Occupational Therapy at OSL

Our occupational therapists work directly with our physicians to create seamless care plans for our patients. Our OT clinic is located at or Shreveport campus and primarily focuses on treatment of the hand, wrist, elbow and upper extremity.
Occupational therapy consists of many different rehabilitation treatments. They can be non-operative, preventative, or post-surgical.

Some standard therapy types are:

• Injury avoidance education
• Soft tissue procedures
• Range of motion activities
• Joint movement
• Electrical stimulation
• Nerve desensitization
• Whirlpools
• Iontophoresis
• Occupational conditioning
• Strength exercises
• Scar management
• Dexterity training
• Pain management
• Hot or cold packs
• Taping
• Custom orthotic creation

Some of the the conditions we treat:

Occupational therapy can be used to treat many common conditions. It aims to lessen pain and help patients reclaim average mobility and functionality. It can improve:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: hand or arm – tingling or numbness caused by a pinched nerve
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: hand or arm – severe pain, tingling, muscle weakness, or numbness caused by a pinched nerve
• Ganglion Cyst: hand or wrist – benign lump on the joints or tendons (unknown cause)
• Tennis Elbow: outer elbow, forearm, or wrist – pain, tenderness, or swelling caused by a repetitive arm motion
• Hand Pain: hand – pain with moving fingers or turning the wrist (many causes)
• Repetitive Motion Disorder: any part of the upper extremity – joint stiffness, tingling, tenderness, or muscle weakness caused by overuse or repetitive motion
• Trigger Finger: finger – clicking, popping, stiffness, or tenderness caused by an inflamed tendon that makes the finger get stuck in a bent position
• Golfer’s Elbow: hand, fingers, wrist, or elbow – tingling, tenderness, or stiffness caused by repetitive, forceful stress to an area
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: wrist – tenderness, pain, or swelling caused by repetitive motions
• Dupuytren’s Contracture: ring and pinky finger – bent finger or lump located in the palm, caused by tissue tightening and thickening in the hand
• Sprains, Dislocations, and Fractures: any part of the upper extremity – pain, swelling, or tenderness caused by trauma to the body
• Burns and Wounds: any part of the upper extremity – blistering, pain, peeling, or redness caused by damage to the skin or tissue
• Amputations: any part of the upper extremity – removal of a limb or appendage caused by injury, illness, or disease
• Fine Motor Skill Deficiencies: hands or fingers – coordination problems or muscle weakness caused by dyspraxia, strokes, and other disorders
• Arthritis: any part of the upper extremity – intermittent or sharp pain, swelling, stiffness, or decreased range of motion caused by infections, normal wear and tear, and some diseases

What can I expect during a therapy appointment?

Your occupational therapist will want to make sure that you are progressing every session towards your goals. To do this, they will measure your range of motion, strength, posture, or nerve sensation during every visit – depending upon your needs. Your therapist will also discuss exercises that you can complete at home to further your rehabilitation. These activities will help your recovery advance quicker than just therapy appointments alone.

Hand therapy exists to lessen pain, not make it worse. That being said, sometimes working muscles will cause soreness after treatment is over. Stretching may also be uncomfortable, but any tenderness usually dissipates within a day. Your hand therapist is there to make sure you are comfortable during your session; pushing your body too far can worsen injuries.

James Hood, MOT

Director of Occupational Therapy

James has been with OSL for over 12 years.

Meghan Collins, COTA/ L

OSL Occupational Therapist

Meghan has been with OSL for over 6 years.