We help you live life hands-on.
We specialize in the physical rehabilitation of hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders that have been affected by injury, surgery, or naturally occurring conditions such as arthritis. We work with your doctors to provide pain relief, mobility, and functional recovery.
Our therapy programs focus on personalized, hands-on treatment by highly skilled, experienced, and caring Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists— many of whom are Certified Hand Therapists. Whether your problems are the result of an accident, sports injury, surgery, or too many hours at your computer, we can help get you back to doing what you love and living life hands-on!
We provide a comprehensive treatment approach that is appropriate and customized for each individual case. Treatments may include:
- Modalities such as heat, paraffin, contrast baths, ultrasound, cold laser and iontophoresis, and NMES/electric stimulation.
- Neuromuscular re-education, electrical stimulation, mirror therapy, sensory re-training, and desensitization techniques.
- Manual therapy including soft tissue and joint mobilization, scar management, and edema management.
- Post-surgical wound care and dressing changes.
- Custom splint fabrication of static, dynamic, and static-progressive splints.
- Serial casting and CMMS (casting motion to mobilize stiffness).
- Education in joint protection and activity modification, correction of joint imbalances, and prevention of joint deformities.
- Therapeutic exercises, upper body strengthening, re-balancing and conditioning exercises.
- Education in posture and ergonomics, recommendations for modifying the workstation, and daily activities.
- Recommendations for assistive or adaptive devices.
Meet Our Team
Michele Pasqualetto
BS, MOT, OTR/L, CHT, ASTYM OWNER
Michele has spent her career practicing in the specialty of upper extremity rehabilitation. Michele earned her specialization as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2007 after working at some of New York’s best hospitals and trauma centers where she trained with some of the most highly regarded hand therapists, and orthopedic and plastic surgeons in the country. Michele has been published in the Hand Journal and has co-authored a chapter in the Hand Clinics book on Intrinsics of the Hand. She is a seasoned speaker who has been invited to speak both nationally and internationally and teaches as an adjunct professor at Touro and Hunter College. Michele, along with her colleagues, sponsor the Annual Lorna Ramos Conference on the Treatment and Management of Brachial Plexus injuries to educate other therapists, physicians, and health care providers in the treatment and management of hand and nerve injuries.
Katie Licata
MS, OTR/L, CHT, ASTYM
Katie graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a minor in Biology. After graduation, she worked as a Research Assistant at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry Department. While there, she fell in love with Occupational Therapy and began exploring the different settings it has to offer. She was offered a position at Hand + Physical Therapy NYC as the Patient Care Coordinator and there she developed an interest in the upper extremity. She then received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University, completing clinical rotations at New York-Presbyterian and Project Renewal. Katie is passionate about providing comprehensive and individualized care to her clients. She is excited to rejoin the Hand + Physical Therapy NYC team as an Occupational Therapist.
Lauren Chan
OTD, OTR/L
Lauren earned her Doctorate and Master’s in Occupational Therapy degree from Columbia University after receiving her Bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education and Psychology from New York University. She has worked as a Hand Therapist and Upper Extremity specialist treating orthopedic and sports injuries. She is working toward her CHT certification at Hand + Physical Therapy NYC.
Lauren is also passionate about treating pelvic health conditions including chronic pelvic pain, pre and post-natal discomfort, bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction. She is committed to
empowering individuals through education. She strongly believes that by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the role and significance of the pelvic floor, individuals can
proactively take charge of their own health and well-being. Born and raised in Singapore, Lauren enjoys spending time with her dog, family, and friends. In her free time, she can be found baking, reading, and riding her bike.
Natalia Ruiz
DPT, OCS, CHT, COEE, ASTYM
Natalia has been a physical therapist for 17 years and her areas of expertise are orthopedics, hand therapy, and office ergonomics. She is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) and a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). She enjoys educating the patients on ways to minimize strain on their hands and upper extremities through multiple techniques and modifications of workspaces. She believes that compassion and a strong therapeutic relationship between the patient and the therapist make a difference in the treatment outcomes as well as individualized. are. She is certified in ASTYM, Kinsiotape, and blood flow restriction. Also trained in myofascial decompression technique. She is also proficient in Spanish.
Teresa Fitz Simons
OTR/L, OTD, CHT
Teresa FitzSimons is a skilled occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). She holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University and completed a prestigious Hand Therapy Fellowship at NYU. Teresa is combining her expertise and dedication to make a significant impact in the lives of her patients. As a valued member of our team, she plays a vital role in helping patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.