Rick Heiser, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CLT
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy with emphasis in Hand and Upper Extremity Rehab Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT
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 loves spending time with his rescue dog, Claire, a Catahoula Leopard Dog, and enjoys taking her on his outdoor adventures.