Hand therapy

Hand therapists work with their patients to prevent injury or impairment, restore full functional activity, and enhance the quality of life for their patients. Treatments for the hand and upper extremities are administered by both Certified Hand Therapists (PTs/CHTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) and include treatments for hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and all the muscles and joints in between.

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What is hand therapy?

Hand therapy is a specialized form of treatment for patients suffering from issues in the upper extremities. This includes hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and all the muscles and joints in between.

Hand therapists work with their patients to prevent injury or impairment, restore full functional activity, and enhance the quality of life for their patients. At Spear, treatment for the hand and upper extremities are administered by either an OT or PT hand therapist or certified hand therapist (CHT). Certified Hand Therapists successfully passed an examination of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation and meet the mandated criteria to maintain this specialized credential.

How can hand therapy help me?

There are four primary areas that fall within the realm of hand therapy: preventative care, post-operative care, rehabilitation, and splinting. The needs of each patient differ depending on their injury or condition.

 

Hand Therapy is for anyone experiencing pain in an upper extremity (hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder). Conditions treated include:

  • Fractures of the hand, wrist, and elbow
  • Arthritis
  • Post-operative, acute, and chronic injuries
  • Tendon and ligament injuries
  • Boutonniere’s and Swan Neck deformities
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Neuropathies
  • DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis
  • Dupuytren’s Contractures
  • Ganglion cysts
  • Elbow tendonitis
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Trigger Finger
  • Wound care
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Therapists offering Hand therapy

Joanne Chen

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Colleen Campbell

Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Yeiddy Ferreira

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Alanah O’Dea

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Kyle DiNicola

Occupational Therapist OTR/L , PTA

Kiera Holland

Occupational Therapy OTR/L

Eliana Savitsky

Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Christine Evangelista

Occupational Therapy MS , OTR/L

Julia Delzingaro

Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Danielle Lynn

Occupational Therapist OTD , OTR/L

Kranthi Reddy Nalla

Physical Therapist PT , MS

Michelle Costa

Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Nisha Iyer

Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Claire Grossman

Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Moataz Abdelnabi

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Angela Koziarz

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Elias Fraija

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Kathleen Siano

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Ariel Scheintaub

Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Tori Alexander

Director of Hand Therapy OTD , OTR/L

Claire Ruth

Occupational Therapist OTD , OTR/L

Brooke Brenner

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Kendrick Marania

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Kateri Virgilio

Assistant Director MS , OTR/L

Shane Williams

Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Kieran Morrissey

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Daisy Lei

Occupational Therapist LSVT BIG , OTR/L

Michael Carroll

Occupational Therapist MS , OTR/L

Kendra Barlotta

Clinical Coordinator of Hand Therapy MS , OTR/L

Ayelen Lee

Occupational Therapist OTR/L

Lauren Carleton

Area Director and Director of Specialty Programs PT , DPT , CHT

Kieran Phaeleau Cunneen

Physical Therapist PT , DPT , OCS

Kathleen O'Donnell-Pickert

Occupational Therapist CHT , OTR/L
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Frequently asked questions about Hand therapy

Is hand therapy effective?
For those who suffer from chronic pain or have experienced a hand, arm, or upper limb injury, hand therapy can be effective in improving symptoms and restoring function. Through hand therapy, patients find that they can return to their daily routine with less pain, or, in some cases, entirely pain-free.
What do they do during hand therapy?
For patients beginning hand therapy, the first session is an evaluation in which a certified physical or occupational therapist develops a treatment plan custom tailored to meet their needs and goals. Each subsequent session consists of the therapist guiding the patient through different techniques and exercises. These techniques include but are not limited to hands-on manipulation, range of motion exercises, strengthening, and stretching. Each hand therapy session will look different depending on the patient, condition, and goals.
Does hand therapy help with injury recovery?
Patients who are recovering from an injury can benefit greatly from hand therapy. Rehabilitation can help patients with healing, sensory re-education, and pain management. People who have experienced injuries may also need custom splinting to ensure proper healing and to prevent further injury.
When can I expect results from hand therapy?
No two patients are exactly alike, and thus neither are any two outcomes. Patients typically experience incremental improvement with each session. Many patients continue hand physical therapy from two to four months, but the projected timeline varies based on the severity of the condition.
Can I do hand therapy on my own?
When a patient begins hand therapy, their certified hand therapist or occupational therapist will perform an evaluation from which an individualized treatment plan will be developed. Depending on the injury or condition that has led a patient to seek hand therapy, there is often a home exercise program incorporated into the treatment plan.
Can physical and occupational therapy help with hand pain?
Hand therapy has proven to be an effective method of reducing hand pain related to chronic illness, disease, or injury. The aim of hand physical therapy is to simultaneously restore function and mobility, improving strength and allowing patients to participate in daily activities with less pain.