Hand therapy is the discipline that addresses injuries and conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Certified hand therapists are either occupational or physical therapists who have specialized training in treating upper extremity conditions through advanced study.
Our hand therapists work closely with physicians and clients to provide a continuum of care. Treatment often begins within days of the injury or surgery and continues until the client has returned to work and/or a productive lifestyle.
Jessica Dewenter, MS OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Jessica received her master of science degree in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University in 2020. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine.
Jessica joined Countryside Orthopaedics in March 2021 and is an active member of the American Society of Hand Therapy. She continues her professional development by attending conferences and hands-on courses with a focus on upper extremity pathology and rehabilitation. Jessica strives to provide individualized care through evidence-based treatment and interventions.
Outside of therapy Jessica enjoys painting, biking, and caring for her Mini Australian Shepherd Ryder.
Laura Swank, OTR/L, CHT
Certified Hand Therapist
Laura received her B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in 1992. She is licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine and is an active member of the American Society of Hand Therapy. She has over 24 years of experience as an Occupational therapist specializing in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation.
Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to Virginia in 1994, taking a position in an outpatient hand therapy clinic. Here she developed her proficiency in custom orthosis fabrication and the treatment of traumatic hand injuries. She established hand therapy programs for several clinics in Sterling, Lansdowne and Purcellville.
Laura has been working with Dr. Khan, hand surgeon, at Countryside Orthopaedics for six years. She prides herself on listening to the needs of her patients and achieving consistent functional results. She values open communication with the referring physician.
Laura has been a Leesburg resident for over 20 years. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities and her family.
Allyce Staffen, PT, CHT
Certified Hand Therapist
Allyce is a licensed Physical Therapist. She received her BS degree in Physical Therapy from the State University of New York, Upstate Medical Center in 1986. She is board certified by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission and is an active member of the American Society of Hand Therapy.
Through employment and education, Allyce has years of experience in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation. She is a Certified Hand Therapist, specializing in Custom Orthotics for the Upper Extremity, traumatic Upper Extremity Injuries, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Sports related injuries.
Allyce enjoys the complexity of the Upper Extremity anatomy and the challenges of restoring patient function.
Allyce is Certified in Functional Dry Needling treatment, to manage many different types of pain, and sports-related injuries.
Allyce continues her professional development by regularly attending Conferences and Continuing Education Seminars in the area of UE Orthopedics.
Besides her work as a PT, and CHT, Allyce loves spending time with her husband, son, and daughter. She sings in her church choir and enjoys training for triathlons.
Lori Johnson, MPT
Physical Therapist
Lori brings to the practice over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist. She earned her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since that time, she has worked in a variety of settings including traumatic and non-traumatic head injury units, acute care, work conditioning, and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation. Most recently, she has focused on treatment of an outpatient population to include a wide variety of postsurgical and nonsurgical orthopedic injuries, general rehabilitation and outpatient brain injury. Treatments included advanced exercise instruction, advanced manual therapy, BFR exercise training, postural and stability education and return to work and sport training. She has completed over 30 continuing education courses throughout her career.
Lori has lived in Virginia for nearly 20 years. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She is very active in her church, loves reading, traveling and volunteering in the community and with veteran groups.
Reasons to seek a hand therapist:
- Traumatic injuries
- Fractures and dislocations
- Sports injuries
- Tennis elbow and other types of tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, and other nerve entrapment disorders
- Repetitive motion syndromes
- Amputations
- Burns and frostbite
- Arthritis
- Tendon and nerve injuries
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Complex regional pain syndrome / RSD