occupational Hand Therapist

Nicole Kauppila, OTR/L, CHT

Locations: Des Moines Physical Therapy

Call 515-518-1511 to schedule an appointment

About
Nicole

Nicole Kauppila is a Midwesterner through and through. Having grown up in Missouri and Michigan, and living in Illinois and Iowa, she brings a deep understanding of the lifestyle and demands unique to Midwesterners. Her passion lies in helping people return to the activities they love—whether that’s hunting, playing with grandchildren, traveling the world, or anything in between.

With 25 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist and 18 years as a Certified Hand Therapist, Nicole offers a specialized skillset that includes fabricating custom splints to protect injuries and guiding patients through functional recovery. As a former high school marching band musician, she has a special appreciation for the demands placed on musicians and others who rely on fine motor skills, allowing her to tailor treatment to those unique needs.

Education is central to Nicole’s therapy approach. She believes in empowering her patients by helping them understand not just their injuries, but their bodies as a whole—and how everything works together for successful rehabilitation. Her motto: knowledge is power, and she loves sharing it.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking with her husband, attending country music concerts, and spending time with her cats.

Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy
Western Michigan University; Kalamazoo, MI

Certified hand therapist

Occupational hand therapy

My Team