About Us

Mission

APTA Hand and Upper Extremity promotes education and research in hand and upper extremity physical therapy, while advocating for the ever-changing needs of the communities it serves.

Vision

Optimizing human capacity by advancing the practice of hand and upper extremity physical therapy.

Bylaws

Click to download the Bylaws.

Member Benefits and How to Join

If you are interested in joining APTA Hand and Upper Extremity, please visit the membership page on APTA’s website. Under Chapters & Sections, click “Add a Section” (you MUST be a current member of APTA).

Your choice to pursue a special interest in upper extremity rehabilitation gives you access to resources through which you can explore all areas of hand therapy. Benefits of belonging to APTA Hand and Upper Extremity are:

• Virtual Education: Attend webinars focused on hand and upper extremity topics at a discounted registration rate.
• Research Resources: Our Academy is committed to supporting clinical research that examines hand and upper extremity practice issues. Dissemination of clinical research is propagated through platform and poster presentations at the Combines Sections Meeting of the APTA.
• Networking: Network with PT professionals with similar practice interests.
• Leadership Opportunities: Our Academy offers members the opportunity to participate in a variety of task force and committee activities that are task and time specific. We are always looking for members to be engaged in Academy activities.
• Legislative & Practice Updates: Our Practice Affairs Coordinator, in partnership with APTA, lobbies for and notifies the members of issues that affect the practice of hand therapy for physical therapists. Historically, we have leaders supporting PT-PAC, which ensures our voice is heard on Capital Hill. Access practice resources, including clinical practice guidelines.
• Mentoring: Consult and/or mentor with advanced practice clinicians and certified hand therapists across patient populations.