Hand Therapy Secrets | Helping Occupational Therapist Become Experts
Hand Therapy Secrets is a podcast designed for Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists who want to master their clinical skills in hand therapy. The show focuses on developing critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills to help therapists become Certified Hand Therapists. Hosted by Hoang Tran, an OT/L and CHT, the podcast provides real-world applications and practical advice. It also offers a community for therapists to connect and learn from each other.
Episodes
Thumb Stiffness After a Fracture? Here’s What You Need to Look At
Post-fracture thumb stiffness can be challenging, especially when you’re not sure what’s limiting your patient’s motion. In this episode, let's breaks down what therapists should look at, including scarring, joint mobility, thumb and wrist positioning, and how to approach improving motion.
Case Discussion | Persistent Hand Pain, Numbness & Weakness
What would you look at if your patient had persistent hand pain, numbness, and weakness after a fall? In this case discussion, I walk through how I would approach the patient using clinical reasoning—not just focusing on where they feel their symptoms.
How to Know If You’re Ready for the CHT Exam
Want to become a CHT but keep wondering if you’re ready?
Don’t rule yourself out before you even start.
Start with your qualifications, get clear on WHY you want those letters behind your name, and choose the exam date you’re working toward.
You Don't Need to Fear Treating Flexor Tendon Repairs (Here's Where to Start)
You don’t need to be scared of treating flexor tendons. It’s easy to worry about moving too much, causing a rupture, or doing something wrong—especially when you’ve heard all the horror stories. But that fear can also make you too conservative with your treatment.
Don't Let Flexor Tendon Protocols Confuse You (Simplified for Hand Therapists)
Flexor tendon rehab can feel complicated—but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of getting overwhelmed by every protocol, start by simplifying the process.
The 3 Mistakes Hand Therapists Make with Finger Fractures
Too many therapists think treating a finger fracture means following the prescription exactly as it's written. The prescription tells you what's allowed—it doesn't tell you how to treat the patient. As hand therapists, our job is to use clinical reasoning, educate our patients with confidence, and apply the right techniques—not just follow a script.
Treating Ulnar Sided Wrist Pain | What Most Hand Therapists Get Wrong
Persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain after a distal radius fracture isn't always a TFCC problem. In this episode, let's break down the anatomy and clinical reasoning that helps you identify the true source of pain and choose more effective treatment strategies.
Don't Let Flexor Tendon Questions Ruin Your CHT Exam Score
Anatomy doesn’t change—but protocols do. Flexor tendons are one area where what you’re doing in the clinic may not always match what you’re expected to know for the CHT exam. If you’re studying based only on the protocols you use at work, you could be missing an important part of the picture.
Distal Radius Rehab: What They Don't Teach You in School
I recently consulted with a patient who had a nondisplaced radial styloid fracture—but as she told me how she had been immobilized, I immediately started asking questions.
SL Ligament Injury | The Clinical Reasoning Behind Evaluation and Treatment
What if the MRI isn't telling the whole story? Let's talk about a real patient case as we break down the critical thinking behind persistent wrist pain and why looking beyond the wrist can change your treatment approach.
Distal Radius Fractures | The Healing Timeline Every Therapist Needs to Know
Distal radius fracture rehab isn't just about waiting for the bone to heal. It's about knowing when to progress motion, how to teach exercises correctly, and recognizing that the elbow and shoulder can limit wrist recovery.
Phalanx Fracture with Pins | What Every Therapist Needs to Know Before Treating
What do you do when a patient comes in just days after surgery for a finger fracture? I take you through my entire thought process—from deciding what orthosis to fabricate to determining when it's appropriate to begin gentle range of motion. Understanding why you're making each decision is just as important as knowing what to do.
3 Things Every Therapist Should Address After Dupuytren's Release
What are the first things you should assess after a Dupuytren's release? Let's walk through the 3 things every therapist should address when it comes to evaluating and treating patients after a Dupuytren's release.
