A Certified Hand Therapist is a licensed occupational or physical therapist who specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of the upper extremity. She or he has undergone extensive training and coursework in this area, and has passed a national examination by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission in order to have earned the Certified Hand Therapist credentials (CHT). A Certified Hand Therapist works closely with orthopedic and general surgeons who also specialize in the upper extremity to ensure maximal outcomes for patients. Treatment can include:
- Range of motion
- Joint mobilization
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Splint fabrication
- Modalities such as ultrasound, iontophoresis, or TENS
Common work injuries that are treated include
- Tendonitis of the shoulder and forearm
- Lateral and medial epicondylitis
- Common nerve injuries such as carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and radial tunnel syndrome
- Fractures of the hand, wrist, and arm
- Sprains and strains of the upper extremity
- Tendon injuries