Hand therapy is critical in the recovery of many hand conditions. Rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremity after an injury or surgery requires specialized skills and expertise. As procedures in hand and orthopedic surgery have improved over the past several years, the practice of hand therapy continues to advance as well. Hand therapy has developed into a field of its own, blending important aspects of physical and occupational therapy into a unique profession. Therapists aim to restore a patient’s function by improving range of motion, decreasing pain, and increasing strength. This is achieved through guided exercises, therapeutic modalities, and custom splinting.
With years of combined experience, Raleigh Hand Center therapists have specialized training and interest in rehabilitation of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions. They work together with the Raleigh Hand surgeons in order to optimize a patient’s recovery.
Jo Cullingford, OTL/CHT
- Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
- Therapy Department Manager
- Education: East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Year started at Raleigh Hand Center: 1991
- Hobbies: Scuba Diving, Reading, Gardening
ANDREA LUEKEN, OTR/L, CHT
- Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
- Education: Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
- Degree: Masters of Occupational Therapy
- Year Started with Raleigh Hand Center: 2011
- Hobbies: Volleyball, Reading
Christina Kimmel, M OTR/L
- Occupational Therapist
- Education: University of Pittsburgh
- Degree: Masters of Occupational Therapy
- Year started at Raleigh Hand Center: 2010
- Hobbies: Reading, skiing, running, golf, watching Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers
Megan Cebina, MSPT
- Physical Therapist
- Education: Ithaca College, Ithaca NY
- Degree: Masters of Physical Therapy
- Year started at Raleigh Hand Center: 2006
- Hobbies: Chasing two young sons
Meaghan Thomas, COTA
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Education: Durham Technical Community College
- Degree: Associates in Science- Occupational Therapy
- Year started at Raleigh Hand Center: 2007
- Hobbies: Boating, wakeboarding, water sports, reading, watching movies