Hand Therapy Practices at Surrey Sports & Rehabilitation
About Hand Therapy
Hand therapy in Surrey combines the theory and practice of both occupational therapy and physical therapy for comprehensive knowledge of the upper quarter, body function and activity. Hand therapists use specialized skills to assess and treat diseases or injuries of the upper quarter (hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder girdle, cervical area or multiple joints). In addition, hand therapists work with clients to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse pathological progression to improve quality of life. This also includes wound therapy and prosthesis management.
Who Are Hand Therapists?
Hand therapists are licensed or registered physical therapists or occupational therapists who have become skilled in the assessment and treatment of pathological upper quarter conditions by means of advanced continuing education, clinical experience and independent study. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has met the standards established by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Inc.
Scope of Practice, Treatment Techniques and Tools
The scope of hand therapy practice may involve one or more of the domains listed below. Domains outline the key areas of responsibility in hand therapy practice. The first three domains listed below involve assessment and treatment of clients with hand injuries:
​SURFACE ANATOMY
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SKIN/CONNECTIVE, MUSCULAR, SKELETAL, NERVOUS AND VASCULAR/LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS
WOUND HEALING
​BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL REACTIONS TO IMPAIRMENT
KINESIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS
POSTURE AND PATHOMECHANICS
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Conditions SURGICAL AND MEDICAL TREATMENT OF CONDITIONS
ASSESSMENT TOOLS
TREATMENT RATIONALE, INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
TREATMENT METHODS, TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS
EXPECTED FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF TREATMENT
EXPECTED PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TREATMENT PROCEDURES
PROFESSIONAL CODES OF ETHICS
​SAFE AND APPROPRIATE USE AND MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT AND ASSISTIVE DEVICES
​SAFETY TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES (E.G., INFECTION CONTROL, EMERGENCY PROCEDURES)
Hand Therapists will assess and treat individuals diagnosed with many hand and upper quarter conditions. These may include but are not limited to:
​Amputations
​Congenital Differences/Anomalies
​Dupuytren’s Contracture
​Fractures/Dislocations/Joint Instabilities
​Inflammatory and Degenerative Arthritis
​Pain-Related Symptoms
​Post-Mastectomy/Post-Radiation Lymphedema
​Soft Tissue Injuries
​Tumours and Cysts
Central Nervous System Disorders As They Relate to the Upper Quarter
​Cumulative Trauma Disorders/Repetitive Stress Injuries
​Cumulative Trauma Disorders/Repetitive Stress Injuries
​Infections
​Multiple System Trauma
​Peripheral Nerve Compressions, Injuries and Disease
​Psychogenic Disorders Involving the Upper Quarter
​Burns
​Vascular Disorders
Patients may be referred to a hand therapist following a variety of medical or surgical interventions including:
​ Amputation Revision
​ Joint Synovectomy
​ Fracture Fixation/Bone Graft
​ Nerve Decompression
​ Scar Revisions
​ Tendon Transfer
​ Tissue Transfers
​ Arthroplasty
​ Ganglion Removal
​ Nerve Grafts/Nerve Repairs
​ Ligament Repair
​ Skin Grafts/Flaps
​ Nail Bed Repair
​ Neurolysis
​ Soft Tissue Releases
​ Tenosynovectomy
​ Joint Reconstruction
​ Joint Releases
​ Nerve Block/Sympathectomies
​ Tendon Grafts/Tendon Repairs
​ Replantation/Re-Vascularization
​ Use of Pharmaceutical Agents
​ Injections