Hand Therapy

MISSION: The Hand Therapy Center provides a comprehensive approach for the treatment and rehabilitation of the hands and upper extremities. Services include custom splinting, exercises, modalities, work conditioning and functional capacity assessment.

All types of injuries/diseases of the hand and upper extremity are treated, which may include but are not limited to fractures, amputations, replants, nerve compression syndromes, tendon and nerve injuries and joint replacement.

STAFF: The Center team includes three certified hand therapists, one hand therapist, working on her certification and two secretaries. All four therapists are registered occupational therapists. The team works closely with the referring physicians to provide the best quality care possible.

TRAINING: Eligability for hand certification requires over 2,000 hours of hand experience and five years as a registered therapist. The Hand Therapy Center certified hand therapists each offer 10 to 20 years of specialization in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. All therapists are members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

HISTORY: The Hand Therapy Center opened in 1989 and sees approximately 5,000 patients annually. When the Hand Therapy Center opened, the closest dedicated hand therapy centers were in Indianapolis, St. Louis, Chicago and Louisville. It was originally located in Memorial Medical Center on the 3rd floor as part of SIU Surgery Clinic. Since 1993, it has been located on the 3rd floor of the Baylis Medical Building, at the corner of Rutledge and Miller Streets.

PATIENTS: The Hand Therapy Center sees patients of all ages, including infants. It serves patients mostly from Central and southern Illinois.

A physician referral is required. To refer to Hand Therapy call #217-545-0885.

For referral to an SIU hand specialty physician, please call #217-545-6314. SIU Hand Surgeons are Drs. Elvin Zook, Michael Neumeister, Reuben Bueno and Nicole Zook Sommer. The Hand Therapy Center also receives referrals from other community hand surgeons.