Dr. Emily Hartnett, CHT
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, Certified Hand Therapist
Emily graduated with her Bachelors of Health Science in 2017, her Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2019, and her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy with a focus on rock-climbers' injuries in 2022 from Quinnipiac University.
Emily is an avid rock climber herself and has been specializing in treatment of the upper extremity since she received her OT license in February of 2019. Emily has combined her hobby and career to treat rock climbers; she has developed effective return to climb protocols and effective strategies, such as PRO (Pulley Ring Orthotic, patent pending) fabrication and application, to allow climbers to continue to climb while rehabilitating from injury.
If Emily could tell most patients one thing, she would say, "Stretch, please!"
While not at work, Emily likes to climb, knit, and play with her dog, Jersey. Emily is passionate about these hobbies so understands your need to get back to your sport, hobby, or job as soon as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see you?
Nope! Come on in for a consult. Medicare and Medicaid patients will need a referral for additional visits after the first consult, but all self pay and other insurance companies do not.
I do not climb. Can I still see you?
Yes! I work with non- climbers all of the time. While climbing is my specialty, it is not all I do.
Do you treat shoulders?
Yes, I treat nerve root problems (so some spine/ neck), shoulders, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, fingers, and ergonomics
Emily quickly discovered in her early days as a hand therapist that rock climber injuries were under researched. Rock climbers use their hands in unique ways that are uncommon among the non- climbing population. Their injuries are under- researched because of the small population size. For these reasons, Emily went back to school and received her Doctorate degree. She uses this degree to actively research and write articles on best intervention for climbers’ injuries.
Emily is the inventor of the PRO- the Pulley Ring Orthotic, patent pending, and is publishing this research currently. The PRO so far has a 100% success rate for low grade pulley injuries.
Emily specializes in manual techniques and encourages her patients to do must exercises at home. She believes any exercises should become part of a patient’s personal routine and likes to spend session time in a more skilled manner. Emily also specializes in lymphatic massage and excels in teaching your partner or family manner techniques to also help you carry this over at home. Emily values teaching you how to make therapy part of your daily routine and will enable you with the tools to take leadership in your healing journey.