Why should I utilize therapy within my surgeon’s office?

· Fast response: Answers to questions or concerns that arise throughout the rehabilitation process requiring consultation

· Convenience: Injections or adjunct care frequently required during rehabilitation can be offered while attending therapy

· Knowledge: Only registered occupational therapists, no assistants.

· Familiarity: Working relationships for the past ten years to develop and refine specialized protocols to optimize recovery time while protecting the integrity of the repair

· Experience: Proficiency with specialized shoulder reconstruction comes with time and volume

· Specialization: Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) director who is one of only 5,294 in the United States

· Decreased Expense: Protocols developed for patients to be seen two time per week

Why do we utilize therapy dogs as part of the rehabilitation process?

· Health Benefits: Proven fact of petting a dog lowers blood pressure and calms heart rate

· Pain control: Studies indicate petting a dog releases endorphins that can block pain

· Calming effect: Eases fear and anxiety associated with the rehabilitation process

· Re-focus thoughts: Interacting with a dog helps patients forget about their discomfort and instead focus on the dog

· Need for touch: Therapy can be painful while petting a dog provides necessary positive touching

· Practice physical skills: Walking a dog, petting a dog, grooming a dog, or throwing a ball to a dog- great ways to incorporate some fun into occupational therapy

The team of physician, in-house specialized occupational therapist, and therapy dog, is, by far, the best for optimizing functional outcomes while providing the ultimate in convenience and cost control.