Occupational Therapy
The wrist and hand is a complex anatomical unit of the body. Together the wrist and hand are composed of 29 bones: 19 in the hand and fingers, 8 in the wrist, and 2 in the forearm. The wrist, hand, and fingers are capable of a great variety of movements. But the forearm muscles are actually responsible for most of the movement and strength of the hand and fingers. It contributes to aid the sense organs by orienting the body in space and identifying and qualifying acquired objects.

The hand functions to provide skilled purposeful functional activities. These activities differ in required skill levels. Because the wrist and hand have little protection, their bones may be more likely to fracture than other bones in the body. Falls and blows are common causes of wrist and hand injuries. But, as with other joints, overuse and repeated motions can take their toll on the hand and wrist, causing a variety of conditions, such as Tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Signs and symptoms in the hand and wrist can be misleading as the cause may be originating from other parts of the body. For example, the cervical spine and shoulder can directly produce the signs and symptoms in the hand and wrist.

A careful physical therapy assessment will need to be performed to determine the exact cause and location of the signs and symptoms.
Diagnosis is your doctor's responsibility. Assessment and correct treatment is your physical therapist's responsibility.

Following a personalized evaluation, a plan of care is outlined and a home exercise and prevention program will be advised.

Certified Hand Therapists (CHT)
The intricate anatomy of the hand and arm, combined with the technical complexity of newer surgical procedures performed on the hand and arm necessitated a high level of competency and advanced knowledge and skills for successful outcomes.

• Hand surgeons look to the CHT to ensure the best results after hand surgery
• Insurance companies look to the CHT to ensure their clients receive care from the most qualified individuals in the field
• Smart patients look to the CHT for their care because they know that professional credentials matter. They want to know that qualified people are handling their care

The credentials CHT distinguish a physical or occupational therapist as someone who has had:

• At least 5 years clinical experience
• 2000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy
• Successfully completed a comprehensive test of advanced skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation

Certification is granted for a five-year period, at which time a therapist must re-certify by examination or with work experience and continuing education. HTCC provides a re-certification program to ensure that individuals maintain clinical competence after certification.

There are only a few Certified Hand Therapists in the Hudson Valley. Kingston Hand Therapy Center is pleased to offer the highest quality and most advanced hand therapy to clients in the Hudson Valley recognized by our Certified Hand Therapist status.