Treating Distal Radius Fractures | Anatomy, Stiffness & Recovery
A patient came in with a distal radius fracture and an ulna styloid fracture. One of the first questions they asked was: "Why did they only fix one of the bones?" Questions like these come up all the time in hand therapy, and when you understand the anatomy and the reasoning behind the injury, you're able to educate your patients, build trust, and make better treatment decisions.
The Step-By-Step Plan I'd Follow to Get Into Hand Therapy
If I had to start over and break into hand therapy today, here's exactly what I'd do. Learn the three steps that can help you stand out to employers and build confidence faster.
Here's How to Study Wrist Fractures on the CHT Exam
If distal radius fractures overwhelm you, you're not alone. In this episode, I’ll tell you how to break wrist fractures into manageable concepts so you can think critically, make better clinical decisions, and feel more confident on the CHT exam.
The Real Reason You Don't Feel Confident as a Hand Therapist
Memorizing protocols might help you pass a test, but it won't help you think through real patient cases. I'll explain why true confidence in hand therapy comes from understanding principles and developing strong clinical reasoning—not just following a protocol.
When a Patient Case Doesn't Make Sense — Use This Framework
What do you do when a patient case doesn't make sense? Let's walk through a real distal radius fracture case and show you the framework I use to think critically, gather the right information, and make confident clinical decisions.
Thinking about becoming an Occupational Therapist? Don't miss this specialty
Never heard of hand therapy? You're not alone. Let's discuss why so many OT students miss exposure to this specialty and how you can start exploring it for yourself.
Why Your Carpal Tunnel Treatments Aren't Working (here's what to do)
Not all carpal tunnel cases are actually wrist problems. Let's talk about how to find the true source of the symptom so you can stop chasing symptoms and start getting better results.
The First Decision Every Future CHT Must Make | How to Start Your CHT Journey
You know you want to become a Certified Hand Therapist... Now what? Let's talk about how to decide between diving head first into your journey or taking a slower approach that builds confidence along the way.
Nerve Injuries | The Framework That Makes Them Easier to Treat
Nerve injuries sound intimidating, but they don't have to be. Let's go through the framework that can help you treat them.
Stop Struggling With Your Cases | The 2 Frameworks Every Therapist Needs
Hand therapy can feel overwhelming. There's so much to memorize, so many protocols, and every patient is a little different. I've been there. That’s why I created 2 frameworks that can help you get through your patient cases.
Finger Amputation? What Every Hand Therapist NEEDS to Know
When a finger amputation patient comes in with severe pain and guarding, don't just focus on the wound, focus on the nerve. Let's discuss.
Can a COTA Become a Hand Therapist?... Here's the Reality
I had an COTA ask me recently, "Can I really work in hand therapy?" My answer was yes. But I also told her the truth: you have to be willing to learn. If you're a COTA, here's what you need to do.
What to Say When Your Patient Pushes Back || Wrist Ligament Breakdown
You don't have to just follow the doctor's orders when you know a different approach will better serve your patient. Here's how you handle pushback with confidence.
You Don't Need a Formal Program to Become a CHT (here's what you actually need)
Becoming a certified hand therapist might feel out of reach if you don't treat hand patients every day, but the path is more accessible than you think. Your current experience qualifies, you don't need a formal program, and adding hand therapy knowledge will only make you more effective with the patients you already love to treat. Let's go through the full breakdown on where to start and
Your Shoulder Patients Aren't Getting Better | What You Need to Do
You have the tools and you know the mechanics, but your shoulder patients still aren't getting better. In this episode, I break down how to analyze your own treatment approach, manage patient expectations, and finally get unstuck with stubborn shoulder cases.
School Didn't Teach You Hand Therapy (Here's What to Do)
School didn't teach you hand therapy, and that's fine — I graduated from a top program and we barely touched on it. Your degree is a ticket, not a finish line; you don't need to know everything to start treating.
You Don't Need to be a Shoulder Expert to Help Your Patients | Start Here
You don't need to know everything about shoulders to start treating them. I share my framework using modalities, manual therapy, and basic exercises that work — no matter what setting you're in.
