Hand Therapy FAQs
To familiarize yourself with Hand Therapy, the role of Hand Therapists, and knowing when to see a Hand Therapist, we have answered a few questions below. If you would like more information about FORM Ortho, please contact our office at (510) 585-2535.
Hand Therapy is defined as the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper extremity (hand, wrist, and elbow). It combines occupational and physical therapy theory with comprehensive knowledge of the upper extremity structure, function, and activity. Hand therapy uses various therapeutic interventions to prevent impairment, restore function, and/or reverse the progression of hand and upper extremity conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Certified Hand Therapists are Occupational or Physical Therapists that have a minimum of 3 years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more of direct hand therapy practice. Certified Hand Therapists also pass a comprehensive certification exam of advanced clinical skills and rehabilitative theory, and are required to recertify every 5 years. At FORM Ortho, we provide continuing education and training for our Occupational Therapists pursuing certification in hand therapy.
Our therapists conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition, discuss treatment plans, and formulate an effective program to help you achieve your therapy goals successfully. Hand therapists focus on the process of regaining range of motion, protection of healing structures, and restoring function. We use a variety of methods to tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs of our patients. Our hands-on, one-on-one approach to therapy ensures that you receive the best possible care.
If you are someone who has developed limitations in range of motion or function of the hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder whether it be from acute or chronic conditions, injury or trauma, limited by instability or disability, even amputation with replantation and revascularization, our hand therapists are here to help you regain functionality. Hand therapy can be approached as the first line of treatment as conservative management, initiated as preventative treatment, and extremely necessary following any hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder surgery. Ask your doctor for a referral to FORM Ortho to get started. If you have any additional questions, please call the FORM Ortho office at (510) 585-2535.
