Ms Michelle Razo has passed the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) examination to become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), making her the UK’s newest CHT and Belfast’s first and only practitioner to hold this distinction.

What is the CHT credential?

The Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential is the highest specialist qualification in the field of Hand Therapy. It is awarded by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) in the United States and is recognised internationally as the gold standard of specialist expertise in upper limb rehabilitation.

To achieve CHT status, a practitioner must:

  • Hold a degree in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy
  • Complete a minimum of 4,000 hours of direct clinical practice in Hand Therapy
  • Pass a rigorous written examination testing specialist knowledge across the full breadth of upper limb anatomy, pathology, assessment and treatment

The examination is widely regarded as one of the most demanding specialist assessments in allied health, encompassing the assessment and treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Only a small number of practitioners in the United Kingdom currently hold the CHT credential.

What this means for patients in Belfast

Prior to this achievement, patients in Belfast and Northern Ireland seeking the highest level of specialist hand therapy expertise had to travel to access a CHT-credentialed practitioner. Ms Razo’s certification means that world-class specialist hand therapy expertise is now available locally.

Whether you are recovering from a hand or wrist injury, managing a condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome or Dupuytren’s contracture, or rehabilitating following surgery, you can now access the highest standard of specialist care without leaving Northern Ireland.

A note from Ms Razo

Ms Razo would like to express her sincere gratitude to her family, mentors, colleagues and patients who supported her throughout the process of achieving this qualification. Special thanks to Julia and the team at North Down Physio & Sports Injury Clinic.

If you have a problem with your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder and would like to discuss whether specialist Hand Therapy can help, please get in touch.