No matter how common hand injuries are, they must never be ignored or left untreated. It is also applicable in minor cases. Home treatment or remedy can suffice for minor hand injuries, but if the damage is significant, then it is best to get physical therapy sessions to rehabilitate the hand. Now, for this purpose, it is crucial to consult a certified Hand Therapist for adequately Managing Rehabilitation.
Hand Injury Types
There are different kinds of hand injuries with more or less similar symptoms. Whatever the injury type might be (stress or a trauma injury), it is mandatory to get it medically treated in time to avoid permanent damage. Apart from the severity of the injury, age, occupation, and general health condition are the determinants of the kind of treatment required. The injury types are as follows:
- Fractures
- CTS/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Sprains
- Nerve and tendon injuries
Hand rehabilitation: Why consult a Hand Therapist?
After being appropriately treated for the injury, you must receive rehabilitation therapy by a CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) who can be both a physical and an occupational therapist. Majorly three therapy procedures are implemented including exercises for mobilization, for muscle strengthening and heat treatment. Being self-sufficient after an injury is heavily dependent on adopting the right-hand rehabilitation therapy methods, and only an experienced hand therapist can lead you there.
When a hand specialist gets an advanced certification, he or she becomes a CHT. Their job is to treat individuals who are suffering from medical conditions that affect the upper extremity and the hands. To offer a continuum of care, a hand therapist works closely with both the patient and the associated physician. They have expertise in managing rehabilitation for non-operative, preventive and even post-operative treatment.
OT, PT and CHT-The Difference
An Occupational therapist (OT) requires graduating from an OT program and pass a registration examination to attain the state license for practicing as OT’s. On the other hand, to become a professional PT, one has to pass the national registration exam post an accredited PT program to get the license to practice in their state. They both can practice in specialty areas like neurological rehabilitation, hand therapy, orthopedics, head injury or general rehabilitation.
A CHT or a certified hand therapist, on the flip side, has particular expertise in hand rehabilitation therapy. An OT or a PT can become a CHT only if they have 4000 hours of hand therapy record in their file with a minimum of three years of experience in the industry. Before getting the grant for using the CHT designation, the PT or OT has to pass the certification examination. Here are the benefits of hiring a CHT:
They can provide an accurate diagnosis of your condition and enter into immediate care accompanied with effective treatment to reduce the total treatment duration. You will no longer need multiple medical providers. Lower medical costs yet paced recovery results. Helps you return to your normal lifestyle as well as work.