"As an Occupational Therapist specializing in hand therapy I use my hands throughout my work day and in my extra curricular activities. My hobbies are bouldering, hand stitching, looming, painting, macrame, gardening, beading, and clay sculpting. I understand the importance of your hand function and your passions, I can help you problem solve and learn new skills to help you continue to do what occupies your life." Laura
Hello! I'm Laura Jane Visanko
I am an Occupational Therapist who has specialized in Hand Therapy for 30 years. I have worked 29 of those years in my home town of Las Cruces, New Mexico. After obtaining my Master's Degree in 1995, I worked as a hand therapist in California for a year which was part of my graduate school scholarship.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Community Health from New Mexico State University and a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Women's University.
I have developed great working relationships with many health care providers in the Las Cruces and El Paso. Among the professionals that refer their patients to me for hand therapy and rehabilitation are Doctors, Physical Therapists, Nurse Practitioners and others in the Las Cruces and El Paso area. I also receive many referrals from current and former patients.
The multitude of diagnoses I have treated in my thirty year career have provided me with a unique skill set which I have learned with the guidance and mentorship of Orthopedic Physicians and Orthopedic Hand Specialists. I have also developed a deep understanding of modern hand therapy practices through professionally sanctioned continuing education classes and seminars. I seek to always be on the cutting edge of effective hand therapy.
I have one objective with every patient that comes into my office: To provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to be successful. I do not just treat your symptoms. I provide you with knowledge of why your condition exists, what effective treatments will move you toward your goals, and a lifestyle re-design program to manage your conditions. I want every patient I have to be symptom free. If that is not an obtainable goal, I seek to reduce your symptoms well enough to avoid surgery and allow you to function at your highest level possible.
My holistic approach to hand therapy will provide a uniquely tailored treatment plan for you. This is important because there are contributing factors in your lifestyle that can be the cause of your symptoms: sleeping posture, workstation set up, stationery and/or repetitive work habits, poor wrist mechanics with prehension patterns, and/or postural issues. It is through knowledge and awareness of what is happening in your recovery that allows you to move forward functionally.
I am not here to fix you, but to be part of your team and to coach and facilitate your recovery. I will hold you accountable in your treatment with your home exercise program and adjustments in your lifestyle. It is through your success that I succeed, and I am truly passionate about what I do and how I want to help you.
Thank you for taking the time to view my page. I would love the opportunity to learn about you and lend you a helping hand, literally!
I can be found at Millennium Health and Wellness, 3850 .E Lohman Ave. Ste. 300, please reach out to schedule your assessment by calling (575) 521-0793.
Sincerely, Laura Jane Visanko
My Skill Sets Include:
Knowledge of how to treat a wide variety of surgical conditions from hand replantation to trigger fingers.
I have a wealth of information on thumb CMC osteoarthritis which am enthusiastic about sharing it with you so you can avoid surgery.
Lifestyle activity analysis.
Orthosis customized fabrication post operatively and for many other diagnoses
Manual Therapy skills including soft tissue massage, muscle release techniques, myofascial, joint mobilization and neural mobilization.
Postural re-education through exercises and core engagement
Workstation evaluation and set up, and exercises to prevent you from being sedentary in your workday
Development of a Home Exercise program for your condition by giving you the education and tools unique to your circumstances
I-limb Quantum Certification Training
"The hand is the tool that carries out the passions of the heart and the intelligence of the mind" Unknown
Hands to hug
"Hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature"
Gardening
Nana