What is hand therapy, and why should you see a hand therapist!?

Angie Etter, Occupational Therapist Certified Hand Therapist

Hand therapy is a specialty within the rehabilitation world. A hand therapist can be a licensed OT or PT who dedicates their career to treating patients with conditions that affect the hand and/or upper extremities, both in children and adults. 

A hand therapist can evaluate and treat any condition or pathology in the upper extremity, from finger injuries to congenital deformities to shoulder pathologies. Common upper extremity conditions include: OA, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis, wrist tendinitis, DeQuervain’s, and Dupuytrens contractures. A hand therapist can rehab patients through conservative treatment, post-operative rehabilitation, or preventative treatment to improve patient functioning and quality of life. 

A hand therapist/specialist provides accurate assessments, effective treatment, a continuum of care, and faster recovery times and results, reducing medical costs, providing functional outcomes, ensuring a faster return to work and productive lifestyles, and providing comprehensive care for the patients. 

A hand specialist may also have advanced certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). To obtain the CHT credential, an OT or PT by profession has to have at least three years of clinical and hands-on experience in addition to at least 4,000 hours of hand and upper extremity therapy practice (upper extremity rehabilitation). 

A CHT must have passed an in-depth certification examination demonstrating knowledge and competency in all hand and upper extremity rehabilitation areas. Like typical OT and PT certifications, hand therapists must renew their credentials every five years through continued education and participation in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation to continue using the designation. 

If you would like more information about how hand therapy can help you, please contact Angie.

Angie Etter, Occupational Therapist
Certified Hand Therapist
419-396-0031
419-455-8600