- Blog
Hand Therapy 101
Posted on 03-14-2025 in Wrist, occupational therapy, Finger, Hand, Elbow & hand therapy by Dr. Steven Kronlage
As a subset of occupational therapy, hand therapy plays a significant role in treating and improving patient outcomes related to acute and chronic conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, our Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are board-certified in occupational therapy with an added qualification in Hand Therapy. Working with a CHT can have several benefits, including:
- Specialized Knowledge: CHTs are trained to work with patients with complex conditions and injuries related to the upper extremities.
- Personalized Care: CHTs work closely with patients to understand their unique needs and address their specific concerns.
- Improved Functionality: CHTs teach patients how to use their hands and arms more effectively to regain strength, dexterity and range of motion.
- Re-Injury Prevention: CHTs help patients prevent re-injury by teaching them how to protect their hands and arms during daily activities and providing injury prevention education.
Our CHTs work collaboratively with our fellowship-trained surgeons, Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. Alex Coleman and Dr. James Piorkowski, to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients with arthritis, congenital differences, tendonitis, neuropathies, palsies and other conditions. They also work with patients recovering from nerve repair and injuries such as tendon ruptures, ligament instability, wounds, lacerations, fractures, crush or other trauma-related injuries, and those sustained while participating in sports or on the job.
The intake process begins with reviewing your medical history and evaluating your physical demands at home and work, as well as those required for leisure activities or your role as a caregiver. Range of motion, strength and sensory testing, and observing the performance of functional tasks may also be included in the initial evaluation process. Our CHTs will also discuss your treatment goals to ensure realistic outcomes, such as safely performing daily tasks at home or returning to athletics. A comprehensive plan of care may include a combination of the following:
- therapeutic activities and exercise
- post-surgical/injury education
- scar and pain management
- sensory re-education
- mirror therapy
- joint protection
- activity modification
- training in activities of daily living and adaptive or assistive devices
- custom orthosis fabrication
If you currently suffer from an injury or condition of your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder that may benefit from occupational therapy with one of our Certified Hand Therapists at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, please contact our office at 850-807-4200 or complete our online Appointment Request Form to schedule a visit with one of our Hand Center Physicians.
Check out some of our related posts:
Show Your Joints Some Love
Valentine’s Day is all about love—so why not show your joints some love, too? Whether you’re an athlete, an active adult, or simply looking to maintain mobility as you age, taking care of your joints is essential for long-term health and well-being. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we believe that self-care isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about making intentional choices to keep your body strong, pain-free, and resilient. Here are four self-care tips to keep your joints healthy and moving with ease:
Game On: Pickleball Playing Safety
Pickleball is more than just a fun, fast-paced game—it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. With its easy learning curve and appeal to players of all ages, it’s no wonder that pickleball courts are popping up in neighborhoods and recreation centers everywhere, including right here along the Gulf Coast.
Innovative Cold Therapy Pain Relief
Recently, Dr. Ryan Riggs completed training on iovera°, an innovative pain relief treatment that uses extreme cold to stop nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. The system is safe, doesn’t damage or destroy any surrounding tissue and does not contain any medication.