Hand Therapist

Overview

The Hand Therapist is a licensed Occupational Therapist who has earned the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, demonstrating advanced clinical expertise in the rehabilitation of the upper extremity. This position provides specialized evaluation, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention for patients with complex conditions involving the hand, wrist, elbow, and forearm. Working within a collaborative, interdisciplinary care environment, the Hand Therapist partners closely with physicians, rehabilitation colleagues, and support staff to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care.

The role integrates advanced clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and specialized manual therapy skills to optimize functional outcomes and support recovery. The role supports high-quality clinical care, ensures accurate and timely documentation, and contributes to staff education and professional collaboration as needed.

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of upper-extremity impairments, including range of motion, strength, sensory function, edema, functional deficits, pain levels, and postoperative status.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans using advanced clinical knowledge in upper-extremity rehabilitation, splinting, therapeutic exercise, manual techniques, and functional retraining.
• Fabricate, fit, modify, and instruct patients on the use of custom orthoses for postoperative care, injury protection, functional improvement, and symptom management.
• Provide detailed patient and family education regarding diagnosis, recovery expectations, home exercise programs, orthosis care, and injury prevention.
• Collaborate closely with physicians, surgeons, and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate care, communicate patient progress, and ensure alignment with surgical protocols and clinical best practices.
• Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely documentation consistent with departmental policy, regulatory guidelines, and professional standards, while contributing to inservice education when appropriate.