What is Hand Therapy?
The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) defines hand therapy as “the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper extremity of the human body. Hand therapists are occupational therapists or physical therapists who, through extra training and experience, have specialized knowledge of upper extremity function. Using specialized skills in assessment and treatment, hand therapists work with their clients to prevent injury or impairment, restore functional activity, and enhance participation in daily life. A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and treat 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. The therapist works closely with the physician and patient 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.”
What is occupational therapy?
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) defines occupational therapy (OT) as “a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping to promote health, prevent injury, or live better with disability. The occupational therapist enters the field with a master's or doctoral degree. Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings, and pass a national examination. Most states also regulate occupational therapy practice.”
http://aota.org/Consumers/WhatisOT.aspx
What is OTR?
An OTR is an occupational therapist who is registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
http://www.nbcot.org/
Why choose a CHT?
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of three years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Because of changes in the profession, every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years
https://www.htcc.org/consumer-information/the-cht-credential/who-is-a-cht
What is the difference between
occupational therapy and physical therapy?
Occupational therapists focus on the small motor groups of the upper extremity to improve fine motor skills for independence with daily activities like buttoning, putting on a shirt, writing, and using utensils.
Physical therapists focus on the large motor groups that contribute to functional mobility, postural control/alignment, and general movement.
What happens during my first visit?
During the first visit paper work must be completed by the patient, which can be downloaded from the web site. The paper work can be filled out at home and brought in at the first visit, or it can be filled out in the clinic when you arrive.
The initial evaluation will then be completed which consists of the therapist obtaining a brief history of the diagnosis, and taking baseline measurements to monitor gains obtained in treatment. Together the therapist and patient will set goals to increase independence with daily activities, which are expected to be achieved by discharge from therapy.
Next, the therapist will provide the patient with an individualized home exercise program. The home exercise program is an integral part of recovery so the outcome of therapy heavily relies on the patient’s participation at home. The therapist’s role is to guide the treatment, and the patient’s role is to carry out therapy at home as prescribed by the therapist.
At the end of the first visit the patient will be scheduled for follow up visits. The frequency and duration of treatment will be determined by the information obtained from the initial evaluation, or as requested by the physician.
How long will each treatment last?
The initial evaluation takes about 60-75 minutes. It will be determined at that time how long subsequent visits will be. On average, treatment sessions are for 60-75 minutes.
How many visits will I need?
The number of visits you will need is dependent on what the physician orders, what your insurance carrier will cover, and the extent of your injury.
What insurance carriers are accepted?
Me Hand Therapy is an in-network provider for most insurance companies. You can contact your insurance company or the clinic to verify if your insurance company is in-network or if you have out-of-network benefits.