Occupational/Hand Therapy
Hand Therapy
The goal of hand therapy is to promote health and well-being through rehabilitative services to individuals with upper extremity dysfunction. The hand therapist combines comprehensive knowledge of the upper extremity with specialized skills in assessment and treatment to create individualized hand therapy programs.
They provide:
- Customized splints and orthotics
- Exercise and Strengthening programs
- Functional training
Physical and Occupational Therapists who have specialized in conditions and injuries involving the upper extremity offer the best chance for return to complete recovery.
Requirements for becoming a Certified Hand Therapist:
- Documentation of 4,000 patient contact hours
- Minimum of 5 years experience as a licensed practicing clinician (PT or OT)
- Completion of the Certified Hand Therapist Exam.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. It gives people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. Services typically include:
- Customized treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities.
- Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations.
- Performance skills assessments and treatment.
- Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training.
- Guidance to family members and caregivers.
A wide variety of people can benefit from occupational therapy, including those with:
- Work-related injuries including lower back problems or repetitive stress injuries.
- Limitations following a stroke or heart attack.
- Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions.
- Burns, spinal cord injuries, or amputations.
- Broken bones or other injuries from falls, sports injuries, or accidents