WHAT IS A HAND THERAPIST?

A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist (OT) or a physical therapist (PT) who provides individualized assessment and treatment plans for a variety of hand and upper extremity conditions. 
When you see the designation of CHT, you know that your therapist:

• has 3 years or more general experience as an Occupational or Physical Therapist;
• has a minimum of 4000 hours of mentorship and training in the treatment of upper extremity injuries;
• has passed a national certification exam (Hand Therapy Certification Commission) showing competency and knowledge in the treatment of upper extremity injuries.

HAND THERAPY

“Hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder girdle. It is the merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic intervention to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.” 

Journal of Hand Therapy; 2009(22)361-376), ASHT Scope of Practice; 2011.

Infographic - What is a Hand Therapist? - American Society for Surgery of the Hand