Hand Therapy
Why See a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)?
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is a licensed Occupational Therapist who has obtained additional specialty certification through advanced training, study and experience in the treatment of individuals with conditions affecting the hand and upper extremity. Hand Therapy provides individually designed programs for patients with injuries and/or medical conditions of the elbow, wrist and hand. A CHT bridges the gap from medical management of upper extremity conditions to successful recovery, allowing individuals to function normally in their daily lives and return to work or the activities they enjoy.
At Elite, we have a highly skilled and experienced Certified Hand Therapist, Jessica Cesario, OT/L, CHT, on our staff. The CHT credential offers assurance to the public that the therapist has achieved the highest level of competency in the profession and stays up to date with practice within the field. CHT’s must remain knowledgeable about advanced surgical technique and post-operative therapy programs and must remain current with changes in hand therapy practice. Every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by re-certifying every 5 years.
Source: www.htcc.org
Jessica Cesario, OT/L, CHT
Jessica graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1996 where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. She participated in advanced professional study of Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation at Tufts University and became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2010. She has been practicing for 24 years, specializing in rehabilitation of the elbow, wrist and hand for the last 13 years. Jessica joined the Elite therapy team in 2013. She is experienced in custom splinting and treating various upper extremity conditions including fractures, sprains and strains, arthritis, tendonitis, tendon and nerve repairs, and work and sports related injuries. Jessica grew up in Rochester, NY and was a high school athlete, playing soccer and running track. She moved to the Boston area in 1999. She enjoys cooking, running and spending time outdoors with her family and dog.
Common Upper Extremity Conditions Treated in Hand Therapy
- Amputations
- Arthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease
- Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
- Crush Injuries
- Cysts and Tumors
- Digit/Hand Replantation
- Dislocations
- Dupuytren’s Disease
- Edema
- Fractures
- Ligamentous Injury and Instability
- Muscular strains
- Nerve Compression Neuropathy (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome)
- Nerve Repair
- Sports Injuries of the Upper Extremity
- Tendon Repairs and Tendon Transfers
- Tendinopathy
- Thermal Injuries (burns, frostbite)
- Work Related Injuries
- Wounds and surgical scars
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I GO ABOUT SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT FOR HAND THERAPY?
Your health care plan may require you to first obtain a prescription for physical therapy from your physician or surgeon, but not in all cases. Once you have a prescription if necessary, please call us at 781-573-4205 and press 1 for our Stoughton clinic. You may also submit the form below to schedule an initial evaluation with one our Hand Specialist at our Stoughton location.
What insurance providers do you accept?
- Aetna
- Allways
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Cigna
- GIC
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Medicare
- Tufts Health Care
- United Health Care
- Champ VA
- US Family
We also treat injuries due to Worker’s Compensation and Auto Accidents. We also accept cash payment for PT services. If you would prefer to pay cash, please contact us for pricing.
IF YOU DO NOT SEE YOUR INSURANCE LISTED ABOVE OR HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE, PLEASE CONTACT OUR FRONT DESK TEAM AT 781-573-4205 EXT 1
What should I bring to my initial appointment?
- Insurance Card
- Photo Identification
- Prescription for Physical/Occupational Therapy from the doctor ordering your care (if required).
- If you are a post-surgical patient, please bring any information given to you by your surgeon or PA, including treatment protocols, any exercises that were issued you the day of your procedure, and an updated list of all medications that you are currently taking.
- An appropriate face covering to be worn when inside Elite Health and Fitness Center
What additional safety precautions are in place due to the current COVID-19 pandemic?
- All of our appointments are one-on-one with your therapist to minimize patient volume in the clinic and maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of your care.
- Our clinics have been redesigned to maximize social distancing.
- All treatment tables and equipment are cleaned and disinfected after every use.
- All clinical staff wear face masks during patient care (and gloves may be worn as appropriate or when requested).
- All patients are required to complete a health screening form prior to each visit.
- All staff and patients should avoid attending any PT appointments if they are not feeling well or have any symptoms of illness.