What Is Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy is the science and art of rehabilitation of the upper extremity (arm), which includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle.
Using specialized skills demonstrating advanced knowledge and clinical skills in the treatment of upper extremity dysfunction, and disease or injury, a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) provides therapeutic interventions to restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology in the upper limb.
Each CHT also has advanced skills in custom splint fabrication to control or protect functional patterns during various healing phases of disease or injury, in addition to post-operative protection after surgical intervention.
Custom splinting ensures protection or correction of the injured area while maximizing the function of the adjacent areas.
Close collaboration with the patient, physician, and therapist ensures each individual’s response to injury or disease is monitored and adjusted to optimize functional outcomes.
