Hand Therapy

At The University of Vermont Medical Center, we believe that your life is in our hands. If you are experiencing upper extremity pain or injury, you need the care of the experienced hand therapists at the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center at The University of Vermont Medical Center. We are proud to serve the population of Vermont and northern New York.

Hand therapy is a specialty within occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) that focuses on treating orthopedic conditions of the upper extremity (hand, wrist and elbow).

Our hand therapists work directly with on-site hand surgeons and upper extremity physician assistants to maximize function that may have been lost due to trauma, injury or repetitive strain.

Common conditions we treat include:

  • Fractures, sprains and dislocations of the finger, hand, wrist, forearm and elbow
  • Lacerations and amputations
  • Surgical repair of tendon, ligament and nerve injuries
  • Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
  • Nerve compression syndromes / peripheral nerve dysfunction
  • Orthopedic contractures / Dupuytren’s contracture
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Tendon inflammation (tendonitis)

Hand Therapy Treatments

To create your individualized treatment plan, our hand therapists will first perform a comprehensive evaluation. Based on this evaluation and your input, we will develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Our hand therapists have experience working with different types of hand injuries and pain in a collaborative environment. Whether you have had hand surgery or you suffer from chronic hand pain and arthritis, our hand therapists will find a treatment plan that's right for you.

Your individualized treatment plan may include:

  • Increasing range of motion and strength
  • Splinting interventions
  • Edema / scar management
  • Increasing strength and function
  • Management of acute and chronic pain
  • Desensitization
  • Ergonomics / joint protection techniques
  • Return to work conditioning
  • Comprehensive home exercise program

Certified Hand Therapists (CHT)

Hand therapy is provided on an outpatient basis by Certified Hand Therapists (CHT). These providers are not only licensed occupational therapists, but have also met national standards of education, experience and clinical expertise in the specialty of hand therapy.

“Hand therapists are certified or licensed occupational therapists or physical therapists who, through advanced education, clinical experience, and independent study have become proficient in the treatment of pathological upper limb conditions resulting from trauma, disease or congenital or acquired deformity. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has passed a rigorous examination and met the standards established by the HTCC.” - The Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Inc.

Contact Us

For more information about hand therapy, please call us at (802) 847-7910.

View Our Locations

 

Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Center - Physical Therapy

 (802) 847-6987

192 Tilley Drive
Suite 2117
South Burlington, VT 05403-4440

Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

 

Exterior location photo of UVMMC's Orthopedic facility located at San Remo Drive

Orthopedics - San Remo Drive

 (802) 847-5819

6 San Remo Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403-6378

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
      	        
	  	  Heather M. Duyck, OTR-L
Heather M. Duyck, OTR-L
Occupational Therapy
Jennifer M. Elsinger, OT
Occupational Therapy
Brooke Guilmette, PT
Physical Therapy
Gwyneth Owen, OT
Occupational Therapy
Jennifer L. Palmer, OT
Occupational Therapy
Christa R. Schestag, OT
Occupational Therapy
Emily C. Sloane, OTR
Occupational Therapy
Chelsea Witt, OT
Occupational Therapy