Occupational and Certified Hand Therapy

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Hand therapy is defined by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) as the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle. It is a merging of occupational therapy 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 interventions 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.

At the Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Center services are provided by Occupational Therapists who have appropriate training and experience in managing upper extremity disorders.

Each of our therapists is board certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and is a licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of New Jersey.

Several of our therapists also hold the esteemed Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certificate. A CHT is an occupational or physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the CHT has passed a national comprehensive exam of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation. Every CHT is also required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency in the field by recertifying every five years.

Our occupational therapists work closely with the hand surgeons on staff. Successful outcomes require careful and precise coordination of both the surgical and therapeutic services.

In addition to each having their own areas of interest and expertise, each of our 6 therapists are certified in the use of the Graston Technique. For more information regarding the Graston Technique for therapeutic use, you can go to www.grastontechnique.com.

Referrals

The therapy department of the Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Center accepts referrals from outside physicians and health care providers. Worker's Compensation rehabilitation nurses and adjusters can make recommendations as well, however, the patient must be under the care of a physician and a prescription for therapy is necessary.