Why Certified Hand Doctors & Physical Therapists are Important for Treating Hand Injuries
Patients with injuries of the fingers, wrist, hand, arm, elbow, or shoulder should always see a specialized, board-certified orthopedic hand doctor like Dr. Uzma Rehman in the Troy, MI area. Orthopedic injuries require specialized knowledge and expertise to accurately diagnose and treat. Orthopedic hand doctors like Dr. Rehman who specialize in upper extremities have extensive training in the anatomy and function of these areas, as well as in the latest techniques and technologies used for treatment.
Board certification indicates that the hand doctor has completed a rigorous training program, passed a comprehensive exam, and has met the highest standards of patient care and safety. This ensures that the patient is receiving care from a highly qualified and experienced professional.
In addition to a board-certified hand doctor, your medical team should also include certified occupational therapists and hand therapists. These therapists can provide follow-up physical therapy to help patients recover and regain function following an injury. Physical therapy may include exercises, stretching, and other modalities to help improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the affected area. Read More About Orthopedic Physical Therapy HERE.
What is a Board-certified Hand Doctor?
When a doctor is board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery and certified in added qualifications in hand surgery, it means that they have completed extensive training and education in the field of orthopedic surgery, with a specialized focus on hand surgery.
To become board-certified in orthopedic surgery, a doctor must complete a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, followed by a residency program in orthopedic surgery that typically lasts 4 to 5 years. After completing the residency, the doctor must then pass a rigorous certification exam administered by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
To earn the added qualification in hand surgery, the doctor must have completed additional specialized training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and arm. This may include a fellowship program in hand surgery, which typically lasts one year and provides intensive training in surgical and non-surgical techniques for hand and upper extremity conditions.
Doctors who are board-certified in orthopedic surgery and hold added qualifications in hand surgery are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and arm, including fractures, dislocations, tendon and ligament injuries, nerve damage, arthritis, and congenital conditions. They may perform both surgical and non-surgical treatments, such as corticosteroid injections, custom splinting, hand exercises, and soft tissue massage.
In addition to diagnosis and treatment, board-certified orthopedic surgeons with added qualifications in hand surgery may also provide preventative care and patient education. This may include recommendations for ergonomic adjustments to prevent repetitive motion injuries, strategies for avoiding hand and wrist trauma, and guidance on proper hand hygiene and self-care.
In summary, a doctor who is board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery like Dr. Uzma Rehman in the Troy, MI area is equipped to provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments, as well as preventative care and patient education to help their patients achieve optimal hand and upper extremity health.
What is a Certified Occupational Therapist?
A certified occupational therapist (OT) is a licensed healthcare professional who is trained to help people overcome physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges that impact their ability to perform daily activities. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages, from newborns to seniors, and can assist with a wide range of conditions, including physical injuries, developmental delays, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses.
To become a certified occupational therapist, individuals typically complete a master’s degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes two to three years to complete. Some programs also offer doctoral degrees in occupational therapy, which may take an additional one to two years of study. Occupational therapy students receive training in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and various therapeutic techniques.
After completing their formal education, occupational therapists must also complete a period of supervised clinical practice and pass a national certification exam in order to become licensed to practice. In addition, many states require occupational therapists to participate in ongoing continuing education courses to maintain their licensure.
Certified occupational therapists are trained in a variety of techniques and services that can help their clients improve their ability to perform daily activities. Some common services provided by occupational therapists include:
- Evaluation and assessment of the client’s functional abilities and needs
- Development of individualized treatment plans to address specific goals and challenges
- Education and training on adaptive equipment and techniques to improve function and safety
- Therapeutic exercises and activities to improve strength, coordination, and range of motion
- Cognitive training to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills
- Sensory integration therapy to help individuals with sensory processing challenges
- Worksite evaluations and modifications to promote safe and effective performance on the job
- Home safety evaluations and modifications to promote independence and safety in the home environment.
The certified occupational therapists at Macomb Hand Surgery in the Troy, MI area are highly trained healthcare professionals who work with individuals to improve their ability to perform daily activities and overcome physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. Through a combination of assessment, treatment, and education, occupational therapists help their clients achieve greater independence, safety, and quality of life.
What is a Certified Hand Therapist?
A certified hand therapist (CHT) is a licensed occupational therapist or physical therapist who specializes in the treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and arm. CHTs are highly trained healthcare professionals who work with individuals to improve their functional abilities and reduce pain and discomfort in the upper extremities.
To become a certified hand therapist, individuals typically complete a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or physical therapy, followed by at least 5 years of clinical experience in hand therapy. During this time, the therapist must have treated at least 4,000 hours of hand therapy patients. After completing the clinical experience requirements, therapists must pass a certification examination to become a CHT.
Certified hand therapists are trained in a variety of techniques and services that can help their clients improve their hand function and reduce pain. Some common services provided by CHTs include:
- Evaluation and assessment of hand and upper extremity function
- Development of individualized treatment plans to address specific goals and challenges
- Education and training on adaptive equipment and techniques to improve function and safety
- Therapeutic exercises and activities to improve hand and arm strength, coordination, and range of motion
- Custom splinting to protect and support injured or post-surgical joints and tissues
- Edema control to reduce swelling and promote healing
- Sensory re-education to improve sensation and perception in the hand and fingers
- Modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and cold therapy to promote healing and reduce pain
- Worksite and home evaluations and modifications to promote safe and effective performance on the job and in daily activities.
In addition to these services, CHTs often work closely with surgeons to provide pre-operative and post-operative care for patients with hand and upper extremity injuries. They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, and physical therapists to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
Certified Hand Doctors & Physical Therapists | Troy, MI Area
The certified hand therapists at Macomb Hand Surgery in the Troy, MI area are highly trained healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and arm. Through a combination of assessment, treatment, and education, our skilled and caring CHTs help our clients achieve greater independence, safety, and quality of life.
If you or a family member has suffered an injury or illness of the fingers, hand, wrist, arm, elbow, and shoulder, schedule an appointment with board certified orthopedic hand doctor Dr. Uzma Rehman, and our team of certified occupational therapists and certified hand therapists. Do not trust the future of your hands to someone who is not both specialized and certified in injuries and illnesses of the hand, wrist, fingers, and arms.
With rapid diagnosis and treatment, and the most advanced care and support, our patients achieve the best possible outcomes and return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
