"I knew this break threatened my livelihood." Read Jeff's story about his road to recovery.

While officiating a football game, the unexpected happened. During a routine catch of the ball from another officiant, Jeff broke his right finger – splintering the bone between the middle and top joint. Immediately, he knew something was wrong.

“Being a right-handed journalist, musician and long-time football official at all levels, I knew this break threatened my livelihood,” he said.

After arriving at Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH), he was referred to Dr. Paul Carter, a Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, who was able to manipulate Jeff’s finger back into alignment and avoid surgery.

“Dr. Carter immediately made me feel like my injury was as important to him as it was to me. He saw me frequently and referred me to the Hand & Upper Limb Clinic at JBH.”

The Hand and Upper Limb Clinic is one of JBH’s Ambulatory Care Clinics and provides outpatient therapy for people who have operations or traumatic injuries to the bones, nerves, ligaments, or tendons of their shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist and hand. Patients work with occupational therapists and physiotherapists to improve range of motion and strength to maximize functional use, manage pain and/or control swelling, and facilitate greater independence with daily activities.

Jeff received treatment at the clinic for eight months from Richard, one of JBH’s occupational therapists. While at the clinic, he received a number of treatments, including ultrasound and paraffin wax, and learned strengthening and mobilization exercises.

Upon completing his treatment, he was not only able to type again, but he went back to officiating football, was able to grip things in his right hand and even returned to playing first clarinet in the Burlington Concert Band.

 “I will forever feel grateful that I was placed in both Dr. Carter and Richard’s care. They both provided me with exceptional care and compassion that I will never forget. It’s thanks to their care, I will be able to properly shake their hands and thank them,” he said. “I could not have dreamed of a better outcome.”