Hand, Wrist, Elbow and Shoulder Surgery Services

The Rush Approach to Hand, Wrist, Elbow and Shoulder Surgery Services

Hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries and conditions can have a profound effect on your daily life. The pain, weakness, stiffness, numbness, tingling and other symptoms may keep you from both work and play.

Rush's board-certified hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder surgeons and primary care sports medicine physicians can help you get relief.

We offer complete arm care for patients of all ages, addressing common and complex problems. Whether you have a new complaint, chronic symptoms or symptoms that persist after treatment, we specialize in finding the right solutions to help you feel better as quickly as possible. That includes everything from biologic injections (e.g., stem cells, platelet-rich plasma) to physical or occupational therapy to minimally invasive surgery.

Care at Rush is focused on reducing pain, restoring range of motion and increasing strength. We will also partner with or refer you to other Rush specialists — like rheumatologists, spine and back surgeons or orthopedic trauma surgeons — if needed to fully treat your condition.

Rush Excellence in Hand, Wrist, Elbow and Shoulder Surgery

• Getting to the root of your symptoms: Because Rush sees the most upper extremity (arm) patients of any health system in Illinois — including the most complex and rare conditions — we have the expertise to make sure you get the right diagnosis. We are then able to develop a care plan to help you feel and function better, whether you need nonsurgical therapy, surgery or a combined approach.
• Minimally invasive surgery: Our surgeons have expertise with, and in some cases helped develop, minimally invasive techniques that reduce pain and recovery time. Some of these procedures require incisions smaller than one inch, so you have minimal scarring and better post-surgery function. Whichever approach we recommend for you, you can feel confident that our surgeons only perform procedures that have a proven track record. 
• Advancing treatments to improve care: Our team continually strives to improve surgical care to improve outcomes. For instance, our hand, wrist and elbow surgeons are creating 3D models of our patients’ joints to help us plan procedures down to the smallest detail — including ensuring the precise placement of artificial implants, which is key to successful joint replacement surgery. Rush is also a leader in the use of biologic therapies like platelet-rich plasma and stem cells to relieve pain and enhance healing.  
• On-site, integrated physical and occupational therapy: Most of our patients will need physical therapy and/or occupational therapy as part of their care. That's why we offer PT and OT at most of our locations. Our highly skilled therapists will customize a holistic therapy plan for you based on your injury or impairment, as well as your personal needs and goals. Their goal is to help you return successfully to performing your daily activities as soon as possible.
• Training for enhanced performance and return to activity. After your treatment and therapy are complete, you can receive advanced upper extremity training through Rush Copley Medical Center's Return to Activity Programs. Offered at the Rush Copley Healthplex on a self-pay basis, these training programs can help further improve your strength, mobility and range of motion. You can choose from the Basic Throwing Program, Shoulder Strengthening, Elbow Restoration or Hand Recovery depending on your needs and goals.