My story begins on May 17, 2025 on a beach in Greece. I accidentally sat on my hand which caused a mallet finger to my right index finger. I had no idea how severe of an injury this was, and kind of ignored it since there was no real pain, just a bit of discomfort. After a few weeks the top joint started burning, so I sought medical care. This was 5 weeks after the injury, which for a mallet finger injury was way past the time for optimal healing to occur. Nevertheless I followed the doctor's instructions to wear a custom made finger split for 6 weeks 24/7. I had some challenges with this, and was fitted 3 times for a new split. At the end of the six weeks, I was back at the doctor's office, however, with a very swollen finger and could not bend my middle joint on the injured finger The finger seemed worse than when I started and I was filled with despair that nothing else could be done. I was given a script for OT which I immediately went to with my same despair, and lack of any hope that the finger would or could ever improve. I met with Stacy Oster in the Woodbury office who did my initial assessment. She patiently listed to all my questions and concerns, and suggested that I consider seeing Dr. Brown, also in the Woodbury office, to address all my concerns. I immediately made the appointment. Dr. Brown was more concerned with my middle joint than he was with the mallet finger (top joint), which had not improved very much after wearing the 6 week split. This was probably mostly due to my delay in seeking treatment. Nevertheless I was not giving up on my finger - the index finger of my right hand - which was very vital to my day-to-day existence. Dr. Brown did not think I was a candidate for surgery because at that point, it would probably not be very effective - and that OT would be my best bet. He said as the middle joint improved, so would the tip. And he was absolutely right. I vigilantly attended my therapy sessions and did my home exercises. I worked with both Stacy and Lianna D'Ambrosio - the two hand specialists in the Woodbury office. They were an amazing tag team. I ended up seeing Lianna more often because she had evening hours which worked better for my own full time work schedule. My hope started to return. The constant burning of the detached tendon slowly subsided. The finger slowly improved. The mallet tip began to straighten a lot more, and the middle joint slowly started bending more easily to the point where I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It was a slow process over almost 3 months - twice a week for OT. The results were most satisfying! The swelling completely went down, the natural wrinkles returned to my skin, and the tip straightened a lot more than I ever thought it would - a true miracle! At this time, I feel like I can do anything now with my right hand and the injured finger does not impede my my ability to resume all of my regular daily activities. A few words about Stacy and Lianna... Both therapists are very compassionate - very patient - they listened to all my questions, and answered them thoroughly, giving me the best practical advise on how I could best use my hand for different activities. I could tell these ladies really love what they do! The joy I found on their faces when improvements were made as I progressed with therapy were truly heart-warming, especially Leanna, she absolutely glowed! I feel very blessed to have found both occupational therapists who made such a profound difference in my life! I thank them both with all my heart! On the day of my discharge on October 29th, I was assured that they would always be there for me if needed, and I left with a light heart and the security of knowing and believing this truth. I feel with my continued exercises, this will most likely not be necessary, but again, what a blessing to know I can always return if needed. I also thank Dr. Brown so much, who was the first to return any hope of healing to me and who introduced me to the Oval-8 plastic finger split which was such a gift! It helped protect my finger from further injury in between therapy session, and gave me more strength and confidence to use the finger everyday without fear of doing more damage to it. What a Godsend this small piece of plastic turned out to be!! The combined experience has been outstanding, and I just can't thank everyone enough! Orlin & Cohen gets 5+ stars from me! Gratefully yours, Christine Zeiner