Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy
At Tidewater Orthopaedics, we offer both physical therapy and a dedicated hand therapy team. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve movement, and help you get back to daily life.
Physical Therapy
Our physical therapy department
The physical therapy clinic includes a team of physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and physical therapy technicians. We work with your doctor to create a plan that matches your needs and your personal goals.
How we help
We treat both surgical and non-surgical conditions. Your care may include:
- Hands-on treatment (manual techniques)
- Exercises to build strength and improve motion
- Therapies and activities that help you return to normal tasks
Continuing education and training
Our team focuses on continuing education and training. This helps us stay up to date with new research and treatment methods, so we can support strong patient outcomes.
What to expect at your first appointment
Your first visit usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Your therapist will ask about:
- Your symptoms
- Past medical history
- Medications
- Work and hobbies
- Goals you want to reach in therapy
Your therapist will also do tests and take measurements to help set goals and track progress.
What to wear: Please wear comfortable clothes that let you move easily. Sneakers or tennis shoes are best.
Co-pay: If you have a co-pay, it is due at the time of service.
Scheduling: Please bring a calendar so you can set up follow-up appointments.
Hand Therapy at Tidewater Orthopaedics
Our hand therapy team
Tidewater Orthopaedics is the only orthopaedic practice on the Peninsula with a hand therapy department that includes certified hand therapists. Our hand therapy services are provided by occupational therapists who specialize in treating the upper extremity (hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder).
What is a Certified Hand Therapist?
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational or physical therapist with advanced training and experience in hand and upper-extremity conditions. To earn the certified hand therapist CHT credential, a therapist must:
- Have at least 3 years of experience,
- Complete at least 4,000 hours in hand therapy, and
- Pass the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) exam.
For more information about hand therapy certifications, visit www.htcc.org.
What hand therapists provide
Our hand therapists work closely with the hand specialists and other physicians at Tidewater Orthopaedics. We also accept outside referrals from other orthopaedic physicians in the area.
Hand therapy may include care for:
- Post-surgery recovery
- Preventive care
- Non-surgical conditions
- Long-term (chronic) conditions
Conditions treated may include (but are not limited to):
- Strains and sprains
- Burns
- Fractures
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Congenital conditions
- Amputations
- Arthritis
Splints and custom orthoses
After an injury, the hand and fingers may need time to stay still so tissues can heal. Our therapists can make custom orthoses (often called splints) for the upper extremity. These are made directly to fit the affected area using low-temperature thermoplastic. Splints can be made for the:
- Hand and fingers
- Elbow
- Shoulder
Many splints can be completed the same day as your visit.
When therapy may start
Hand therapy often begins 3–5 days after surgery, or after your first physician visit, depending on your provider’s orders. Our therapists can communicate with your physician team, and a hand specialist is on site daily to help coordinate care and support the best recovery plan.
Schedule a Physical Therapy Consultation
Call to make an appointment
To learn more about physical therapy or hand therapy or to schedule a consultation with an orthopaedic subspecialist at Tidewater Orthopaedics, call (757) 827‑2480.