For many patients, the biggest challenges don’t happen in the operating room, they happen after: long waits to start therapy, confusing instructions from multiple providers, and unanswered questions about daily life during recovery.
To close those gaps, ROC has expanded its hand care team with in-house rehabilitative hand therapy, creating a more connected, patient-centered experience from diagnosis through recovery.
We sat down with Heather Peterson, ROC’s new hand therapist, and Dr. Samuel Cheesman, to talk about what this means for patients and why integrated hand therapy is such an important leap forward in care.
Heather, from your perspective, how does having a hand therapist in-house change the patient experience?
Heather Peterson:
One of the biggest benefits is speed and connection. Patients don’t have to wait weeks to start therapy or figure out where to go next because we’re right here. That means swelling, pain concerns, or early complications can be addressed sooner rather than later.
It also lets me really understand the patient early on: their daily life, their work, their hobbies. That context matters, especially when someone is in a cast or splint and has questions that don’t always fit neatly into a surgical visit.
Dr. Cheesman, how does this integration improve care from the surgical side?
Dr. Samuel Cheesman:
The biggest difference is communication. When therapy is external, there’s often a disconnect with different advice, delayed updates, and no easy way to talk through changes in a patient’s progress.
Having a hand therapist in the same practice means plans can evolve in real time. Surgery is only one part of recovery. Therapy is often where outcomes are truly made or lost, especially in hand care.
Why is timing such a critical factor in hand therapy compared to other types of rehab?
Dr. Cheesman:
In hand therapy, timing matters a lot. A one- or two-week delay can fundamentally change an outcome after certain surgeries. Stiffness, swelling, and fear of movement can set in quickly.
Peterson:
Exactly. Some patients, especially those who are hesitant, anxious, or at higher risk, really benefit from early reassurance and guided movement. Getting hands involved sooner can reduce complications and help patients feel more confident in their recovery.
How does integrated hand therapy help tailor care to each patient?
Peterson:
No two patients recover the same way. Some need individualized guidance and support. Others need reassurance or help adjusting daily activities.
Because we’re working directly with the surgeon, therapy plans can be adjusted based on the patient’s goals, whether that’s returning to work, getting back to a sport, or simply managing daily life more comfortably.
Dr. Cheesman:
That feedback loop is huge. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and having real-time insight helps us avoid going too fast or too slow.
For athletes or very active patients, what does this collaboration allow you to do differently?
Peterson:
It lets us be proactive instead of reactive. Athletes can start preparing mentally and physically, even while they’re in a cast, so they’re not starting from zero later.
We talk through realistic timelines, safe conditioning, and what can be done instead of focusing only on restrictions. That approach helps patients feel engaged and motivated.
Beyond therapy exercises, how does hand therapy support patients day-to-day?
Peterson:
A lot of recovery challenges aren’t clinical: they’re practical. Things like getting dressed, cooking, sleeping comfortably, or even opening pill bottles can be frustrating.
Being able to walk patients through those realities reduces anxiety and prevents unnecessary calls back to the office. It’s about helping people feel prepared, not overwhelmed.
If a patient asked, “Why does having a hand therapist on staff matter?”—how would you answer?
Dr. Cheesman:
It’s the synergy. Plans change, progress isn’t always linear, and recovery works best when everyone is aligned.
Peterson:
And it’s about meeting patients where they are, physically and emotionally, and helping them move forward with confidence.
Why This Matters at ROC
Integrated hand therapy allows ROC to offer a more complete, coordinated approach to hand care, one that prioritizes:
- Faster access to therapy
- Clear communication between your surgeon and therapist
- Personalized recovery plans
- Fewer delays, fewer frustrations, better outcomes
For patients, it means fewer unknowns and more support at every stage of recovery. Let ROC’s hand team help you get back to what you love sooner by scheduling an appointment today.
