Upper Hand Orthopaedics

Business Details

14 Years

experience

Expert Hand and Elbow Care in Corvallis, OR

Since 2012, Upper Hand Orthopaedics has provided specialized hand and elbow care to patients across Oregon's Mid Valley. Our practice combines advanced medical expertise with personalized treatment plans to address both surgical and non-surgical needs. Dr. Peter Tsai, a board-certified orthopaedic hand surgeon with over 15 years of specialized experience, leads our team alongside certified professionals including physician assistant Emily Olson and certified hand therapists Janet Bauer, Gregory Thielen, and Kathleen Adams. We offer comprehensive diagnostic services through on-site digital imaging, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound technologies. Our collaborative approach ensures patients receive coordinated care for conditions ranging from common injuries to complex nerve entrapments.

Located in Corvallis, we serve diverse patients including athletes, musicians, and working professionals seeking to restore hand and elbow functionality. Our team maintains affiliations with leading medical institutions, including the Waverly Lake Surgery Center, to provide efficient outpatient surgical options. We emphasize patient education and preventive care while utilizing evidence-based practices to optimize recovery outcomes. With extended weekday hours and immediate access to specialized diagnostics, we streamline the treatment process for patient convenience. Our commitment to community extends beyond clinical care through local sports coaching initiatives and volunteer programs.

Services

Hand Surgery Elbow Care Nerve Repair Fracture Treatment Splinting Services Digital Imaging Post-Operative Therapy Carpal Tunnel Treatment Sports Injury Care Arthritis Management

Details

Year established: 2012

Highlights and features

We offer 15+ years of specialized hand surgery expertise from Dr. Peter Tsai
Our certified hand therapists provide customized rehabilitation programs
On-site digital imaging and ultrasound for immediate diagnostics
Collaborative team approach combining surgical and non-surgical treatments
Direct access to ambulatory surgery center for efficient procedures

Website

Update Listing

Services

Hand Surgery

Specialized surgical treatment for hand conditions including carpal tunnel release, trigger finger repair, and Dupuytren's contracture correction. Our board-certified surgeons utilize minimally invasive techniques to restore hand function while minimizing recovery time. Each procedure is preceded by comprehensive diagnostics and followed by coordinated rehabilitation planning.

Elbow Care

Comprehensive management of elbow conditions ranging from tennis elbow and golfer's elbow to complex fractures. We offer both conservative treatments like physical therapy and corticosteroid injections, as well as surgical interventions for severe cases. Our approach focuses on preserving joint mobility and eliminating pain.

Digital Imaging

On-site digital X-ray, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound services for immediate diagnosis of fractures, joint abnormalities, and soft tissue injuries. This technology enables same-day injury assessment and treatment planning, eliminating the need for external referrals and expediting patient care.

Certified Therapy

Personalized rehabilitation programs administered by certified hand therapists for post-surgical recovery and non-operative conditions. Services include custom splint fabrication, range-of-motion exercises, and functional retraining to restore patients' ability to perform daily activities.

Nerve Repair

Specialized care for nerve compression syndromes like cubital tunnel and carpal tunnel. Our treatment protocols combine conservative management with surgical decompression when necessary, focusing on preventing permanent nerve damage and restoring sensory/motor function.

People

Peter Tsai, MD

Founder & Orthopaedic Surgeon

Board-certified hand surgeon with 15+ years specializing in upper extremity surgery. Completed fellowship at University of Pennsylvania after NYU residency. Co-founder of Waverly Lake Surgery Center. Recognized for expertise in nerve entrapment syndromes and complex hand injuries.

Emily Olson, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Orthopaedic specialist with decade-long collaboration with Dr. Tsai. Holds biochemistry degree from Western Washington University and medical credentials from Shenandoah University. Provides comprehensive patient care from initial consultation through recovery.

Greg Thielen, OTR/L, CHT

Certified Hand Therapist

Occupational therapist with 20+ years as certified hand therapist. Pacific University graduate specializing in clinical and management roles. Combines technical expertise with personalized rehabilitation approaches for optimal patient outcomes.

Sean Vetter, OTR/L, CHT

Hand Therapist

Certified hand therapist with 25 years in clinical coordination roles. Syracuse University forestry graduate turned hand therapy specialist. Offers diverse clinical perspective from experience across multiple US hospital systems and international volunteer work.

Questions

What conditions do you treat?

We treat all hand, wrist, and elbow conditions including fractures, nerve compressions, arthritis, sports injuries, and work-related injuries. Common treatments include carpal tunnel release, tennis elbow repair, and post-fracture rehabilitation.

Do I need a referral to visit?

While many insurance plans require referrals, we accept direct appointments for urgent hand and elbow injuries. Contact our office for specific insurance requirements and emergency visit availability.

What diagnostic tools are available?

Our office features on-site digital X-ray, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound equipment for immediate imaging of fractures, joint abnormalities, and soft tissue injuries, eliminating the need for external diagnostic centers.

Are surgical options available?

Yes, we offer both traditional and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Dr. Tsai performs operations at Waverly Lake Surgery Center, a dedicated ambulatory facility ensuring efficient, specialized care for hand and elbow conditions.

What therapy services do you provide?

Our certified hand therapists offer customized rehabilitation programs including splinting, range-of-motion exercises, and functional retraining. Therapy services are available both post-surgically and as standalone treatments.

What are your office hours?

We operate Monday-Thursday 8AM-5PM, Friday 8AM-3PM. The office is closed weekends and for lunch daily from 12PM-1PM. Emergency appointments are available for urgent hand and elbow injuries.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Jacob W. Melton

Jan 27, 2022 Report

Dr. Pennington was thorough and did a good job with my labrum surgery. As an athlete I needed the surgery to return me to as close to preinjury strength and mobility as possible. I believe that Dr. Pennington did that. 9 months out from operation, I have full mobility and better strength than I did before the injury. I am thankful for all of the staff at the office and in the hospital!

Larry Christophersen

Jan 26, 2022 Report

Dan know his stuff. He gave me a thorough explanation of my shoulder pain and the cause
I got injection to temporarily relieve pain. It is working the great results. Ill schedule surgery in the near future. Thanks Dan!

Martha Mowdy

Jan 18, 2022 Report

I have had surgery on both of my shoulders.
Dr. Pennington is by far the best surgeon to have for Rotator cuff surgery. My shoulders were very painful and I couldn't move my arms out and up without causing me great pain. Thanks to Dr. Pennington I can once again move my arms pain free. Thank you so much Dr. Pennington. You are the greatest. I recommend. Dr. Pennington to everyone I know.

Stacey Nesting

Jan 18, 2022 Report

Dan and the team at Upper Hand are incredible to work with! They listen to their patients and proved excellent care. I appreciate the fact they spend as much time as needed to insure the patient has a clear understanding of the outcomes and post op care.