A CHT is an expert in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder rehabilitation. She or he may be either an occupational or physical therapist who has at least 3 years of clinical experience and 4,000 hours of patient care devoted to working in hand therapy. In order to obtain the CHT designation, a therapist must pass a comprehensive test on the upper extremity as it relates to rehabilitation and demonstrate continued professional development and competency by re-certification every five years.
According to the Hand Therapy Certification Committee, hand therapy is “the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle. It is a merging of occupational therapy and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.”
If you have pain or have had an injury to your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, chances are that you will benefit from therapy. Call our clinic to inquire if hand therapy may be helpful for your condition or diagnosis and ask your physician for a prescription for hand/ occupational therapy.
Our clinic accepts most insurance plans including Medicare. Please call in advance of your first appointment so that we may verify your benefits.
