Pinnacle Hand Therapy opened its doors in Newport News in 2003 and has been a leader in hand rehabilitation services ever since. Dr. Phyllis Ross began her practice with the assistance of her husband, Isaac, who has a business background. “At Pinnacle Hand Therapy we focus on upper extremity rehabilitation, and we did expand into lymphedema therapy,” Ross says. “Our specialization in hands and upper extremities makes us unique in the community.”
Pinnacle Hand Therapy can help patients with a wide range of injuries or ailments feel better and get back to doing what they love. In addition to hand therapy, the practice offers finger, wrist, elbow and shoulder treatments. Ross and her team of eight employees, including three other therapists, work to ensure that all patients receive individualized care, taking pride in their patient interactions and relationships.
“We work hard to personalize treatment plans with patients,” Ross says.
“I am passionate about this. Working in rehabilitation is special and very exciting as you watch people progress.”
The team at Pinnacle prioritizes helping patients with functional goals and empowering patients to feel their best. Functional goals enable patients to use skills and practices of their everyday lives as they work on their healing process.
Ross began her career following a mentor’s suggestion. “I actually was introduced to hand therapy one year after completing my degree in occupational therapy. I was working in skilled nursing, and the hand therapist there suggested I become a hand therapist, and it has been an evolving process since then,” Ross says.
And while Ross loves to give back to her clients, she has found other ways to give back to the communities which matter to her as well. “We try to be active in the community. We have worked with Alzheimer’s activities locally,” Ross says. “I personally work with the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula, among other civic organizations.” She also has been teaching since 2009 at her alma mater, Howard University, as a Professor of Practice in the College of Allied Health.
Pinnacle’s practice mission statement highlights function, personalization and connection. While Ross finds fulfillment in assisting patients, there is another aspect of her work that she cherishes as well. “I received a national appointment to chair the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for the American Society of Hand Therapists,” Ross says. “As an African-American woman, this is really a big deal. This opportunity makes me very happy; I am glad to be elected and to serve. And I hope that nationally it will be significant for those who have an interest in hand therapy and can see representation.”
Ross has a quote from Nelson Mandela that guides her purpose not only as a hand therapist, but also as DEI chair: “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”
Her practice, teaching, volunteering and involvement with the American Society of Hand Therapists keep Ross busy, but when she does find some down time, she spends it with her family. She also enjoys kick-boxing as a stress release mechanism.
TO THE POINT:
Pinnacle Hand Therapy, LLC
Address: 704 City Center Blvd., Ste. D, Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: 757-595-4880
Contact: Shirley Rogers, receptionist
Website: www.pinnaclehandtherapy.com
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