01 Jun Welcome to Hand Therapy Week 2023!
Hand Therapy Week 2023, June 5 through June 11, was established by the American Society of Hand Therapists to serve as a week-long initiative designed to celebrate the work and expertise of hand and upper extremity therapy community members. Every year, beginning on the first Monday in June, certified hand therapists, like our very own Kathy Baker, works to build awareness of the various benefits of this specialized area of occupational and physical therapy. In honor of this important initiative, we invite you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for helpful tips on improving functional independence with hands, wrists, elbows, and other upper extremities.
What is the role of a certified hand therapists?
To kick off the week, let’s start with a quick explanation of what hand therapy is and the primary role of a certified hand therapist; also known as a CHT. The primary role of a CHT is to evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate individuals with various hand and upper extremity conditions. They work closely with patients to develop customized treatment plans to help them regain optimal functioning and reduce pain. Some of the common conditions treated by certified hand therapists include:
Hand injuries:
This can include fractures, sprains, dislocations, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, and amputations.
Post-surgical rehabilitation:
After hand or upper extremity surgeries, such as carpal tunnel release, tendon repairs, joint replacements, or reconstructions, a certified hand therapist helps with post-operative care and rehabilitation.
Arthritis:
Certified hand therapists assist individuals with arthritis-related conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, by providing pain management strategies, joint protection techniques, and splinting.
Tendonitis:
They treat conditions like trigger finger injuries and tennis elbow by providing therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and splinting as needed.
To learn more about Certified Hand Therapy, check out our growing library of hand therapy blog post:
- What is Certified Hand Therapy?
- Carpal Tunnel Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
- Handheld Electronics & Hand Therapy
We can help!
If you believe you may benefit from the treatment of a hand therapist, don’t wait! Right now, during “Hand Therapy Week,” is the perfect time to get help. Give us a call and schedule an evaluation with Kathy or visit the Hand Therapy Certification Commission website to learn more about certified hand therapy techniques.
