Our Hand Therapists
At Erlanger Hayes Hand Center, our dedicated team of hand therapists plays a critical role in your recovery. Working in close cooperation with our specialized hand surgeons, our therapists provide seamless care to guide patients from post-operative rehabilitation back to full functional independence.
The Value of a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
A **Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)** is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has attained the highest level of clinical competency in the upper extremity. To achieve this credential, a therapist must accumulate a minimum of three years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand and upper extremity therapy, and successfully pass a comprehensive board examination.
Our CHTs possess highly specialized knowledge of complex upper extremity anatomy, advanced surgical procedures, and custom orthotic fabrication. This depth of expertise allows us to treat acute traumatic injuries, repetitive motion disorders, and long-term arthritic conditions with maximum precision.
Our Specialized Rehabilitation Team
Our team consists of highly trained, licensed therapists specializing in advanced upper extremity rehabilitation. Because our therapy department is housed directly within the surgical clinic facility, our therapists maintain constant, direct communication with your physician regarding your healing progress, structural stability, and treatment timeline updates.
Our clinicians focus heavily on personalized treatment plans, utilizing evidence-based techniques to minimize swelling, reduce restrictive scar tissue, protect delicate tendon repairs, and safely rebuild upper extremity range of motion and grip strength.
Advanced Therapeutic Interventions
To support your customized recovery process, our hand therapy department offers a comprehensive suite of highly specialized treatments:
- Custom Orthotic Fabrication: Designing and molding custom static, dynamic, and static-progressive splints directly on-site to immobilize healing structures or safely maximize joint mobilization.
- Edema and Wound Management: Utilizing specialized compressive wraps, custom garments, and manual techniques to control swelling and accelerate soft-tissue healing.
- Scar Tissue Management: Performing manual scar remodeling, soft-tissue mobilization, and implementing customized silicone gel sheeting to prevent restrictive internal scarring.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: Utilizing targeted sensory re-education programs and specific muscle retraining protocols following complex peripheral nerve repairs or tendon transfers.
- Functional Conditioning: Progressing through simulated activities and targeted strengthening exercises to prepare patients for a safe return to work, sports, and daily activities.