Hand Therapy at Reconstructive Orthopaedic Center of Houston
We are going to move to the new location which is 1213 Hermann Dr, Suite 380, Houston, TX 77004. See the map.
Hand therapy is a specialty practice area of occupational and physical therapy that is mainly concerned with treating orthopedic-based upper extremity conditions to optimize the functional use of the hand and arm. Hand therapists, through extra training and experience, have specialized knowledge of upper extremity function. Using specialized skills in assessment and treatment, hand therapists work with their clients to prevent injury or impairment, restore functional activity, and enhance participation in daily life. Diagnoses seen by this practice area include: fractures of the hand or arm, lacerations, amputations, burns, surgical repairs of tendons and nerves. Additionally, hand therapists treat acquired conditions such as tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and nerve entrapment syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Therapists who work in this field address biomechanical issues underlying upper-extremity conditions. In addition, therapists use an occupation-based and client-centered approach by identifying participation needs of the client, then tailoring intervention to improve performance in desired activities (i.e. sports activities or work tasks). The therapists’ at Reconstructive Orthopaedic Center design “diagnosis specific” therapeutic exercises/activities to maximize function and may use the application of modalities to assist the patient in restoring motion, coordination and/ or strength. In addition, the therapy team is capable of fabricating custom made orthotics for specific injuries and post-op surgeries as requested by your physician. The therapists work closely with your surgeon to progress your program according to your diagnosis and post-surgical program.
Our therapy team is comprised of a physical therapist (PT), occupational therapists (OT), a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) and a therapy technician.
Please see our therapy team’s bios listed below:
Kathy Brou, OTR, CHT
Kathy Brou has been employed at the Reconstructive Orthopaedic Center of Houston for +11 years. She along with the founding surgeons, developed the hand therapy program in April, 2000, for the treatment of subspecialty disorders including the hand and upper extremity. Kathy has worked in the specialty of hand therapy since 1985. Originally from Illinois, Ms. Brou graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and became a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) 1991. Her practice and research interests, center on elbow rehabilitation, MCP arthroplasty protocols, wrist fracture management and tendon rehabilitation programs. She is a charter member of the American Society of Hand Therapists and has served the hand therapy profession both locally and nationally in such positions as President, Vice-president, Secretary, Education Coordinator and most recently as an advocate for legislation and reimbursement. In addition, she has been responsible for the development of some of the specialty splints used in the treatment of various injuries seen at the center. Kathy is dedicated to treatment strategies that provide the highest quality of therapy in the most efficient time-frame while obtaining favorable results for the patients. She has also been happy to serve as a resource liaison for out-lying therapists in assisting with education and training of various treatment protocols designed at the center. Kathy Brou is passionate about her profession in terms of her treatment of patients, education, and hand therapy research.
Debra Miller MHSPT, CHT
As a wife and mother of two, Debra Miller believes individual attention, patience, listening and communication makes the most of the recovery experience for the patient. Debra received her Baccalaureate Degree in Health Sciences for Physical Therapy at the University of Kentucky in 1989. After acquiring her Physical Therapy license, she spent two years working in North Carolina at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center with cardiac, orthopedic, wound care, and neurological patients. In 1991, Debra returned home to Louisville, Kentucky to work for Kleinert, Kutz and Associates Hand Care Center where she specialized in rehabilitation of upper quarter dysfunction. In 1996, she completed a Master in Health Sciences for Physical Therapy (MHSPT) at the University of Indianapolis in Indiana, and a year later obtained her Certified Hand Therapist Credentials. In October of 2002, Debra joined Reconstructive Orthopaedic Center therapy team and has enjoyed working with patients with various diagnoses, especially shoulder, cervical and wrist problems. As a result of her ambition to be the best in her field, she has recently been instrumental in developing a lower extremity and spine orthopaedic therapy program.
Francisco Mendoza, OTR, MOT
In 2010, Francisco Mendoza left his home in Washington, D.C. to pursue his career goal of becoming a Certified Hand Therapist. In April of that same year, he began following his dream by working with the therapy team at Reconstructive Orthopaedic Center-Houston. Francisco received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland at College Park in 2005. He then went on to further his education at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he received his Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Degree in 2009. After graduation, he interned at the Washington Hospital Center in D.C. focusing on acute care with cardiology and internal medicine patients. Francisco would also complete his hand therapy clinical rotation in Fort Lauderdale under the guidance of a Certified Hand therapist.
Joanna Ford, COTA
Joanna is a native Texan and has been working at Reconstructive Orthopaedic Center of Houston for +11 years. After graduating from North Central Texas College and becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) she gained experience at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research then with Houston Hand and Upper Extremity Center. Certified Occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) are rehabilitation professionals who assist patients with a range of activities in the process of managing a disability. Most occupational therapy assistants work directly with patients, providing hands-on assistance under the supervision of a certified occupational therapist. In order to work as a COTA, one must complete an associate degree program in occupation therapy assisting and pass a certification exam.
Jessica Mendez
Jessica is the hand therapy department’s therapy technician. She has been personally trained by the clinic therapists on assisting with and initiating therapy for our clients. She will greet you in the waiting room and direct you to your treatment area. Jessica will screen your present status and set-up your treatment modalities as directed by the treating therapist. She has been with the center for 2 years and enjoys working with patients. Jessica has 4 children which keeps her very busy when not at work.