Patra (Pattie) Vongsoasup, MS, OTR/L is a member of Summit Health’s Occupational Therapy team. Ms. Vongsoasup specializes in treating patients with orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions and injuries involving the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder; these conditions include arthritis, fractures, nerve injuries, and tendonitis, among many others. She has experience working with adult and pediatric patients.

Ms. Vongsoasup is skilled in fabricating custom orthoses, which are devices used to support function, assist and/or increase range of motion, or for immobilization or joint protection. In addition, she is trained in Graston Technique, a type of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) to help reduce pain and increase function.

Ms. Vongsoasup takes an individualized, patient-centered approach to patient care. “My approach focuses on maximizing rehabilitation potential, educating on preventing additional injuries, and working with patients to adapt and modify meaningful activities to achieve independence,” she says, adding that rapport- and trust-building are foundational to her work with patients.

Inspired by her mother, who as a nurse worked with rehabilitation team members to treat burn patients, Ms. Vongsoasup pursued a career in health care to help others. Helping her patients make strides through treatment and rehabilitation is what she enjoys most. “Seeing my patients’ sense of accomplishment and watching them build confidence and independence is what I love about being an occupational therapist,” she says.

In her free time, Ms. Vongsoasup enjoys playing intramural sports and spending time with her family, friends, and dog.