Certified Hand Therapy 101
Posted on March 23, 2023 in Hand, Finger, Wrist, Elbow, hand therapy & occupational therapy by Dr. Steven Kronlage
Posted on March 23, 2023 in Hand, Finger, Wrist, Elbow, hand therapy & occupational therapy by Dr. Steven Kronlage
As a subset of occupational therapy, hand therapy plays a significant role in treating and improving patient outcomes related to acute and chronic conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, our Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are board-certified in occupational therapy with an added qualification in Hand Therapy. Working with a CHT can have several benefits, including:
Our CHTs work collaboratively with our fellowship-trained surgeons, Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. Alex Coleman and Dr. James Piorkowski, to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients with arthritis, congenital differences, tendonitis, neuropathies, palsies and other conditions. They also work with patients recovering from nerve repair and injuries such as tendon ruptures, ligament instability, wounds, lacerations, fractures, crush or other trauma-related injuries, and those sustained while participating in sports or on the job.
The intake process begins with reviewing your medical history and evaluating your physical demands at home and work, as well as those required for leisure activities or your role as a caregiver. Range of motion, strength and sensory testing, and observing the performance of functional tasks may also be included in the initial evaluation process. Our CHTs will also discuss your treatment goals to ensure realistic outcomes, such as safely performing daily tasks at home or returning to athletics. A comprehensive plan of care may include a combination of the following:
If you currently suffer from an injury or condition of your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder that may benefit from occupational therapy with one of our Certified Hand Therapists at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, please contact our office at 850-807-4200 or complete our online Appointment Request Form to schedule a visit with one of our Hand Center Physicians.
A study in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise noted that the average person takes 5,117 steps per day. With so much time on our feet, Foot Health Awareness Month in April is an opportunity to focus on the health of our feet and give them the attention they deserve.
As a subset of occupational therapy, hand therapy plays a significant role in treating and improving patient outcomes related to acute and chronic conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, our Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are board-certified in occupational therapy with an added qualification in Hand Therapy. Working with a CHT can have several benefits, including:
Youth sports participation promotes physical health and leadership skills and is a positive outlet for children within our communities. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3.5 million youth sports injuries occur each year in the U.S. Of those injuries, one in three participants seeks medical attention, resulting in lost sports and school time. Fortunately, the CDC also concluded that more than 50 percent of these injuries are preventable.