Celebrating Hand Therapy Week
Tuesday, June 8, 2021

OrthoCincy and OrthoCincy Wellington are celebrating Hand Therapy Week and recognizing the benefits of hand therapy – June 7-13. With offices conveniently located throughout Greater Cincinnati, our clinics are easy to find – Eastgate, Anderson, Kenwood and West Chester.

Why see a hand therapist?

OrthoCincy and OrthoCincy Wellington certified hand therapists treat problems related to the upper extremity. They effectively treat the patient through post-operative rehabilitation, and preventative, non-operative or conservative treatments. Hand therapists works closely with the physician and patient to provide a continuum of care. This often starts within days of the injury or surgery and continues through the patient’s return to work and/or regular duties.

What’s the difference between hand therapists and occupational/physical therapists?

Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) are Occupational Therapists (OT) or Physical Therapists (PT) who specialize in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity. Both OTs and PTs can practice in any specialty area of their professions, such as general rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, head injury, orthopedics, pediatrics, geriatrics or hand therapy.

A CHT is an OT or PT by profession with at least three years of experience, plus 4,000 hours of hand therapy practice (upper extremity rehabilitation). A CHT must have passed a certification examination that demonstrates knowledge of all areas of hand therapy before being granted the right to use the CHT designation. Hand therapists must renew their credential through continued education and participation in hand therapy to continue using the CHT designation.

Hand therapy specialists provide:

- Accurate assessments, immediate care and effective treatment to reduce treatment time
- A continuum of care eliminating the need for multiple medical providers
- Faster recovery resulting in decreased medical costs
- Functional outcomes ensuring a faster return to work and productive lifestyle
- The most comprehensive care for their patients

Injuries and conditions treated by hand therapists

- Sprains and strains
- Fractures of the upper extremity
- Arthritic/degenerative joint disease
- Rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder injuries
- Compression-based and traumatic peripheral nerve injuries
- Multiple trauma injuries
- Wound care
- Scar management
- Tendon lacerations and repairs
- Amputations and re-plantations
- Overuse tendonitis

Learn More

If you are experiencing pain in your hand, wrist or arm, please call 513.232.2663 or schedule online to see one of our dedicated orthopaedic physicians. Our team will guide your recovery through expert, specialized care.

OrthoCincy Wellington Specialists

- Patrick Messerschmitt, MD – Hand & Wrist Surgery
- Robert Rhoad, MD – Hand, Wrist & Elbow Surgery
- Mark Yuhas, MD – Hand, Wrist & Elbow Surgery

OrthoCincy Specialists

- James Baker, MD – Hand, Wrist & Elbow Surgery
- Thomas Due, MD – Hand & Wrist Surgery
- Jonathan Slaughter, MD – Hand, Wrist, Elbow & Shoulder Surgery  

Educational Videos - Hand and Wrist