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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • May 14, 2019
Certified Hand Therapy: What is it and Who Needs it?

Physical and occupational therapists play a vital role in patient recovery following injury, surgery, and certain health events. By using a wide variety of methods such as exercise, massage, and electrical stimulation, they help patients restore or maintain specific aspects of physical function, based on their needs.  Orthopedic physical therapy is a subtype of physical therapy which focuses specifically on the musculoskeletal system which includes bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. 


What is Certified Hand Therapy?

Within orthopedic physical therapy, there can be even greater levels of specialization. One such type of specialization is certified hand therapy (CHT). As one might assume this type of therapy focuses specifically on treating conditions that affect function of the hand. However, it is also used to address problems that impact the elbow, arm or shoulder. These problems may arise from trauma, congenital deformity, or disease.


What Type of Training does a Certified Hand Therapist Need?

Certified hand therapists have the same initial training as physical or occupational therapists. However, through continuing education and thousands of hours of experience, they have become experts with a multitude of knowledge and skill pertaining specifically to the upper extremity. In order to become certified, these therapists have to meet rigorous requirements, including at least 5 years and 4,000 hours of practice and successfully passing a demanding certification exam.


What Kind of Treatment Does a Certified Hand Therapist Provide?

There are many situations in which patients can benefit greatly from the use of certified hand therapy. These can range from rehabilitation of minor injuries to severe trauma to management of chronic conditions. CHT may be used to help patients recover from surgery, while in other cases, it may be able to help patients avoid surgery altogether. It can help patients reduce pain, speed healing time, and allow them to maintain greater levels of independence. Among the many situations that may warrant CHT are broken bones, ligament or tendon injuries, and arthritis.


Certified Hand Therapy in Baton Rouge

If you are suffering from a medical condition or injury that has threatened your ability to use the hand, arm, elbow, or shoulder, CHT is an option you should consider. Speak with your orthopedic physician regarding CHT and if he or she believes it may be useful for you. In Baton Rouge, the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge proudly offers a range of orthopedic physical therapy services, including certified hand therapy. To learn more, or to request an appointment, give us a call at (225) 766-0050, or click below to request an appointment online.

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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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