Founded in Paris in 1989, The European Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy is a non-profit organisation representing 1800 therapists all over Europe.

The overall purpose of the EFSHT is:

To increase the interest in and exchange of knowledge about Hand Therapy as such.
To coordinate activities among the European Societies to promote the exchange and development of knowledge.
To share scientific experience and research with colleagues, and also with Hand Surgeons and allied professionals dealing with hand patients.
To expand the practice of Hand Therapy so that an increasing number of patients with hand injuries may receive hand rehabilitation.