Occupational/Hand Therapy
Hawthorn Medical provides occupational therapy services for upper extremity disease and injury. The Occupational Therapy Department staff specializes in hand therapy and currently includes three certified hand therapists who have many years of experience.
Diagnoses seen for evaluation and treatment include:
- Traumatic hand injuries
- Amputations
- Nerve injuries
- Digit, wrist, forearm, elbow and humeral fractures
- Tendon repairs
- Congenital conditions
- Tendonitis and arthritis
- Post-mastectomy
- Neurological conditions including CVA
Our services
Hand therapists specialize in the care of post-surgical and non-surgical shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand conditions. Occupational therapy services are provided to pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric populations.
Our occupational therapy staff works closely with hand surgeons and other referral sources (including physicians not affiliated with Hawthorn Medical) to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment to patients including:
- Custom fabricated splints
- Joint mobilization
- Modalities such as ultrasound, iontophoresis, moist heat, fluidotherapy and paraffin bath
- Use of current protocols to achieve optimal outcomes
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Wound care/scar management
- Work simulation
- Developmentally appropriate activities
Our staff
Deborah Days Fraine, MS, OTR/L, CHT, our Occupational/Hand Therapy Manager, is a graduate of Tufts University, Boston School of Occupational Therapy. Deborah has more than 21 years of experience. She has been a certified hand therapist since 1999 and is a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists. She has expertise in the treatment of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. Deborah has special interest in pediatric upper extremity congenital conditions, splinting and traumatic hand injuries.
Melissa Gonsalves, OTA, is a certified and licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant, graduating from Bristol Community College in 2009. She provides skilled treatment to patients with orthopedic and neurological diagnoses of the upper extremity.
Kimberly Green, OTR/L, is a 1991 graduate of Quinnipiac University in Occupational Therapy. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of a variety of orthopedic and neurological disorders of the shoulder, elbow and hand including custom fabrication of splints.
Appointments
A physician referral is required to begin assessment and treatment. Patients will be assessed and individualized plans based on the individual diagnosis and physician orders.
If you need to cancel or reschedule appointment, call 508-996-3991. We ask that you give 24 hours notice.
What to wear/bring
Please bring your physician referral with you. Be prepared to start your therapy at your first visit. Wear a short-sleeve or sleeveless shirt.
Insurance coverage
It is important for you to understand your insurance coverage for treatment. Because insurance plans vary in their coverage of occupational therapy, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance carrier to determine eligibility, benefit information and authorization for services.