Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center in Raleigh, NC

Author Archive

Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center Mission Statement

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The doctors and staff at the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center are proud to announce their practice mission statement: “To improve the lives of our patients with compassionate, trusted, and cost-effective care.” We look to this mission statement in our everyday practice as a guiding principle in caring for our patients.

Saturday Clinic discontinued

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Effective 10/28/2024 we will no longer be open on Saturdays. Our doctors are always on call 24-7 for patients with urgent problems. Call our office at 919-872-3171 and you can speak to a board-certified hand surgeon after hours and on weekends. Our doctors can help triage conditions and treat patients promptly.

Raleigh Hand Doctors are Top Tier for insurance network

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THERAPY SPOTLIGHT: Andrea Leuken OTR/L CHT

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Andrea Lueken, OTR/L CHT grew up in Minnesota where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Art. She then received her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Eastern Michigan University in Yspilanti, MI. Andrea moved to Chicago, IL and discovered her passion for upper extremity rehabilitation and orthopedics while working in hospital outpatient programs. Andrea began working for Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center in 2011. She obtained her Certification in Hand Therapy (CHT) that same year. She enjoys being creative in helping her patients return to their function. When she is not at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center, Andrea is driving her two boys to their baseball and basketball games. Andrea also stays busy with her 2 year-old golden retriever Evie who requires constant pets and tennis ball throws! When her boys and dog are finally tired, Andrea mostly enjoys sleeping, reading, playing volleyball, gardening, and baking.

Dr Post discusses Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Physician Spotlight: Dr. John Erickson

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Dr John Erickson was raised in El Paso, Texas. His father was an officer in the US Army, and the Erickson family settled in El Paso after his father retired from the military. As a youth, Dr. Erickson developed a love of the outdoors, was active in Boy Scouts, and earned the Eagle Scout Award. He went to medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Michigan, where he met his wife, Kimberly. He has been with the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center since he finished his hand surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University in 2010. 

While he was deciding where to “hang his shingle” after training, Dr. Erickson was immediately interested in the Raleigh Hand practice. He was impressed with the camaraderie among the surgeons, the integration of hand therapy within the practice, and the friendliness of the staff members. He says, “Our practice is unique. We are a small family – an independent, very specialized group of doctors and therapists, who really care about delivering high quality care to our patients. This is a great place to work.”

Dr. Erickson is double board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in orthopedic surgery and hand surgery. He was president of the North Carolina Society for Surgery of the Hand in 2021. He also helps to organize weekly hand conferences at WakeMed hospital for orthopedic resident education. 

Dr. Erickson’s approach to patient care is straightforward: he treats people as he would like to be treated. Similar to all the doctors in the Raleigh Hand practice, he begins with conservative treatment recommendations for most conditions. 

Dr. Erickson is married to Dr. Kimberly Erickson, a pediatric surgeon at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh. They have one teenage daughter and a rescue dog. The Ericksons are active members of Christ Church in downtown Raleigh. He has participated in volunteer mission trips in medical school and in private practice. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, hiking, and being outdoors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Erickson began painting landscape art, and he has turned this into a rewarding hobby.   

Dr John Erickson

Dr John Erickson

Meet Dr. Terry Messer: A Leading Orthopaedic Specialist

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When it comes to orthopaedic care, Dr. Terry Messer stands out as a renowned expert in the Triangle area. Learn more about his journey and expertise in the field.

Comprehensive Orthopaedic Care in the Triangle Area

Dr. Terry Messer moved to the Triangle in 2001 to join the faculty at UNC in the Department of Orthopaedics, treating patients in clinic and performing surgery at UNC and WakeMed Hospitals.  In 2003, he was one of the founding physicians of Wake Orthopaedics.  However, because of his desire to focus on hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder care, he joined Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center in 2006.  

Patient-Centric Approach to Care

Dr. Messer states “My philosophy in treating patients is to perform a thorough evaluation and do my very best to come up with the correct diagnosis for each patient.  I then try to present the patient with their treatment options and education them on the pros and cons of each option, letting the patient choose the treatment that is best for them.”

Staying at the Forefront of Orthopaedic Innovation

Despite formally leaving academic medicine in 2006, Dr. Messer has stayed up to date on the latest innovations and treatments in hand and upper extremity surgery by being an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Southeastern Hand Society, and North Carolina Society for Surgery of the Hand, having served as President of the latter two organizations.  He also reviews scientific articles for several prestigious research journals including the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery and Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 

Making a Difference Beyond Medicine

Dr. Messer is also the President of COAN, a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of orthopaedic care in Nicaragua.  He has participated in numerous medical mission trips to Nicaragua where he has taught their orthopaedic surgery attendings and residents and has performed surgery on hundreds of Nicaraguan patients. 

Life Beyond Orthopaedics

Outside of work, Dr. Messer loves to spend time with his wife, three children, and their dog.  Dr. Messer and his family are members of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Cary.  Dr. Messer is a sports nut, staying physically active with working out, tennis, golf, and pickleball, and watching all sports on TV.  According to Dr. Messer, he especially likes watching ACC basketball, Penn State and Big Ten Football, the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Philadelphia Eagles.  Dr. Messer has also been fortunate to care for many athletes over the years, ranging from weekend warriors to those participating in major league and professional sports.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Messer Today at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center

Ready to experience exceptional orthopaedic care from Dr. Terry Messer? Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards improved health and mobility.
Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.

Meet Samantha Tobin: Our Newest Addition to the Therapy Department

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We are pleased to announce the addition of Samantha Tobin, OTD, OTR/L to the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center therapy department! 

Expertise in Occupational Therapy

Samantha obtained her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences in 2018. She has worked as an occupational therapist at Greensboro Orthopedics and Emerge Orthopedics since then. 

Bringing Years of Experience to Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center

Dr. Tobin joins our practice with several years of therapy experience and an interest in pursuing her CHT. 

Interests Beyond Occupational Therapy

Dr. Tobin’s hobbies include cooking, gardening and spending time with her dogs. Welcome Samantha!

Contact Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center for Expert Occupational Therapy Services

Ready to embark on your occupational therapy journey with Dr. Samantha Tobin? Contact us today to schedule your appointment and begin your path to improved well-being.

Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.

Congratulations to Our Hand and Shoulder Surgeons in Raleigh: Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center Has Over 500 5-Star Reviews on Google!

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Contact Our Orthopedic Surgeons in Raleigh Today for 5-Star Treatment

In need of orthopedic services in the Raleigh area? Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.

Insights from Dr. Terry Messer: Finger Fracture Dislocations at Hand Conference

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Dr. Terry Messer of Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center discussed finger fracture dislocations on 11-13-2023 at WakeMed orthopedic hand conference. 

Key Takeaways: Finger Fracture Dislocation Treatment Options

Terry Messer

Treatment options for patients were discussed including nonsurgical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation.

Contact Us Today for Expertise in Hand Injuries in Raleigh, NC

Curious about finger fracture dislocations? Stay updated on the latest in hand injury treatment by exploring Dr. Messer’s insights from the conference.

Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.

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