TrueNorth Upper Extremity & Orthopedic Specialists

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.

FAQ FridayCarpal tunnel syndrome is a common wrist condition caused by compression of the median nerve, leading to pain,...
12/19/2025

FAQ Friday

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common wrist condition caused by compression of the median nerve, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

12/18/2025

When most people think about exercise, they imagine building strong muscles, improving balance, or maybe boosting sports performance. Working out is great for the body—after all, that’s why doctors and physical therapists recommend it so often for injury recovery, heart health, and staying activ...

Wellness WednesdayEating for a healthy heart helps by controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which lowers th...
12/17/2025

Wellness Wednesday

Eating for a healthy heart helps by controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which lowers the risk of heart disease.

Happy Hanukkah!
12/14/2025

Happy Hanukkah!

FAQ FridayWant to reduce your foot pain? Come see our PT's!
12/12/2025

FAQ Friday

Want to reduce your foot pain? Come see our PT's!

12/11/2025

Ankle sprains are among the most common of all injuries, affecting both athletes and non-athletes alike. While many people recover, a significant number—up to 70%—will go on to develop a more complex and persistent problem called chronic ankle instability (CAI). This condition is characterized b...

Wellness WednesdayCarbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy, fueling the brain, muscles, and central nervous...
12/10/2025

Wellness Wednesday

Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy, fueling the brain, muscles, and central nervous system.

12/04/2025

Aging is a part of life, but did you know that how we age can be shaped by our choices? As more people reach their golden years, it’s not just wrinkles and gray hair that we need to think about. Serious health risks start cropping up as we get older, too. In fact, by 2050, the worldwide population...

Wellness WednesdayVitamins and minerals are crucial for overall health because they support various bodily functions, in...
12/03/2025

Wellness Wednesday

Vitamins and minerals are crucial for overall health because they support various bodily functions, including energy production, immune function, cell growth, and bone health.

11/28/2025

Your hip is built like a ball-and-socket joint, designed to move smoothly whether you’re walking, squatting, or sprinting. But for adults with a condition called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome, that motion becomes anything but smooth. FAI syndrome happens when the top of the thigh bon...

Happy Thanksgiving!
11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stiff Lower Back? Try These!Lower back stiffness is common...especially during holidays. Try these simple mobility exerc...
11/26/2025

Stiff Lower Back? Try These!

Lower back stiffness is common...especially during holidays. Try these simple mobility exercises to loosen up your back. Take them slow and easy. If you have any questions, let us know.
http://truenorthhandandortho.com/library_nl_7360

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

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