JEANNE'S STORY

"What shall we do today?" CHOC hand therapist Jeanne Brexa, O.T.R., C.H.T., asked her young patient. "Let's get a snack," the little girl replied. During their trip to the CHOC cafeteria, Brexa assessed how her patient opened doors, handled money, grasped her cup and removed the paper from her straw. When they returned to the CHOC Rehabilitation Center, Brexa used her observations to tailor that day's treatment to the little girl's specific needs.

This is just one example of the many creative ways Brexa incorporates everyday activities and play into customized hand therapy. When working with other patients, she might assess how well they use their hands while playing with dolls, toys or Play-Doh.

"CHOC is the ideal setting for pediatric hand therapy because our environment is a 'kids play paradise' built around the interests of children. We have a rock climbing wall, sports equipment and playground equipment, as well as a variety of toys to stimulate imaginary play," says Brexa, who adds she works "hand in glove" with the expertise of the CHOC rehab team of occupational, physical and speech therapists in assessing hand function. "Our kids have fun while they learn!"

A certified hand therapist is an occupational or physical therapist with advanced training and specialized skills in helping patients regain strength, coordination and function in the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Brexa, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist, brings more than 21 years of rehabilitation experience to the hand therapy program at the CHOC Rehabilitation Center and the monthly CHOC Hand Clinic. Working in coordination with physicians, she develops treatment plans for pediatric patients of all ages.

"Our goal is to help children achieve their functional potential and to build on their skills. For some, it may be holding a toy they could not hold before or reaching for a crayon. These seemingly small things can be huge," Brexa says. "At CHOC, we focus on each child's abilities. We understand that a child is part of a family first, and encourage our parents to celebrate and enjoy this incredible gift they've been given their child."