Hand Therapy: Restoring Function and Enhancing Quality of Life
Hand therapy is a specialized area of rehabilitation focused on assessing and treating conditions affecting the hands, wrists, and upper extremities. At C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy, our skilled hand therapists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to individuals experiencing a wide range of hand and upper extremity issues.
What is Hand Therapy?
The HTCC (Hand Therapy Certification Commission), developed in 1989, is responsible for credentialing all certified hand therapists. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational or physical therapist with at least five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper-quarter rehabilitation. A CHT must demonstrate continued professional development and competency by re-certifying every five years.
Hand therapy encompasses a variety of therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring function, relieving pain, and improving the overall well-being of patients with hand and upper extremity conditions. Our hand therapists are trained to address both acute injuries and chronic conditions, utilizing a combination of therapeutic techniques and modalities to promote optimal recovery outcomes.
What Can Hand Therapy Help With?
Hand therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing a diverse array of hand and upper extremity conditions, including but not limited to:
- Fractures: Hand therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process following fractures of the hand, wrist, or forearm, helping to restore mobility, strength, and function.
- Tendon and Nerve Injuries: Our hand therapists are skilled in managing tendon and nerve injuries, providing specialized interventions to facilitate healing and promote optimal nerve function.
- Arthritis: Hand therapy can help individuals with arthritis manage pain, improve joint mobility, and maintain independence in daily activities through targeted exercises and joint protection techniques.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries: For individuals experiencing conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow, hand therapy offers practical strategies to alleviate symptoms, improve ergonomics, and prevent further injury.
- Postoperative Rehabilitation: Following surgical procedures on the hand or upper extremity, hand therapy is essential for promoting proper healing, restoring range of motion, and optimizing functional outcomes.
- Traumatic Injuries: Whether it’s a car accident injury, workplace injury, or other complex trauma, our hand therapists are experienced in providing comprehensive rehabilitation to help patients regain function and adapt to life after injury.
- Custom Splinting: Our hand therapists also specialize in custom splinting, providing tailored splints to support and protect the hand and upper extremities during healing.
Our Approach
At C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy, we take a patient-centered approach to hand therapy, tailoring our treatment plans to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals. Our experienced hand therapists work closely with patients to develop personalized rehabilitation programs that address their specific conditions, functional limitations, and lifestyle factors.
Get Started Today
If you’re experiencing pain, dysfunction, or limitations in your hand or upper extremity, don’t hesitate to contact our team at C.J. Allen OT Upper Extremity & Hand Therapy. Our compassionate hand therapists are here to provide expert care and support to help you regain function, alleviate pain, and enhance your quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our hand therapy services.