Certified Hand Therapists Help Patients Regain Strength, Mobility, and Confidence
From tying shoes and typing on a keyboard to cooking, driving, and playing sports, our hands are essential to everyday life. When injury, pain, or dysfunction affects hand or wrist movement, even simple tasks can become frustrating or impossible.
Occupational Therapists—especially those with advanced certification in hand therapy—play a crucial role in helping patients recover hand function, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love. During Occupational Therapy Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the impact of Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) across our network.
What Is Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy is a specialized area of Occupational Therapy focused on treating conditions of the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) has advanced training and experience in treating everything from post-surgical recovery to overuse injuries, arthritis, and fractures.
Hand therapists use:
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Custom splinting
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Manual therapy techniques
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Strengthening and coordination exercises
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Pain and swelling management
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Education on adaptive tools and ergonomics
Real Impact, Real Recovery
Christy Green, OTR/L, CHT, from Summit Rehabilitation – Everett (19th Ave.), regularly works with athletes, musicians, and everyday individuals who depend on fine motor control:
“I’ve created custom thumb splints for baseball and softball catchers, allowing them to return to the game pain-free. Silver Ring Splints are another tool we use—they’re functional but look like jewelry, providing both support and confidence.”
Her care goes far beyond the physical—she focuses on restoring confidence, function, and identity.
A recent patient at Summit shared this after completing hand therapy:
“My dislocated and broken pinky had been immobilized too long, but after working with Christy and Suminder, my progress amazed my surgeon. Best of all—I can play guitar again as good or better than before!”
Finding Purpose in the Details
Laura W. Greene, MA, OTR/L, CHT, from PRN Physical Therapy – Encinitas, also brings a deep personal passion to hand therapy. Over her career, she has helped:
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A musician return to international touring
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A hockey player get back on the ice
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A senior adult regain the ability to live independently
“What I love about hand therapy is that it connects anatomy and function to the patient’s purpose. Whether it’s buttoning a shirt or playing an instrument, we build plans that help people get back to what they love.”
A Personal Path to Hand Therapy
Christine Lluch, OTR/L, from PRN Physical Therapy – San Diego (Camino Del Rio N.), shared how her path shifted from pediatrics to hand therapy after being inspired by her mentors in school:
“The importance of hand function in everyday life and rehabilitation is ultimately why I chose this direction. I love the problem-solving and collaboration with patients to help them regain meaningful skills.”
When to See a Hand Therapist
If you're experiencing any of the following, a hand therapist may be the right fit for your recovery:
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Post-surgical hand or wrist pain
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Stiffness or loss of range of motion
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Repetitive strain injuries (like carpal tunnel or tendonitis)
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Arthritis or joint deformities
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Difficulty gripping, lifting, or completing fine motor tasks
Hand therapy is about more than healing—it’s about restoring the ability to participate in work, hobbies, and everyday routines. Certified Hand Therapists combine advanced clinical knowledge with personalized care to help patients recover strength, function, and confidence.
If hand pain or dysfunction is holding you back, contact us today to schedule a consultation with an Occupational Therapist or Certified Hand Therapist. We’re here to help you heal—and thrive.