A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the CHT has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Because of changes in the profession, every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.

How Many CHTs Are There?

·         There are 5,410 Certified Hand Therapists worldwide:

They are broken down by profession as follows:

·         Occupational Therapists 85%

·         Physical Therapists 15%

·         CHTs who are both OT & PT <1%

What is Hand Therapy                        

 “Hand Therapy" is the science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder girdle. It is a merging of  theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment.  Hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction restore function and or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual's ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.