What is Hand Therapy?

Hand Therapy combines the art and science of rehabilitating the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle. It is the merging of occupational therapy and physical therapy 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.

How is a Hand Therapist different than a regular therapist?

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 Certified Hand Therapist 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 re-certifying every five years.

About the Owner…

Kirstin is a long standing member of the Ottawa South community. After growing up in the area, she completed a Bachelor of Science with honours in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa before going on to complete a Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario. She started her career in the London area, working under a Hand Therapist, which ignited her passion for helping people recover from their upper extremity injuries. With over a decade of experience, she has worked primarily in outpatient orthopedic settings. Wanting to offer her clients the best outcomes possible, she continues to stay up to date with the latest research, reading articles and attending conferences and has continued to take several advanced courses in manual therapy, taping, acupuncture, and myofascial release. She additionally completed a one year university program in Philadelphia, where she received a post graduate Advanced Practice Certificate in Hand and Upper Quarter Rehabilitation from Drexel University. Since then, she has met the rigorous requirements and passed the examination to become a Certified Hand Therapist. Kirstin has great experience, is very knowledgeable, and is ready to help you with any of your upper extremity injuries. If she is unable to, she will certainly be able to help point you in the right direction.