The Rehabilitation Faculty Clinic at LSU Health Shreveport has been named a 2026 Bioness Clinic of Excellence, becoming the first-ever recipient of the national recognition awarded by Bioness Medical, Inc. The designation recognizes a clinic that demonstrates exceptional commitment to advancing neurorehabilitation through cutting-edge technology, innovation, education and research that ultimately impacts patient outcomes.
Operated by the LSU Health Shreveport School of Health Professions and Sciences, the Rehabilitation Faculty Clinic brings together highly trained physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists with advanced rehabilitation technologies to serve patients throughout Northwest Louisiana, the Ark-La-Tex and beyond.
10 clinics nationwide were selected for the recognition, evaluated on the consistent integration of technology into patient care, commitment to clinician education and competency and active participation in innovation, research and community outreach.
“LSU Health Shreveport consistently ranked the highest in all of those criteria,” said Loretta Brazle, PT, DMT, PAAOMPT, Area Sales Manager with Bioness Medical Inc. “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 one of the most advanced outpatient rehabilitation centers in Louisiana and provides specialized care for children and adults with orthopedic, neurological and wound conditions. The clinic’s Bioness technologies include:
- BITS (Bioness Integrated Therapy System), which uses interactive and virtual reality-based exercises targeting vision, cognition, motor control and balance.
- L300 Go, a functional electrical stimulation system designed to address foot drop and thigh weakness caused by conditions such as stroke and multiple sclerosis.
- Vector Gait and Safety System, which uses dynamic body-weight support technology to enhance mobility training and recovery.
- H200 Wireless Hand Rehabilitation System, which assists patients in regaining hand and upper extremity function through functional electrical stimulation.
The clinic’s commitment to combining technology with evidence-based practice has created unique opportunities for patients across the region who otherwise might have to travel long distances to access similar services.
“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,” said Matthew Martin, PT, DPT, Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and neurologic physical therapy specialist. “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 emphasized that the designation reflects the work of the clinic’s therapists, staff, students and patients.
“The technology is only as valuable as the minds who are putting their hands to it and using it on the patients to serve them,” Martin said. “The equipment is sophisticated and important, but what we do in this clinic is still profoundly human.”
The recognition was celebrated during a special event honoring community donors whose philanthropic support over the past 15 years helped acquire the advanced rehabilitation technologies that made the designation possible.
“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,” said Suzanne Tinsley, PT, PhD, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Senior Director of Medical Philanthropy. “Achieving this goal required a strong community commitment. The generosity of our donors helped create the foundation for this success and demonstrates the powerful impact that philanthropy can have on education, patient care and clinical innovation.”
Ronn Walters, PT, DPT, OCS, Executive Director of Clinical Affairs for the School of Health Professions and Sciences, said the recognition reflects three strengths that distinguish the clinic: exceptional clinicians, world-class technology and committed 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.”