Occupational therapy views “occupation” as a meaningful activity that occupies one’s time, and helps people overcome barriers to better participate in the activities that bring value to their lives. Occupational therapy helps develop and restore skills necessary for an independent lifestyle and restores functional abilities related to upper-body injuries and cognitive disorders. Therapists work closely with patients to help them develop their functional capabilities to the fullest extent possible.

Occupational therapy can help with:

Physical Dysfunction:

  • Posture
  • Upper extremity (hand, wrist, elbow)
    • Bone fracture
    • Muscle overuse or injury
    • Sprains
    • Nerve conditions (carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, cervical radiculopathy, etc.)
    • Arthritis
    • Neurological impairments such as stroke
  • Cognitive evaluations and treatment
  • Home safety evaluations and recommendations
  • Lymphedema (chronic swelling)
  • Cognitive or physical impairments affecting routine daily activities

Pediatrics:

  • Developmental evaluation
  • Posture and positioning
  • Fine motor skills
  • Sensory processing evaluation
  • Feeding and eating
  • Behavior management techniques
  • Self-regulation (ability to control behaviors, thoughts and emotions)

Mental Health:

  • Self-regulation (ability to control behaviors, thoughts, and emotions)
  • Goal setting
  • Habit formation
  • Sensory recommendations

Mental illness can significantly impact a person’s ability to engage in productive and meaningful daily life activities. Occupational Therapists can help individuals with mental illness develop the skills needed to live life to its fullest.
Occupational Therapists can:

  • Address factors in the mind, body and environment that limit a person’s ability to do what they want or need to do.
  • Help individuals who are experiencing thoughts or emotions that are interfering with daily tasks.
  • Educate people about neurological alert levels, whether low (low motivation/needs multiple reminders and prompts) or high (fast/loud/fidgety/distracted) and how to be in a “just right” state to be able to focus and accomplish tasks.

Our occupational therapists work closely with each patient, their healthcare team, family members and appropriate community resources. Generally, early intervention leads to the most effective outcome.

Occupational therapy requires a referral from a physician. To learn more about our services or to obtain a referral contact the Rehabilitation Services Department.