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Hand Therapy Program
The Hand Therapy Program rehabilitates injured workers with acute traumatic injuries of the upper extremity, below the level of the shoulder. This includes injuries to the hands and wrists such as open wounds, crushed fingers, tendon repairs, and burns. The treatment is provided by certified hand therapists with specialized skills in assessing and treating pathologic upper quarter conditions resulting from trauma, disease, congenital or acquired deformity.
The program helps injured workers regain maximum function of their injured
hand, wrist, or upper extremity in preparation for a safe and timely return-to-work.
Description of services
The Hand Therapy Program offers two streams of care:
- Consultation
- Treatment (with the option of including Return to Work coordination)
Consultation consists of an assessment resulting in recommendations made to WorkSafeBC officers for further treatment. It may also include:
- Wound care
- Splinting and materials
- Scar management
- Education
Injured workers may be transferred to active treatment with the approval
from the WorkSafeBC officer.
Hand therapy treatment is a continuous intake program consisting of an initial interview and assessment, and a treatment plan to indicate program duration and expected outcomes. Treatment may include, but is not limited to:
- Wound care
- Splinting and materials
- Scar management
- Mobilization
- Strengthening
- Functional activities
- Education
- Return to work (RTW) coordination (i.e. RTW plan and monitoring RTW)
- Job site visit
Admission criteria
Consultation
Consultation services in the Hand Therapy Program are designed for injured workers who meet any of the following criteria:
- Have sustained an acute traumatic injury in the upper extremity, below the shoulder and require specialized hand therapy intervention
- Are currently attending another WorkSafeBC-sponsored rehabilitation program for the same injury
Treatment
Treatment services in the Hand Therapy Program are designed for injured workers who meet the following criteria:
- Have sustained an acute traumatic injury in the upper extremity, below the shoulder and require specialized hand therapy intervention
The treatment program is not appropriate for the worker who:
- Is currently attending another WorkSafeBC-sponsored rehabilitation program for the same injury
- Has medical contraindications to an activity-based program
Length of service
Consultation will be completed within 30 business days of intake. A Discharge Summary Report will be submitted within three business days of the initial assessment, providing recommendations for further management.
The treatment program consists of a minimum of seven visits over a period
of no longer than 90 calendar days.
Service locations
The Hand Therapy Program is offered at WorkSafeBC-approved clinics across British Columbia.
Referral process
Injured workers are referred to the program by WorkSafeBC officers or physicians. For a direct referral, the treating facility confirms the admission date appointment with the worker. If a worker cannot keep an appointment, the treating facility will reschedule the appointment within three business days from the initial appointment date. The initial appointment date is considered the first day of treatment.
Inquiries
For program inquiries please call Health Care Services at 604 232-7787 or toll-free at 1 866 244-6404. Or see Hand Therapy Program contact details for further information.