Occupational Therapists (OT/OTR) work in collaboration with Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) to provide optimal treatment plans personalized for each patient. Often physicians rely on a CHT’s help for patients who may be experiencing extreme pain because CHTs possess specialized knowledge of the anatomy of the hands.

Some of the most common diagnoses for hand pain that need a referral to a CHT include the following:

a person flexing their fingers in pain

Sprains and ball jamming injuries

The proximal and distal interphalangeal joints can become dislocated in athletes who routinely throw and catch balls, such as baseball and football players. The most common cause is when their finger is struck by a ball or they end up in an awkward position. Sometimes, immediate treatment such as buddy taping isn’t sufficient. When neglected, this condition can become much worse.

A CHT can help alleviate complications and mitigate the risk of the injury worsening by introducing appropriate exercises. They can also identify the correct pattern of deformity and prescribe a more comprehensive care plan.

Lateral epicondylitis

Some persistent lateral epicondylitis cases may require a CHT’s attention because they’re also trained in workplace injuries and ergonomics. They can provide holistic solutions by taking into account multiple factors that impact your life. These include biomechanics and improper posture, routine tasks and activities, and more. Evaluating these factors can help CHTs pinpoint the possible causes that are leading to a misbalance in the wrist.

Wrist fractures

Fractures can be very complicated and wrist fractures can be particularly problematic. There is always a possibility of an injury in the soft tissue which can lead to further complications such as instability in the carpal rows, or between the radius and ulna as well as the carpal bones.

A CHT specialist knows the wrist and hand anatomy well and can prescribe protective and progressive orthotics for the upper extremities to improve forearm and wrist rotation.

Elbow fractures

An elbow fracture can take a long time to heal but with the help of a CHT, you can regain complete range of motion at a relatively quicker speed. Hand therapists can provide orthoses and relevant exercises to facilitate the healing process.

If you struggle with wrist or hand pain, injuries, or conditions such as the above, feel free to consult our team of skilled and experienced CHTs. We offer finger fracture treatment, hand pain therapy NJ, and various other forms of occupational therapy in Edison, NJGet in touch with us today!