OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES

What We Treat

Comprehensive Care for the Hand, Wrist, Elbow & Shoulder

From complex upper extremity injuries to neurological rehabilitation and healthy aging — we offer occupational therapy services for every stage of life. As a Certified Hand Therapist in Hemingford, TaLisa brings a level of specialization to the Nebraska Panhandle that previously required a long drive to access.

CORE SPECIALTIES

Our Primary Areas of Focus

These four areas represent the core of our practice and where CHT-level expertise makes the biggest difference.

Hand, Wrist & Upper Extremity Injuries

Core CHT Specialty

TaLisa's primary specialty - Certified Hand Therapist-level treatment for the full range of hand and upper extremity conditions.

Carpal & cubital tunnel syndrome
Trigger finger
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Tendon injuries & repairs
Wrist, hand & elbow fractures
Peripheral nerve injuries & repairs
Dupuytren's contracture
Post-surgical hand & upper extremity rehab
Tennis & golfer's elbow
Custom orthotic fabrication (splinting)

Arthritis & Healthy Aging

All Stages of Life

Managing chronic joint conditions, maintaining independence, and staying active as you age. We build plans around what daily life looks like for you - not just your diagnosis.

Osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis (hand/wrist)
Chronic joint pain management
Fall prevention & injury prevention
General deconditioning
Maintaining independence with daily tasks
Functional decline & healthy aging programs

Stroke & Neurological Rehabilitation

Upper Extremity Focus

Regaining function and independence after a stroke, Parkinson's, MS, or other neurological event. We focus on the upper body and daily life skills — helping you get back to doing what matters.

CVA/stroke — upper extremity functional rehab
Parkinson's disease
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Decreased strength & fine motor coordination
Visual-perceptual & visual-motor deficits
Decreased independence with daily tasks

Work Injuries & Ergonomics

Return to Work

Recovering from work-related upper extremity injuries and preventing future ones through ergonomic assessment. We work with you, and your employer, to get you back on the job safely.

Work-related upper extremity injuries
Repetitive strain & overuse injuries
Sports-related upper extremity injuries
Ergonomic assessment & consultation
Corporate ergonomics consulting
Return-to-work programs

Shoulder

Upper Extremity Care

TaLisa's primary specialty — Certified Hand Therapist-level treatment for the full range of hand and upper extremity conditions. This is the care that used to require a trip to Scottsbluff or beyond.

Rotator cuff injuries
Post operative shoulder rehabilitation
Total and reverse total shoulder arthroscopy
Shoulder instability
Adhesive capsulitis
Impingement and overuse conditions
Labral and SLAP tears

Pediatric Services

Select Pediatric Care

Select pediatric services are available on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the clinic about availability.

Congenital and acquired upper-extremity conditions
Fine-motor and coordination deficits
Visual-perceptual & visual-motor deficits
Functional challenges affecting daily activities

Request an Appointment

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CARE

OT vs. PT — What's the Difference?

What TaLisa Does

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on helping you return to the activities, or occupations, that make up your daily life. That might be buttoning a shirt, holding a grandchild, returning to work, or simply cooking a meal without pain.

OTs treat the whole person, not just the injury. The goal isn't simply to reduce pain or restore range of motion - it's to get you back to living the life that matters to you.

As a Certified Hand Therapist, TaLisa's OT practice is specialized further - focusing on the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, with advanced training that most OTs don't have.

OT is often the right fit for:

Hand, wrist, elbow & shoulder injuries or conditions
Post-surgical rehab for the upper extremity
Stroke & neurological recovery (daily function focus)
Arthritis, healthy aging & independence
Work injuries & ergonomic concerns
Prenatal & postpartum upper extremity pain
Pediatric fine motor skills

For Comparison

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses primarily on restoring movement, strength, and physical function - particularly for musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions. PTs work extensively with the spine, hips, knees, and lower extremity.

While there is overlap between the two professions, PT tends to emphasize the mechanics of movement and pain reduction, while OT emphasizes function in daily life. For upper extremity and hand conditions, a Certified Hand Therapist brings a depth of expertise that goes beyond general PT training.

If your condition involves the back, neck, hip, knee, or lower leg - you likely need a physical therapist.

PT is typically a better fit for:

Back pain & spinal conditions
Neck pain & cervical conditions
Hip, knee & lower extremity injuries
Balance & gait rehabilitation
Post-surgical lower extremity rehab

Still not sure?‍ ‍That's completely okay - it's a genuinely common question. Call us at 308-487-8988 and we'll help you figure out whether OT is the right fit. If it's not, we'll point you toward someone who can help.

Ready to Start Your Recovery?

Accepting new patients. Same-week appointments available.