The Hand Center: Our New Polaris Location
Hand and Arm Therapy Specialists (formerly Columbus Hand Therapy) is excited to announce our move to a state-of-the-art facility at 1210 Gemini Place, Columbus, Ohio, near Polaris.
We are moving with Hand and Microsurgery Associates to a new location to accommodate our growth. Our new location will house our therapists, physicians’ offices, and Imaging services including a new extremity MRI. The first floor will house the new surgery center in partnership with OhioHealth.
Experienced Physical and Occupational Therapists
Partnering with physicians for quality care for over 25 years
Our therapists provide specialized treatment to conditions or injuries of the hand, wrist, elbow, or arm. Following an injury or surgery to the hand or upper extremity, patients need to relearn even basic movements. This can be a difficult task that takes patience, encouragement, and specialized assistance. Therapy is often needed to complete the recovery after an injury or surgery.
Our Certified Hand Therapists make a difference that can be measured
Certified Hand Therapists are specially trained Occupational and Physical Therapists who have a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more of direct practice in hand therapy. The American Society of Hand Therapists was created to advance the specialty of Hand Therapy through communication, education, research, and clinical standards.
Janet Bailey
Occupational Therapist
Certified Hand Therapist
Janet graduated from The Ohio State University in 1976 and became a Certified Hand Therapist in 1991, the first year the certification was offered. She began treating hand/ upper extremity injuries at Ohio State University Hospitals, meeting Dr. Lubbers and Dr. Nappi (of Hand and Microsurgery Associates) when they were residents. That opportunity led her to work with the best therapists and surgeons in central Ohio.
“Every day is different and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I know that my care of acute upper extremity injuries has made a difference in the lives of countless individuals.”
Louann Gaub
Occupational Therapist
Certified Hand Therapist
Louann earned her undergraduate Occupational Therapy degree at The Ohio State University and post-graduate degree from Central Michigan University. She’s been a Certified Hand Therapist since 1995. She’s worked with the physicians at Hand and Microsurgery Associates for more than 20 years.
“I love working with such a dynamic group of therapists and surgeons. This is the best facility for upper extremity care!”
Denise Gravois
Occupational Therapist
Certified Hand Therapist
Denise earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Louisiana State University in 1985. She completed the requirements to become a Certified Hand Therapist in 1992 and has worked for more than 20 years in outpatient orthopedics specializing in the treatment of upper extremity injuries.
“I truly enjoy working with very knowledgeable peers and many inspirational patients.”
Paula Hamm
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Paula received her degree as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant from Lourdes College in Sylvania Ohio. She enjoys working with people to help them achieve their highest levels of independence.
“The greatest reward is to hear your client say they’ve resumed their normal routine of life again. It really matters. At HATS, I feel as though I’m working with the best of the best.”
Tammi Hartshorn
Occupational Therapist
Certified Hand Therapist
Tammi graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Allied Medicine/Occupational Therapy. She’s spent the past 20 years treating hand injuries with a special interest in splinting.
“I love the physician/therapist/patient team treatment approach of Hand and Arm Therapy Specialists and can’t imagine working anywhere else.”
Susan Johnson
Occupational Therapist
Susan has worked for more than 10 years in Occupational Therapy, in a variety of settings and populations. She’s always been most drawn to hand therapy, and feels privileged to do hand therapy full time at HATS.
“I truly believe I work with some of the most brilliant hand surgeons and hand therapists out there. I am thankful to be part of a special team of people who genuinely care about our patients and do their best every day to give back the use of arms and hands.”
Kim Markwell
Occupational Therapist
Kim Markwell has been an Occupational Therapist for more than 20 years. She’s a graduate of Indiana University, where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy.
“I love working at Hand and Arm Therapy Specialists — there are always new and exciting things to experience and learn. This is an ever-changing field, and the physicians and therapists here have so much to offer in terms of knowledge and experience.”
Cydney Philbin
Physical Therapist
Certified Hand Therapist
Cydney earned her Bachelor’s of Science from The Ohio State University and her Master’s of Health Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis. She has practiced for nearly 30 years.
“Knowledge is power — the more my patients know about their injury, the better choices they can make in managing symptoms and results.”
Kathleen Villacres
Occupational Therapist
Certified Hand Therapist
Kathleen is a graduate of The Ohio State University and has worked as an Occupational Therapist for more than 25 years, most of that time as a hand therapist.
“I love what I do because I know that I make a difference in people’s lives.”
Walk-Ins Are Welcome
A physician from our office is available on-call 24 hours a day. Referrals can be called to the main office number, 614-262-0907.

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