The occupational therapists in the Hand Center at CORE specialize in treating patients with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity. The therapists' high level of specialization requires continuing education and advanced certification. Our occupational therapists work with patients who may have been affected by an accident or trauma leaving them with wounds, scars, burns, injured tendons or nerves, fractures, or even amputation of the finger, hand, or arm. Our therapists also treat patients who are disabled from the affects of cumulative trauma disorders - such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients seeking the care of an occupational therapist also suffer from such chronic problems as arthritis or neurological conditions.

Treatment programs offered at The Hand Center at CORE include both preventative or conservative programs as well as rehabilitation programs following surgery.

Preventative, Non-operative, or conservative treatment programs include:

• Managment of acute or chronic pain
• Desensitization following nerve injury or trauma
• Sensory re-education after nerve injury
• Design and implementation of exercise programs to increase motion, dexterity and/or strength
• Splint fabrication for prevention or correction of injury
• Training in the performance of daily life skills through adapted methods and equipment
• Conditioning prior to returning to work

Postoperative Programs Include:

• Tendon and/or Nerve Repair programs
• Management of open or sutured wounds (prevention of infection and assistance in healing)
• Control of hypertrophic (raised and/or swollen) or hypersensitive scars
• Reduction of swelling
• Return to work programs

What is Hand Therapy?

The definition of hand therapy is based on the study of hand therapy practice conducted by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) in 2001.

"Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper quarter of the human body. Hand therapy is a merging of occupational therapy and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the upper quarter, body function, and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment and treatment, hand therapists promote the goals of prevention of dysfunction, restoration of function, and/or reversal of the progression of pathology in order to enhance participation in life situations for individuals with upper quarter disease or injury."