Certified hand therapists are physical or occupational therapists who choose to specialize in the treatment of various hand injuries and conditions.

The road to becoming a CHT in NJ is long, but rewarding. Here’s a closer look at the process:

How to Become a CHT

There are no shortcuts if you want to become a certified hand therapist. There are 2 different paths you can choose from:

Becoming a Physical Therapist

If you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist, you must complete a 3-year program for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

This will be followed by clearing your state licensure exams.

Becoming an Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist must first complete a master’s degree in occupational therapy. A doctorate degree hasn’t been made mandatory at this time, but you can choose to obtain one for better career prospects and higher income.

You’ll then apply for an OT license in your chosen state.

Becoming a Certified Hand Therapist

After receiving your license and starting your practice as a physical therapist or occupational therapist, you must accumulate a minimum of 5 years of experience.

This experience needs to include at least 4000 hours of treating hand injuries and disabilities.

After completing these requirements, you’re allowed to sit for board exams conducted by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission. Clearing these exams makes you a certified hand therapist.

What Does a CHT Do?

Certified hand therapists care for all hand-related problems and conditions. Some of their work is discussed below:

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

If you’re about to undergo or have undergone hand surgery, a hand therapist will coordinate with your surgeon to create the appropriate treatment plan.

They will ensure that after the surgery, you’re able to regain the dexterity, flexibility, and functionality that you need for your day-to-day activities.

Physical Therapy for Hand Injury

Hand therapists also provide treatment for hand injuries that don’t require surgical interventions.

In such cases, a hand therapist will administer various treatments in the clinic and recommend additional care and exercises that a person may practice at home.

Hand Pain Therapy and Other Conditions

Hand pain can develop due to a number of reasons. Hand therapists assess your x-rays, consult with your physicians, and coordinate with each other when creating a treatment plan for hand pain.

They also treat many other neurological conditions that affect hands, such as trigger finger treatments and trigger thumb treatments.

Hand pain therapy in NJ

Able Hands Rehabilitation is home to highly experienced certified hand therapists in NJ, who are skilled in providing hand pain treatment and occupational hand therapy in Edison NJ, Freehold, and Old Bridge. Schedule your appointment by contacting us today.