CHEROKEE, Iowa – Cherokee Regional Medical Center (Cherokee Regional) is proud to announce three
(3) therapists at Cherokee Regional Therapy have received additional certifications.
Brooke Nielsen, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS, CLT has recently passed the rigorous Hand Therapy Certification
Exam and is now officially a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). This achievement marks a significant
milestone in Brooke’s career and further strengthens the clinic’s commitment to providing the highest
level of specialized care for patients recovering from hand and upper extremity injuries.
“We are incredibly proud of Brooke for passing this challenging exam and achieving certification,” said
Kayla Koch, Manager of Cherokee Regional Therapy. “This accomplishment reflects her dedication to
providing the best care possible to our patients, helping them recover and regain functionality after injury
or surgery. With her expertise, we are even better equipped to serve our community’s needs.”
As a Certified Hand Therapist, Brooke brings advanced knowledge and specialized skills to the clinic,
providing expert care for individuals suffering from conditions and injuries that affect the hands, wrists,
and arms. This certification, awarded by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), requires
extensive clinical experience, a deep understanding of anatomy, and a comprehensive exam focused on
upper extremity rehabilitation. To become a Certified Hand Therapist, a therapist must demonstrate
exceptional expertise in evaluating and treating hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries and conditions.
The certification process includes a rigorous exam, which assesses the therapist’s knowledge in various
areas such as anatomy, biomechanics, clinical evaluation, treatment techniques, and rehabilitation
protocols.
Kayla Koch, DPT, OCS, COMT, and Benjamin Deubner, DPT, COMT, have recently earned the
prestigious Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist in Spine (COMT-Spine) certification through the
International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (IAOM-US). This certification signifies their advanced
expertise in manual therapy techniques specifically for spine rehabilitation.
“Kayla and Benjy’s achievement of the COMT-Spine certification is a testament to their commitment to
providing the best possible care to our patients,” said Angela Friedrich, Vice President of Clinical
Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “Their specialized training ensures they have the advanced skills to
effectively treat complex spinal disorders, helping our patients recover faster and achieve better long-term
outcomes.”
The COMT-Spine certification is an advanced, post-graduate program designed for physical therapists
who specialize in treating musculoskeletal and spinal conditions. The certification focuses on advanced
clinical reasoning, evidence-based techniques, and patient-centered approaches, particularly for conditions
affecting the spine. Professionals who earn this certification are recognized worldwide for their ability to
provide precise spine care through accurate diagnostic techniques, surface anatomy knowledge, and
effective treatment plans that include soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and therapeutic
exercises.
To learn more about therapy services at Cherokee Regional Medical Center or to schedule an
appointment, call 712.225.1502 or visit www.cherokeermc.org/therapy.
About Cherokee Regional Medical Center
A leader in rural healthcare for over 100 years, Cherokee Regional Medical Center (Cherokee Regional) is a
501(c)(3) non-profit health care organization with a mission to provide seamless, quality health care services
to its communities. Services include a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital; 24-hour Emergency Medical
Services; Ambulance services; regional medical clinics in Cherokee, Aurelia, Holstein, Marcus, Sutherland,
and Primghar; Cherokee Regional Physical Therapy of Marcus, Cherokee Regional Physical Therapy of
Holstein, The Beck, a 32-unit independent senior living complex; Heartland Assisted Living, Cherokee
Regional Home Health; Cherokee Regional Hospice; retail pharmacies in Cherokee and Holstein; Cherokee
County Public Health; and the Cherokee Fitness Center. Cherokee Regional is your place for exceptional
care. For more information, visit www.cherokeermc.org.
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