Vanessa Hiciano OTD, OTR/L

About Me

I’m Vanessa Hiciano, OTD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist based in DFW with a passion for whole-body healing, program development, and restoring function through both clinical and holistic approaches. My background spans inpatient rehab, subacute, SNF, outpatient neurology, pediatrics, senior living, community programs, hand therapy, school-based, and independent living environments — giving me a deep understanding of how the body moves, compensates, and adapts across the lifespan.

I’ve built a career around helping people move, feel, and function better through evidence-based practice, hands-on treatment, and personalized education. From leading OT services in neuro rehab to designing a fall-prevention program for 80+ older adults, my work blends clinical rigor, leadership, and nervous system–informed care to meet people exactly where they are.

My holistic lens grew from seeing that healing is never just physical — it’s emotional, neurological, environmental, and deeply personal. Whether through functional rehab, craniosacral-informed bodywork, or patient education, my goal is always the same: help people reconnect with their bodies, restore and return to meaningful daily routines with confidence.

And outside the clinic? You can usually find me dancing — salsa, heels, bachata — the kind of movement that keeps me moving and inspires the way I help others reconnect with their own bodies.

My Skills

Clinical Expertise

Comprehensive OT evaluations & individualized treatment planning
ADL/IADL retraining, functional mobility, balance, and fall-prevention interventions
Neurological, orthopedic, geriatric, pediatric, and medically complex rehabilitation
Experience across inpatient rehab, subacute/SNF, assisted living, outpatient neuro, hand therapy, pediatrics, school-based, and community settings
Trained in CranioSacral Therapy, fascia release principles, and nervous system–based therapeutic approaches

Program Development & Leadership

Designed and led multi-week community health programs, including a Fall Prevention & Recovery Program for large senior populations
Strong background in health education, community outreach, and curriculum development

Holistic & Patient-Centered Care

Integrates anatomy, alignment, movement patterns, and nervous system regulation into practice
Skilled in addressing tension patterns, compensations, posture, and functional movement
Emphasis on root-cause understanding, not just symptom relief
Focus on improving meaningful daily routines, independence, and overall well-being

Professional Associations / Memberships

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) – Member

Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA) – Member

NBCOT – National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (Certified OTR)

Upledger Institute International – CranioSacral Therapy Training Member

CarFit (AAA, AARP, AOTA) Technician Network – Trained Member

American Heart Association – BLS/CPR Certified Provider

Available for patients

Case studies, easy to understand explanations about the CranioSacral System, Visceral Manipulation, products to use between sessions, and much more.

More information