Certified Hand Therapy
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), as defined by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy, and has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. CHTs are required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.
A 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 finger, hand, or arm.
A hand therapist also treats patients who are disabled from the effects of cumulative trauma disorders - such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients seeking the care of a hand therapist also suffer from such chronic problems as arthritis or a neurological condition.
Commonly treated conditions, as outlined by the HTCC, include:
- Amputations
- Cumulative trauma disorders/repetitive stress injuries
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Flexor/extensor tendon injuries
- Fractures/dislocations/joint instabilities
- Infections
- Inflammatory and degenerative arthritis
- Nail bed injuries
- Pain-related syndromes
- Peripheral nerve compression and injuries
- Post-mastectomy/post-radiation lymphedema
- Soft tissue injuries
- Thermal injuries
- Tumors and cysts
- Vascular disorders
