Expert Hand Therapy by Laura Visanko

Dedicated to providing exceptional hand therapy services in Las Cruces and El Paso for over 30 years.

I have been Laura's patient three times in the last 10 years. The first two times, Laura helped me rehab my wrists after Arthroscopic surgery. I regained full function of both hands by following the plans she created for me. More recently, three surgeons diagnosed me with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and all suggested surgery to fix the problem. I decided to ask Laura to help me with hand therapy in an attempt to avoid surgery. I am a musician and without the use of my hands, I can't play. Prior to my sessions with Laura, my right hand was seriously compromised and I was on the borderline of not being able to play my instrument. After the first session, I was able to play and after the final session of two sessions per week for 8 weeks, I was almost symptom free. I am able play now without any handicap, and avoided surgery. With no reservations, I recommend Laura! She is a consummate professional. The minute you sit down with her in your initial consultation, you will have 100% confidence that you are in the right place to rehabilitate your hand!

Joe Short, patient, 2015, 2023, 2025

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 and and wrist mechanics with prehension patterns. and 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 coach and facilitate your recovery. I will hold you accountable in your treatment program 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.

My Skill Sets Include:

  • knowledge of how to treat a wide variety of surgical conditions from hand replantations 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 your condition by giving you the education and tools unique to your condition

  • I-limb Quantum Certification Training

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.

I would love the opportunity to learn about you! I will lend a you a helping hand, literally, to put you on your road to recovery!

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 JaneVisanko

Hand Therapy

Expert care for hand rehabilitation and therapy in Las Cruces.

A person wearing black gloves holds another person's hand, focusing on the fingernails. The person receiving the hand treatment wears a smartwatch with a metal band.
A person wearing black gloves holds another person's hand, focusing on the fingernails. The person receiving the hand treatment wears a smartwatch with a metal band.
Occupational Therapy

Specialized hand therapy services for effective rehabilitation solutions.

Two hands are working with tools on a chain held over a tattooed wrist. The hands have rings and are partially covered by warm clothing. The setting appears to be a workshop with a focus on jewelry or accessories.
Two hands are working with tools on a chain held over a tattooed wrist. The hands have rings and are partially covered by warm clothing. The setting appears to be a workshop with a focus on jewelry or accessories.
Learn
A hand holding a wooden massage brush with a fabric strap. The focus is on the brush being used on an arm. The person is wearing a black top, and there is a tattoo visible on the forearm, along with a ring on the finger.
A hand holding a wooden massage brush with a fabric strap. The focus is on the brush being used on an arm. The person is wearing a black top, and there is a tattoo visible on the forearm, along with a ring on the finger.
Hands are crafting with clay on a table, surrounded by various pottery tools and partially formed clay pieces. The focus is on the delicate shaping of clay with both hands and the use of a sculpting tool.
Hands are crafting with clay on a table, surrounded by various pottery tools and partially formed clay pieces. The focus is on the delicate shaping of clay with both hands and the use of a sculpting tool.
Patient Referrals

Collaborating with healthcare providers for optimal patient outcomes.

Contact