Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps people regain the skills of living and enables people of all ages and abilities to engage in the activities that are meaningful to their lives.

Physicians prescribe occupational therapy (commonly called OT) for patients who are dealing with strokes, head injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome or shoulder injuries and other medical conditions. By learning or relearning functional skills, patients gain greater independence and improve their daily lives. Training in work simplification, joint protection or ergonomics may help patients perform the tasks needed throughout their day.

Occupational therapists and certified occupational therapy assistants work specifically with conditions involving the upper extremities (shoulders, arms and hands). They can address range of motion, strength, edema control, pain management and fine motor control. They can also make custom splints to prevent contractures, provide support or increase range of motion.

Occupational therapy treatment may cover or involve:

• Training for activities of daily living.
• Use of adaptive equipment.
• Sensory re-education.
• Range of motion.
• Homemaking skills.
• Cognitive/perceptual training.
• Strengthening.
• Muscle facilitation and re-education.
• Fine motor coordination.
• Patient and family education.
• Electric stimulation.
• Heat or cold.
• Ultrasound.
• Iontophoresis.
• Fluidotherapy.
• Paraffin.
• Work simplification.
• Joint protection.

Contact information
For more information, call 620.432.5378.