Meet The Team – seo365.digital

Meet Our Team

At Hand Wrist Elbow Physical Therapy, we’re proud to offer a team of exceptional clinicians dedicated to your recovery and well-being. Our staff of highly skilled occupational and physical therapists has more than 100 years of combined experience and includes six Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs)—a distinction that reflects advanced expertise in treating complex upper extremity conditions.

12 years experience

Adrienne is a board-certified hand therapist and the owner of Hand Rehabilitation Specialists, where she specializes in the rehabilitation of hand and upper extremity conditions through compassionate, individualized care. In 2022, she took over ownership of the practice to continue the legacy of high-quality, patient-centered care that the clinic has been known for throughout the community.

Her interest in physical therapy began in 2002 after she sustained a humerus fracture and underwent treatment at Hand Rehabilitation Specialists. This early experience not only sparked her fascination with the healing process but also inspired her to begin working at the same clinic as a therapy aide—an experience that laid the foundation for her future in hand therapy.

Adrienne earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science and her Master of Physical Therapy from California State University, Northridge. During her time at CSUN, she was actively involved in health and wellness initiatives, including the WorkPHT program, which brought movement and injury prevention strategies to university staff. She also traveled to Da Nang, Vietnam with Health Volunteers Overseas, where she provided therapy services and educational support to a local orthopedic hospital—an experience that deepened her commitment to global health and community care. Adrienne later earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Montana.

After graduate school, she began her career in outpatient orthopedics, treating a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries. However, her passion for hand and upper extremity care led her back to Hand Rehabilitation Specialists, this time as a licensed therapist. In 2016, she earned her Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, signifying advanced expertise in treating complex hand and upper limb conditions.

Adrienne is known for her creative, problem-solving approach to therapy. As a certified hand therapist, she doesn’t simply treat based on diagnosis—she looks deeper, identifying underlying contributors to dysfunction and tailoring care to each individual. She particularly enjoys the artistry and precision of custom splint fabrication and takes pride in crafting treatment plans that restore both function and confidence.

Outside the clinic, Adrienne enjoys staying active through rock climbing, running, yoga, and biking. She loves spending time outdoors with her husband, their two children, and their dog, Pretzel. When relaxing at home, she enjoys knitting, reading, and baking.

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Shanna completed her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2012. She was part of the Phi Kappa Phi Occupational Therapy Honors Society and graduated with Magna Cum Laude recognition. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management Information Systems in 2008. Shanna has provided occupational therapy interventions for individuals with various orthopedic and neurological conditions in a multitude of settings, such as acute rehabilitation, acute care, skilled nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. She has a total of 9 years of experience focusing solely on the upper extremity and enjoys the fascinating intricacy of the hand as well as custom splint fabrication. Furthermore, Shanna is passionate about helping stroke survivors regain functional use of their hands and underwent Saebo orthoses certification. When not at work, Shanna enjoys quality time with her husband and daughter, cuddling with her two dogs, playing the guitar/ukelele, and travel.

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Eileen graduated from Loma Linda University in 1985 knowing she had a deep desire to specialize in the field of hand therapy. She started her career at the Santa Anita Hand Center, and five years later successfully passed the 1991 inaugural credentialing exam and became a Certified Hand Therapist. Prior to joining Hand Rehabilitation Specialists in 2000, Eileen also worked in Los Angeles’ San Gabriel Valley at Interstate Rehabilitation, Inc. and at Pacific West Hand Center, both outpatient private hand centers. She is now responsible for managing HRS’s Simi Valley Office. She is known for her intuitive expertise in the evaluation and treatment of patients with chronic pain and cumulative trauma disorders, designing creative functional activities and successfully producing outcomes for patients where treatment has failed in the past. Eileen spent three years serving on the board of the Hand Therapy Society of Greater Los Angeles as both vice-president and president providing opportunities for high-quality continuing education to So Cal therapists. Education is something that she values highly, and she is committed and excited when overseeing field work for students. Another passion of hers is photography, particularly of newborns. Eileen lives with her husband and 4 children in Simi Valley.

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Alex received his Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, San Marcos. From the beginning of his professional journey, he knew that his ultimate goal was to become a Certified Hand Therapist. After briefly working in home health care, he worked for a local hand therapy clinic until he joined the team at Hand Rehabilitation Specialists. He maintains a passion for researching new evidence in hand therapy to help him achieve the best possible outcomes with his clients. Additionally, Alex has a background and interest in Ergonomics, which he heavily utilized to conduct his capstone research that assessed the workplace wellness for the occupation of hairdressers. Outside of the office, Alex enjoys working out, hiking, swimming, spending time with his girlfriend, and watching the Los Angeles Lakers win more championships.

