564 S Woodruff Ave, Idaho Falls 83401(208)523-7571
564 S Woodruff Ave, Idaho Falls 83401(208)523-7571
About Us
Conditions Treated
How We Can Help You?
How We Can Help You?
- Fractures
- Tendonitis/ tendinopathy
- Sprains/ Strains
- Overuse injuries
- Sports injuries
- Carpal tunnel
- Cubital tunnel
- Thumb CMC pain
- Arthritis
- DeQuervain’s
- Trigger finger/ Trigger thumb
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Rotator cuff repair
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Complex regional pa
- Fractures
- Tendonitis/ tendinopathy
- Sprains/ Strains
- Overuse injuries
- Sports injuries
- Carpal tunnel
- Cubital tunnel
- Thumb CMC pain
- Arthritis
- DeQuervain’s
- Trigger finger/ Trigger thumb
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Rotator cuff repair
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Tendon repairs
- Crush injuries
- Burns/ Frostbite
- Amputations/ Replants
- Wound care
- Edema
- Adhesions/Joint stiffness
How We Can Help You?
How We Can Help You?
How We Can Help You?
Many people deal with hand and arm pain on a daily basis, be it from a specific injury or disease, repetitive strain, or age-related changes such as arthritis. Fortunately, hand therapy can often help to reduce or alleviate pain, reduce swelling, improve motion and strength, and optimize overall function. This can be achieved through th
Many people deal with hand and arm pain on a daily basis, be it from a specific injury or disease, repetitive strain, or age-related changes such as arthritis. Fortunately, hand therapy can often help to reduce or alleviate pain, reduce swelling, improve motion and strength, and optimize overall function. This can be achieved through the use of specific therapeutic exercise/ activity, manual techniques, custom splinting, modalities, and education. A thorough clinical evaluation from a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) will help determine the specific course of treatment.
Custom Splinting
How We Can Help You?
Custom Splinting
Custom splinting can be an important component of recovery following a hand or arm injury. Off the shelf braces can be beneficial, however, because our hands and wrists have unique contours and bony prominences, custom splinting may be needed to optimize positioning and comfort. Certified Hand Therapists fabricate custom splints for a v
Custom splinting can be an important component of recovery following a hand or arm injury. Off the shelf braces can be beneficial, however, because our hands and wrists have unique contours and bony prominences, custom splinting may be needed to optimize positioning and comfort. Certified Hand Therapists fabricate custom splints for a variety of conditions to allow healing, prevent continued strain, and/ or facilitate functional hand use. At Idaho Falls Hand Therapy we specialize in custom splinting for a wide variety of conditions.
Our Services
Certified Hand Therapy and Upper Extremity Therapy
Hand therapy is the skilled evaluation and treatment of the upper extremity, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of three years of clinical experience, including at least 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. http://HTCC.org
Occupational Therapy and Industrial Therapy
The primary goal of Occupational Therapy is to enable people of all ages to participate in their activities of everyday life. This may include work, play, self-care, or any activity that is important to the individual. Occupational Therapists help people live life to the fullest by promoting health, preventing or managing disease progression, or helping recover from an injury or illness. Occupational therapy practitioners promote success in the workplace by improving the fit between the person, the job tasks, and the environment. They work with employers and employees to adapt or modify the environment or task, facilitate successful return to work after illness or injury, and help prevent illness or injury to promote participation, health, productivity, and satisfaction in the workplace. Occupational therapy practitioners also provide services related to ergonomics, accessibility, the aging workforce, and workplace health and wellness issues. http://www.AOTA.org
ASTYM Certified
Astym® treatment is an evidence-based regenerative soft tissue therapy which successfully resolves many difficult conditions including chronic tendinopathies, movement restrictions, and pain resulting from unhealthy tissue/ scar tissue. The Astym® process is non-invasive, has a short treatment course, and is reliable and safe. Astym® treatment was scientifically developed to target the true underlying cause of many soft tissue problems: degeneration and inappropriate scarring/ fibrosis that interferes with movement and causes pain. http://ASTYM.com
Free Injury Screens
Free Injury Screens
If you're experiencing ongoing arm or hand pain, or have had an injury and are uncertain as to whether medical attention may be needed, a complimentary injury screen is offered by Idaho Falls Hand Therapy. A screening by a Certified Hand Therapist can help provide direction regarding further care, if appropriate. Call us at (208) 523-7571 to schedule your free consultation.
Our Team
Nate Long OTR/L, CHT
Nate was born and raised in Idaho Falls. After graduating with a master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Idaho State in 2007 he worked throughout the Pacific Northwest in various healthcare settings with a primary interest in hand therapy. In 2015 he earned his certification as a Certified Hand Therapist. In 2018 Nate and his family returned to his hometown where he opened Idaho Falls Hand Therapy and Rexburg Hand Therapy in 2024.
Nate is one of only two Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) in the Idaho Falls area. The other is Sue Kunkel who also works at our clinic. Nate is a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) and attends frequent upper extremity conferences which allows him to stay current on the most recent advancements in hand therapy.
Nate enjoys hiking, playing and recording music, and spending time with his family.
"I'm excited to provide an important resource for our community. Anyone who has experienced an upper extremity injury or is dealing with nagging hand or arm pain knows how functionally limiting it can be. I enjoy helping people regain function and return to the activities that are important to them. I look forward to helping you at Idaho Falls Hand Therapy and Rexburg Hand Therapy."
Sue Kunkel OTR/L, CHT
Sue holds her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho where she played NAIA golf for four years. During and after this time she worked as a wildland firefighter for six years before returning to school to earn a Master of Occupational Therapy from Idaho State University. She has worked in numerous settings including acute care, pediatrics, and outpatient rehabilitation. Sue became a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2023. She is also certified to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and Impairment Ratings, and is certified in Dry Needling. Sue enjoys traveling, hiking, fishing, golfing and everything outdoors.
Preston Poulter OTR/L
Preston Grew up in Rigby, Idaho. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from BYU-I. He attended A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ where he earned his Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. He is currently working towards becoming a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). In his free time, Preston enjoys playing basketball, golfing, camping and spending time with his family.
Dawna Henderson, COTA
Dawna graduated from Idaho State University where she received her Associate degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, and has been with Idaho Falls Hand Therapy since 2018. In her free time, Dawna enjoys reading, working in the yard, music, and spending time with her two children, Sam and Katie.
Jessie Loertscher, COTA
Jessie graduated from Idaho State University with an Associate degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. During her final school fieldwork at Idaho Falls Hand Therapy she discovered how much she enjoys helping people recover from upper extremity injuries and conditions. She enjoys spending time with family, reading, fishing, and pampering her dog.
Jeannette Williams, Office Manager
Jeannette moved to Idaho Falls with her family from Missoula, Montana where she worked in the front office of a large orthopedic physician practice.
