Hand Therapy Rehabilitation Services at Orlando Health Horizon West

What Is Hand Therapy?

Hand Therapy is a specialty of rehabilitation performed by an occupational or physical therapist that focuses on conditions of the upper extremity (shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand). Whether you've had a traumatic injury, chronic pain, arthritis or surgery, hand therapy plays an important role in assisting you in returning to your highest level of function and gets you back to your previous lifestyle.

Common Conditions Treated with Hand Therapy

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Trigger finger
• Mallet finger
• Elbow, wrist, hand and finger fractures
• Finger dislocations
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Arthritis
• Dupytren’s disease
• Tendon injuries
• Hand burns
• Ganglion cysts
• Hand infections
• Post-operative upper extremity rehabilitation

Treatment for Hand Therapy

Hand Therapy consists of the use of multiple therapeutic interventions to assist the patient in attaining their maximum function for regaining their independence in their daily lives. At your first Hand Therapy visit, the therapist will conduct an evaluation to determine what treatment is appropriate for you based on your diagnosis, your functional limitations, and what your goals are to get you back to where you want to be. Treatments may include:

• Custom orthotic fabrication
• Manual therapy
• Exercises for all parts of the upper extremity for increased motion, flexibility and strength
• Edema control and management
• Scar management
• Sensory re-education
• Therapeutic activities including fine and gross motor coordination
• Customized home exercise program
• Adaptive equipment education

Who Treats Hand Therapy?

Hand Therapy is performed by occupational or physical therapists who are proficient in the treatment of upper extremity rehabilitation through clinical experience with advanced knowledge in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology of pathological conditions of the upper extremity, whether caused by trauma, congenital disease, surgery or acquired deformities. A hand therapist can achieve further advanced education and certification by becoming a certified hand therapist, also known as a CHT. These therapists must have a certain number of hours and years practicing primarily in the specialty of the upper extremity to apply to sit for the rigorous certification examination to demonstrate competency in their field. They typically work closely with orthopedic hand surgeons to ensure successful outcomes for patients.

Insurance and Fees

Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation accepts most insurances.