SHREVEPORT, La. — LSU Health Shreveport’s Rehabilitation Faculty Clinic has been named a 2026 Bioness Clinic of Excellence, placing it among 10 clinics nationwide selected for the recognition.
Bioness Medical Inc. evaluated clinics based on their integration of rehabilitation technology into patient care, clinician education and competency, and participation in innovation, research and community outreach.
“LSU Health Shreveport consistently ranked the highest in all of those criteria,” said Loretta Brazle, area sales manager with Bioness Medical. “Their impact extends well beyond just using technology in the clinic. It’s educating others, expanding access, building connections throughout the community and the state and advancing the conversation about rehabilitation technology.”
The Rehabilitation Faculty Clinic is operated by the LSU Health Shreveport School of Health Professions and Sciences and serves children and adults with orthopedic, neurological and wound conditions.
The clinic brings together physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists while also providing training opportunities for students and residents.
Among the Bioness technologies used at the clinic are the Bioness Integrated Therapy System, or BITS, which uses interactive and virtual reality-based exercises; the L300 Go electrical stimulation system for patients with foot drop and thigh weakness; the Vector Gait and Safety System for mobility training; and the H200 Wireless Hand Rehabilitation System, which uses electrical stimulation to assist hand and upper-extremity function.
Matthew Martin, a clinical assistant professor of physical therapy and board-certified specialist in neurologic physical therapy, said access to the technology allows clinicians to focus on functional gains for patients.
“For us, it’s not just about having the technology, but more so about what our patients are able to achieve because we have access to this technology,” Martin said. “Whether it’s taking a first step, reaching for something, standing without fear of falling or walking in the community, those are victories for our patients.”
Martin said the clinic frequently uses the Vector body-weight support system for patients who have difficulty standing or walking. The system can reduce the amount of weight a patient must support while allowing therapists to begin mobility training earlier in the rehabilitation process.
He said other devices can stimulate nerves and muscles during walking and, in some cases, can be used by patients outside the clinic.
The recognition was announced during an event that also highlighted donors who have helped fund rehabilitation technology at LSU Health Shreveport during the past 15 years.
Suzanne Tinsley, senior director of medical philanthropy and an associate professor of physical therapy, said philanthropic support has been important because advanced rehabilitation equipment can be costly.
“Our goal was to provide evidence-based technology opportunities for our students and residents while delivering the most advanced, high-quality care possible to our patients throughout our community,” Tinsley said. “Achieving this goal required a strong community commitment.”
Ronn Walters, executive director of clinical affairs for the School of Health Professions and Sciences, said the clinic’s work combines trained clinicians, specialized technology and community support.
“We have highly qualified, highly trained, highly motivated therapists that work in this clinic,” Walters said. “The level of dedication impacts the health and wellness of the people who walk through these doors and trust us with their lives and livelihoods.”
The clinic serves patients from Northwest Louisiana, the Ark-La-Tex and surrounding areas, offering rehabilitation services that LSU Health Shreveport says can reduce the need for some patients to travel long distances for access to specialized technology.