General Info:
There Are Only a Few Certified Hand Therapists in the World. Recovering from a complex surgery requires advanced therapy and state-of-the-art treatment - Certified Hand Therapy. In fact, many surgeons insist on Certified Hand Therapy post-surgery.
What is Hand Therapy?
According to the Hand Therapy Certification Commission, hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb including the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder girdle.
Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb to enhance a patient?s ability to execute tasks and participate fully in life situations.
Not all Occupational or Physical Therapists are Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) Certification is voluntary and difficult to attain. It requires meeting rigorous standards and commitment to the advanced study and training required to pass the certification exam.
What?s the difference between a Physical/Occupational Therapist and a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)?
A Certified Hand Therapist has achieved the highest level of competency in the profession, stays up-to-date with practices within the field, has an intricate understanding the arm?s anatomy, and 4,000 additional hours of direct hand therapy practice prior to sitting for the Hand Therapy Board Exam.
Our team of CHT?s at Northern Virginia Hand Therapy are uniquely qualified to treat and rehabilitate a patient through postoperative rehabilitation, preventative, non-operative, and conservative treatment or industry consultation including:
Management of open or sutured wounds (prevention of infection and assistance in healing)
Control of hypertrophic (raised and/or swollen) or hypersensitive scars
Reduction of swelling
Management of acute or chronic pain
Desensitization following nerve injury or trauma
Sensory re-education after nerve injury
Design and implementation of exercise programs to increase motion, dexterity and/or strength
Splint fabrication for prevention or corrections of injury
Training in the performance of daily life skills through adapted methods and equipment
Conditioning prior to returning to work
Our CHT?s work closely with your physician to provide a continuum of care, which often starts within days of the injury or surgery right through to your return to a productive lifestyle. Restoring function, improving range of motion and increasing sensitivity are critical to hand therapy.
Please contact our office to schedule your appointment today.