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.

Fun Fact FridayContact our clinic to keep your joints moving smoothly.
04/03/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Contact our clinic to keep your joints moving smoothly.

Why It Works Wednesday Your physical therapist may look at how daily routines relate to spine pain flare-ups. Some peopl...
04/01/2026

Why It Works Wednesday

Your physical therapist may look at how daily routines relate to spine pain flare-ups. Some people find small adjustments help manage discomfort during the day.
✅ Tip: Comfort and variety matter more than holding one position.

Fun Fact FridaySee one of our therapists if you think you need core muscle strengthening.
03/27/2026

Fun Fact Friday

See one of our therapists if you think you need core muscle strengthening.

Knee or Ankle Pain - We’ve Got You CoveredMost people experience knee pain sometime during their life. This month we dis...
03/25/2026

Knee or Ankle Pain - We’ve Got You Covered

Most people experience knee pain sometime during their life. This month we discussed different causes of knee pain and why physical therapy is the best first choice.
http://truenorthhandandortho.com/library_nl_7534

03/24/2026
Fun Fact FridayContact our clinic if neck pain or stiffness is affecting your daily movement.
03/20/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Contact our clinic if neck pain or stiffness is affecting your daily movement.

Why It Works WednesdayYour physical therapist watches how you sit, stand, bend, or reach when pain is involved. Small ch...
03/18/2026

Why It Works Wednesday

Your physical therapist watches how you sit, stand, bend, or reach when pain is involved. Small changes may help reduce discomfort for some people.
✅ Tip: The goal is comfort, not perfect movement.

03/17/2026

If you are trying to build strength, stay active, or recover from an injury, magnesium will probably show up on your radar at some point. In many cases, you will hear it mentioned as a potential sleep aid or supplement that can help with muscle cramps.

Fun Fact Friday Contact our clinic if your back feels stiff or sore and you want safe treatment.
03/13/2026

Fun Fact Friday

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

Why It Works Wednesday Your physical therapist may use hands-on care to help some people move with less stiffness or dis...
03/11/2026

Why It Works Wednesday

Your physical therapist may use hands-on care to help some people move with less stiffness or discomfort. This is often paired with guided movement.
✅ Tip: Hands-on care supports movement, it doesn’t replace it.

03/10/2026

Knee pain causes frustration and confusion for many people because it does not always follow a predictable pattern. To make matters more difficult, much of the advice found online or shared casually among friends

Fun Fact FridayContact our clinic if your back feels stiff or sore and you want safe treatment.
03/06/2026

Fun Fact Friday

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

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

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