About Us
Advantage Hand Therapy opened to provide for the local community's rehabilitation needs. We provide the highest quality care for patients in need of shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions.
What is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)?
A hand therapist is an Occupational or Physical therapist who, through advanced study and certification, specializes in rehabilitating the patient with conditions affecting the entire upper extremity.
CHT distinguishes a therapist as someone with the highest professional credential in the specialty of upper extremity treatment and rehabilitation. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) has achieved the highest level of competency in hand therapy.
A CHT has at least 5 years of clinical experience and has successfully passed comprehensive testing of advanced knowledge in all areas of the hand, wrist , elbow and shoulder. We, as CHTs remain current in the profession by recertifying every 5 years.
CHTs are hard to find in our region of the Midwest. In the area between Tulsa, Kansas City, St. Louis and Little Rock there are only 10 CHTs practicing. Of these Advantage Hand Therapy & Orthopedic Rehabilitation has 2 of the most experienced Hand Therapists.
What are the common diagnoses managed and treated by CHTs?
| Wounds & Scars | Joint Contractures |
| Amputations | Nerve Compressions |
| Arthritis | Nerve Injuries |
| Burns | Rotator Cuff Injuries |
| Fractures & Dislocations | Shoulder Impingement Syndrome |
| Pain Syndromes | Tendonitis |
| Sprains & Strains | Tendon Injuries |
| Infections | Lymphedema |
What are the benefits of being treated by a CHT?
The intricate anatomy of the shoulder, arm and hand frequently requires very delicate surgery. The technical complexity of this kind of surgery necessitates a high level of competence during the postoperative recovery by therapists with advanced skills in upper extremity treatment and rehabilitation. Our therapists are knowledgeable about these advanced surgical techniques and the surgeons' preference and priorities regarding postoperative treatment protocols.
CHTs have the clinical expertise to effectively manage injuries and medical conditions of the upper extremity. Therapy may include wound/scar care, management of acute or chronic pain, splint fabrication for prevention or correction of injury, sensory re-education or desensitization following a nerve injury, designing exercise programs to improve function and conditioning prior to returning to work...