When to See a Hand Therapist

If you recently experienced a hand injury or had hand surgery, your hands may not work like they used to before. Hands are vital in performing key everyday tasks so it’s important to gradually get back to that lifestyle where you can fully use your hands again. To help regain full use of your hands, it is good to see a Hand Therapist.

A Hand Therapist can be defined as either an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist who, through advanced study and experience, specializes in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities. Hand therapists are extremely qualified for hand treatment and may specialize with an advanced certification known as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and treat any problem related to the upper extremity. Hand therapists can effectively treat and rehabilitate their patients through post-operative rehabilitation, preventative, non-operative or conservative treatment, or industry consultation. Additionally, hand therapists work closely with physicians and their patients to provide the best quality of care.

Hand therapy often starts within days of injury or surgery. This therapy continues right through the patient’s return to work, to improve the injured hand until the patient can have a productive lifestyle again. If you’ve recently had a hand injury try consulting a hand therapist near you.

For more information on hand therapy, click here.

Article written by William Graves.