A CHT will perform a comprehensive upper extremity evaluation addressing your mobility, function, sensation, strength, and more. The evaluation will specifically address the joints, soft tissues, and nerves surrounding the areas that need improvement and may be limiting functional independence or contributing to persistent pain.

We understand that every person, and every injury, is different. Our rehabilitation programs are specifically tailored to the individual patient. We ask a variety of questions to determine what your expectations and goals for rehabilitation. Whether you are returning to your occupation, or your sport, our CHT will guide you there.

Custom splints are fabricated to specifically fit your elbow, wrist, hand, or fingers. Unlike over-the-counter splints, custom splints are made from unique materials that can be shaped to the contours of your anatomy, around bony contours and wounds, allowing the splints to fit precisely while protecting healing structures. Custom splints are often prescribed by hand surgeons for post-surgical care.

A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is a licensed and credentialed specialist in upper extremity rehabilitation. To become a CHT, a physical or occupational therapist must have over 3 years' experience and complete 4000 hours of clinical training in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation. The therapist must pass the national credentialing exam monitored by the Hand Therapy Certification Committee. CHTs’ must participate in continued education throughout their career to maintain their CHT credential.

Definitely! A CHT with years of experience will have treated a large volume of patients throughout their career. Having valuable and pertinent experience with treating complex upper extremity injuries is critical to success in rehabilitation. Billings Clinic’s certified hand therapist has over 20 years of experience treating hand injuries. You can feel confident that you are seeing a CHT who understands your injury.

For patients beginning hand therapy, the first session is an evaluation, medical advising, and a home program. The CHT will gather information from the evaluation to develop a treatment plan. The evaluation will assess range of motion, strength, function, sensation, skin integrity, stage of healing, prior level of function, and occupational or recreational demands. Based upon the evaluation findings, the CHT will discuss treatment options to address your injury. This may include exercises, joint/soft tissue protection training, splinting, behavior modification, manual therapy, etc. Each hand therapy session will be a progression from the last, working with the patient to resolve pain and restore normal function.

Session typically last approximately 45 minutes, depending on your condition and treatment plan.

Recovery is a journey, and we are here to guide patients accordingly. Our goals are your goals. Depending on the extent of your injury and desired level of function, therapy can range from 1 visit to 6 months. Formulating a treatment plan with regular follow-ups ensure that you are progressing toward your goals and adjustments are made as needed.