Hand Therapy
What is Hand Therapy?
People value the use of their hands and any loss of function through injury, surgery, chronic disease, or trauma may have a devastating effect on their lives. Individuals healing from an upper extremity condition want the very best of treatment to ensure the fastest recovery and functional outcome. Hand Therapy focuses on addressing injuries and conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. The hand therapy discipline combines the practices of both occupational therapy and physical therapy in the rehabilitation of the upper extremity. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (2016), there are approximately 240,000 physical therapists and 130,000 occupational therapists employed in the United States. Of those therapists, only 6,235 have chosen to specialize and become Certified Hand Therapists.
Our team of expert hand therapists uses their advanced training to assess and treat a variety of upper extremity conditions. Our hand therapists are passionate about helping our patients achieve their goals in a positive and encouraging environment. Our team works closely with physicians and patients to provide a full continuum of care. Treatment often begins within days of an injury or surgery and continues until patients have returned to a productive lifestyle.
Why See a Certified Hand Therapist?
Certified Matters
Adding the word “certified” in front of hand therapist isn’t something we take lightly. It takes commitment and dedication to become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). We’re proud of our team for taking the extra step to deliver exceptional care. That commitment is made up of three years of clinical experience, 4,000 hours or more in direct hand therapy practice, and successfully passing a comprehensive examination on clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation. On average, only 56% of test candidates successfully pass the exam each year. The CHT credential offers assurance to the public that the therapist has achieved the highest level of competency in the profession and remained current with advances in the hand therapy field. Certified Hand Therapists must renew their credentials every five years through continued education to use the CHT designation.
Meet Our Hand Therapy Teams
Our hand therapy teams have more than 130 years of combined experience in treating the upper extremity. Perhaps even more remarkable is our commitment to personalized patient care. When you partner with us, you’re about to embark on a journey of recovery and we’re honored to be a part of it.
What Our Patients are Saying
How long will my first Physical Therapy session be?
The first session typically lasts one hour and consists of a comprehensive evaluation. Time permitting; your initial session might also include education regarding your diagnosis/condition, expectations and prognosis, instruction in a home exercise program, manual therapy, and/or therapeutic exercises. You and your therapist will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and recovery.
How long will my follow-up Physical Therapy sessions be?
Physical Therapy sessions range from 45 to 90 minutes depending on your specific needs but you can plan for 60 minutes on average. Your therapist will work with you to determine what is best for you and your schedule.
How many treatment sessions will I have?
Commonly, patients will attend Physical Therapy 1-3 times per week until you reach your goals. Your PT plan of care and number of visits will be determined by your physical therapist during your first visit and will depend on your diagnosis, stage of healing, and your commitment to your own recovery. Together, you and your physical therapist will develop a plan of care based on your goals for recovery.
How do I schedule an appointment?
We understand that you lead a busy life. Therefore, we will do our best when scheduling appointments to accommodate you. We recommend that you schedule additional follow up visits in advance in order to guarantee that you can get the appointment times that fit your schedule. We can often accommodate same day appointments. Click here to request an appointment online.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring the following items to your first appointment:
- A prescription (if your insurance requires one) from your referring provider
- Your current insurance card
- Photo identification
- A form of payment for any co-pays
- In the case of a worker’s compensation claim or an automobile accident, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number
- You may also download our new patient forms and complete them prior to your appointment. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation
- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem area(s) as well as athletic shoes that will allow you to perform exercises and activities in our gym comfortably and safely
Will insurance cover my treatment?
Most insurances cover Physical Therapy; however, you should check with your insurance carrier about the details of your specific plan. As a courtesy, our office will contact your insurance company to determine your coverage based on your individual policy.
Do you accept Medicare?
Yes, we accept Medicare insurance.
What should I wear for a Physical Therapy appointment?
Please wear clothing that allows easy access for the Therapist to evaluate your problem area(s). We recommend wearing comfortable loose-fitting clothing that is appropriate for the area which you are being treated. For example, if you are being seen for knee pain, wear shorts, whereas if you are being seen for shoulder pain, a tank top would be appropriate. Should you accidentally forget to bring a change of clothes, we have clothing available for you to change into. To learn what to expect at your first visit click here.
Do you offer free parking?
Yes, we offer free convenient parking.