Thies Hand Therapy

Education: Masters of Science Occupational Therapy, A.T. Still University
Brian’s interest in hand therapy was sparked by a family member who was attending college studying to be an occupational therapist. Initially, his path was leading towards becoming a physical therapist, and after investigating occupational therapy, he found himself fascinated by the complexity of the hand and its specialty. Majority of hand therapists have an occupational therapy degree, so Brian began gearing his studies towards occupational therapy while volunteering at a hand therapy clinic in Tucson to gain experience towards becoming a Certified Hand Therapist.

Brian feels the most critical part of the rehabilitation process is patient education. His area of hand rehabilitation interest includes traumatic injuries and repetitive strains. Ultimately, he enjoys treating all ailments and injuries, and believes involving his patients in their care creates greater awareness of what to avoid during rehab as well as how to progress healing. He welcomes each of his patients as if they were family and creating an exceptional rehab experience.

Brian’s interest outside of patient care is oriented around his family. His weekends are reserved for family time with his wife and children. He is involved in his church and draws upon his faith and the importance of family as a foundation for running his practice and welcoming his patients into his care.

Education: Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Northern Arizona University
Jake’s journey in becoming a hand therapist originated from his own personal experience with an upper extremity injury. As a collegiate athlete, he suffered a shoulder injury that resulted in surgery. During rehabilitation, he became fascinated with how the upper extremity is connected, and to his patients describes the fingertips to shoulder as a chain which is linked together.

Jake’s approach to patient care includes partnering with his patients throughout their rehabilitation experience and educating them on the “whys” of the activities and manual therapy techniques he prescribes in their treatment plan. He encourages his patients to ask questions about their rehabilitation process so they are also involved in their outcome. He believes when his patients have a better understanding of what to expect, they can take control of progressing their injury toward healing faster.

Jake enjoys working with a variety of aliments/injuries, and it is important to him to get to know his patients and learn about their rehabilitation goals. He likes challenging injuries that expand his clinical reasoning or treatment techniques that lets him become creative when simulating his patient’s meaningful daily activities. Jake enjoys spending time with his wife and family in his free time. He enjoys being outdoors and has a passion for sports. He feels he is always a student of therapy and reads research journals in all areas of rehabilitation to inform his own practice in the clinic.