Sol Physical Therapy




Certified Hand Therapy

Our Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) perform manual therapy and exercises for patients who suffer with anything from arthritis to traumatic injuries. The CHTs at our clinics are trained to create custom orthotics and splints to help control pain, protect fractures, or assist with your post operative recovery. All of our experts are trained in treating complex traumatic upper extremity injuries to help you return to use of your shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand.

hand ultrasound
manual hand treatment

FAQs

A Certified Hand Therapist (or CHT) is an occupational or physical therapist who has undergone extensive training to become an expert in the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand).

Certified hand therapists treat more than just hands! They treat anything that impacts the arms, hands, and upper body. Ailments treated by CHTs include wrist fractures, tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Yes! A Certified Hand Therapist will put together an intervention plan for arthritis, which may include:

  • Pain management with physical agent modalities (e.g. heat, cold)
  • Techniques to manage swelling, including elevation, compression, exercise and splinting
  • Training in the use of joint protection and energy conservation techniques
  • Activity modifications in home, work and school settings

The duration of a treatment plan is case dependent. On average, a hand therapy plan will last 6 to 8 weeks. At your first visit, your therapist will tailor a plan that is right for you and your unique situation, including the types of interventions used and the number of visits required.

Providers

Alicia Allie, PT, DPT, CHT
Chief Clinical Director

Alicia is a Board-Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with over ten years of experience and training in complex, traumatic, upper extremity injury treatment. She attended Western Michigan University on a Division 1 gymnastics scholarship, where she received a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. She graduated with distinction from Northern Arizona University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Alicia’s journey into physical therapy began with a gymnastics injury, which has helped her to better understand her patients’ paths to recovery.

Alicia enjoys staying active with her husband and two sons. Her passions include hiking, running, cycling, watching college sports, and plenty of family time.

To learn about our other practitioners, go to Our Team page.

Rachel Locke, OTR/L, CHT, C/NDT
Occupational Therapist

Rachel graduated with a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Barry University, after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Rachel is a certified hand therapist (CHT), holding advanced knowledge and extensive training in shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand-specific rehabilitation. Rachel is proficient in splinting the upper quarter to facilitate healing post-surgery as well as to reduce pain and improve function in the non-surgical upper limb.

In addition to upper extremity orthopedic specialty, Rachel is certified in neuro-developmental treatment, a treatment approach specific to rehabilitating the upper limb post brain injury/stroke. Rachel believes the upper extremities provide a level of independence that is directly related to quality of life. Rachel enjoys helping her patients restore function and reduce pain so they can participate in activities that are meaningful.

Outside of practicing occupational therapy, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and two dogs.

To learn about our other practitioners, go to Our Team page.

Stephanie Lendroth, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

Stephanie is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, with years of experience in hand therapy in both Tucson and Phoenix. She graduated with distinction from Northern Arizona University after receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut.

Outside of practicing occupational therapy, Stephanie enjoys spending time outdoors running and hiking. Being a New England native, Stephanie enjoys traveling home to visit family and eat authentic New Haven style pizza.

To learn about our other practitioners, go to Our Team page.

Alicia Allie, PT, DPT, CHT
Chief Clinical Director

Alicia is a Board-Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with over ten years of experience and training in complex, traumatic, upper extremity injury treatment. She attended Western Michigan University on a Division 1 gymnastics scholarship, where she received a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. She graduated with distinction from Northern Arizona University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Alicia’s journey into physical therapy began with a gymnastics injury, which has helped her to better understand her patients’ paths to recovery.

Alicia enjoys staying active with her husband and two sons. Her passions include hiking, running, cycling, watching college sports, and plenty of family time.

To learn about our other practitioners, go to Our Team page.