Custom Splinting and Rare Expertise Elevate CORE to a Leader in Rehabilitation

At the CORE Center, part of Daviess Community Hospital, advanced therapies and personalized care are transforming lives. With services like custom splinting, hand therapy, and occupational therapy, CORE provides patients with world-class care close to home. Leading this effort is Brandon Johnson, MOT, OTR, LAT, ATC, CHT, one of the few professionals worldwide who combines expertise as a Certified Hand Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Athletic Trainer.

“Custom splinting is not just about creating a brace; it’s about designing a solution that supports healing and restores independence,” said Johnson, who became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2022 after years of specialized training and experience.

Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Indiana State University, a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Indianapolis, and dual associate degrees in Athletic Training and Education from Vincennes University. His accolades include being named Student Athletic Trainer of the Year at both Vincennes University and Indiana State University, and conducting award-winning research on the effects of animal-assisted therapy for at-risk youth.

Custom splinting at CORE has delivered life-changing results, showcasing the expertise and dedication of Johnson and the CORE team.

One patient, referred to CORE with a fractured humerus and a damaged radial nerve, faced the possibility of permanent immobility in her wrist and hand. Johnson designed a custom splint tailored to her needs, allowing her fingers and wrist to maintain proper alignment while supporting nerve recovery. Over time, the splint helped her regain functionality, turning what could have been a life-altering injury into a story of independence and healing.

Another success story involved a young patient with cerebral palsy who was unable to walk due to his clenched hand preventing him from using a walker. Johnson combined custom splinting and kinesiology taping to stretch and train the affected muscles. Within weeks, the child transitioned from using a walker to walking independently—a milestone that profoundly impacted his life and his family’s.

This success story is just one example of how Johnson’s expertise and dedication to personalized care make a lasting difference in patients' lives. His ability to address complex cases with innovative solutions stems from a deep commitment to excellence and a level of expertise that is exceptionally rare in the field of rehabilitation therapy.

Becoming a Certified Hand Therapist is a significant accomplishment, requiring thousands of hours of direct upper extremity care and passing a rigorous exam with a 50% pass rate. Fewer than 7,000 professionals worldwide hold this certification, and even fewer combine it with Johnson’s unique skills as an occupational therapist and athletic trainer.

Johnson’s approach extends beyond treating injuries to addressing the underlying causes affecting recovery. His total-body perspective ensures patients receive the comprehensive care they need to achieve their goals.

“Brandon’s expertise is rare and invaluable,” said Dave Graber, Executive Director of Growth and Development of Rehabilitation/Orthopedic Service Lines at Daviess Community Hospital. “We’re proud to have someone of his caliber serving our community.”

CORE is committed to offering advanced rehabilitation therapies, including custom splinting, hand therapy, and athletic training, at its locations in Washington and Odon. With Johnson’s leadership, CORE combines personalized care with cutting-edge solutions to help patients regain independence and achieve their goals.

For more information about custom splinting or to refer a patient, call (812) 254-8889 or visit dchosp.org.

Follow the custom splinting journey for the patient with a fractured humerus and a damaged radial nerve: