Our physical and occupational therapists with advanced certifications in upper extremities can help you recover from injuries to the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders. They work with patients who may have been affected by an accident or trauma, leaving the patient with injured tendons or nerves, scars, fractures, wounds or even amputation of the finger or hand.

 

A hand therapist also treats patients who are disabled from the effects of cumulative trauma disorders, such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients seeking the care of a hand therapist also suffer from chronic problems, such as arthritis or a neurological condition.

Regain strength and mobility and learn how to prevent further injury with the help of a physical or occupational therapist who specializes in treating hand and upper extremity injuries.

Occupational Therapy

Northwestern Medicine occupational therapists and certified hand therapists can help you become more independent by working with you on everyday activities, including dressing, bathing, eating, and household tasks.

Our licensed therapists provide care at rehabilitation locations throughout Chicagoland. We offer one-on-one therapy for newborns, teens and adults with common to complex illnesses and injuries.

Your occupational therapist will assess your:

• Strength
• Range of motion
• Coordination
• Cognition
• Visual perception
• Ability to perform self-care activities

Our goal is to help you return to your highest level of function and independence. We work to improve your overall quality of life, safety and confidence. Outpatient rehabilitation can offer:

Exercise to help you maintain or gain mobility by increasing your:

• Strength
• Range of motion
• Coordination

Equipment to help you do everyday activities such as:

• Dressing
• Bathing
• Cooking
• Eating

Education about your condition to help you, your loved ones and caregiver(s).

Certified Hand Therapists (CHT)

At Northwestern Medicine, our CHTs are licensed occupational or physical therapists who treat upper extremity conditions that may be the result of:

• An injury
• Injuries due to repetitive motion or overuse
• Disease or congenital deformity

CHTs collaborate with orthopaedic hand and general orthopaedic surgeons to create a customized care plan for you. They may also provide:

• Fabricated custom-made orthoses to protect surgical areas, let fractures and trauma heal, and enable safe positioning that supports everyday activities
• Testing to identify the cause of an impairment

Schedule a Therapy Appointment

To make a therapy appointment, please call 630.933.1500 (TTY: 711). Convenient weekday appointment times are available, including early morning and evening appointments (at select locations).