Occupational Therapist Hand Therapy: A Career Story

Occupational therapy is a profession built around helping people regain independence in everyday life, from simple self-care routines to meaningful activities that give life purpose.

For occupational therapist Ben Byer, who works in outpatient hand therapy at All Star Physical Therapy, the path into OT was fueled by creativity, problem-solving and a desire to make a tangible difference in people's daily experiences.

Today, he helps patients recover from injuries, restore function and return to the activities that matter most to them.

Inside the Role of a Hand Therapy Occupational Therapist

In his role, Byer treats a wide range of patients with hand and upper extremity injuries. At busy times, his caseload can reach 20 or more patients. His work focuses on conditions such as wrist fractures, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, and his patients range from adolescents (occasionally as young as 12) to adults in their 80s and 90s.

Each session combines hands-on therapy, targeted exercises and personalized interventions designed to restore independence.

"We use our hands for everything," Byer said. "The best part of my job is hearing someone say they were able to turn their car on for the first time since surgery or get dressed without help. Those small wins make the biggest impact."

Even during busy times, Byer prioritizes individual attention. "Ideally, I'd love to spend more one-on-one time with each patient," he said. "But even in a packed schedule, I focus on what's most meaningful to them."

Working as an occupational therapist in hand therapy requires both technical skill and creativity. Treatments are tailored to functional goals, such as improving grip strength, restoring dexterity and building confidence in daily hand use, and are often adjusted as patients progress. This level of personalization is what makes hand therapy a highly specialized area of occupational therapy.

Discovering Occupational Therapy as a Career Path

Byer's introduction to occupational therapy came early: His grandmother was an OT. But it wasn't until after college, while exploring career options, that the profession truly clicked.

"I really liked the idea of the creativity that comes with being an OT," he said. "It's such a broad profession, and in every area, there's a creative element to how you design treatments for each individual. Once patients are further along, you can personalize exercises based on what they really want to do, like twisting a jar or opening a door."

That combination of science and creativity sealed his decision to pursue occupational therapy as a career path.

Becoming an Occupational Therapist

Byer chose to pursue a master's degree in occupational therapy (MOT) because it was more affordable and took less time to complete than a doctorate.

He completed his occupational therapy master's program at Loma Linda University, drawn by the program's mission, supportive faculty and strong clinical training. Starting graduate school during the COVID-19 pandemic meant his first year was partly hybrid.

"They did a great job adapting," he said. "We still had in-person labs, and once restrictions lifted, everything shifted back to hands-on learning."

During his clinical fieldwork, Byer completed a rotation at the same clinic where he now works, a transition that made the jump from student to practitioner seamless.

For many students, one of the biggest decisions before starting graduate school is choosing between occupational therapy and physical therapy. While the two fields often work closely together, they serve different purposes. Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, strength and range of motion after injury or illness.

Occupational therapy builds on those physical gains by helping patients apply them to real-world activities, like dressing, driving, cooking or returning to work. This is especially true in occupational therapist hand therapy, where treatment directly translates into functional outcomes that matter most to patients.

Transitioning From Student to Clinician

The move from student to full-time therapist was both exciting and intimidating.

"It's nerve-wracking at first," Byer said. "But having already been at the clinic for fieldwork made things smoother. I knew the staff, the environment and even some of the patients."

Stepping into a full-time role also allowed him to shape his approach to care. "It's fun to take ownership, to build the environment I want to create for patients," he said.

Why Occupational Therapy Makes a Difference

For Byer, the most rewarding part of occupational therapy is helping people achieve meaningful milestones.

"It's not just about improving strength or mobility," he said. "It's about enabling someone to do the daily activities that matter, like brushing their teeth, driving or cooking again."

The constant opportunity to learn keeps him engaged. "Nothing is stagnant," he said. "Every day I'm learning something new: new exercises, new approaches, new ways to help."

Advice for Future OTs

Byer's biggest advice for those considering a career in occupational therapy is to focus on the details.

"Little things patients mention might not sound important, but they can mean a lot," he said. "Everyone wants to get better, but what that means can look very different, from returning to a favorite sport to being able to brush their teeth independently. You have to listen for what they truly want and tailor your treatment to meet those goals. There's no one-size-fits-all approach."

He also wants to clear up a common misconception. "We're not physical therapists," he said. "While we may use similar techniques, our emphasis is on function, on helping people participate fully in their daily lives. Physical therapy tends to focus on restoring movement, strength and mobility, while occupational therapy focuses on how those abilities translate into meaningful activities and independence."