Our occupational therapists can get you back to where you want to be
Specially trained occupational therapists at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center work collaboratively with certified hand surgeons from the start of your care through its conclusion to help get you back to your daily activities after an injury or surgery.
In addition to receiving care in a comfortable, nurturing and inviting environment, each of our team members has advanced credentials as a certified hand therapist (CHT). This means we have the most comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy of the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders, their functions, and therapeutic ways to enhance their performance. Our goal is to return you to your highest level of function based on your end goals.
You’ll be able to have your therapy at a convenient location near you as we offer therapy at several outpatient facilities in Columbus, Ohio, including Outpatient Care New Albany, Outpatient Care Dublin and the Ohio State Hand and Upper Extremity Center in the Eye and Ear Institute.
Do you need to see a hand therapist?
If you have a condition impacting your hands, wrists or shoulders — you know the major issues it can cause in your day-to-day life. You depend on your hands for almost every aspect of life. Occupational therapy is a very important step to help you get back to a productive lifestyle. Restoring your pre-injury movement and mobility is our top priority.
Your doctor may recommend occupational therapy at various points, depending on your specific injury and its severity. Therapy is often used after surgery, but our services can also help prevent your injury from progressing or enable you to avoid surgery altogether.
At Ohio State, you will have one-on-one consultation with a hand therapist who will develop a treatment plan based on your unique needs. You may also be provided with additional education, a home exercise program, or suggestions to modify your environment to ensure you are restored to your best self and that the potential for future injury is minimized.
What does hand therapy provide?
Successful surgery depends on successful therapy, including:
- Active exercises (using your own strength)
- Passive exercises (our team manipulating your muscles)
- Custom splinting
- Improved range of motion
- Scar management
- Edema management
- Joint protection and pain management
- Strengthening/endurance
- Modalities (heat, cold, paraffin, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis)
- Kinesio taping
- Graston Technique therapy
Why choose Ohio State for hand therapy?
We have 11 certified hand therapists (CHT) on our team, while some hospitals may not have any.
These hand therapists are specially trained to handle the rehabilitation of complex hand and upper extremity conditions. CHTs must complete at least three years of practice, accumulating a minimum of 4,000 hours in hand therapy treatments, and pass a certification exam to earn their designation. They’ll work alongside other physicians and specialists to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your unique condition.
At Ohio State, you can trust that your care will be handled by the best experts in the field who are focused on getting you moving again.