Hand Therapy Week

Fort HealthCare Recognizes Hand Therapy Week: June 1-7 2015

During June 1-7, 20153, the Fort HealthCare Center for Hand Care will celebrate Hand Therapy Week. Hand Therapy Week is an integrated national program sponsored by the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). ASHT is an organization comprised of hand therapy professionals around the world, dedicated to establishing clinical standards and promoting research in the hand therapy profession.

For one week, ASHT members bring the benefits of hand therapy into focus for the public and demonstrate the advantages of prevention and treatment procedures for individuals who have been affected by an accident or trauma.   The Fort HealthCare Center for Hand Care team will be recognizing this week with a radio interview by Dr. Bruno and Ann Kutz, OTR, CHT, as well as offering other educational materials to showcase the highly specialized hand care team that is available at Fort HealthCare.

The goal of the Fort HealthCare Center for Hand Care program is to provide seamless, efficient, and coordinated care that restores injured hands to the highest possible level of function. The collaborative approach to the evaluation and treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions offers innovative treatment techniques, proactive, patient-centered care, all in one location.

The Center for Hand Care team consists of James Bruno, MD of Fort HealthCare Orthopaedic Associates, occupational therapists, four Certified Hand Therapists, nursing staff and an industrial injury case manager. Dr. Bruno is one of the expert orthopedic surgeons at Fort HealthCare Orthopaedic Associates. His partners are Isidoro Zambrano, MD, Thomas Nordland, MD, and Paul Schuppner, DO.

The team collaborates with therapists located at the Fort HealthCare Therapy & Sport Center locations in Fort Atkinson, Whitewater and Lake Mills to ensure patients the ability to be cared for close to their home. Industrial case management services are available to patients and area employers to ensure optimal outcomes and rapid return-to-work plans.

 The Center for Hand Care offers personalized care, state-of-the-art equipment, an electronic medical records system, on-site digital radiography, custom splint fabrication, innovative treatment methods and rehabilitation tools all under one roof.  In one appointment, a person can meet with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a CHT. Certified hand therapists include Kelly Brunson, OTR, CHT, Ann Kutz, OTR, CHT, Sara Wilde, OTR, CHT and Laura Nyquist, MS, OTR, CHT .  Staff can also assist with any necessary insurance pre-certification, setting up tests or appointments, touring the facility, coordinating follow-up care with a primary care doctor, and answering any questions one may have.   The team frequently manages worker’s compensation cases, attempting to facilitate a smooth transition back to work.

Typical conditions treated at the Center for Hand Care include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, wrist

and hand pain, sprains, upper extremity numbness, tendonitis, arthritis, joint dislocations and fractures, as well as tendon and ligament injuries. Many of these conditions can develop over time or are due to injury. In the workplace, many of these ailments can occur as a result of repetitive motion, lifting, moving, or a worksite accident.

Dr. Bruno has over 20 years of experience performing orthopedic surgery, with a special interest in the assessment and treatment of Hand Pain and injuries.  He has had many successful outcomes with his patients, getting them back to their favorite activities and their hands at full functional use.

The CHTs have achieved the highest level of certification a therapist can obtain in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions.  The certification process involves extra years of practice in hand and upper extremity rehab, as well as successfully passing a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper arm, shoulder and hand rehabilitation.

If you are experiencing hand pain or numbness in the arms or shoulders, consider visiting the Fort HealthCare Center for Hand Care. To make an appointment, call 920-563-7888 or visit FortHealthCare.com/HandCare to watch a video about the program, hear from our patients, and learn more.