What is a hand therapist?

Who does a hand therapist serve?

What does a hand therapist provide?

Why use a hand therapy specialist?

Postoperative Recovery     Rehabilitation    Industry Consultation

Where to find help

1. 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 training enables the hand therapist to more effectively work with patients, hastening their return to a productive lifestyle.


2. Who does a hand therapist serve?
A hand therapist works with patients with a variety of upper extremity disorders. For example, 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 fingers, hands, or arms.
A hand therapist also treats patients who are disabled from the effects 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.


3. What does a hand therapist provide?
A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and identify any problem relative to the upper extremity. The hand therapist can effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through such methods as:
Postoperative recovery
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 correction 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 preventative programs for workers with cumulative trauma disorders. Hand therapists recommend modifications of work stations and alternative work methods to help ensure healthy work styles of all employees.


4. 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.


5. Where to find help
Hand therapists work in a variety of settings:
Hospitals
Rehabilitation centers
Industrial medicine facilities
Privately-owned therapy clinics
Sports medicine facilities
Hand therapists combine the skills from both occupational and physical therapy to provide the most comprehensive care for their patients.
If you or a loved one are in need of hand therapy, please contact us at Rehab In Motion.