Hand Therapy Near You (Find a CHT / OT!)
Hand therapy is rehab of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder.
If you’ve been injured, had a surgery, or have a condition that impacts using your arm, you may benefit from seeing a hand therapist.
In this guide, we’ll begin by helping you find occupational therapists with a focus in hand therapy, as well as certified hand therapists near you. Then we’ll walk you through common hand therapy questions.
How to find a hand therapist near you?
In our OT near me directory (below), you can search for occupational therapists and physical therapists who elected hand therapy as a focus area. If the therapist has a "CHT" after their name, they are a certified hand therapist.
Our directory includes OTs and PTs. OTs comprise 87% of certified hand therapists. To find additional CHT physical therapists, you can use this directory.
Jamie Boldig
MOT, OTR/L
Appleton, Wisconsin
Aging in Place, ADHD, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Anxiety, Aphasia & Communication Disorders, Assistive Technology, Autism, Burns, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Dystonia, Ergonomics, Fitness, Feeding and Eating, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Hippotherapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Leadership, Medication Management, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Population Health, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rare Diseases, Rheumatic Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome, Voice & Fluency
Paul Pettyjohn
OTR/L, CPAMS, MLD/CDT, CAPS
Monterey Park, California
Aging in Place, Burns, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Fitness, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Home Modifications, Lymphedema, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention, Stroke, TBI
Kathy Soseman
OTD OTR/L CHT
Occupational Therapist
Pathways Hand Therapy & Wellness
Nevada, Iowa
Coaching, Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention
Cortni Krusemark
OTD, OTR/L, CLA
Educator
Augustana University
Dakota City, Nebraska
Chronic Pain, Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal
Gretchen Bachman
PhD, OTD, OTR/L, MBA, CHT
Northern Arizona University
Phoenix, Arizona
Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Social Determinants of Health
Lauralee Gordon
OTR/L
Flow Therapeutics, LLC
Richmond, Virginia
ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Maternal Health, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Rare Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Sexuality/Intimacy, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Tourette syndrome
Salmin Chacha
OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
AL NOOR TRAINING CENTRE
dubai
ADHD, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Aquatic Therapy, Aphasia & Communication Disorders, Assistive Technology, Autism, Burns, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, CIMT, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Developmental Delays, Dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Emergency Department, Feeding and Eating, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, ICU/Critical Care, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Maternal Health, Medication Management, Mitochondrial Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Pelvic Health, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rare Diseases, Rheumatic Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Sexuality/Intimacy, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, Swallowing & Dysphagia, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Amanda M Fonner
OTR/L
Educator
Mercy Hospital Jefferson
Festus, Missouri
Anxiety, Burns, Cancer, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Social Determinants of Health, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Karen Welch
OTR/L
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Drivers Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Sexuality/Intimacy, Social Determinants of Health, TBI, Trauma & PTSD
Sanchala Sen
OTD, MSc, BSc (OT), OTR/L, BCPR, FAOTA
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, CIMT, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Rheumatic Diseases, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI
PJ Bhakta
OTR, OTD, PCES, CSOT
Consultant
TheraSolutions Consulting, LLC
Cedar Park, Texas
ADHD, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Depression & Mood Disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Industrial Rehabilitation, Insomnia & Sleep, Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Leadership, Maternal Health, Neurodiversity, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Population Health, Sexuality/Intimacy, Social Determinants of Health, Sports Medicine & Performance, Trauma & PTSD
Rachel Egan
OTR/L, MS, CHT, COMT-UE
NovaCare Rehabilitation
Blaine, Minnesota
Aquatic Therapy, Cancer, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Industrial Rehabilitation, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rheumatic Diseases, Stroke
Kathleen Davidson
MA, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Kathleen Davidson - Occupational Therapist
Los Angeles, California
ADHD, Anxiety, Aquatic Therapy, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Multi-tiered System of Supports, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Haley Van Escobar
MOTR/L, CHT, PMP
Occupational Therapist
Hand Therapy Learning Lab
Seabeck, Washington
Coaching, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Knowledge Translation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Trauma & PTSD
Hailey Burns
OTR/L
Colorado Springs Therapy Center
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal
Calvin Lee
OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Cedars-Sinai
Los Angeles, California
Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Health Promotion
Lana Hoke
OTR/L
West Tennessee Healthcare - Sports Plus Rehab Centers
Milan, Tennessee
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Insomnia & Sleep, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Prevention, Stroke, TBI
Madeline Dommel
OTR/L
Advanced Therapy Solutions, LLC.
