Cullman Regional Therapy Services OT Team: Pictured (L-R): Karen Lowe, COTA/L; Leeann Plank, OTR/L, CHT; Erin Burke, OTR/L
CULLMAN – Cullman Regional is celebrating Occupational Therapy Month by recognizing the occupational therapists (OTs) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) who enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness or disability.
These services are available through Cullman Regional Rehab & Therapy Services (formerly ONE Rehab) as well as through Cullman Regional Home Care. Cullman Regional Home Care focuses primarily on individualized therapy for patients in their home who have an injury, illness, disability or specific diagnosis which includes the hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder. However, Cullman Regional Rehab & Therapy also provides these services on both and inpatient and outpatient bases as well as other specialized therapy programs, evaluations for work-related injuries, pre-employment physical evaluations and much more.
Occupational Therapy helps patients regain their independence through daily living skill building which can include cooking, self-grooming, writing, job-specific skills and much more. Cullman Regional Therapy Services is the ONLY provider in North Central Alabama that offers Hand Therapy under the direction of a Certified Hand Therapist.
What is hand therapy?
Hand therapy is 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 which restores function and/or reverses the progression in the upper limb in order to enhance a patient’s ability to perform tasks and to participate fully in life.
Why is a Certified Hand Therapist important?
Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of three 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.
For more information on services provided by Cullman Regional Therapy Services or Cullman Regional Home Care, visit online at www.cullmanregional.com.
