As part of the National Occupational Therapy Month celebrations, CHRISTUS Health is proud to recognize the invaluable contributions of its occupational therapists while announcing the expansion of services to the Bossier community.
Occupational therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals regain essential functions lost due to accidents, illnesses, or disabilities. Through personalized therapy sessions, patients are guided in activities aimed at restoring daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and returning to work.
Barbara Custer, an occupational therapist at the CHRISTUS Health Outpatient Hand Therapy Clinic, highlighted the diverse range of cases they handle, from workplace injuries to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. “Our goal is to manage pain, swelling, and range of motion, facilitating a return to normalcy for our patients,” Custer explained.
Starting May 1, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System will offer outpatient occupational therapy services at its Outpatient Therapy Services facility on Viking Drive in Bossier City. This expansion aims to provide convenient access to quality therapy services for individuals in the Bossier area.
The primary focus of occupational therapy, according to Custer, is to help individuals regain independence in activities meaningful to them. “Work doesn’t necessarily mean traditional employment. It could be gardening or any activity important to the individual,” she emphasized.
For patients unable to fully regain their previous capabilities, Custer outlined the use of compensatory strategies, which involve alternative approaches or adaptive aids to enhance independence. These strategies may include splints for stabilization or modifying tools to accommodate specific needs.
“We teach them compensatory strategies so they can still remain independent,” Custer said, emphasizing the holistic approach to therapy.
To learn more about CHRISTUS Health’s Occupational Therapy services and the newly expanded offerings in Bossier, individuals can visit the organization’s website at CHRISTUSHealth.org.
