Hand Therapy Week is an integrated national program established by ASHT. Throughout the week, members of the hand and upper extremity therapy community sponsor and organize events and celebrations in an effort to raise awareness among various audiences, highlight the benefits of the specialty and educate the public. Hand Therapy Week is held each year during the first full week of June (beginning on a Monday).
Looking to get a jumpstart on Hand Therapy Week 2024? Here are some creative ideas for celebrating the specialty.
ASHT Photo Contest
The submission window for our 2024 ASHT Photo Contest will open in April. Please check back for more information.
Congratulations to our 2023 winners!
First place: John Avery, OTD, OTR/L, CHT (Hand in Hand)
Second place: Randy Beckman OT/CHT (Bill P, the bilateral amputee)
Third place: Sydne Trapp OTR, CHT (Sculpture in Madison WI)
This contest is open to ASHT members only. Multiple images may be submitted. Limit one prize per person. Winner will be contacted to select gift basket of choice. (If the winner does not want wine, they will receive a gift basket of equal value.) Contest submissions may be used in future marketing materials.
View 2023 submissions
View 2022 submissions
View 2021 submissions
View 2020 submissions
View 2019 submissions
View 2018 submissions
Hand and Upper Extremity Safety Videos
Each year, ASHT develops new videos, focusing on specific diagnoses and/or safety and injury prevention to be used as a patient resource for learning more about hand and upper extremity conditions and dispelling misconceptions.
Be sure to like our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to access our latest videos! We encourage you to share these videos and the others in our video library with your patients, colleagues and social media followers to promote the specialty.
ASHT Video Library
- Cell phones & texting
- Hand safety while gardening
- Protecting your hands while using portable electronics
- Hand & upper extremity mental health series
- Desk and workstation ergonomics
- Hand safety in the kitchen
- Pumpkin carving safety
- Safe snow removal
- Turkey carving safety
- Telehealth FAQs
- Virtual learning desk setup
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- CMC/thumb arthritis
- Tennis elbow
Daily Challenges
ASHT offers daily challenges to make it even easier for you to participate in Hand Therapy Week. Check back soon for updates on our 2024 challenges!
Have an idea for a new daily challenges? Let us know!
9th Annual Virtual Run/Walk — Team Up with ASHT!
Participate in the 2024 American Hand Therapy Foundation Virtual Run/Walk!
ASHT is proud to sponsor this event to support upper extremity research and education. Complete a 5K run/walk by the end of Hand Therapy Week (June 3-9, 2024) and support AHTF's research and education grants.
Be sure to join the official ASHT team and watch us on the leaderboard!
Registration is $30 per individual.
Students: Save on registration with promo code STUDENT, and email gsolomon@ahtf.org to create a program team on the leaderboard.
Resources
Marketing Resources
Choose from three flyers to use in your clinic as educational resources or distribute to your referral sources — all updated with ASHT's new look! The flyers for surgeons and primary care physicians provide space where you can add contact information for your practice via label, sticker, stamp, etc., and can be used all year round.
Flyer for Surgeons
Flyer for Primary Care Physicians
Generic Flyer
Patient Education Resources
Utilize our vast library of Patient Education Resources, which provide information on common diagnoses and the role a hand therapist plays in treatment. Based on member requests, we've begun releasing Spanish translations of our most popular resources.
Share Your Story
Hand therapy can change lives, and who better to share the importance and impact of hand therapy than our patients?
During Hand Therapy Week -- and throughout the year -- encourage your outstanding patients to submit a testimonial about the impact hand therapy had on their lives. Visit our Patient Testimonials page, and access the patient and therapist webforms at the bottom of the page to submit your success stories!
Note: You will be asked to upload documentation of your patient’s consent using this form. Your story may be featured on our website or in upcoming campaigns.
Get the Word Out
Write a Press Release
Create effective Hand Therapy Week buzz in your local media by sharing your personal success, patient accomplishments and news with the public through targeted media outreach. ASHT's Marketing Toolbook will help you develop a press release and strategically contact media to announce your organization's plans to celebrate Hand Therapy Week.
Learn more about contacting news outlets
Contact Your Local Government
Spread the word about hand therapy by writing a letter to your local Chamber of Commerce (sample) or requesting a state proclamation (sample).