As a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with over a decade of experience in occupational therapy, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing the world of rehab can be — especially after surgery, injury, or chronic pain. One of the most common things I hear at Reach Beyond Therapy in Redondo Beach is:
“My doctor told me to go to hand physical therapy.”
While both disciplines are essential parts of recovery and healing, there are key differences in training, scope, and outcomes — especially when it comes to your hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
What is Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation focused specifically on the upper extremity — from your shoulder down to your fingertips. Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are occupational or physical therapists who have:
- A minimum of 3 years of clinical experience
- Over 4,000 hours of direct hand therapy treatment
- Passed a rigorous national board exam
- For occupational therapists: advanced certification in physical agent modalities (PAMs) prior to the board exam
OTs focus on helping people regain the ability to perform activities that are meaningful to them. If you’re a mother, that may mean lifting your baby without pain. If you’re a cyclist, gripping handlebars for extended periods. If you’re a musician, moving your fingers quickly across the keys. Our hands are our most important tools.
Hand therapy often includes custom splints, fine motor coordination, grip strengthening, joint protection, nerve gliding, desensitization, and sensory retraining. That level of specialization means we deeply understand nerve injuries, tendon repairs, post-surgical rehab, scar management, repetitive strain, and more.
When You Need a Hand Therapist
If your issue involves any of the following, you’ll likely get faster, safer results with a Certified Hand Therapist:
- Carpal tunnel or other nerve compressions
- Tendon or ligament repairs
- Fractures of the wrist, hand, or elbow
- Custom splinting or bracing
- Post-surgical rehab of the upper extremity
In fact, many of my patients in Redondo Beach come to me after trying traditional PT but hitting a plateau. Once they begin focused hand therapy, they often start to see immediate improvements.
Why It Matters — Especially in Redondo Beach
Here in the South Bay, we see a high number of new moms with wrist pain from lifting babies, athletes with hand fractures or overuse injuries, post-op patients needing skilled splinting and scar care, and professionals with carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis from hours at a desk. In these cases, specialized care leads to better outcomes. That’s why doctors often refer directly to CHTs when a patient’s hands are involved.
A Note From Me to You
I’ve worked in hospitals and private clinics — and what keeps me going after all these years is helping people feel strong and confident again in their daily lives. Whether it’s holding your child, typing without pain, or finally being able to sign your name again after surgery — my goal for you is my goal too.
If you’re wondering which path is right for you, I’m always happy to offer a quick consultation. There’s no pressure — just professional advice from someone who’s been in the field a long time and truly cares about helping you heal.