What is hand therapy?
Hand therapy is the art and science of evaluating and
treating injuries and conditions of the upper extremity (shoulder,
arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand). It uses a number of
therapeutic interventions to help return a person to their highest
level of function. It evolved from the need for a specialist with the
knowledge and experience required to manage the challenging recovery
of complex hand and upper extremity injuries.
A hand therapist is an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist
(PT) who, through advanced continuing education, clinical experience and
integration of knowledge in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, has
become proficient in treatment of pathological upper extremity conditions
resulting from trauma, disease, congenital or acquired deformity. These
therapists can treat basic hand conditions.
