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Hand Therapy |
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What is a Certified Hand Therapist?
A certified hand therapist is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who, through advanced
study passed the Hand Therapy Certification Commission examination. The certified hand therapist 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 enables the hand therapist to work with patient’s hastening their return to a productive
lifestyle.
Who does a Certified Hand Therapist serve?
Our certified hand therapist works with 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.
Our certified hand therapist also treats patients who are affected by repetitive motion disorders such as tennis
elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients seeking the care of a hand therapist may suffer from such chronic
problems such as arthritis or neurological conditions.
Our 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 until the patient returns to work and/or a productive lifestyle.
What does a Certified Hand Therapist Provide?
Our certified hand therapist can evaluate and identify problems relative to the upper extremities. The certified
hand therapist can effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through such methods as:
Postoperative Rehabilitation
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Management of open wounds and surgical incisions (prevention of infection and assistance in healing) |
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Control of hypertrophic (raised and/or swollen) or hypersensitive scars |
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Reduction of swelling |
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Protect healing tissues |
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Rehabilitation
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Management of acute or chronic pain |
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Desensitization following nerve injury or trauma |
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Sensory re-education after nerve injury |
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Design and implementation of exercise programs to increase motion, manual dexterity and/or strength |
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Splint fabrication for prevention or correction of injury |
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Evaluate and improve hand and upper extremity function |
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Training in the performance of daily life skills through adapted methods and equipment |
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Conditioning prior to returning to work |
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FITNESS