Should OTs Take Spine Courses? It Depends On This...
If you’re wondering if you should learn how to treat the spine, here are a couple questions you should ask yourself as a practicing therapist.
I Was Terrified to Treat Shoulders | Here's What Finally Made It Click
Shoulder injuries don't have to be intimidating. I share a simple framework to help you treat bone, tendon, and ligament problems — plus why understanding protocols makes surgical cases easier than you think.
CHT Exam Prep | How to Structure Your Study Material
Most therapists fail the CHT exam not because they don't know enough, but because they never spend time on what they don't know. Let's break down exactly how to organize your studying so you actually cover everything.
Your Lateral Epicondylitis Patients Are Stuck (here's why)
You can't treat lateral epicondylitis with a one-size-fits-all approach. Phase, body type, and the order of your exercises all matter — and if you're still doing wrist curls for a patient who's 80% better, you might be the reason they're stuck. Let's talk about it.
The BEST Place to Start in Hand Therapy (and where you should think twice)
Hospital systems, clinics, or acute care — which is right for you? I break down the best places to start your hand therapy career and where you should think twice.
Elbow Fractures on the CHT | What the Exam Actually Tests
Stop overcomplicating elbow fractures. The CHT exam doesn't care if you can name every crevice. It cares if you can integrate anatomy, protocols, and treatment. Let's discuss.
Don't Take A Hand Therapy Job Until You Ask THESE Questions
You can be so excited to finally get your foot in the door that you forget to ask the important questions. Don't let that be you — here are the questions you need to ask before you accept that hand therapy job.
How to Get Better Results For Your Patients (Especially If They're Not Progressing)
If your patient isn't progressing, check yourself before you check them. You can't control what they do, but you can control what YOU do.
Your First Year As A Hand Therapist? Here's What to Expect
Your first year in hand therapy will feel hard — but that's normal. Let's break down what you should expect and what you should be doing.
Treatment for Lateral Epicondylitis | What Your Textbook Doesn't Teach
Your textbook doesn't teach you everything. Oftentimes, you'll end up learning on the job. That's why I decided to break down exactly what school didn't teach you about lateral epicondylitis.
Hand Therapy Skills You Can Build Right Now (Without the Hand Therapy Job)
You don't need to wait for an offer to get started on learning hand therapy, let me tell you how you can get started.
Orthosis Fabrication Isn't Complicated... You're Just Missing These 3 Things
Splinting doesn't need to be hard all the time... so how can you get it to be easier? Here are some tips.
Are You Studying for the CHT Exam the Wrong Way? (Most OTs Are)
How do you know if you're studying for the CHT exam correctly? I'll break down how you should be studying so you can make sure you pass.
The Skill That Separates Good Hand Therapists From Great Ones (And Why Everyone Avoids It)
Orthosis is an important skill to have as a therapist, so let's discuss why.
The Real Reason Smart Therapists Don't Pass the CHT Exam (and how to not be one of them)
Being smart doesn't give you a guaranteed pass on the CHT exam. Let's talk about the 3 things I keep seeing, that causes therapists to fail the exam.
Potential Patient Says Your Price is Too High? Here's What to Say
Your rates are your rates, here's what you can say in response to someone who is trying to negotiate your therapy prices.
Therapy or Surgery? When Conservative Therapy Isn’t Enough for Trigger Thumbs
How do you know when someone needs surgery and when someone can do therapy? Let's talk about it.
The Truth About Growing Your Therapy Business | What Works and What’s Noise
What am I ACTUALLY doing on my day-to-day basis as a clinic owner?
Protect Your Hands, Save Your Thumbs | Manual Therapy Tips
Your hands shouldn't be hurting after working with your patients. Here are a couple tips on how to better your techniques so you can sustainably do therapy.
Hiring For Growth | How I’m Building My Therapist Team and What I'm Learning
Growing my clinic is not easy, but the payoff is worth it in the end. Here are some things I've learned while running my clinic, and how I'm building up my team.
