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Monday 8am - 6pm Tuesday 7am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 6pm Thursday 7am - 5pm Friday 7am - 3pm

TrueNorth Upper Extremity & Orthopedic Specialists

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United States
Kalispell, MT
TrueNorth Upper Extremity & Orthopedic Specialists

Occupational Therapy Rick grew up on a wheat farm on the plains of western Kansas learning the values of hard-work, teamwork and compassion.

He always enjoyed his time spent in areas that had what western Kansas didn’t: hills, trees and water. He has since developed a love of the mountains. With over 25 years of experience, he has spent his career specializing in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions. Rick is one of just a handful of fellowship-trained hand therapists in the country, completing a rigorous upper extremity fellowship through Baylor School of Medicine and Texas Women’s University in Houston, TX. Taught by surgeons and therapists, it provided instruction on clinical care from all perspectives. He also observed many surgical procedures and performed rounds with physicians to enhance his knowledge of the care provided before clients are referred to therapy. Rick earned advanced practice training and certifications in hand and upper extremity care (CHT) in 2000 and lymphedema (CLT) in 2008. He also returned to school in 2010 to earn his post professional doctorate in occupational therapy with an emphasis in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. He has been privileged to be an invited speaker at numerous local, state and national conferences and has been a peer reviewer for the Journal of Hand Surgery. He has also published the lead article in the Journal of Hand Therapy reviewing the use of joint mobilization in the treatment of upper extremity conditions. Additionally, he has also been a chapter editor for the last two editions of the American Society of Hand Therapists CHT review book. His career has focused on hand and upper extremity conditions as well as work injury management and rehab, lymphedema management, custom splint/orthotic fabrication and rehab management. He has also contracted with numerous facilities around the country to provide rehab services learning best practices along the way. Rick enjoys incorporating research into the care of his clients to achieve the best outcomes and loves to team with them to help meet their goals in a compassionate and caring environment. He has participated in local, national and international mission trips and was invited to China as a consultant until Covid interrupted. He also has a loves spending time with his rescue dog, Claire, a Catahoula Leopard Dog, and enjoys taking her on his outdoor adventures.

03/06/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Contact our clinic if your back feels stiff or sore and you want safe treatment.

03/04/2026

Why It Works Wednesday

Your physical therapist looks at how the spine, muscles, and movement patterns may be linked to ongoing back pain. This helps guide care based on symptoms rather than guesswork.
✅ Tip: Knowing what triggers pain can help guide better treatment decisions.

03/03/2026

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints across all age groups, and it can quickly begin to interfere with walking, work tasks, exercise, and even sleep when it is not addressed early.

02/27/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Spinal and trunk rotations enhance circulation, increase spinal mobility, and engage core muscles, supporting overall movement efficiency.

02/25/2026

Why It Works Wednesday

Pain, stiffness, or deconditioning can change how people move during activity. Your physical therapist assesses patterns to guide care focused on comfort and tolerance.
✅ Tip: The goal is easier movement, not perfect form.

02/24/2026

Ankle pain can start in many ways. You might roll your ankle playing sports, feel stiffness from arthritis, or notice aching that builds slowly from tendon irritation.

02/23/2026

Ankle Pain - Dollars & Sense Treatment

Did you know that 90% of patients with ankle problems never get the one treatment proven to prevent re-injury? In this month's video, we share why physical therapy should be your first call, not your last resort, and how it could save you thousands compared to the ER or surgery.
http://truenorthhandandortho.com/library_nl_7480

02/20/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Activities like walking, cycling, or aquatic therapy strengthen the heart without stressing joints. PTs tailor intensity to ensure safe improvements in cardiovascular health.

02/18/2026

Why It Works Wednesday

Your physical therapist teaches pacing to balance activity and rest when pain or fatigue flares. This approach helps some people stay active without worsening symptoms.
✅ Tip: Doing less at the right time can help long-term progress.

02/17/2026

If you are dealing with persistent aches, recovering from an injury, or trying to stay strong as you age, vitamin D might come up in conversation. Many people think of it as an “immune vitamin” or something related only to bone health.

02/13/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Calf muscles push blood back toward the heart, preventing swelling and fatigue. PT-guided exercises activate this natural pump safely.

02/11/2026

Why It Works Wednesday

Your physical therapist adapts movement to support comfort and function when swelling or stiffness is present. Gentle movement may help some people tolerate daily tasks better.
✅ Tip: Small movements can still be meaningful.

Address

185 Commons Loop Suite D
Kalispell, MT
59901

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 6pm
Tuesday	7am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 6pm
Thursday	7am - 5pm
Friday	7am - 3pm

Telephone

+14063146060

Website

http://TrueNorthHandAndOrtho.com/

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