The theme of Physical Therapy Month this year is “Value of PT.” The “Value of PT” campaign aims to educate the public and policymakers, and highlights the economic benefits and positive effects of physical therapy on quality of life. The APTA Hand and Upper Extremity Academy (www.handpt.org) supports PT hand therapists.
Physical Therapy Month is also a time to consider the value of PTs and PTAs in our hand and upper extremity therapy community. We have many skilled clinicians, educators, volunteers and leaders in our midst. The list of physical therapists who are ASHT past presidents is below.
- Diane Coker, PT, DPT, CHT
- Jane Fedorczyk, PT, PhD, CHT
- Maureen Hardy, MS, PT, CHT
- Sue Michlovitz, PT, PhD, CHT, FAPTA
- Joy MacDermid, PT, PhD
- Valerie Holdeman Lee, PT, CHT
- Patricia Taylor Mullins, PT, CHT
- Evelyn Mackin-Henry, PT
- Karen H. (Prendergast) Lauckhardt, MA, PT, CHT
The full list of OT and PT past presidents is found online here.
Working side by side with OTs for decades has brought me many friends for life as I have learned to be my patients’ skillful guide by the side. I value being a member of this multi-professional society because of the complementary approach to upper extremity care. Come to my office to witness how I gain wrist motion with radiocarpal and midcarpal mobilization AND by producing a parasympathetic state in my patient. Hand therapy brings personal and professional growth. Being a hand therapist is the most meaningful career I can imagine.