Tina Waits, OTR/L, CHT, CLT

Tina Waits is an occupational therapist and hand therapist at UK HealthCare who provides specialized hand and upper extremity rehabilitation services. She treats fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and other related conditions.

She is also certified in lymphedema therapy and can care for breast cancer survivors experiencing lymphedema in their upper extremities.

Waits earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Eastern Kentucky University and later completed advanced training in hand therapy. She also completed graduate coursework in occupational therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. 

Waits has served as a contributing author for professional publications and educational resources in the field of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. 

Personal Statement

My interest in hand therapy began after watching my mother recover from a snow-skiing injury. Seeing the important role therapy played in restoring her function inspired me to pursue a career in rehabilitation, and my experiences in the clinic sparked a fascination with the complexity of the hand and upper extremity. I am passionate about helping patients regain function, independence and confidence so they can return to the activities that matter most to them.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. As a former college swimmer, I can often be found near the water. I enjoy paddle boarding, traveling and staying active.