What is hand therapy?

Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb - shoulder to hand. Hand therapy assists a person to regain maximum use of his or her upper limb after injury, surgery or the onset of disease. Treatment is provided by a hand therapist, someone who is first trained as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist with a special interest and experience in the rehabilitation of hand & upper limb conditions.

Hand therapists treat with exercises and activities, apply modalities and create custom made splints to help the hand heal and protect it from additional injury.

Although the physical treatment entails treatment of the upper limb, emphasis is placed on reintegration into the work place, activities of daily living and leisure time pursuits.

What is SASHT?

SASHT is the S outh A frican S ociety of H and T herapists. Any Occupational- or Physiotherapists who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and have an interest in the treatment of hand conditions may be members.

SASHT Vision

Encourage the development of skilled hand and upper limb therapists (hereafter known as Hand Therapists) in South Africa .

SASHT Mission

The mission of the Society is to represent hand therapy in South Africa and to endeavor to support the development of knowledge and skills within this field to members, in order to facilitate the delivery of the highest quality of care in the filed of practice.