Middletown, Connecticut
Aging in Place, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Burns, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, Maternal Health, Mitochondrial Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Jessica Lopez
COTA
Los Angeles, California
Aging in Place, ADHD, Aquatic Therapy, Autism, Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Nature-based
Alona Prowell
MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Maternal Health, Multi-tiered System of Supports, Neurodiversity, NICU, TBI
Emily Claire Gorshe
OTD, OTR/L, BCPR
St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hand Therapy, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI
Jennifer Beasley
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Christus Oschner lake are hospital
Lake Charles, Louisiana
ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurodiversity, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Rare Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Spinal Cord Injury, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome
Corrina Holcomb
OTS
Student
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hand Therapy
Ashley Elma
OTS
Student
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Lifestyle Medicine, Lymphedema, Maternal Health, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Prevention, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome
What is hand therapy?
Hand therapy refers to rehabilitation of the upper extremity (specifically the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow and shoulder).
It is a clinical specialty that is practiced by occupational and physical therapists who train to provide exercises, wound care, fabricate custom orthoses as well as ergonomic education. In the case of amputations, hand therapists also help prepare limbs and fingers for prosthetics by shaping the residual limb and desensitizing scar tissue to improve tolerance of prostheses.
The upper extremity is a complex framework of 30 bones, that provide structure for the muscles, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic structures that enable us to perform so many daily activities. The reasons for needing hand therapy might include surgery, burns, fracture, arthritis and repetitive strain injuries. If you have been injured, had a surgery, or have a condition that impacts using your upper extremity, you may benefit from seeing a hand therapist.
What are some signs that you might need hand therapy?
Although we often think of traumatic injury as the only reason to require a specialist, there are many other conditions that benefit from intervention by a hand therapist.
These include nerve compression syndromes like carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel and radial tunnel. Tingling and numbness in the arm and hand are often dismissed as a nuisance until they begin to impact strength and dexterity. By seeking the attention of a specialist, you can alleviate the symptoms and learn ergonomic principles or adaptive strategies that preserve upper extremity function. Sometimes the right intervention applied at the right time can even defer or negate the need for future surgical intervention.
What are common diagnoses that hand therapists help with?
There are several common diagnoses that hand therapists work with, listed below.
Don’t hesitate to ask the hand therapist if they have experience with your specific condition before booking your evaluation.
We therapists have a tight knit community, so if we don’t have expertise in your condition, we may know someone else to refer you to!
This list is derived from the journal article Hand therapy interventions, outcomes, and diagnoses evaluated over the last 10 years.
Arthroplasty
Boutonniere deformity
Burn
Distal radius fracture
Dupuytren
Edema
Extensor tendon repair
Flexor tendon repair
Gamekeeper thumb
Mallet finger
Nerve repair
Rheumatoid arthritis
Skier thumb
Swan neck deformity
Tenolysis
Tenosynovitis
Tendonitis
Trigger finger
Ulnar collateral ligament repair
What happens at hand therapy?
Effective hand therapy treatment is guided by a few factors; the surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care, severity of injury and length of time that symptoms have been present. In cases of post-surgical rehabilitation, the sign of a good hand therapist is someone who reviews operative reports, relevant imaging results such as X-rays/MRIs and contacts your surgical team to ensure a thorough understanding of your case. Since every patient is unique, treatment sessions are as well.
New patients are evaluated to assess range of motion, swelling, pain, grip strength/strength, dexterity, and, when relevant, peripheral nerve function. Treatment goals are then set based on the patient’s specific functional deficits and desires for enhanced participation in work or play tasks.
From then on, each session is geared toward achieving your goals. Below is a list of types of hand therapy interventions. This list is not exhaustive and is partially derived from Hand therapy interventions, outcomes, and diagnoses evaluated over the last 10 years.
Education
ADL/adaptive/assistive/ergonomic device training
Compensatory techniques
Energy conservation
Ergonomic and activity modification
Home exercise program
Joint protection
Nutrition instruction
Orthotic/prosthetic training
Patient/family education
Wellness education
Exercise
Range of motion
Tendon glides
Strengthening
Activity
Functional activity
Therapeutic activity
Neuromuscular education
Work hardening
Work conditioning
Handwriting
Manual Techniques
Manual therapy
Joint mobilization
Nerve mobilization
Edema mobilization
Myofascial release
Therapeutic massage
Scar management
Hypertrophic/keloid management
Pressure therapy
Scar mobilization/massage techniques
Skin management
Orthosis/ Prosthetics
Orthotic design/selection/fitting/fabrication
Fabrication of temporary prosthetic for functional activities
Modalities
Contrast bath
Cryotherapy
Diathermy
Fluidotherapy
Hot packs
Iontophoresis
Laser/light therapy
NMES/electrical stimulation
Paraffin
Phonophoresis
TENS
Ultrasound
Whirlpool
Miscellaneous
Biofeedback
Compression therapy
Desensitization
Sensory re-education
Taping techniques
Wound care management
Design/selection of adaptive/assistive/ergonomic devices
When to start hand therapy and how long does it last?
The best time to start hand therapy is as close to the time of injury or surgery as possible. During this phase your brain is learning new habits to cope with your injury/condition—so it is an important window of opportunity to make sure your hand heals in the best way possible.
