A hand therapist is an occupational or physical therapist who,
through advanced study, specializes in rehabilitating patients
with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity.

The therapist’s high degree of specialization requires continuing
education and, often, advanced certification. This enables the
hand therapist to work with patients to hasten their return to
a productive lifestyle.

A hand therapist works with patients who may have been affected
by an accident or trauma leaving them with wounds, scars, burns,
injured tendons or nerves, fractures, or even amputation of the
finger, hand, or arm.

A hand therapist also treats patients who are disabled from the
affects of cumulative trauma disorders – such as tennis elbow
or carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients seeking the care of
a hand therapist also suffer from such chronic problems as
arthritis or a neurological condition.

A hand therapist works with the physician and patient – in any
situation – to provide a continuum of care. This often starts
within days of the injury or surgery right through to the
patient’s return to work and/or a productive lifestyle.

A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and identify any
problem relative to the upper extremities. The hand therapist
can effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through
postoperative rehabilitation, preventative, non-operative,
or conservative treatment, or industry consultation.