In recognition of Hand Therapy Awareness and Injury Prevention Week, June 12-16, dinner was hosted for local hand therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, hand surgeons and physician assistants by Jennifer Dodson, OTR/L, CHT, at a local restaurant.
Hand therapy merges occupational therapy and physical therapy and uses specialized skills to asses and treat patients with upper quarter (shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand) disease or illness. These include amputations, congenital differences or anomalies, fractures or dislocations, inflammatory and degenerative arthritis, pain-related syndromes, peripheral nerve injuries, tendon injuries and postoperative care.
Shands Jacksonville is the only hospital in Jacksonville that has a certified hand therapist.
CHTs benefit patients by ensuring that they have the maximal recovery after an injury. The intricate anatomy of the arm and hand frequently require delicate surgery, often using microscopic techniques. Therapists must be knowledgeable about the surgical techniques and postoperative therapy programs. They must practice at least five years and have 4,000 hours of clinical practice in hand therapy prior to taking the certification exam.
For more information on hand therapy, contact Jennifer Dodson, OTR/L, CHT, at 633-0090.