About

Laura Bechtold, OTR/L, CHT, has specialty in hand therapy: treating acute and chronic conditions affecting upper extremity function. She has over 30 years of experience working with patients with complicated injuries including nerve and tendon lacerations, joint replacements, fractures, arthritis, cumulative trauma and pain disorders, and orthotic fabrication. She is dedicated to staying current with research and new treatment techniques. She strives to connect with her patients and design therapy programs to return them to a healthy lifestyle. Her personal interests include being active with running, weight-lifting, gardening, cooking, and traveling with family including her husband, son, daughter and granddaughter.

Education

Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Occupational Therapy, College of St. Catherine (1985)

Professional Certifications

Hand Therapy Certification (CHT)(1991)
Graston Technique Trained

Professional Affiliations

American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)

Achievements & Awards

Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association Research Award (1988)
Presented research on hand rehabilitation topics at Annual Meeting of American Society of Hand Therapists: effects of silicone gel on scar tissue (1992), therapy outcomes following carpal tunnel release (1993) and volume changes following exercise (1998).

Publications

“Early Active Mobilization of Flexor Tendon Repairs Utilizing the Double Loop Locking Suture Technique” (Groth, Bechtold, Young); Journal of Hand Therapy, July/September 1995