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Shanna has provided occupational therapy interventions for individuals with various orthopedic and neurological conditions in a multitude of settings, such as acute rehabilitation, acute care, skilled nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. She has a total of 9 years of experience focusing solely on the upper extremity and enjoys the fascinating intricacy of the hand as well as custom splint fabrication.

Furthermore, Shanna is passionate about helping stroke survivors regain functional use of their hands and underwent Saebo orthoses certification. When not at work, Shanna enjoys quality time with her husband and daughter, cuddling with her two dogs, playing the guitar/ukelele, and travel.

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Therapy partnerships

Client Testimonials

Our users are Happy & Pain Free

Hand Rehabilitation Specialists

4.9

Michelle B

I've been a patient at Hand Rehabilitation Specialists in Thousand Oaks twice—first in 2016 for a traumatic arm injury, and again in 2024 after breaking my wrist. Both times, the care was outstanding. Adrienne was especially amazing. After my first injury, I wasn’t sure how much movement I’d regain, but with her help, I recovered strength and mobility far beyond what I expected. She’s incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely cares about your recovery. When I returned years later for a different injury, I knew I was in great hands again. The whole team is professional, supportive, and focused on helping you heal. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for expert hand and upper extremity rehab!

Jim Powers

Staffed with highly professional therapists and very kind and understanding front office personnel, Hand Rehabilitation Specialist was the perfect fit for me to rehab and recover from hand surgery. All of the staff was very encouraging and upbeat as they carefully guided me though my recovery. I truly looked forward to each appointment, not only for the hands-on therapy, but also to spend quality time with the staff, who focus on the physical and emotional recovery of each patient that walked through the door. Thank you so much.

Elizabeth Aiken

The whole team here is quite exceptional. From the front desk with Julie & all the occupational therapists & physical therapists, you will get the help you need with great results! Adrienne not only helped me reach my goals to get movement back in my finger & hand , she did it with such joy & attention to my well being. It is a happy place!

Steve Day

I was referred to Hand Rehabilitation Specialists for tennis elbow in both elbows. Using my arms to lift anything was incredibly painful. it took a few months but my tendons are now healed. The quality of care at HRS is five star. They take time with you and teach you how to do the same rehabilitation exercises at home. great people!

Jeff Smith

I received a recommendation from my orthopedic surgeon, and that recommendation was spot on. Adriane was my therapist and her warm and friendly demeanor along with her knowledge of all things involving hand therapy, was the reason after a couple of months, I was able to go back to work and I am feeling almost 100%. I highly recommend Hand Rehabilitation Specialists.

we’re here to all your questions

Got questions? Our FAQ page has answers to help you learn more about our services, treatment process, and what to expect during your recovery journey.

Do I need a doctor's prescription?

Yes, at this time we require prescriptions from your treating Physician to see our Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists. If you need to find a physician for your specific injury/condition, our therapists will be happy to provide recommendations, as we have a network of physicians that we have worked with for many years.

What should I expect on my first visit?

Please arrive twenty minutes early to complete paperwork. You will need your prescription from your doctor, insurance card and driver’s license. Some insurances will require a co-payment or co-Insurance.

Once in the clinic you will be asked questions about your condition and pertinent history. If necessary, the therapist will speak with your doctor and/or request an operative report to understand your case in detail. At times we will provide a splint for protection or rest; these may be custom fabricated or pre-fabricated, based on your prescription or your therapist’s evaluation. The therapist will perform a comprehensive examination which may include evaluation of your strength, range of motion, sensation and pain. Your therapist will work with you to jointly determine goals and a treatment plan individualized for you. If appropriate a home exercise program will be included in your first visit.

Does HRS treat more than just hands?

Yes, our Certified Hand Therapists are trained specifically to treat from the shoulder to the hand. In addition we have two Physical Therapists who specialize in the upper quarter. Common diagnoses: Shoulder Impingement, Rotator Cuff Strains & Tears, Tennis Elbow, Wrist-strains, elbow and wrist fractures.

Why choose a hand therapist?

A hand therapist is an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) who, through advanced study and experience, specializes in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hand and entire upper extremity. A qualified hand therapist can evaluate and treat any problem related to the upper extremity, and can effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post-operative rehabilitation, preventative, non-operative or conservative treatment. The therapist works closely with the physician and patient to provide a continuum of care. This often starts within days of the injury or surgery and continues through the patient’s return to work and/or a productive lifestyle. A hand specialist may also have advanced certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).

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