“A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Because of changes in the profession, every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.” (source: Hand Therapy Certification Commission). Visit www.htcc.org/home to learn more. There are currently less than ten Certified Hand Therapist Physiotherapists working in private Physiotherapy clinics in Manitoba.

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 a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists 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.”

EastCity Physiotherapy is one of the few private clinics in Winnipeg to book a full hour of one-on-one time for initial assessments. We feel it is important to allow ample time for a thorough physical examination, a review of relevant findings, prognosis and treatment goals, and for patients to be able to ask questions.

In addition to common physiotherapy assessment tools (goniometry, dynamometry for grip testing), we utilize an expanded set of advanced assessment tools:

• Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments for sensory testing

• 2-Point Discriminators for sensory testing

• Volumetry for measurement of hand edema

• Pinch gauge for measurement of lateral pinch, tripod pinch, pad pinch and tip pinch

Yes! We obtain patient consent to communicate with you at the very first visit. After our initial assessment, we always send the referring health professional a letter summarizing our assessment findings and treatment plan. We ask all patients to keep us informed of any upcoming appointments with you and you can expect an update letter at every one of your follow up visits. We like to keep you informed of any progress or plateau with Physiotherapy. We will also carbon copy you on all relevant insurance or return to work forms.

When writing your referral, we like to know the diagnosis as well as any relevant findings from diagnostic imaging. If other diagnostic tests, such as MRI are pending, we also like to know this. A copy of the Operative Report is appreciated, if available at the time of referral. It is very helpful if you include the words “splinting as required” on your referral since some extended health benefits providers require a Physician’s signature for insurance coverage of commercial or custom splints.

Yes, our Physiotherapists each have many years of experience providing acupuncture as part of Physiotherapy treatment.

Yes. EastCity Physiotherapy is one of the few private Physiotherapy clinics in Manitoba to offer custom splint fabrication. Our Physiotherapists are trained to prepare custom splints for the hand and upper extremity. The cost of each splint depends on the materials used and the time required to fabricate it. Most extended health insurance providers cover all, or a portion of, custom splints. It is very helpful if you include the words “splinting as required” on your referral since some extended health benefits providers require a Physician’s signature for insurance coverage of commercial or custom splints.