This acute phase is typically 0 to 8 weeks after the incident. When possible, it is helpful to see someone over the full course of this phase to ensure that the correct treatment is applied at the best time. For example, bones usually take 4-6 weeks to heal after a fracture. Therefore it is best to defer strengthening or passive stretching until there is enough structural integrity to receive maximum benefit.
Depending on the severity, your injury may continue to heal for up to a year, and while active treatment will not be required throughout this period, hand therapists remain available to you to navigate any changes/questions as they arise. You can also reach out to your surgical team with concerns long after the initial procedure date.
What can you be doing on your own?
There are many other resources out there. You are encouraged to ask your hand therapist at the first visit, or even when scheduling, what you can be doing from home to aid in the therapy process.
One source utilized by both therapists and patients is Virtual Hand Care. However, it is always best to seek the guidance of a hand therapist regarding appropriate exercises for your injury or diagnosis.
Who can be a hand therapist?
Hand therapists can be either occupational therapists or physical therapists. Therapists who accumulate 4000 hours of directly treating the upper extremity, 3 years minimum of practice, and pass the Hand Therapy Certification Commission’s exam earn the title of Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).
Does your therapist need to be a CHT?
Hand surgeons usually prefer that their patients are treated either by a CHT or a therapist who is actively working toward earning that credential. Due to the complexity of the upper extremity, clinicians who choose to focus on this area of practice will apply rigorous protocols of bone, tendon, nerve and ligament healing to each exercise they provide and custom orthosis they fabricate. By seeking out a CHT or a “CHT-track” therapist (someone actively working toward qualifying for and passing the exam), you can have the assurance that they possess extensive experience and expertise in hand therapy.
Should your hand therapist be an OT or PT?
All hand therapists, OT and PT alike, are expected to have upper extremity rehabilitation-specific expertise. A good rule of thumb is to ask questions, research clinicians in your area, and then, armed with information, go with your instincts regarding which particular therapist is right for you. Depending on the level of injury, you will be spending a LOT of time with a hand therapist; sessions are often 45 to 60 minutes long, 1-3 times per week. If you have had surgery, ask your surgeon for hand therapist recommendations.
How do occupational and physical therapists become hand therapists?
PTs must earn a doctorate degree to become a professional, while OTs must earn either a master’s or a doctorate degree. (See our How to Become an OT post for more information.) Therapists may then complete additional training to specialize in hand therapy. Mentorships, fellowships, and certificate programs, as well as hands-on experience, are the best ways to develop the expertise that hand therapy requires. Hand therapy is just one of many certifications therapists can pursue.
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has a list of recognized fellowships
The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) has a list of post-professional programs
ASHT has a free volunteer-based mentoring program
Does the hand therapist need to be near you or can you do telehealth?
Many hand therapists have begun offering telehealth. (I’ve personally done hand therapy over video, and it was awesome!). Some therapists even offer evaluations in person, with the option to do telehealth sessions. Check out our Telehealth Occupational Therapy Guide to learn more about telehealth and explore further resources.
In the United States, our OT and PT licenses tend to be state-specific (this is slowly changing). So you may still have to find a therapist in your state, even if you are doing telehealth.
Conclusion
The hand is a remarkable part of our body, and you do not want to delay it if it is in need of rehabilitation. Luckily, there are highly trained therapists in almost every community to help you navigate recovery, and we hope this post has helped you understand which hand therapist is right for you!
References:
Forro SD, Munjal A, Lowe JB. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Arm Structure and Function. [Updated 2023 July 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
Takata,Sandy C. Wade, Emily T, Roll, Shawn C. (2019). Hand therapy Interventions, outcomes, and diagnoses evaluated over the last 10 years: A mapping review linking research to practice. Journal of Hand Therapy,Volume 32, Issue 1,Pages 1-9,ISSN 0894-1130,
Contributors
Fatima Adamu
MS OT/L CHT
My professional background includes experience in diversity advocacy, occupational therapy, city planning, education, quantitative analysis, and historical research.
Sarah Lyon
OTR/L
Sarah Lyon, OTR/L, is the CEO of OT Potential. Sarah earned her BA from St. Olaf College and her master’s degree in occupational therapy from New York University. Her diverse clinical background spans multiple settings, including critical access, acute trauma, and state inpatient psychiatric hospitals. In 2011, she founded OT Potential to fulfill the industry's need for reliable, high-quality occupational therapy resources and continuing education.
As a recognized content creator, Sarah has collaborated with top healthcare brands like VeryWell Health, WebPT, and MedBridge. She blends her clinical expertise with a talent for creating clear, action-oriented content that empowers practitioners to excel. Passionate about elevating the OT profession, she has been featured on numerous industry podcasts. Sarah ultimately returned to her roots, running OT Potential and raising her family in her hometown of Aurora, Nebraska.
