Who is a Certified Hand Therapist?

A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience in hand therapy, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Each CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.

​Hand & Rehabilitation Specialists, OT, PT, SLP, PLLC

Phone: 716-631-5224      Fax: 716-631-5626

 5144 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221

​4535 Southwestern Blvd #208, Hamburg, NY 14075

Benefits of working with a Certified

Hand Therapist?

People Value the use of their hands and any loss of function through injury or accident may have a devastating effect on their lives. Anyone with a injury wants the very best of treatment to assure maximal recovery. The Certified Hand Therapist credential offers assurance to the public that the therapist has achieved the highest level of competency in the profession and stays up to date with the practice within the field. Certification is voluntary and difficult to attain. It involves meeting rigorous standards, developing a long-range career path, and acquiring the advanced study and training required to pass the certification examination. CHT's are therapists who demonstrated a personal dedication to the profession of hand therapy and a desire for advanced competency; they bring to their work a commitment and dedication to reach and maintain the highest standards in their profession. The CHT credential is recognized by many professional organizations as a benchmark for excellence in advanced specialty credentialing in health care. 

How many CHTs Are There?

There are 5,563 Certified Hand Therapists worldwide:

United States :5,382

Canada: 181

Australia & New Zealand: 94

US territories & military bases, and other countries: 19

Common Disorders

Arthritis

Amputations (Finger) 

Burns

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Dupuytren's Contracture

Elbow Pain

Extensor Tendon Injuries

Finger Pain

Flexor Tendon Injuries

Fractures/Disloactions

Ganglion Cysts

General Post-Operative Guidelines

General Symptom Management

Hand Pain

Lateral Epicondylitis

Medial Epicondylitis

Mallet Finger

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Trigger Finger

Wound Care

Wrist Pain