The hand is an amazing, complex part of the human body, essential for all of our daily work and self-care activities. Whether using a hairbrush, a computer or a screwdriver, our hands are important tools in our everyday lives. When the hand and upper extremity are not able to function properly because of an injury or illness, specialized treatment is essential.

Call 307-875-4654 to meet with a certified therapist.

Kris Nelson, PT, MPT, CHT, owner of Summit Physical & Sports Therapy in Green River, is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which is a nationally recognized certification for treating patients with upper extremity issues. Kris recently earned his hand therapy certification from the Hand Therapy Certification Commission. CHT’s must be licensed physical or occupational therapists with at least five years of professional experience. Furthermore, a CHT candidate is required to have 4,000 hours of clinical practice specific to the upper extremity and pass a rigorous exam, making this a very difficult certification to achieve.

In addition to his Hand Therapy Certification, Kris has completed specific training in custom hand splint fabrication. Custom splints are often prescribed after injury or surgery to aid in proper healing. The thermoplastic material that Kris uses can be continually adjusted for proper fit as treatment progresses and is a more sanitary and easier to keep clean than off-the-shelf alternatives.

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While CHT’s can be either physical or occupational therapists, being a physical therapist allows me to expand the scope of my treatments from the shoulder to the cervical spine. Symptoms of pain and weakness in the upper extremity can also arise from issues in the neck.

-Kris Nelson, PT, MPT, CHT

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“When people hurt their hands, they are often not quick to seek help until the pain is significant; it’s just human nature,” Kris states. “However, one of the main concerns with injuries to the hand is the development of stiffness or weakness that leads to a loss of function, which can be extremely traumatic. Care from a professional who specializes in treating everything from the fingertip to the cervical spine can make a very big difference.”

Hand therapists commonly treat:

• Thumb arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fractures
• Tendon injuries.

For patients recovering from hand surgical operations, hand therapists play an especially crucial role. Hand therapy may also help patients with hand problems from degenerative changes avoid surgical intervention.

Whether you have experienced an injury or you are suffering from a chronic condition, Kris can help restore range of motion and strength and help you get back to your normal activities. At Summit, we want you to be in tip-top shape so that you are able to enjoy all of the activities that you love.

For more information about this service call 307-875-4654.

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Since our 2005 inception, Summit Physical & Sports Therapy has been a well-recognized provider of comprehensive, evidence-based physical therapy solutions in the Green River community.

In 2014, Summit partnered with Fremont Therapy Group under the new leadership of owner, Kris Nelson, PT, MPT, CHT. Kris practiced orthopedic outpatient therapy with Fremont Therapy Group for nearly a decade prior to partnering with the group to purchase Summit Physical and Sports Therapy and expand their services to Sweetwater County. Summit’s patients receive the latest proven techniques to maximize the benefits of rehabilitative therapy and are here to help — every step of the way.

Fremont Therapy Group began serving the Riverton and Lander communities in 1996, founded by Scott Phister, PT, MPT and Brent Kaufman, PT, MPT with the vision of providing the best evidence-based physical and occupational therapy solutions to patients in the most advanced, appropriate environment.

Separating us from many other providers is our focus on employing only highly qualified, licensed therapists and providing state-of-the-art facilities in which to practice. With more than 20 licensed clinicians and clinics in Green River, Rawlins, Lander, and Riverton, our therapy knowledge and patient variety making us a leader in orthopedic rehabilitation.