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CERTIFIED
HAND THERAPY ~
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Benefits
of Working with a CHT |
People
value the use of their hands and any loss of function through
injury or accident may have a devastating effect on their
lives. Anyone with an injury wants the very best of treatment
to assure maximal recovery. The Certified Hand Therapist
credential offers assurance to the public that the therapist
has achieved the highest level of competency in the profession
and stays up to date with practice within the field.
The
intricate anatomy of the arm and hand frequently requires
very delicate surgery, often with microscopic techniques.
The technical complexity of these kinds of surgeries necessitates
a high level of competence by therapists with advanced skills
in upper quarter rehabilitation during postoperative recovery.
Therapists must be knowledgeable about these advanced surgical
techniques and postoperative therapy programs to become
CHTs. They must also remain current with changes in hand
therapy practice.
Certification
is voluntary and difficult to attain. It involves meeting
rigorous standards, developing a long-range career path,
and acquiring the advanced study and training required to
pass the certification examination. CHTs are therapists
who demonstrated a personal dedication to the profession
of hand therapy and a desire for advanced competency; they
bring to their work a commitment and dedication to reach
and maintain the highest standards in their profession.
The CHT credential is recognized by many professional organizations
as a benchmark for excellence in advanced specialty credentialing
in health care.
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Definition
of Hand Therapy
Hand
therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of
the upper quarter of the human body. Hand therapy
is a merging of occupational therapy and physical
therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive
knowledge of the upper quarter, body function, and
activity. Using specialized skills in assessment and
treatment, hand therapists promote the goals of prevention
of dysfunction, restoration of function, and/or reversal
of the progression of pathology in order to enhance
participation in life situations for individuals with
upper quarter disease or injury.
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