A Physical Therapist who is also a Certified Hand Therapist (PT, CHT) is highly skilled in managing orthopedic and soft tissue trauma of the upper extremity, which includes injuries to the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. Trauma to these areas can result from fractures, dislocations, ligament tears, and tendon injuries, often leading to pain, swelling, reduced mobility, and impaired function. A PT, CHT provides specialized care that addresses both the physical healing of tissues and the restoration of functional movement, which is essential for regaining the ability to perform daily tasks.
Following an injury, the PT, CHT designs a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to the specific trauma and its severity. Early intervention may focus on pain management, edema control, and gentle range-of-motion exercises to minimize stiffness and prevent scar tissue formation. As the patient’s condition improves, the PT, CHT introduces strengthening exercises, proprioceptive training, and functional retraining aimed at restoring strength, coordination, and joint stability. The PT, CHT may also use manual therapy techniques to improve joint and soft tissue mobility, and they provide education on joint protection and ergonomic adaptations to prevent reinjury. With this comprehensive, hands-on approach, a PT, CHT helps patients recover strength, dexterity, and confidence in their upper extremity, enabling them to return to work, sports, and daily activities with a reduced risk of future complications.
