Here at Desert Hand and Physical therapy we fabricate and fit custom orthoses (AKA “splints”) for numerous diagnoses. Whether your physician is requesting a custom orthosis to protect an injury (bone fracture, tendon laceration post repair, etc.) or the therapist and physician feel the custom orthosis is necessary for mobilization of a stiff joint, or […]
What is all the hype about? The certified hand therapy (CHT) exam can trigger many different responses from candidates and therapists. Arguably one of the most rigorous and challenging credentials to acquire as a PT or OT, it can be a source of stress and can “scare off” many potential candidates. In the defense of […]
WHAT IS TRIGGER FINGER? Trigger finger is a painful and frustrating condition in which a finger can get caught, click, or get stuck into a bent or a straight position. The problem is a pulley system in the palm causing the tendon, a rubber-band like structure, the inability to glide in and out of that […]
WHAT IS A CHT? The term “CHT” standard for Certified Hand Therapist. This credential is mis-leading as we are often called “hand therapists” but the certification includes all injuries, diseases, and accidents of the entire upper extremity, from the cervical spine to the fingertips. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A CHT? The requirements […]
Physical therapy is something we may have all heard about, but hand therapy might be an unfamiliar territory. Although physical therapy and hand therapy are similar, there are some major differences between the two that should be understood. We use our hands every single day. Our hands are very important and should be taken care of, […]
Just saying the words ‘therapeutic massage’ may conjure up images of the ultimate relaxation. Candles, calming music and aromatherapy scents wafting through the air while your worries slowly melt away and vanish. But a therapeutic massage is so, so much more than just feeling amazing. It’s a powerful tool that can help you take charge […]
A wrist brace can do wonders for the health of your hands and wrists. And it’s not just for injuries – a wrist brace can be used to help prevent injury, irritation, or pain during many common activities. Some of these activities include sports, working out, and even work. How can you make a wrist […]
Do you dread typing, tying your shoes, twisting a doorknob, or high-fiving someone? You might be suffering from wrist pain! You might not realize how much you use your wrists on any given day until one (or both of them) is injured. It completely stops you in your tracks and keeps you from doing the […]
