Sara Wilde, OTR, earns Certified Hand Therapist certification

Sara Wilde, an occupational therapist at the Fort HealthCare Therapy & Sport Center, has earned the distinguished Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification after completing all required examinations and clinical studies. The designation offers assurance to the public that the therapist treating them has achieved the highest recognition of competency in the profession.

Wilde said, “I enjoy the challenges that each patient brings and appreciate that no two patients are alike. I take pride in making the rehab experience personal so they may return to the things that are meaningful to them.” As a certified hand therapist, Wilde is able to provide the highest level of hand care available.

The Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Inc., (HTCC), is the only organization granting hand therapy certification in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, The Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand. Requirements for certification include at least five years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist or physical therapist, a minimum of 4,000 hours in direct practice in hand therapy, and successful completion of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. There are approximately 4,500 individuals worldwide that hold this designation.

The HTCC emphasizes the importance of hand therapy for the prevention of dysfunction, restoration of function, or the reversal of pathology in order to enhance hand usability for individuals with upper quarter disease or injury. Hand therapy is the art and science of occupational and physical therapy theory in a practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the upper quarter, body function and activity.

Kimberlee McCrea, DPT, director of rehab services at Fort HealthCare, recognizes the commitment many of the therapy staff has made to their professions. “We have a very talented staff of physical therapists, occupational therapists and athletic trainers. Sara’s efforts are just one example of the excellent rehab care we offer at Fort HealthCare.”

For additional information on hand therapy through Fort HealthCare, contact the Fort HealthCare Therapy and Sport Center at (920) 563-9357 (Fort Atkinson), (920) 648-8170 (Lake Mills), or (262) 473-5599 (Whitewater).

For more information about Fort HealthCare’s Hand Care program, visit FortHealthCare.com/HandCare.