Post-Fracture Thumb Stiffness | What You Should Do As a Therapist
What to look at and think about when working with post-fracture thumb stiffness.
From Idea to Income | How to Turn Your OT Expertise Into A Course
Bringing your idea to life doesn't mean that it'll start off perfect. Once you get it going, you'll be able to improve from there. Here's my journey on how I started teaching my courses.
How Long It ACTUALLY Takes to Study for the CHT Exam
How long it takes to study for the CHT exam will always depend on the individual. Let's go through some factors that you need to consider when you start studying.
Splints, Straps & Modalities | What Actually Works For Thumb OA Rehabilitation
When working with patients with CMC arthritis, there are different ways to approaching rehabilitation. I'll go over what has worked and doesn't work so you can decide what you want to do with your patients.
Hiring For Your Clinic? Avoid These Mistakes
Hiring a therapist is a lengthy process, especially if you want to find the right one. Here are a couple things I look for when hiring for my clinic.
Thumb Ligament Injury Treatment Roadmap | Acute Pain to Functional Return
What to do from acute to functional in thumb ligament injuries.
How to Build Patient Trust Before They Even Call
With how prevalent social media is, you can use that to your advantage to gain your patients' trust.
PIP Contracture Case | How I Diagnosed and Treated
How I diagnosed and treated a PIP contracture.
The 2016 Decision That Transformed My OT Clinic
2016 was the year I decided to change the trajectory of my clinic.
5 Things You’re Getting Wrong About Trigger Fingers (How to Fix Them)
Let's address what you may be doing wrong when it comes to trigger fingers, and how we can fix it so you can be a better therapist.
Why Clients Can't Find You (Even Though You're Good)
If you're feeling invisible with your clinic, it's not that you're not good, but it might be how you're marketing yourself. Here are a couple tips to improve your visibility!
Hand Fractures Aren’t Just Bone Problems | Why Anatomy Matters More Than You Think
Understanding why finger fractures are frustrating for your patients can help your patients do better with you.
The Words That Make Patients Choose Your Practice
When you're getting calls about your clinic, you want to be able to have patients trust you and do business with you. Therefore, the words you say affects how potential patients can choose your practice.
Why Most Therapists Struggle with Hand Fractures
Struggling with treating hand fractures? It's probably not because you don't know what to do, but with your understanding of anatomy. Here's how I go over it.
Stop Choosing Between Marketing and Sales | Do Both to Grow
Marketing vs. Sales? Wrong! It's marketing AND sales. Both of these go hand-in-hand in order to grow your therapy clinic. Let's discuss why.
Treating Hand Fractures Conservatively | The Anatomy You MUST Understand to Get Good Outcomes
Let’s discuss conservative treatment for a finger fracture case.
The Real Reason You're Not Getting Clients
The real reason you're not getting clients? It's not your skills... it's your messaging. Let's talk about it.
Most Therapists Get This Wrong About the CHT Exam
Most therapists get this wrong when studying for the CHT exam.
Clinic Marketing for Beginners: Where You Should Start
Overwhelmed by marketing for your new clinic? You're not alone. Let's break down a simple but powerful marketing concept that will show you exactly where to focus your energy first.
You're More Qualified for the CHT Than You Think
Don't discount yourself from getting the CHT and start studying! Here are 5 tips for you to start studying without feeling overwhelmed.
3 Clinic Regrets & 3 Future Fixes | What I'd Do Differently
I've had my own clinic for about 12 years, and I've learned... a LOT. In this video I wanted to share a couple things on what I wish I did and what I'm currently doing now in my clinic.
CHT Success Plan Map Out Your Hand Therapy Journey Today
2 Things to Make More Money For Your Clinic This Year
Building Your Therapy Clinic Beyond Doctor Referrals
Get Started in Hand Therapy With 3 Easy Steps
Do hand therapy practice questions with me - Wrist
4 Steps to Avoid Burnout
Do practice questions with me - Hands
Who should start their private therapy clinic and who shouldn't
How to get more patients without relying on doctor referrals
