Project Description
SPECIALTY SERVICES
OFFICE LOCATIONS
BAXTER | 218.824.5027 |
CROSSLAKE | 218.692.5020 |
PINE RIVER | 218.587.5022 |
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
What is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)?
A certified hand therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist who has advanced training in the treatment of conditions affecting the arm and hand. To utilize the CHT credential:
- The OT must practice for a minimum of three years
4,000 hours of which must be directly treating upper extremity disorders
Must pass a rigorous certification exam to demonstrate their competency
To learn more about hand therapy, visit www.asht.org
What Can a Hand Therapist Do for Me?
Hand therapists address conditions that result from:
Trauma
Repetitive use
Birth (before, during, or after)
Acquired deformity
Disease processes
They provide non-operative interventions, preventative care, and post-surgical rehabilitation for both common and unique upper extremity disorders. This can range from simple carpal tunnel releases to complex replanted extremities and tendon or nerve transfers.
Check out our Elbow, Wrist, and Hand link for further details.
Who would benefit from seeing a Hand Therapist?
Patients with a very recent injury (such as fractures, tendon or nerve lacerations/ruptures, muscle or tendon inflammation), chronic conditions (such as arthritis or deformity) or neurologic conditions (such as a stroke or a nerve transfer) can benefit from hand therapy. A hand therapist employs various interventions including:
Neurological interventions to desensitize and normalize the nervous system
Activity modification and exercise programs
Custom orthosis fabrication (“splints”)
Pain and swelling reduction
Use of modalities (i.e. iontophoresis, ultrasound, electrical stimulation…etc.)
Specialized taping
Ergonomics for home or work/school
Joint and tendon protection
Energy conservation strategies
Adaptive equipment training
Where can I find a Hand Therapist?
Sara Carlson, MS, OTR/L, CHT began practicing as an Occupational Therapist in February 2004. Most of her working career has been in the rehabilitation of the arm and hand. Sara earned the privilege to use the CHT credential in May 2016.
Sara is also credentialed with Work Well to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations, Pre-Work Screens, and create Functional Job Descriptions.
Sara works at Select Therapy in Baxter. Please contact Select Therapy at (218) 824-5027 to schedule an appointment with her.