Rachel Philipp

Rachel Philipp, OTD, OTR/L, received her doctorate degree in occupational therapy at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. Dr. Philipp has prior experience caring for patients in a level I trauma hospital with a wide variety of patient diagnoses and injuries. She specialized in working with patients completing breast and abdominal surgeries, along with patients undergoing cancer treatments in the inpatient setting.  

Dr. Philipp enjoys partnering with patients to facilitate their abilities to complete activities that are meaningful to them. Her clinical interests include pelvic floor dysfunction, disorders of the upper body, and managing pain through a mental and physical health approach. She uses a trauma-informed approach when working with patients. Dr. Philipp holds a certificate in pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise and has completed training in pelvic health. She is also a certified evaluator for the Ergoscience Physical Work Performance Evaluation.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys running, playing volleyball, singing, and spending time with family. 

She treats in both our Loop and Lakeview locations.

What is occupational therapy?

Your daily life is made up of occupations; the meaningful activities that include everything from getting dressed, to being a parent, to cooking, or working.  We all have occupations; even children.  However, most people do not think about their many occupations and roles until they have trouble completing them. Numerous conditions can impair your ability to complete daily activities, such as a wrist injury that makes it difficult to button a shirt or nerve damage following a finger fracture that makes typing at your job painful.  An occupational therapist is a skilled practitioner who uses current research and evidence to evaluate and develop interventions for patients who are experiencing these difficulties.  With a background specializing in the upper extremity, as well as our patients and clients psychological, physical, social and emotional characteristics, occupational therapists can address your conditions and limitations applying a truly holistic approach. 

Some common upper extremity injuries that your occupational therapist can address include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Lateral and medial epicondylitis
• De Quervain's syndrome
• Trigger finger
• Repetitive strain injuries and tendonitis of the wrist
• Arthritis in the wrist and hand
• Post wrist or digit fractures
• Scar management
• Decreased strength or coordination caused by neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's Disease or post stroke

Some common limitations that your occupational therapist can address:

• Decreased participation, safety or independence with daily and instrumental activities of living
• Muscle weakness, deconditioning and fatigue
• Lack of coordination, decreased fine motor control and hand weakness
• Chronic, pain management 
• Cancer-related neuropathy
• Cancer-related cognitive dysfunction
• Physical impairments or acquired physical disability
• Evaluation and training on adaptive equipment to increase safety and independence
• Chronic disease and self-management, helping patients manage follow up appointments, symptoms and long-term side effects independently
• Establishing balanced routines and incorporation of wellness-based activities to increase life satisfaction

You might need to see an occupational therapist if you have:

• Difficulty completing activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing
• Difficulty completing Instrumental activities of daily living, such as working, cooking, shopping and accessing the community
• Lack of coordination
• Changes in sensation or tactile discrimination
• Decreased strength, coordination or range of motion in upper extremity

Sample Diagnoses: Cancer, fatigue, neuropathy, loss of movement, joint stiffness or restriction, RA, OA, De Quervain's, Trigger finger, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, wrist sprain/strain, lateral/medial epicondylitis, UE fractures (including post ORIF), scar management, pain management, rotator cuff injury/surgery, Parkinson's, CVA, brain injury, general deconditioning, overuse injuries, repetitive strain injuries

Please call (773) 665-9950 for more information or schedule an onsite or virtual appointment.

* This provider's participation in insurance networks is limited. Please contact us for information regarding your insurance policy.

Members of PhysioPartner's professional staff may be employees of the organization or independent associates of the practice.