An Occupational or physical therapist that has graduated from an accredited OT or PT program
who through advanced continuing education, clinical experience and integration of anatomy,
physiology and kinesiology has become proficient in treatment of upper-quadrant conditions
resulting from trauma, disease, a congenital or acquired deformity.
A Certified Hand Therapist is a Occupational or Physical Therapist that has practiced for a
minimum of three years treating clients with upper extremity conditions and injuries and
accumulated at least 4,000 hours of direct client care. A certification exam must be passed
before the therapist can use the CHT designation. A CHT must continue to obtain continuing
education and practice in the field of hand therapy and recertify every five years.
BGO's Karen Clark, OT, CHT Working with a Patient
Conditions and Diagnosis
A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and treat the following:
Amputations
Arthritis
Burns
Birth defects
Central nervous system conditions
Crush injuries
Cysts
Cumulative trauma
Elbow and finger contractures
Fractures
Infections
Ligament injuries
Lymphedema
Tendon and nerve injuries
Wounds
Hand Therapist/CHT Provide a High Quality of Care
A variety of techniques and activities are utilized:
Activity and exercise to increase range of motion and strength
Adaptive techniques and assistive devices
Desensitization, scar care and sensory re-education
Electrical and thermal modalities
Ergonomic instruction and modifications
Joint protection
Manual therapy
Orthotic fabrication
Pain management
Patient and family education
Prosthetic training
Wellness education
Work conditioning
Wound management
Why See a Hand Therapist/CHT?
Hand Therapist and CHT's work in hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation centers and in outpatient
clinics. Occupational therapists and physical therapists are trained to treat basic hand conditions
but are also trained to treat more complex injuries such as tendon and nerve repairs and upper
extremity fractures that may need specialized treatment protocols and splinting fabrication.
Hand therapists and CHT's often work very close with the hand surgeons and very often in the
same clinic.
Find a CHT
A Certified hand therapist can be found on an online directory such as the Hand Therapy
Certification Commission (HTCC) or on the directory for the American Society of Hand
Therapists website.
