Beyond Hand Injuries: Why a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Can Help More People Than You Think
Precision and “dexterity” tasks like buttoning a shirt, opening a jar, or using your phone shouldn’t be a struggle! However, for individuals dealing with hand, wrist, or elbow conditions, these everyday activities can become painful, frustrating, and limiting.
Fortunately, working with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) at PhysioWorks can provide the specialized care you need. Hand therapy addresses a wide range of upper extremity issues, from post-surgical recovery to chronic pain conditions, helping you regain function and return to the activities that matter most.
Who Are PhysioWorks’ Certified Hand Therapists?
Our Certified Hand Therapists are Occupational Therapists who have completed extensive and specialized clinical training as well as have passed a rigorous certification exam focused exclusively on the upper extremity. CHTs are experts in treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Why Specialized Hand Therapy Makes a Difference
The hand is incredibly complex, with 27 bones, numerous joints, intricate tendons, delicate nerves, and precise muscle coordination all working together. This complexity requires specialized knowledge that goes beyond general rehabilitation. Our CHTs understand the detailed anatomy, biomechanics, and healing processes specific to the upper extremity. They know which tissues can tolerate early movement and which need protection. This specialized expertise leads to faster recovery, better outcomes with less stiffness, fewer complications, lower risk of re-injury, and more complete return to activities.
The Specialized Approach of Hand Therapy
1. Custom Splinting and Bracing
CHTs create custom-fitted splints molded directly to your hand for optimal comfort and healing. Unlike store-bought braces, these provide precise support that protects healing tissues, reduces pain, and prevents stiffness while you recover.
2. Scar and Tissue Management
Specialized techniques including scar massage, tissue mobilization, and manual therapy prevent stiffness and restore normal movement of tendons, nerves, and skin after surgery or injury.
3. Targeted Strengthening and Dexterity Training
Progressive exercises using specialized equipment rebuild strength in the small muscles that control fine motor skills. Training focuses on restoring coordination for tasks like writing, typing, or handling small objects.
4. Activity-Specific Functional Training
Treatment includes practicing your actual daily activities like cooking, computer work, or job-specific tasks. CHTs analyze how you perform movements and suggest modifications or adaptive equipment to reduce strain and speed recovery.
5. Pain and Swelling Management
Specialized techniques control swelling and pain through compression, elevation strategies, therapeutic modalities, and education on managing flare-ups at home.
You Don’t Have to Live with Hand, Wrist, or Elbow Pain
Our goal is to provide the highest level of specialized care for your upper extremity condition, whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic problem, or dealing with a new injury. We understand that hand problems affect everything you do, and we’re committed to helping you regain independence and quality of life. If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness, or difficulty using your hand, wrist, or elbow, you don’t have to simply accept it, let PhysioWorks provide the specialized care your upper extremity condition deserves!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our Certified Hand Therapist and discover how expert hand therapy can restore your function, reduce your pain, and get you back to living your life fully!