Hand therapy is critical in the recovery of many hand conditions. Rehabilitation of the hand and arm 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 joint range of motion, tendon gliding, and strength, and decreasing pain, swelling, and scar tissue. This is achieved through patient education, guided exercises, stretches, scar management, custom splinting and therapeutic modalities, such as fluidotherapy, iontophoresis, and ultrasound.
With years of combined experience, the six Raleigh Hand Center therapists have specialized training and interest in rehabilitation of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions. They work together with RHC doctors in order to optimize patient 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
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
- Years Started at Raleigh Hand Center: 2007
- Hobbies: Boating, wakeboarding, watersports, reading, watching movies
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
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
JENNIFER REITZ, OTR/L, CHT
- Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
- Education: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA
- Degree: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Hobbies/Interests: running, cooking, traveling
- Year started at Raleigh Hand Center: 2014