Occupational Therapy

Contact
Industrial Rehabilitation Center
Gundersen Lutheran La Crosse campus
Appointments available Monday-Friday
(608) 775-4735 or
(800) 362-9567, ext. 54735

Onalaska Outpatient Rehab Services
Gundersen Lutheran - Onalaska Clinic
Appointments available Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
(608) 775-8140 or
(800) 362-9567, ext. 58140

An occupational therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who evaluates and treats those with impairments that limit their activities of daily living. The outpatient occupational therapists are experts in providing treatment for upper extremity (arm) and hand injuries and lymphedema and have advanced course work in these areas. Our lymphedema management program was established in 1998 and is the longest standing lymphedema program in the region. Our therapists are highly trained in European and American methods of lymphedema management.

The occupational therapists have expertise in upper extremity and hand custom splinting. We work closely with the physician to fabricate splints that address the individual needs of the patients.

The patient/family are active participants in the treatment process and are included in establishing goals for therapy. Functional outcomes and patient satisfaction are reviewed on a regular basis.

We strive to develop and maintain good relationships with all members of our patient’s healthcare team. Our patients benefit from ongoing communication as we work closely with their physician(s) and other healthcare providers (including physical therapists, physician assistants and nurses).

We are involved in interdisciplinary team efforts including:

Weekly staffing with orthopaedic hand surgeons
Industrial Rehabilitation
Cancer support
Wound clinic

Some examples of diagnoses we commonly treat, but are not limited to, include:

Upper extremity orthopaedic injuries, including post-surgical
Cumulative trauma disorders
Lymphedema
Venous insufficiency
Arthritis

Occupational therapists require a referral from a patient’s physician to perform evaluation and treatment.