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).
It's time to get ready for Hand Therapy Week 2026! Don't know where to start? Here are some creative ideas for celebrating the specialty.
ASHT Photo Contest
Send your hand- and upper extremity-related photos to ASHT@asht.org by May 28, 2026 for the chance to win prizes from ASHT and our Hand Therapy Week sponsor, Performance Health! Please include your name and brief description of the image.
Voting will take place during Hand Therapy Week (June 1-7). The top three winners will receive an ASHT gift card and a Jeni's Ice Cream Best Sellers Collection (6-Pint, dairy and non-dairy options available) via Performance Health.
This contest is open to ASHT members only. Multiple images may be submitted. Limit one prize per person. Submissions may be used in future marketing materials
Congratulations to the winners of last year's contest!
First place: Laurie Thurber, OT, CHT (“I’ve got the world in my hand”)
Second place: Chelsea Gonzalez, OTD, OTR/L, CHT ("Newest little hand therapist")
Third place: Randy Beckman, OTR/ CHT ("Sharing a moment with Ben Franklin")
View 2025 submissions
View 2024 submissions
View 2023 submissions
View 2022 submissions
View 2021 submissions
View 2020 submissions
View 2019 submissions
View 2018 submissions
Hand and Upper Extremity Safety Videos
ASHT continues to add to our series focusing on specific diagnoses to be used as a patient resource for learning more about hand and upper extremity conditions and dispelling misconceptions. We are excited to release our new video on cyclist's palsy.
Be sure to like our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of 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 conditions during pregnancy
- 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
- Cyclist's palsy
Daily Challenges
We're finalizing our new daily challenges for 2026 and can't wait to share them with you! Have an idea for next year? Let us know!
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).
Celebrate
About Our Sponsor: Performance Health
Performance Health has over 70 years of expertise as your trusted rehabilitation partner. As North America’s largest rehabilitation supplier, we proudly offer industry leading products, reliable operations & trusted expertise. With industry leading brands and services, we deliver solutions wherever care is needed. Together, we enable the journey of independence and performance.