation to restore movement and strength.
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Addressing conditions like tendonitis resulting from overuse.
- Congenital anomalies
- Offering therapeutic interventions for developmental conditions affecting the hand.
Learn more
CHTs play a vital role in the rehabilitation of upper extremity conditions. Their specialized training and services, from post-surgical rehabilitation to custom splinting, are designed to restore function.
For more information about rehabilitation services at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, click here.