Frequently Asked Questions

If you've sustained a work-related injury to your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, the first step is to make sure your injury is documented with Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I), especially if your injury happened during the course of your employment. Typically, an employee will need to file a claim with an Occupational Medicine Physician. If you're unsure whether your injury qualifies for an L&I claim, I’m happy to help you navigate that process!

Once your claim is filed, the next step is to reach out to a qualified hand therapy clinic. At Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation, I specialize in treating work-related upper extremity injuries (neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, thumb, and finger) and can provide you with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with a repetitive strain injury like carpal tunnel syndrome or a traumatic injury such as a sprain or fracture, hand therapy can help improve your range of motion, reduce pain, restore function, and - of course - get you back to work full time.

If you’ve recently sustained a work-related injury and think hand therapy might be the right solution, the first step is to obtain a referral from your Occupational Medicine Provider. A referral is necessary to begin rehabilitation at Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation, especially when dealing with a work injury. Once you have your referral, give me a call at (206) 705-9372 or email me at ezra.sauter@ascendmobility.net, and we’ll schedule your first appointment.

At your initial visit, we’ll review the details of your injury, any relevant medical history, and the information provided in your referral. If you’ve filed a claim with Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I), we’ll also ensure that your claim is in place and covered before moving forward with therapy. I will gladly work with your doctor or L&I claim manager to ensure the process is seamless.

Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan designed to address your specific needs. Your rehab will likely include a combination of hands-on therapy, strengthening exercises, and education on how to manage your injury to promote healing and prevent further damage.

Getting started may feel like a lot, but I’m here to guide you through each step of the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and we’ll take it from there!

As a doctor, you want to ensure your patients receive the highest quality care, especially when dealing with work-related injuries. At Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation, I specialize in treating upper extremity injuries caused by repetitive strain or traumatic events in the workplace. If you have a patient who needs hand therapy, I offer a comprehensive and individualized approach to rehabilitation that considers your patient's personal goals and the physical demands required at their job, which sets Ascend apart from other clinics.

First and foremost, I accept Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) claims, making it easier for your patients to get the care they need without worrying about private insurance restrictions. I work directly with L&I to ensure that the therapy process is smooth and efficient, so patients can focus on their recovery.

I provide hands-on, targeted therapy for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, fractures, and much more. Each and every patient receives a tailored treatment plan designed to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent future injuries. Whether your patient requires manual therapy, strengthening exercises, or education on injury prevention, I adopt a holistic approach to ensure they return to work and daily activities safely.

Additionally, I prioritize open communication with referring physicians, ensuring you are updated on your patient’s progress throughout the rehab process. If you're looking for a compassionate, effective, and efficient hand therapy provider, I’d be honored to work with you and your patients. Don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss referrals or any questions you may have!

Work-related hand injuries are quite common, especially in jobs that require repetitive motion or heavy lifting. Some of the most frequent injuries I see in my practice include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Caused by repetitive wrist motion, firm graspin, or pressure on the median nerve, this condition can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers and wrist.

• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the hand or wrist due to overuse, often affecting the tendons involved in gripping or lifting.

• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: A type of tendonitis that causes pain in the thumb and wrist, often from repetitive gripping motions.

• Sprains and Strains: Overextending or twisting the hand or wrist can cause damage to ligaments and muscles, leading to pain and limited movement.

• Fractures: Broken bones in the hand or wrist from falls, impact, or accidents at work.

Occupational Therapy is incredibly effective for treating these types of injuries. At Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation, I use a personalized approach that combines hands-on techniques, strengthening exercises, and education to help manage pain, restore movement, and improve function. Whether you're dealing with inflammation, reduced range of motion, or weakness, Occupational Therapy can help you regain strength and mobility, reducing the risk of future injury.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms after a work injury, it’s important to seek therapy as soon as possible to start your recovery. I’m here to help guide you through the process and create a treatment plan that will get you back to work and daily activities safely and effectively. Feel free to reach out for more information!