Certified hand therapists (CHTs) are either physiotherapists or occupational therapists who specialize in the management of conditions effecting the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. CHTs have completed post graduate training and must maintain certification with ongoing education. We treat a wide range of injuries from repetitive strains, sprains, stiffness, nerve injuries and fractures. We also fabricate custom thermoplastic splints.

Our hand therapists have specialized training in the assessment of pain and injury to the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. At your first visit, we work one-on-one with you to identify the source of the pain as well as any underlying cause(s) and help you to understand your injury and then guide you through an active recovery. We are often the first to recognize issues that may need further diagnostic investigations or referrals to specialists.

Our certified hand therapists have the skills to make custom rigid thermoplastic splints for the finger, hand, wrist and elbow. Typically you take them home the same day. Splints have many purposes, including to support painful joints, tendons or ligaments, to allow healing post-trauma or surgery, or even to gain range of motion and stretch tissues. They are removable, washable, adjustable and lightweight. Splints are also a superior alternative to an off-the-shelf brace when you need something specialized, comfortable and durable.

We create individualized exercise plans to build your strength and range of motion taking into account your individualized needs and your own goals. Our aim is to be efficient and targeted with your exercises. Sometimes less is more!

All of our therapists have the skills to provide manual therapy. This may include muscle release/massage, passive stretching and joint mobilizations. The goals are typically to gain range of motion and/or help decrease pain in joints and muscles.

With compression garments, splints, manual techniques and a home program our therapists can help you manage swelling and scars that are impacting your function.

We offer IMS/dry needling at The Vancouver Hand Clinic. It is an excellent addition to a physiotherapy program. It is used to quickly alleviate pain and tightness in muscles due to trigger points. It can help improve muscle length and overall posture when used alongside a stretching and strengthening program. Three of our physiotherapists offer dry needling: Stephan, Clare and Ashley.

If you aren’t able to attend an appointment in person for any reason, don’t wait! We can help you over video. This is a great option to get started or to continue your hand therapy when you’re out of town or too busy to attend in-person.