Treating Conditions of the Hand, Wrist, Elbow and Shoulder

Hand therapy at The George Washington University Hospital addresses injuries and conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Treatment often begins within days of an injury or surgery and continues until the patient is able to return to work and a productive lifestyle.

Contact the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

To contact us, please call 202-715-5655.

Conditions That Benefit From Occupational Therapy

  • Hand, wrist, or arm dysfunction
  • Post surgical rehabilitation
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Fractures and dislocations
  • Sports injuries
  • Tennis elbow and other types of tendonitis
  • Tendon and nerve injuries
  • Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome and other nerve entrapment disorders
  • Repetitive motion syndromes
  • Amputations
  • Burns and frostbite
  • Arthritis
  • Dupuytren's contracture
  • Complex regional pain syndrome/RSD

Services We Provide

  • Control of swelling
  • Most heat and cold therapies
  • Ultrasound, iontophoresis and electrical stimulations
  • Scar and soft tissue massage
  • Desensitization and sensory re-education
  • Customized splint fabrication
  • Joint protection principles
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Neuromuscular re-educations
  • Strengthening of muscles to improve fine/gross motor coordination
  • Training with orthotic and prosthetic devices
  • Ergonomic assessments
  • Pain management
  • Training in life skills (e.g. dressing, bathing)
  • Home exercise program

Certified Hand Therapists

When you lose function in your hand, it can have a profound impact on your everyday life. Getting the best possible care is vital to your recovery.

The Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) at GW Hospital have achieved the highest level of training and competency in their field. CHTs are physical or occupational therapists who have completed a minimum of three years of clinical training, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. They are dedicated to the profession of hand therapy and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care.

The CHT credential is recognized by many professional organizations as a benchmark for excellence in advanced specialty credentialing in healthcare.