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Welcome to the Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Center of New Jersey. We are a comprehensive medical/surgical practice specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and diseases of the upper extremity in patients of all ages.
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News/Office Updates
June 2008

The therapy staff at Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Center has doubled in size! The addition of three therapists allows us to continue to provide the highest quality hand therapy services to our patients. Our staff has over 80 years of combined experience providing therapy services!

Jen Krott, OTR/L, CHT, joined our staff last fall. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in 1998 and obtained her Hand Therapy Certification in 2004. She helped establish and develop the occupational therapy department of the Rehabilitation Hospital of South Jersey in Vineland and has worked in out patient occupational therapy for the past 10 years. Her areas of interest include work conditioning and the rehabilitation of sports injuries.

Leigh Ann Erlanger, OTR/L, graduated from Boston University in 1985 and worked at the Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation Center for five years. She then gained experience in administration, management, and marketing for rehabilitation companies. She has also provided out patient hand therapy and work hardening services. Leigh Ann returned to Hand Surgery and Rehab last fall with 10 years of experience working in the field of occupation therapy. Her interests include splint fabrication and work hardening. She is working toward her hand therapy certification.

Lisa Coates, OTR/L is the newest member of our hand therapy team. She recently graduated from Philadelphia University with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. She completed her affiliation at Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation last fall and joined our staff on a permanent basis in March 2008. She successfully passed her National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy last month.

The addition of these three therapists compliment our existing staff which includes Brenda Fisher, OTR/L, CHT, Bob Janssen, OTR/L, and Patty Bowe, OTR/L, CHT.

Comprehensive Care

Our commitment to comprehensive care is evident is our approach to the treatment of our patients. Our therapists work directly with six board-certified hand surgeons. There is frequent communication between the therapist and the surgeon. Following the hand surgeon’s accurate assessment, the patient may immediately begin therapy, without a lengthy delay. Every effort is made to ensure that our patients work with the same therapist throughout the course of recovery. Therapy usually starts within days after surgery, addressing post operative swelling and preventing stiffness and joint contractures. This continuity of care and team approach maximizes the successful outcome for our patients. Our approach has significant advantages including the patient’s rapid return to work and a productive life. This results in a cost savings including less time out of work and fewer medical costs.

What is a CHT?

A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is a therapist with advanced knowledge and experience in the field of hand therapy. A CHT must have at least five years experience taking care of patients with hand or upper extremity problems. A CHT must also pass a national board examination. Re-certification is required every five years.

All of our hand therapy staff benefit from attending continuing education courses. Learning about the latest developments and state of the art equipment in this highly specialized field is necessary to provide the highest quality care and choose the most effective treatments for our patients. Because of their knowledge and experience, our highly skilled therapists often spot potential problems and alert the hand surgeons so that the problem can be quickly addressed.

Dr. Ballet and Dr. Stackhouse listed as Top Doc for Kids in June 2008 issue of South Jersey Magazine.