QUICKLINKS               What Is Hand Therapy? Eligibility & Referrals Common Diagnoses When Is Hand Therapy Started? Certified Hand Therapists Benefits of Certified Therapists What To Expect From 1st Visit Hand Therapy Locations

Acute Hand Rehabilitation provides upper extremity therapy to patients of all ages from newborns through geriatrics.

WHAT IS HAND THERAPY?
The Hand Therapy staff provides a comprehensive range of services designed to facilitate your individual needs. Evaluations, splinting, wound care, exercise regimens and specific therapeutic modalities are provided to promote maximum functional use of the upper extremity.

Diagnoses include, but are not limited to: amputations; burns; replantations; fractures; tendon lacerations; arthritis tendonitis; carpal tunnel syndrome; cumulative trauma; congenital anomalies; and crush and degloving injuries.

Regardless of the nature or complexity of rehabilitation required, restoring maximum function in the shortest possible period of time is our goal for each patient.

Each therapist in the department is trained in upper extremity rehabilitation and is under the supervision of the hand surgeons at the Center.

COMMON DIAGNOSES MANAGED BY CHTs INCLUDE:
Fractures Tendon Injuries Tendonitis Amputations Nerve Injuries	Nerve Compressions Tumors or Cysts Arthritis Burns	Rotator Cuff Injuries Sprains or Strains Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

 

ELIGIBILITY AND REFERRALS
Hand Therapy does accept physician referrals from outside of the Kaleida network.  All insurances are accepted except Empire.

WHEN IS HAND THERAPY STARTED?
Therapy is initiated upon receiving a written referral from your physician. (A referral is similar to a prescription. Therapy is most often required following surgery, but may also be prescribed as an alternative to surgery. Your surgeon may want you to be seen in Hand Therapy prior to your first postoperative visit. The therapist may remove your dressing and sutures as directed by the surgeon.

CERTIFIED HAND THERAPISTS
A certified hand therapist 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 certified hand therapist must successfully pass a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation.

In the profession of hand therapy, the credentials for a certified hand therapist are CHT. These marks distinguish an occupational therapist or physical therapist as someone with the highest professional credential in the specialty of upper extremity rehabilitation. A CHT is a part of an exceptional group of occupational and physical therapists who have met the standards set by experts in hand therapy. They have demonstrated their professional commitment to excellence by obtaining these voluntary credentials.

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH CERTIFIED HAND THERAPISTS
People value the use of their hands and any loss of function through injury or accident can devastate lives. Anyone with an injury wants nothing but the very best to assure maximal recovery. A certified hand therapist offers the public assurance that the therapist treating them has achieved the highest level of competency in the profession and stays current in the field.

The intricate anatomy of the arm and hand frequently requires very delicate surgery, often with microscopic techniques. The technical complexity of these kinds of surgeries necessitates a high level of competence during the postoperative recovery by therapists with advanced skills in upper extremity rehabilitation. Therapists must be knowledgeable about these advanced surgical techniques and postoperative therapy programs to become CHTs. They must also remain knowledgeable about changes in hand therapy practice.

Certification is voluntary and is difficult to attain. Certification involves meeting a standard and developing a career path. Preparing to pass the certification examination requires advanced study and training. A CHT is someone who has demonstrated a personal dedication to the profession of hand therapy and a desire for advanced competency. CHTs are therapists who have studied long and hard to advance themselves. They bring to their work a commitment and dedication to reach and maintain the highest standards in their profession.

The CHT credential is recognized by many professional organizations as a benchmark for excellence in advanced specialty credentialing in health care.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST VISIT TO HAND THERAPY?

• Plan extra time for an evaluation.
• Wear loose fitting clothing to accommodate possible splint fabrication.
• Bring your insurance information with you and be aware of your insurance coverage or limitations prior to your visit. You may be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses for therapy supplies (i.e., splints, putty, etc.). Payment is due at time of service.
• If you are insured under your parent's or relative's policy, please bring insurance information.
• If the patient is under 18 years old, a WRITTEN RELEASE from the legal guardian is necessary before we can begin treatment on the patient.

WHERE IS HAND THERAPY LOCATED?

Hand and Shoulder Center of Western New York Locations:

 Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital 
 3 Gates Circle 
 Tenth Floor
Buffalo, New York 14209
(716) 887-4596

Buffalo Therapy Services
115 Flint Road
  Williamsville, New York 14221
  (716) 631-3134

200 Sterling Park
(off Milestrip)
Orchard Park, New York 14127
(716) 677-8401

Our staff includes Occupational Therapists and  Physical Therapists trained in hand rehabilitation including Certified Hand Therapists.

The Hand Therapy
Certification Commission, Inc. has certified the following
Hand Center Therapists:

Amy Barrett OTR, CHT
Paula Gedeon PT, CHT
Lisa Nuwer, PT, CHT