Prairie Orthopaedic & Plastic Surgery is very excited to announce that two of our Physical Therapists have recently attained the advanced designation of Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission. Julie Obear, DPT, and Erica Heiman, DPT, have both received word that they successfully met and passed all board certification requirements; as such, they are now able to practice and market their advanced training as Certified Hand Therapists. Julie and Erica are now part of a very small but knowledgeable group of Physical Therapists in the city with regards to the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, and hand) rehab. Currently, there are only three physical therapists in the Lincoln area who hold this advanced training, including Julie and Erica.
The Hand Therapy Certification Commission defines Hand Therapy as the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle. It is, in essence, a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines a comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with both function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning, and treatment, hand therapists possess the ability to provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function, and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.
Julie and Erica practice with two Board Certified Hand Surgeons, Dr. Gustavo Machado and Dr. Patrick Hurlbut, here at Prairie Orthopaedic & Plastic Surgery. However, they also provide Physical Therapy services to any patients in the Lincoln area looking to receive their care from therapists that specialize in the upper extremity. Prairie Physical Therapy also employs a third Physical Therapist, Carol Ortlieb, PT, who specializes in spine and lower extremity rehab and is Graston Certified.
If you are in need of a top notch physical therapist, please don’t hesitate to give Prairie Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgery a call!