FOLLOWING SURGERY OR AN INJURY CONTINUED RECOVERY IS ACHIEVED THROUGH AN INDIVIDUALIZED THERAPY PROGRAM.

Our highly trained team of occupational and physical therapists provides unmatched expertise in rehabilitation of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers.  All of our therapists are licensed with the State of Wisconsin and have advanced training in the hand and upper extremity. The majority of therapists, in addition, are Certified Hand Therapists.  All are members of the American Society of Hand Therapists and the Wisconsin State Chapter of the American Society of Hand Therapists. All therapists have specialized training in hand and arm mobility and function, customize splinting, wound management and the evaluation and modification of activities of daily living to help restore the patient back to normal life activities.

Our therapy center is designed to enhance the comfort and treatment plan of the patient.  The center is located within the same building as the physicians’ clinical offices, providing the therapists and physicians’ the benefit of working as a team to provide the best functional outcome possible for the patient.  The center has a relaxed, patient-friendly atmosphere with southern exposure windows providing a view of one of the three ponds on the grounds. 

Condition and Treatment

Evaluation and treatment of conditions preformed but not limited to include:

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis – conservative splinting and post-operative treatment including customized splints and exercise programs)
• Cumulative trauma/repetitive stress injuries (carpal tunnel syndrome/tennis elbow)
• Amputations and mutilating traumas
• Sprains, strains and non-compound fractures
• Fractures and crush injuries
• Nerve injuries and conditions (neuropathies, palsies, nerve repairs)
• Tendon injuries and conditions (lacerations, transfers, tendonitis, ruptures)
• Wounds and scars
• Shoulder injuries and conditions (conservative treatment of rotator cuff tendonitis, impingement, frozen shoulder, thoracic outlet syndrome and post-operative care of all shoulder conditions)
• Upper extremity pain syndromes including sympathetic dystrophy, chronic regional pain syndrome and myofascial pain
• Custom-designed and fabricated splints
• Individualized strength-building, flexibility/range-of-motion programs
• Scar management and edema control

What is a CHT?

A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational or physical therapist who has a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience and 4,000 hours or more of direct practice in hand and upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, forearm, and wrist) therapy.  At the Hand and Upper Extremity Center of Northeast Wisconsin, Ltd., 15 our therapists are Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) who are specifically trained to evaluate and provide the most up-to-date treatment of the finger, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder.

Benefits of working with certified hand therapists

People value the use of their hand and upper extremity (shoulder, elbow and wrist) and any loss of function from injury, accident or cumulative trauma can devastate their lives.  When a finger, hand or upper extremity is injured or in pain, we want the very best to aid in our maximal recovery.  A certified hand therapist offers the assurance that they have achieved the highest degree of competency in the profession and stays current in the field.

Due to the nature of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder, it often requires delicate surgery with microscopic techniques.  The complexity of the surgeries necessitates the need for advanced knowledge and skill in the rehabilitation process.  Certified hand therapists are skilled professionals with education in the study of human growth and development. Social, emotional, and physiological effects from an injury or condition can be present during the recovery process; certified hand therapists have the advanced skills to address and focus on the needs of the individual.  Certified hand therapists provide skilled treatment to each patient in assisting to regain function within their daily activities to help foster an independent, productive and satisfying life.

Our therapists work directly with the physicians.  With the aid of the therapy and clinical offices connected, and in one general building, the therapists have easy access to the treating physician. Enabling and enhancing the patient and the therapist with the ability to openly communicate on the condition, treatment and progress of the patient’s treatment.


When is hand therapy started and what can I expect during my first visit?

Therapy can be started as soon as we have a written referral/script from your physician.  The referral or script is similar to a medicine prescription order however; it is an order for therapy treatment and rehabilitation.   It is most likely to occur following a surgery or it may also be prescribed as an alternative to surgery. 

The complexity of the rehabilitation treatment required is aimed at restoring maximum function in the shortest amount of time with the best possible outcome.

For your first therapy visit please wear loose fitting clothing.  Please plan time for evaluation and treatment plan discussion.  Also bring your insurance card(s), if applicable, and be aware of your insurance coverage or limitations prior to your visit.  Any supplies such as putty may not be covered by your insurance coverage, please be informed this may be your responsibility.  If you are insured under a parent or relative’s policy, please bring insurance information and if you are under 18 years of age we will need a written release from the legal guardian. 

Outside therapy referrals from other orthopedic and family physicians are welcome!