Hand Therapy Clinic
The Western Michigan University hand therapy clinic helps people return to the activities of every day life following an orthopedic disease or injury—whether that’s work, leisure, domestic life, or community activities. We use education, exercise, activities, assistive technology, and adaptive devices to help people engage or re-engage in the activities that matter most to them. We help our patients accomplish tasks that will enhance their everyday life, modify their living and work environments to minimize limitations, and much more. Specific diagnosis may include:
- Arthritis
- Fracture to upper quadrant
- Injury to shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand
- Tendon injuries
- Nerve compression
- Shoulder pathology
- Trigger finger
- Tendonitis
- Trauma, crush injury
The WMU hand therapy clinic offers a comprehensive evaluation and treatment for each adult. Areas addressed in therapy may include:
- Orthosis fabrication, splinting
- Quick cast of digits
- Manual therapy
- Therapeutic exercise
- Ultrasound
- Thermal modalities
- E-stim
- Activity modification, ADL
The clinic provides services to individuals who are either uninsured or underinsured. Services are provided by graduate student clinicians under the professional supervision of a registered and licensed occupational therapist who is also a Certified Hand Therapist. There is no cost for services.
“Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb, which includes the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder girdle. It is the merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combine comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic intervention to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.” Journal of Hand Therapy; 2009(22)361-376), ASHT Scope of Practice; 2011
Contact:
To make a referral or request more information, contact Nancy Hock, PhD, CHT, OTRL at (616) 742-4840 or nancy.hock@wmich.edu.
Location:
WMU-Grand Rapids
200 Ionia Ave SW
4th floor (Room 4004)
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Directions:
- From Southbound US 131, take the Market St exit and go straight past Market. You will then be on Cherry St.
- From Northbound US 131, take the Downtown exit and you will then be on Cherry St.
Parking:
Parking is available in the Cherry Commerce Parking Ramp (entrance off of Cherry St.) and at metered spaces on the street.