Doreen M. Francey, an occupational therapist in the St. Lawrence Health System’s Canton outpatient occupational therapy department, earned a Certificate in Advanced Practice in Hand and Upper …
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Doreen M. Francey, an occupational therapist in the St. Lawrence Health System’s Canton outpatient occupational therapy department, earned a Certificate in Advanced Practice in Hand and Upper Quarter Rehabilitation from Drexel University, and has passed the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) board examination.
The Certificate in Hand and Upper Quarter Rehabilitation program offers “advanced understanding of the upper quarter of the body, including the cervical spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand,” according to a press release from Canton-Potsdam Hospital.
Hand therapy is the rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle, according to the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC).
A professional with the CHT designation is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has attained a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice hand therapy.
A CHT must also pass a comprehensive examination of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation.
Approximately 6,000 CHTs practice worldwide, and Francey is the only CHT within St. Lawrence County.
She practices with Colleen M. Kelley, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
“Sometimes we don’t realize how vital our hands are to everyday functioning until we lose the ability to use them,” said Jeffrey F. Haasbeek, orthopedic hand surgeon.
“Therapy as an alternative to surgery, prior to surgery, and after surgery can restore some or all functioning depending on the particular injury to the hand or disease state,” he said. “A certified hand therapist is a great addition to our collaborative care team in orthopedics and rehabilitation.”
Hand therapy services through Canton Occupational Therapy are available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more information call 261-5490.