Orthopaedics Menu Orthopaedics Hand & Wrist Hand Arthritis Hand Pain Hand & Wrist Treatments Hand & Wrist Surgical Options Non-Surgical Hand & Wrist Treatment Hand & Wrist Pain Treatment Options Hand & Wrist - FAQs Wrist Pain Hand & Wrist - FAQs What is Hand Therapy? Hand Therapy is the rehabilitation of the upper quarter of the human body, primarily focusing on the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. The St. Elizabeth Certified Hand Therapists are Occupational or Physical Therapists who have received extensive training and achieved board certification in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation. This training involves 4,000 hours in direct hand practice, three years of clinical experience, additional coursework, and a comprehensive exam of advanced skills. The goals of Hand Therapy are: Reversal of the progression of injury or disease Prevention of dysfunction Restoration of function Hand Therapists use specialized skills during a patient’s assessment and treatment, building a plan to help them maximize participation and functionality in their lives. What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy in Hand Therapy? In the realm of Hand Therapy, physical and occupational therapists are the same. In other areas of practice, occupational therapy may focus on evaluating and improving the patient’s functional abilities to maximize their independence and improve their ability to accomplish daily activities. Physical therapy may focus on treating a patient’s injury and well as helping to prevent injuries. At St. Elizabeth Hand Therapy, we have both Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists, each certified in Hand Therapy, working towards the goal of treating your hand ailment and helping you regain maximum functionality. What types of diagnoses and injuries does a Hand Therapist treat? In the realm of Hand Therapy, physical and occupational therapists are the same. In other areas of practice, occupational therapy may focus on evaluating and improving the patient’s functional abilities to maximize their independence and improve their ability to accomplish daily activities. Physical therapy may focus on treating a patient’s injury and well as helping to prevent injuries. At St. Elizabeth Hand Therapy, we have both Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists, each certified in Hand Therapy, working towards the goal of treating your hand ailment and helping you regain maximum functionality. What types of diagnoses and injuries does a Hand Therapist treat? A Hand Therapist can diagnose and treat any of the following: Arthritis Trauma Work injury Sports injury Amputations Wounds Burns Fractures Tendon injuries Nerve injuries Open wounds Pain in the upper extremity What types of treatments might be performed in Hand Therapy? A Hand Therapist can provide the following types of treatments, based on a patient’s need: Customized splinting Range of motion exercises Strengthening Work simulation Electro and thermal modalities Wound care Edema (swelling) management Pain management Scar management Sensory evaluations Tendon lacerations and Tendonitis Fractures: finger, wrist, and elbow Upper Extremity Sports Injuries/Musician injuries Nerve Entrapments Hand Therapists also educate patients about splints, adaptive techniques and equipment, and home exercise programs. How can I be referred to the St. Elizabeth Hand Therapy Center? A physician referral is required to receive Hand Therapy. We accept referrals from hand surgeons, family practice physicians, neurologists, business health physicians and many other fields of practice. Referrals can be brought with the patient to their first appointment or faxed to the Hand Therapy Center at (859) 301-5555. If surgery is necessary, our physicians can provide a referral to one of our affiliated orthopaedic surgeons. For more information on surgical options, please contact us at askortho@stelizabeth.com. Where should I call to make an appointment and what information should I be able to answer on the phone? Please call the Hand Therapy Center at (859) 301-5540 for questions or more information. Please have your doctor referral and your insurance information available. If I have a question about my Hand Therapy bill, what number should I call? For any questions regarding your Hand Therapy bill, please call the St. Elizabeth billing department at (859) 655-4100.