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David’s Recovery After a Broken Wrist Through Covenant Health Therapy 

  • 3 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 3/10/2026

After falling and breaking his wrist, David Brenner unexpectedly ended up in physical therapy with Covenant Health Cumberland. Now, thanks to our expert care team at Covenant Health Therapy Center – Crossville, he is back to living life with strength and confidence.  

Three women in medical scrubs stand smiling behind an older man sitting in a chair. They appear to be in a medical office, with a poster of hands and wrists anatomy visible on the wall.
David with his care team.

A Sudden Injury Far From Home 

Originally from Salem, Oregon, David spent 33 years with State Farm Insurance and founded a consulting firm. After retiring, he settled in Fairfield Glade, a quiet, peaceful community on the Cumberland Plateau with his wife of nearly 52 years. 

While visiting his daughter in Charleston for Thanksgiving, David was leaving a restaurant when he fell. The uneven sidewalk was poorly lit, and he landed on his wrist. An emergency evaluation confirmed he needed surgery, and once he returned home to Tennessee, he quickly began therapy with Covenant Health. 

Expert Therapy Care 

When David began therapy, he worked with Katherine Netherton, OTR/L, CHT, the clinic manager and a certified hand specialist. Katherine and the therapy team created a personalized treatment plan designed to challenge him safely from the first visit. His therapy focused on restoring mobility, reducing swelling and rebuilding strength in his hand and wrist. 

An older man sits at a table with a smiling healthcare worker in purple scrubs, who is treating his hand. Medical diagrams of the hand and wrist are on the wall behind them.
Katherine guides David through wrist therapy exercises.

“David came in motivated,” Katherine said. “Our goal was to help him regain strength and function so he could return to the activities he loves.” 

“The entire team was phenomenal,” David said. “Katherine runs a good ship, and her team always jumps in to help.” 

He also remembers Debbie, the receptionist and scheduler. “She bends over backwards to find appointments and make things work. She was really great,” he said. 

The therapy itself wasn’t easy, but the way the team challenged him helped him improve. 

“They pushed me, and even small exercises, like picking marbles out of Play-Doh, helped me do more than I ever expected,” David said. 

A Mindset Built for Recovery 

David believes recovery starts with the right mindset. 

“The mind has a lot to do with healing the body,” he said. “You can be gloomy and slow your recovery, or you can rise up. It’s going to take more than a broken wrist to get me down.” 

Every appointment strengthened that belief. “Every session I walked out thinking, ‘I will recover. I will get better.’” 

He is grateful for his family’s support throughout his recovery. His wife helped with dressing, grooming and daily tasks, while his daughter offered care and encouragement during her Christmas visit. Alongside that support, David said therapy played a crucial role in helping him rebuild his mobility and strength. 

Now fully enjoying retirement, David stays active through competitive shooting, serving as board president for his local Habitat for Humanity and being involved in his church. 

Trusted Therapy Partner 

With convenient locations across East Tennessee, Covenant Health Therapy Centers combine advanced technology, expert training and compassionate care to support patients through every stage of recovery. David regained his strength through therapy and is thankful for the coordinated, compassionate care he received. 

Find a Covenant Health Therapy Center location near you and take the first step toward recovery by calling to self-schedule today.  

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