Hand Therapy

Hand Therapy is expert care for hands, wrists and upper extremity function.

Hand therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation focused on restoring function, movement, and strength in the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder. It bridges the gap between occupational therapy and physical therapy, helping patients regain their ability to perform daily activities—from buttoning a shirt to swinging a golf club—after an injury, surgery, or chronic condition.

A hand therapist is either a licensed occupational therapist (OT) or a physical therapist (PT) who has advanced education and clinical experience specific to the upper extremity. This expertise is especially valuable for patients recovering from fractures, tendon or nerve repairs, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or post-surgical conditions.

How Hand Therapy Differs from Physical Therapy

While both hand therapists and physical therapists are movement experts, their focus and approach differ.

• Physical therapy addresses pain, strength, mobility, and balance for the entire body—often helping people recover after orthopedic injuries, joint replacements, or neurological conditions.
• Hand therapy, on the other hand, is highly specialized. It focuses on the intricate anatomy and function of the upper limb, emphasizing fine motor skills, hand dexterity, and the restoration of precise movements required for work and daily life.

In practice, this specialization means hand therapists often perform:

• Custom splinting and orthotic fabrication
• Scar management and desensitization techniques
• Edema (swelling) reduction and soft-tissue mobilization
• Functional activity retraining (like gripping, pinching, or typing)
• Post-operative rehabilitation in close coordination with surgeons

The goal is not only to heal tissue but to restore independence, helping patients return to work, sports, hobbies, and everyday life.

How an Occupational Therapist Becomes a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)

To become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)—the gold standard of hand rehabilitation—an occupational or physical therapist must complete extensive training and clinical experience. The certification is awarded by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC).

Requirements include:

• A minimum of three years of clinical experience as a licensed OT or PT
• At least 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation
• Successful completion of a comprehensive national certification exam that tests advanced knowledge in anatomy, kinesiology, orthopedics, and upper extremity rehabilitation

This rigorous process ensures that a CHT is not only highly skilled but also up to date with the latest treatment techniques, surgical protocols, and evidence-based practice standards.

Why Choose a Certified Hand Therapist

Working with a certified hand therapist provides patients with a level of expertise that goes beyond general rehabilitation. CHTs are trusted by orthopedic surgeons, hand specialists, and primary care providers for their ability to manage complex injuries and guide patients through each stage of recovery—from post-surgical immobilization to full return to function.

Whether you’re recovering from carpal tunnel surgery, a tendon repair, or simply struggling with chronic hand or wrist pain, a certified hand therapist offers customized care and one-on-one guidance that can make all the difference.

Makovicka Physical Therapy has Hand Therapists at several locations in Omaha and Lincoln:

Omaha:

• Papillion
• West Omaha/Elkhorn

Lincoln:

• Pine Lake East-Lincoln
• University Place-Lincoln

What types of services does a Hand Therapist offer?

• Fine Motor Skills
• Pain Management
• Wound and Scar Management
• Muscle Strengthening
• Ergonomic Education
• Edema Management
• Manual Therapy (IASTM)
• Custom Splint Fabrication
• Use of Electrotherapeutic, Superficial and Deep Thermal Agents

Do you want to learn more about Hand Therapy and how you can benefit from this special service? Contact one of our clinic locations offering Hand Therapy: Papillion, West Omaha/Elkhorn, Pine Lake East-Lincoln, or University Place-Lincoln for more information. If you aren’t sure if you need therapy, make an appointment for a Free Consultation to speak one-on-one with a therapist. It’s easy and fast.